To be blunt...

[Headbanger]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3731454/Mid-life-crises-costing-bikers-lives

Just like every boy racer is responsible for anything that happens while they are in control of their vechile, The same goes for everyone on a bike, irrelevant of cars that don't look, patchy roads or whatever else everyone blames.

[Deano]

Crikey - its like it was scripted by an ACC spokesperson.

[Crisis management]

Wasn't me mister, I might be old and bald but I only ride a little bike........

[Katman]

Just like every boy racer is responsible for anything that happens while they are in control of their vechile, The same goes for everyone on a bike, irrelevant of cars that don't look, patchy roads or whatever else everyone blames.

And whether that be right or wrong the fact is that that is exactly how the public perceive it.

[Gremlin]

They only see the negative side...

I've covered thousands of kilometres a year, in the South Island (ie, out of town) without a single drama. But then, his opinion doesn't take that into account huh?

[Headbanger]

They only see the negative side...

I've covered thousands of kilometres a year, in the South Island (ie, out of town) without a single drama. But then, his opinion doesn't take that into account huh?

Its about people crashing and dieing, so yes, Its from a negative viewpoint, Notice they aren't suggesting people not ride, just that they ride a bike that suits their ability, in manner that suits the roads/conditions. The second you put yourself over the center line the game has changed.

There are endless ride reports available that show the positive side of being on bikes (though sure as shit a road death would change the perspective of any participant).

The world isn't rose coloured, And denial helps nobpdy.

[Spearfish]

They only see the negative side...

I've covered thousands of kilometres a year, in the South Island (ie, out of town) without a single drama. But then, his opinion doesn't take that into account huh?


And that's something to be proud of, but we are all painted the same colours by the same brush.
Who would read stories about the thousands of bike runs completed without a hitch?
not even some bikers!?!
Fuck ups and/or fuck offs are the general flavour for most conversations.

[Genie]

tragedy and death has always been newsworthy, anything 'good' and positive is not often even mentioned.

What i'm concerned with is the high rate of motorcycle accidents in this district compared to the rest of the country. What's with that?

[Ender EnZed]

police say more and more out of town people riding high-powered motorcycles are dying on the region's roads.

"We are getting more and more people coming to our district who are riding Harley Davidsons

:confused::scratch:

[CookMySock]

"What we are finding is that it seems to be a middle-aged man thing," Mr Knowles saidMethinks its more about "middle-aged man can't steer properly thing."

Bikes are counter-intuitive to ride quickly, and they are so tempting to twist the loud handle. So thats what ya get.

Steve

[PrincessBandit]

..............
The world isn't rose coloured, And denial helps nobpdy.

But but but.....denial is so comfortable!!!! You would think so from lots of what you read on kiwibiker anyway.

[schrodingers cat]

Fraid to say I think the individual riders DO need too have a lookat themselves.
Returning to motorcycling after 10 years off, yes I bought a big powerful motorcycle. And rode it like a 250cc machine initially. I maybe use 400cc worth of it at the moment.
Sure I'm enjoying racking up miles around the twisty bits but if I get stuck behind a slow car on a favourite bit then thats life. If someone want to ride faster than me I let them go.

So for once DB I agree wholeheartedly. Mid life crisis, cc rating whatever. They need to give themselve the time to get the skills and take is easy until they do.

[slofox]

What wouldya rather have? All of us old buggers wiping ourselves out on bikes or all us old buggers lingering on for years and years sucking up pensions and health benefits?

Cheaper if we wipe ourselves out on overpowered lunatic murdercycles...

[ukusa]

I was up in Nelson for work & drove home on Saturday arvo. Saw only 2 cops, first one was north of Havelock, parked up on the only piece of straight road for several kms that was suitable for overtaking. I overtook a car here that had been travelling at 70 - 85 kph for the previous 10 - 15kms. As I was on the outside of the slow car, I caught a glimpse of the cop tucked into bushes on the left, quick look at speedo (105 kph) & carried on. Didn't have to go too fast luckily as the other driver was going so slow. Why the cop didn't didn't target the slow vehicle I don't know.
Second one I was not so lucky, but a similar scenario, that is the cop was on a perfectly straight piece of road just north of the 3 fords north of Kaikoura. This prick got me for doing 112 (my 1st speeding ticket ever!). No Traffic in sight, perfectly straight road, nice sunny dry day got the too fast lecture etc etc. I left & eventually cruised all the way home doing similar speeds. Their road policing appears to be re-active rather than proactive. How many crashes is this sort of policing really going to stop?
Anyway, seems these latest crashes all happened on bends, both were local riders in these instances as well. Sounds like they were riding beyond their capabilities. What do the Nelson/Marlborough cops want to happen, everyone avoid their nice sunny region or something? Shit happens, no matter how many tickets they issue, it will not stop this type of carnage.

[monkeymcbean]

Oh dear another hammering by the media in stuff.co.nz site today!


http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3731454/Mid-life-crises-costing-bikers-lives

The media are definetly finding motorcyclists a interesting subject to write about.

[Headbanger]

What wouldya rather have? All of us old buggers wiping ourselves out on bikes or all us old buggers lingering on for years and years sucking up pensions and health benefits?


Live long and prosper.

[duckonin]

Yep and the good old police superintendent Knowles gives it a good nudge also...

[Katman]

Yep and the good old police superintendent Knowles gives it a good nudge also...

He makes me look decidedly diplomatic.

[madbikeboy]

Hmm, not great for the families of the riders (and pillion) involved.

[monkeymcbean]

Yes, not good for the families at all, very stressful.

But is it that bad? that the media are creating with the public a whole negative focus on motorcycles....or do I only notice this because I have a bike, and these sort of articles attract my eyes
?
I mean do these articles have a effect on your riding? Im not sure if they are to make you feel a idiot for riding, owning a bike, or a idiot for having a accident.

I would feel a idiot for having a accident for sure, if its anything like what I feel when dropping a bike.

[firefighter]

What i'm concerned with is the high rate of motorcycle accidents in this district compared to the rest of the country. What's with that?

I blame the in-breeding :motu: :dodge:

It's got to be pretty hard to ride with webbed hands.

[Bald Eagle]

Well some motorcyclists are not doing the rest of us any favours, some of the riding I observe daily by young kids on crotch rockets is enough to make me cringe at being associated with the label motorcyclist. The media as always will focus on the negative, and there are a lot of people in positions of authority who are very happy to reinforce the stereotype as it suits their agendas.

[ukusa]

mid life crisis is a bullshit term to use, appears to be a catch-phrase that's used out of context all the time by media & cops, with no evidence whatsover that the persons involved in accidents were actually having some sort of crisis or not. The only crisis I see is after the crash has occurred.
For me it's more the fact that once the kids grew up & the mortgage had mostly disappeared,I finally had some spare money to do with what I want! So I chose to get a bike, no crisis there. For every middle aged bloke (or bloke-ess) who has a crash, there are hundereds (or thousands?) more who don't. I had a break from riding for around 10 years, got back into dirt bikes then decided the road was for me , so jumped into a 900cc for a couple of years, followed by my current 1600. Been back riding now for around 5 years (only 3 on the road). How long (& how many kms) does it take before they decide you're out of the mid life crisis?

[sinfull]

He makes me look decidedly diplomatic. And validates the issues you have been pushing for some time !

[duckonin]

ha ha ha it's all good Katman I at least can see your posts are worthwhile..

[PrincessBandit]

mid life crisis is a bullshit term to use, appears to be a catch-phrase that's used out of context all the time.........

And yet there may be some truth in it (not necessarily in the context of the particular crashes mentioned in this thread).

Mid-life crisis? hahaha, most of us are in denial about the term, until we ourselves hit mid-life, then it's another story! :eek::shutup:

There will always be young hoons and young "sensible" riders. There will always be grizzly ole dyed in the wool born-to-be-on-a-bike riders who could ride anything at any age and take it all in their stride. There will also be some older ones who buy something bigger and faster (because their ego doesn't want to acknowledge that they might be better off on something a bit smaller) who come to grief due to being ruled by their nuts rather than their brain. Then again, the same thing could be said for any rider (with the exception of women, 'cos we don't have nuts....)


p.s. Headbanger's thread "To be blunt" is on the same topic and using the same news item

[yungatart]

Face it though, a motorcyclist pootling along minding his/her own business and obeying the road rules is never going to be newsworthy.
Only bad news sells papers!

[monkeymcbean]

Well said, I am well over that 'mid crisis' saying, if they want to see a crisis ...take my bike away.

I hope for every negative about motorcycles, a positive is seen somewhere out there, amongst the people population.

[peasea]

mid life crisis is a bullshit term to use, appears to be a catch-phrase that's used out of context all the time by media & cops, with no evidence whatsover that the persons involved in accidents were actually having some sort of crisis or not. The only crisis I see is after the crash has occurred.
For me it's more the fact that once the kids grew up & the mortgage had mostly disappeared,I finally had some spare money to do with what I want! So I chose to get a bike, no crisis there. For every middle aged bloke (or bloke-ess) who has a crash, there are hundereds (or thousands?) more who don't. I had a break from riding for around 10 years, got back into dirt bikes then decided the road was for me , so jumped into a 900cc for a couple of years, followed by my current 1600. Been back riding now for around 5 years (only 3 on the road). How long (& how many kms) does it take before they decide you're out of the mid life crisis?

Couldn't agree more. I shook my head at the article's inference that the riders are heading here on high-powered motorcycles and that the 1000cc Harley Davidsons were deemed to be such. I can't recall when HD made a 1,000cc machine: Currently it's 883, 1200, 1150, 1450 and all the rest but 1,000cc's was last seen on the old iron head Sporty's was it not? Hardly 'powerful' and not what I'd tour on, that's for freakin' sure. The perception that large displacement bikes are powerful is based on ignorance, something the mass media has in bucketsful. Is it possible Knowles is in the same class?

Being on the wrong side of the road is just plain dumb (unless the rider was skidding on something etc) and I doubt that engine displacement had anything to do with it.

[CHOPPA]

Its funny how it took me a couple of years to be allowed to ride a 600cc bike on the road when i have raced motorcycles my whole life and I had already held a car licence for 10 years so in theory the only difference is handling the motorbike but my mum was allowed to ride any motorcycle she wanted after doing a 2 min test 40 years ago!

[CHOPPA]

Couldn't agree more. I shook my head at the article's inference that the riders are heading here on high-powered motorcycles and that the 1000cc Harley Davidsons were deemed to be such. I can't recall when HD made a 1,000cc machine: Currently it's 883, 1200, 1150, 1450 and all the rest but 1,000cc's was last seen on the old iron head Sporty's was it not? Hardly 'powerful' and not what I'd tour on, that's for freakin' sure. The perception that large displacement bikes are powerful is based on ignorance, something the mass media has in bucketsful. Is it possible Knowles is in the same class?



Being on the wrong side of the road is just plain dumb (unless the rider was skidding on something etc) and I doubt that engine displacement had anything to do with it.

I think they mean they were riding Harleys and other high powered 1000cc road bikes. I dont think anyone would mistake the Harley for a high power MC

[peasea]

tragedy and death has always been newsworthy, anything 'good' and positive is not often even mentioned.

What i'm concerned with is the high rate of motorcycle accidents in this district compared to the rest of the country. What's with that?

High rate of motorcycles per capita for a start and there's the born-agains who want to come and see what we have down here. They get off their smooth-as motorways, onto what are loosely termed'highways' on the Mainland and soon discover that we have pea-metal in the corners, lumpy, wallowing bends, poor repairs (when there any repairs at all) and some very sharp coners; but isn't the scenery great? Look at that view!

Crash.

[ukusa]

I blame the in-breeding :motu: :dodge:

It's got to be pretty hard to ride with webbed hands.

I thought it was Nelson region, not Waimate :whistle:

[PirateJafa]

Well some motorcyclists are not doing the rest of us any favours, some of the riding I observe daily by young kids on crotch rockets is enough to make me cringe at being associated with the label motorcyclist. The media as always will focus on the negative, and there are a lot of people in positions of authority who are very happy to reinforce the stereotype as it suits their agendas.

Apparently it's you old bastards giving US a bad name. Fuckin' senile ol' hooligans. :bash:

[peasea]

Face it though, a motorcyclist pootling along minding his/her own business and obeying the road rules is never going to be newsworthy.
Only bad news sells papers!

Quite right. There were a shitload of bikes out yesterday despite the inclement weather and everyone I know made it home ok. We tootled down to the Owen River, had some lunch and tootled back. No tickets, no off's and no bad press. Mind you, we did stay on our side of the road.

[Dooly]

Dunno about you guys but nearly all bikers I see out riding are over 40, or at least 30 plus.
Nearly everyone I've ridden with in the 4 years since I started my mid life crisis and got a bike has been an old bastard.
I find it's rare to see many young fullas on bikes now.
Well where I am/go.
And boy, can some of those old bastards ride well, and fast.......................and madly.
I'm only talking for the sprotsbike riders who I've seen or the various groups/folk I ride with.

So I guess if there is a lot of mid life crisis dudes/dudess's riding, they will figure a lot in crash stats, for that reason.
Thats the way it is, just keep on riding is my theory, k, si ra blah, blah.

[monkeymcbean]

Maybe the policeman saw the "South Park" TV series espisode 'the f word' next thing the media will be calling us 'fags'

[peasea]

I thought it was Nelson region, not Waimate :whistle:

Yeah! We might have six fingers but they aren't webbed.

(Play banjo music...)

[Maha]

Yes, not good for the families at all, very stressful.

But is it that bad? that the media are creating with the public a whole negative focus on motorcycles....or do I only notice this because I have a bike, and these sort of articles attract my eyes
?
I mean do these articles have a effect on your riding? Im not sure if they are to make you feel a idiot for riding, owning a bike, or a idiot for having a accident.

I would feel a idiot for having a accident for sure, if its anything like what I feel when dropping a bike.

There is a bit of that (the highlighted bit) in anything media pertaining to bikes yes.
Storm in a tea-cup most of the time.
Mr and Mrs General Public wouldn't take to much (if any) notice of tid bits about motorcycles (unless they own one)

I spoke to quite a number of people at a gathering about two weeks ago (all non bikers) about that crash involving the cop? only one person knew of the incident.

[peasea]

I think they mean they were riding Harleys and other high powered 1000cc road bikes. I dont think anyone would mistake the Harley for a high power MC

ACC does. Anything over 600cc is in their eyes isn't it?
It's the way it's worded; it kinda lumps them all together like 1,000cc AND HD's are powerful and deadly yadda yadda yadda. The cop needs a brick stuck in his face.

[ukusa]

I think they mean they were riding Harleys and other high powered 1000cc road bikes. I dont think anyone would mistake the Harley for a high power MC
So to avoid being labeled, get a 600cc sport bike.

[Katman]

I spoke to quite a number of people at a gathering about two weeks ago (all non bikers) about that crash involving the cop? only one person knew of the incident.

That's the trouble when you hang out with people who watch Neighbours rather than the News.

[peasea]

k, si ra blah, blah.

I don't think you have those lyrics right, but it rhymes, so all good.

[peasea]

So to avoid being labeled, get a 600cc sport bike.

No, a 599cc trike.

[Maha]

That's the trouble when you hang out with people who watch Neighbours rather than the News.

So whats happening on Ramsey St these days Steve?

[Maha]

I don't think you have those lyrics right, but it rhymes, so all good.

Doris Day would not be happy....whatever will be will be I guess?

[Dooly]

Doris Day would not be happy....whatever will be will be I guess?

She was a bit of an alright in her day too.

[peasea]

Storm in a tea-cup most of the time.
Mr and Mrs General Public wouldn't take to much (if any) notice of tid bits about motorcycles.

True. It would seem that m/c accidents are still a novel thing to report on, easy meat as it were. Why not report on the accidents that are caused by drunks? Coz it's got to the point where the public is numbed to it probably and those accidents are no longer 'newsworthy' or sensational enough. You have to wonder if the media isn't sponsored by ACC. (Oops, cynical conspiracy theorist at work.)

[peasea]

She was a bit of an alright in her day too.

Ick, are you drunk or something?

[monkeymcbean]

.
, k, si ra blah, blah.

Sigh!... now that song is stuck in my head!

[sinfull]

Yeah! We might have six fingers but they aren't webbed.

(Play banjo music...)OK

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[Headbanger]

Being on the wrong side of the road is just plain dumb (unless the rider was skidding on something etc) and I doubt that engine displacement had anything to do with it.

Perhaps its the weight, poor brakes, and bad handling of the HD's?, which just happen to have large displacement engines.

God knows my love of motorcycles has been closely aligned to Harleys since I was a kid but they don't take kindly to being pushed hard around corners and if you go in too hot there is very little that can be done about it.....apart from going wide

Likewise if you commit to a pass, it turns to crap, and not only is the bike not capable of hard acceleration to avoid the danger but its also heavy and as agile as a one legged elephant.

[monkeymcbean]

You have to wonder if the media isn't sponsored by ACC. (Oops, cynical conspiracy theorist at work.)

Thats what I mean, I just dont want sides taken, non riding joe public shaking their finger at me for having a 'mid life' crisis as I happily ride along, singing "Kay sir rah sir rah"

I bet "mid life crisis" is in one of the top ten over used sayings out there...

[Ixion]

Apparently it's you old bastards giving US a bad name. Fuckin' senile ol' hooligans. :bash:

Oi. Go look at the stats. It's not us OLD hooligans that are crashing, it's them young punks in their 40s.

[monkeymcbean]

God knows my love of motorcycles has been closely aligned to Harleys

.

Well dont read this! http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/1353199509.html

Arrrgghhhh people are so mean and jealous

[Ferkletastic]

Perhaps its the weight, poor brakes, and bad handling of the HD's?, which just happen to have large displacement engines.

God knows my love of motorcycles has been closely aligned to Harleys since I was a kid but they don't take kindly to being pushed hard around corners and if you go in too hot there is very little that can be done about it.....apart from going wide

Likewise if you commit to a pass, it turns to crap, and not only is the bike not capable of hard acceleration to avoid the danger but its also heavy and as agile as a one legged elephant.

It saddens me that. I've also been a fan of the harley look since I was a kid. Absolutely love the look of the new Sportster too, but the shite handling and ground clearance (and insane price for what you actually get) put me right off.

Meanwhile, I started riding at 30, does that mean I'm having a pre-mid life crisis?

[SPman]

40-55 eh? Goody. That means I'm past my "mid life crisis" years and must have progressed to "the Old Fucks" time of life........


Perhaps its the weight, poor brakes, and bad handling of the HD's?,

It's not Harleys fault - there are Harleys with riders out there who can give most sportbike riders a hurry up.......I'd say it's more riders out of their depth ....ego's bigger than ability...and that's not a fault confined just to MLC riders....

[Katman]

You have to wonder if the media isn't sponsored by ACC. (Oops, cynical conspiracy theorist at work.)

I think you're probably not too far off the track.

I believe motorcycling is facing a far bigger crisis than the Cheesecutter and ACC campaigns put together.

[Headbanger]

40-55 eh? Goody. That means I'm past my "mid life crisis" years and must have progressed to "the Old Fucks" time of life........



It's not Harleys fault - there are Harleys with riders out there who can give most sportbike riders a hurry up.......I'd say it's more riders out of their depth ....ego's bigger than ability...and that's not a fault confined just to MLC riders....


First and foremost it is human error that causes incidents, My point was really on what happens after you make that initial fuckup.

I have spent most of my road riding life on Harleys, I know only to well how the capabilities of the bike fuck ya over when ya misjudge something.

Granted I'm not a rider who ever claimed to be able to "worry" sports bike riders. But I do know how hard it is to pull a Harley down from speed, or how impossible it can be to tighten or change a line mid-corner.

[slofox]

[QUOTE=sinfull;1129762167]OK


One of the best pieces of "shit-kickin'" music I ever did hear, that...

[eelracing]

If you want to push your luck through a corner then at least buy a bike suitable to the purpose.

[rastuscat]

Couldn't agree more. I shook my head at the article's inference that the riders are heading here on high-powered motorcycles and that the 1000cc Harley Davidsons were deemed to be such.

I agree with you on your main views, but he didn't say 1000 cc Harleys. He said Harleys and 1000 cc bikes, meaning all the other litre-or-so pocket rockets.

Interestingly, David Golightly Insurances, who specialize in bikes, have also noted that a lot of their claims are for litre-or-so bikes.

Having said all that, getting it wrong like this person seems to have just gives the establishment more ammunition to fire at us, and ACC more justification for upping my levies.

Cringe.

[Berries]

I've covered thousands of kilometres a year, in the South Island (ie, out of town) without a single drama.

Come on, that's a bit harsh. There are at least six towns in the south island.


Who's pickin' the banjo here ?
Ahh, the common welcome in Christchurch. Should be the new motto.

[peasea]

Perhaps its the weight, poor brakes, and bad handling of the HD's?, which just happen to have large displacement engines.

God knows my love of motorcycles has been closely aligned to Harleys since I was a kid but they don't take kindly to being pushed hard around corners and if you go in too hot there is very little that can be done about it.....apart from going wide

Likewise if you commit to a pass, it turns to crap, and not only is the bike not capable of hard acceleration to avoid the danger but its also heavy and as agile as a one legged elephant.

You're quite right, they need to be ridden within their parameters. One of the reasons I don't own a sportsbike (apart from their hideous aesthetics and intolerable riding position) is because when I have a light, agile, fast bike I can't resist the temptation to thrash it. Therefore I think I'll live longer on a Harley. Like their four-wheeled counterparts it is that agricultural feel and engineering that appeals to me. You don't go rallying in a Caddy but fuck they're cool.

[schrodingers cat]

Well dont read this! http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/1353199509.html

Arrrgghhhh people are so mean and jealous

Better to read it than listen to someone ranting it and get covered in spit I s'pose

[rastuscat]

I rode to Wellington a couple of years ago behind a Harley crowd who had spent the weekend at the Kaikoura Seafood Fest. I was travelling up from Christchurch, and caught up with them just north of Kaikoura.

I sat behind them for a while, but it became clear fairly early one that sooner or later, one of them was going to bin. Crap entries to corners, braking in bad places, overtaking in blind spots. Basically I overtook just to get out of their way.

When we got to Picton, we all ended up in the marshalling yards together, waiting for the ferry. I saw them riding around with confederate flag handkerchiefs on their heads, fingerless gloves, ye gods, it was a shambles. Lets face it, we all have some degree of rebel in us, or we wouldn't ride. But trying to look like Wild Bill Hickock is just too much. I guess I just don't get it.

Harley has probably the best marketing in the motorcycle world, and it had attracted people back to riding with a rush. Trouble is, there doesn't seem to be the same amount of effort going into getting these people skilled.

Mind you, same can be said of most of us, I guess.

[peasea]

If you want to push your luck through a corner then at least buy a bike suitable to the purpose.

That's exactly right and just waht I was outlinging to Headbanger. HD's need to be ridden within their paramaters and those buying them tend to forget the market they were designed for. On gentle twisties, hills and long straights; magic. Come to a corner and treat it with respect, it's the nature of the beast. If you can't suss that out in the first fifty k's, get off the bike!

[peasea]

I think you're probably not too far off the track.

I believe motorcycling is facing a far bigger crisis than the Cheesecutter and ACC campaigns put together.

Care to extrapolate?

[Spearfish]

Yes, not good for the families at all, very stressful.

But is it that bad? that the media are creating with the public a whole negative focus on motorcycles....or do I only notice this because I have a bike, and these sort of articles attract my eyes
?
I mean do these articles have a effect on your riding? Im not sure if they are to make you feel a idiot for riding, owning a bike, or a idiot for having a accident.

I would feel a idiot for having a accident for sure, if its anything like what I feel when dropping a bike.

There is a lot in what your saying.

[peasea]

Oi. Go look at the stats. It's not us OLD hooligans that are crashing, it's them young punks in their 40s.

Damned right. I'm much more in touch with my mortality these days, probably coz I'm closer to it.

"Mid life crisis" my arse. It's a geriatric crisis ffs.

[Spearfish]

That's exactly right and just waht I was outlinging to Headbanger. HD's need to be ridden within their paramaters and those buying them tend to forget the market they were designed for. On gentle twisties, hills and long straights; magic. Come to a corner and treat it with respect, it's the nature of the beast. If you can't suss that out in the first fifty k's, get off the bike!

Is it the bike or the rider that should heed those limits?
Most bikes have the ability to go faster and safer than the jockey making the decisions, poor craftsmen blames their tools.

[peasea]

I rode to Wellington a couple of years ago behind a Harley crowd who had spent the weekend at the Kaikoura Seafood Fest.

I sat behind them for a while, but it became clear fairly early one that sooner or later, one of them was going to bin. Crap entries to corners, braking in bad places, overtaking in blind spots. Basically I overtook just to get out of their way.

When we got to Picton, we all ended up in the marshalling yards together, waiting for the ferry. I saw them riding around with confederate flag handkerchiefs on their heads, fingerless gloves, ye gods, it was a shambles. Lets face it, we all have some degree of rebel in us, or we wouldn't ride. But trying to look like Wild Bill Hickock is just too much. I guess I just don't get it.

Those aspects of Harley ownership and Harley owners themselves is, frankly, fuckin' embarrassing. I have sfa HD memorabilia about the place, I can't handle bandannas (or is it bad nanas?) the flags and the tassles (sorry SD) it makes me wanna puke. I liken it to sports bike riders wearing full leather suits with Yamasaki or whatever written all over them and helmets with more graphics than a signwriters hard drive, they look like right fuckin' cocks. No problem with a plain leather suit or helmet, but jeez, what a bunch of mobile lollipops.

[peasea]

Is it the bike or the rider that should heed those limits?
Most bikes have the ability to go faster and safer than the jockey making the decisions, poor craftsmen blames their tools.

I scrape both sides of my chubby W/g with monotonous regularity, but only just. I know how far it'll go (safely) and yes, there's more speed to be had by twisting the throttle but there's not a lot of point if it's not gonna make the corner, right? On top of that, it'll do a couple-a-hundred k's flat out but with forward controls you're riding like a parasail, so why bother with that either? It's a comfy ride with gobs of torque, great for touring and it suits my see-bones. It's a fine tool for the job and I don't blame it for anything.

[Ixion]

I'm much more in touch with my mortality now



Oh bugger, oh ouch, ouch. I misread that as "I'm much more in touch with my morality now" and I laughed so much that I fell out of my chair.

[nivram]

I hate to say this this but - There is a an element of truth to this article, being releativley new to the biking scene(3 yrs) I see a lot of riders who ride like dicks. Whilst I may not be the that quick, my aim when I go out on the bike is to get back in one piece, and not treat the roads as a race track.

[Katman]

Care to extrapolate?

I believe it's the governments intention to eventually be rid of motorcycles. If we're lucky they may allow us to all run around on mopeds.

I see it happening as a two-pronged attack. They are trying to legislate and price those, not fully committed to motorcycling, out of motorcycling and at the same time they are setting about turning public opinion against us thereby guaranteeing plenty of support as they bring in more and more draconian methods to be rid of us.

Make no mistake - if we don't sort our shit out soon we will eventually be kissing goodbye to the motorcycling liberties we're all so fond of.

[eelracing]

I believe it's the governments intention to eventually be rid of motorcycles. If we're lucky they may allow us to all run around on mopeds.

I see it happening as a two-pronged attack. They are trying to legislate and price those, not fully committed to motorcycling, out of motorcycling and at the same time they are setting about turning public opinion against us thereby guaranteeing plenty of support as they bring in more and more draconian methods to be rid of us.

Make no mistake - if we don't sort our shit out soon we will eventually be kissing goodbye to the motorcycling liberties we're all so fond of.

An interesting theory and one to ponder on in the current climate.

Can't help but thinking that as long as petrol prices are hovering around 2 bucks a litre (and no doubt soon to rise)motorcycling and in particular scooters will be looked on as a viable option for roadusers/commuters.

Maybe the motorcar industry/governments fear all along?

[peasea]

I believe it's the governments intention to eventually be rid of motorcycles. If we're lucky they may allow us to all run around on mopeds.

I see it happening as a two-pronged attack. They are trying to legislate and price those, not fully committed to motorcycling, out of motorcycling and at the same time they are setting about turning public opinion against us thereby guaranteeing plenty of support as they bring in more and more draconian methods to be rid of us.

Make no mistake - if we don't sort our shit out soon we will eventually be kissing goodbye to the motorcycling liberties we're all so fond of.

If it does come to that I'll be kissing goodbye to NZ soil.

[Kickaha]

Being on the wrong side of the road is just plain dumb (unless the rider was skidding on something etc) and I doubt that engine displacement had anything to do with it.

So where's the thread slagging him off for piss poor riding? sorry forgot for a moment he's riding a motorbike so he only deserves sympathy


poor craftsmen blames their tools.

That's because a poor craftsman has poor tools

[_Shrek_]

Care to extrapolate?

it's the intention of the govt to have bikes off the the road by 2050, but I can't remember where I was reading it :slap: maybe some on here can!!!

[Katman]

it's the intention of the govt to have bikes off the the road by 2050, but I can't remember where I was reading it :slap: maybe some on here can!!!

This is the thread here.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/114233-Important-message-for-all-bikers-to-read-They-are-trying-to-ban-you!

Personally, I think they hope to have it done and dusted well before then.

[rustic101]

What concerns me is who going to address the comments made? While the District Commander was technically correct with some of what he stated, the statistics are taken completely out of proportion to the crash stats provided by NZTA.

My questions is? Where are BRONZ or Ulysses standing on this?

Again there is a clear lack of leadership from each of these organisations IMHO. Each should be putting their hand up and demanding a right of reply; either prearranged when an article is being written, or immediately after. Who is going to hold NZ Police to account for the continued ridiculous comments around motorcyclists, which are always out of perspective and stop short of false or misleading information.

There are individuals on here, brave as buggery, bitching and moaning, but here is not the domain to address or represent motorcyclists.

Rant over!


Yet again

[_Shrek_]

Oi. Go look at the stats. It's not us OLD hooligans that are crashing, it's them young punks in their 40s.

:slap: & i thought i was do'n ok until i read the post below :weep:


40-55 eh? Goody. That means I'm past my "mid life crisis" years and must have progressed to "the Old Fucks" time of life...........

so that means that the 25 years i was riding befor i turned 40 I was normal :scratch: & 40 to 55 i'm in a mid life chrisis so that means I'm going to be a menace for another 3 years :wacko:

[danchop]

going by these fiqures, although a year or so old,it seems the mid life crisis people have far more accidents at home?

Injuries in the home in the Nelson-Tasman region in 2007/08
In 2007/08 ACC accepted 13,893 new claims from people who were injured at home and provided continuing care and support for a further 16,275 active home injury claims. These included:

Nelson-Tasman region: Where cause is a fall and scene is home
Age

Number of new claims

Number of active claims

Total cost of active claims

24 years and under

1,584

1720

$469,545

25-64 years

2312

2880

$3.6 million

Over 65 years

1652

1916

$1.3 million


Road injuries in the Nelson-Tasman region in 2007/08
In 2007/08 ACC accepted 929 new road injury claims and provided continuing care and support for a further 1421 active road claims. These included:

Road user

Number of new claims

Number of active claims

Total cost of active claims

Cars

575

860

$4.5 million

Motorcycles

155

259

$1.5 million

Pedestrians

57

96

$1.0 million

[_Shrek_]

This is the thread here.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/114233-Important-message-for-all-bikers-to-read-They-are-trying-to-ban-you!

Personally, I think they hope to have it done and dusted well before then.

cheers :apint: & aye but not with out a fight

[Katman]

cheers :apint: & aye but not with out a fight

I hate to say it but fighting ain't gunna do shit.

By setting about improving the way motorcycling is perceived and thereby attracting more and more people to it is the only way we have a chance of seeing motorcycling surviving. Only with the numbers behind us will we have a chance to scupper the governments plans.

[peasea]

So where's the thread slagging him off for piss poor riding?



You tell me.

[scumdog]

I scrape both sides of my chubby W/g with monotonous regularity, but only just. I know how far it'll go (safely) and yes, there's more speed to be had by twisting the throttle but there's not a lot of point if it's not gonna make the corner, right? On top of that, it'll do a couple-a-hundred k's flat out but with forward controls you're riding like a parasail, so why bother with that either? It's a comfy ride with gobs of torque, great for touring and it suits my see-bones. It's a fine tool for the job and I don't blame it for anything.

Kinda sums it up well, I find my bike just right for ME, torquey, thrifty, smooth and comfortable for long rides. - and I forgive you for the tassle comment.!

[duckonin]

I hate to say this this but - There is a an element of truth to this article, being releativley new to the biking scene(3 yrs) I see a lot of riders who ride like dicks. Whilst I may not be the that quick, my aim when I go out on the bike is to get back in one piece, and not treat the roads as a race track.

Fuck u must be old....

[Genie]

going by these fiqures, although a year or so old,it seems the mid life crisis people have far more accidents at home?

Injuries in the home in the Nelson-Tasman region in 2007/08
In 2007/08 ACC accepted 13,893 new claims from people who were injured at home and provided continuing care and support for a further 16,275 active home injury claims. These included:

Nelson-Tasman region: Where cause is a fall and scene is home
Age

Number of new claims

Number of active claims

Total cost of active claims

24 years and under

1,584

1720

$469,545

25-64 years

2312

2880

$3.6 million

Over 65 years

1652

1916

$1.3 million


Road injuries in the Nelson-Tasman region in 2007/08
In 2007/08 ACC accepted 929 new road injury claims and provided continuing care and support for a further 1421 active road claims. These included:

Road user

Number of new claims

Number of active claims

Total cost of active claims

Cars

575

860

$4.5 million

Motorcycles

155

259

$1.5 million

Pedestrians

57

96

$1.0 million

staying home is more dangerous than motorcycling then????

[duckonin]

What concerns me is who going to address the comments made? While the District Commander was technically correct with some of what he stated, the statistics are taken completely out of proportion to the crash stats provided by NZTA.

My questions is? Where are BRONZ or Ulysses standing on this?

Again there is a clear lack of leadership from each of these organisations IMHO. Each should be putting their hand up and demanding a right of reply; either prearranged when an article is being written, or immediately after. Who is going to hold NZ Police to account for the continued ridiculous comments around motorcyclists, which are always out of perspective and stop short of false or misleading information.

There are individuals on here, brave as buggery, bitching and moaning, but here is not the domain to address or represent motorcyclists.

Rant over!


Yet again

TECHNICALLY correct if you believe in that then u still believe in santa clause

[Rogue Rider]

Well, alot of oldies that have the dosh, return to there youthful lust for riding bikes again, the only difference is that bikes have changed alot from the 30+ years since they last rode.
For example, some of them have 100+ hp more, and weigh a heap, some handle like shit, and others have instant octane at the twist of the throttle which can leave you in a mountain of trouble if you not up to parr.
People should excersize discretion when getting on a bike, it not about speed and power, its about survival. The aim is to enjoy the wilderness on the open road, and to experience something much bigger than ones self. By being a dick, you merely risk the lives of others, and it's them that carry the scars in the long run.
The speed limit is 100km per hr, yet we all seem to buy rides that do 200+, even harleys do that now lol........ (yet they don't really have the ability to perform or handle without a good deal of knowlege)

I have witnessed first hand, people who cannot handle their bikes in corners, any monkey can go fast on a straight road, but really, missing lines and cutting corners is dumb, and risky. Learn to ride, learn to feel how your bike handles, and play it safe. If you want to race, do it on the track, or on an airfield.

Ride safe guys, if not for yourselves, for the victims of your stupidity.......

[rustic101]

TECHNICALLY correct if you believe in that then u still believe in santa clause

Part of what he said is correct - Most of us older chappies have more disposable income and can afford nice bikes.
Thats where I stop with the 'technically correct' bit.

However, it is the younger people (pc) on bikes from 50 to 250cc's which are the highest risk and crash statistic.

P.s you better be joking about Santa:shit:

[_Shrek_]

I hate to say it but fighting ain't gunna do shit.

By setting about improving the way motorcycling is perceived and thereby attracting more and more people to it is the only way we have a chance of seeing motorcycling surviving. Only with the numbers behind us will we have a chance to scupper the governments plans.

well me & Mrs shrek have down our bit 11 kids some of which ride & some to get their licence, 13 gradkids so far & most want to ride coz their poppa does :Punk:

[peasea]

Kinda sums it up well, I find my bike just right for ME, torquey, thrifty, smooth and comfortable for long rides. - and I forgive you for the tassle comment.!

It was highly unlikely that would have lost sleep had I not had your forgiveness, your holiness.

[gilly]

Is the article negative or stating the facts.
Two mature riders on big bikes rode on the wrong side of the road and caused accidents.
And yes, bad news sells newspapers. A paper full of happy happy joy joy would never last.

When I was 15 I took my 2min motorcycling test in Sydney. I wrote off my 100cc bike a year later and got a car.
Now some 40+ years later I am legally entitled to walk into a dealers and purchase a 1000cc+ bike and ride it home.
The fact that I wrote off my 250cc cruiser last year is proof that I was riding above and beyond my limits.
This year on a 750cc cruiser I took a corner half a metre over the centreline, only the skill of the oncoming 4x4 doublecab ute driver saved my life (he missed me).

Many returning riders have the ego of a 20 year old with the reflexes of a 50 year old.

Slow down and relearn.

[rustic101]

Is the article negative or stating the facts.
Two mature riders on big bikes rode on the wrong side of the road and caused accidents.
And yes, bad news sells newspapers. A paper full of happy happy joy joy would never last.
Many returning riders have the ego of a 20 year old with the reflexes of a 50 year old.


"What we are finding is that it seems to be a middle-aged man thing," Mr Knowles said

The motorcyclists who were dying on the region's roads were predominantly in their late 30s to early 50s and from other regions, he said.

Unfortunately Supt Knowles needs to go and check his facts as they are completely incorrect for his District. More so when put into perspective with the the actual crash stats.

What has happened is sad however lets talk facts not a Superintendents opinion or antidote evidence.

[Swoop]

I've also been a fan of the harley look since I was a kid. Absolutely love the look of the new Sportster too, but the shite handling and ground clearance (and insane price for what you actually get) put me right off.
Luckily you also get a type of bike that is favoured by theives to supply the parts market with...

[Spearfish]

I scrape both sides of my chubby W/g with monotonous regularity, but only just. I know how far it'll go (safely) and yes, there's more speed to be had by twisting the throttle but there's not a lot of point if it's not gonna make the corner, right? On top of that, it'll do a couple-a-hundred k's flat out but with forward controls you're riding like a parasail, so why bother with that either? It's a comfy ride with gobs of torque, great for touring and it suits my see-bones. It's a fine tool for the job and I don't blame it for anything.

Your in full control though.

[monkeymcbean]

I believe it's the governments intention to eventually be rid of motorcycles. If we're lucky they may allow us to all run around on mopeds.

I see it happening as a two-pronged attack. They are trying to legislate and price those, not fully committed to motorcycling, out of motorcycling and at the same time they are setting about turning public opinion against us thereby guaranteeing plenty of support as they bring in more and more draconian methods to be rid of us.

Make no mistake - if we don't sort our shit out soon we will eventually be kissing goodbye to the motorcycling liberties we're all so fond of.

These are the very same sentiments aired in bike magazines from Australia and the United Kingdom.

So where do you start to change these views about motorcycling? is it up to the individual motorcyclist?

Or for me a more mature government to look at motorcycling as a mode of transport that won't go away, and so bring in a whole new attitude towards motorcycle awareness in driver training, motorcycle training.
I will admit ive only had my motorbike licence for three years, the license obtaining was a joke, now wonder 250cc motorcycles in a recent look at the injury statistics are the most likely cc rating
bike to be involved in accidents.

[monkeymcbean]

:
i'm in a mid life chrisis so I'm going to be a menace for another 3 years :wacko:

I'll be watching out for you big boy!...:yes: ha ha...:clap:

[MarkH]

So, does everyone that gets into biking (or back into biking) at around 40 automatically qualify as having a mid-life crisis? If I was injured in an accident while riding would they just assume I was a mid-life crisis rider?

I know I got back into riding at 40 after around 20 years since I last rode a bike, but honestly it was driving a car in Auckland's fuckin' horrible traffic that drove me to riding, not some crisis due to my age. I did consider starting with an old GSX-R 750 which I could have bought for half of what I paid for the AN400, but I was scared of either killing myself or losing my license within a couple of weeks. I think it is a bit silly to assume that all bikers that start out at 40 are in a mid-life crisis - some just couldn't get into biking at 30 due to family commitments, but at 40 the kids are working or at Uni or at least have a license and their own cars, which opens up biking as an option.

It would be nice if instead of charging more ACC levy to bikers the government could be a bit more positive & helpful. Instead of trying to tax us harder they could subsidise rider training courses - but that shit ain't gonna happen is it!

[Spearfish]

So where's the thread slagging him off for piss poor riding? sorry forgot for a moment he's riding a motorbike so he only deserves sympathy



That's because a poor craftsman has poor tools

Or the tool was fine just used in the wrong way. Simplest and the first rule of the road is to keep left, anything caught out on that one has a high penalty count.

Your a LEXX fan? I thought Helen Clark was a lot like Giggerota.

[peasea]

Or the tool was fine just used in the wrong way.

Yes, that's more like it.

[Ixion]

Well, alot of oldies that have the dosh, return to there youthful lust for riding bikes again, the only difference is that bikes have changed alot from the 30+ years since they last rode.
For example, some of them have 100+ hp more, and weigh a heap, some handle like shit, and others have instant octane at the twist of the throttle which can leave you in a mountain of trouble if you not up to parr.
..

I'm not taking a shot at you personally, but I assume you weren't around in the 80s and 90s , because the "returning riders can't cope with modern bikes" argument is pure crap.

There were plenty of bikes with over 100bhp in the 80s (1980 GSX1100, 100bhp, BMW K100 about the same). And a shit load more by 1990 , which is a more probable date for a 40 year old to have begun riding.

100bhp seems pretty comparable to a modern Harley.

As for modern bikes being heavy and not handling, compared to the wallowing buffalos of the 80s , you have to be kidding (and I ride those old bikes regularly).

Add on modern stuff , like brakes that actually work, ABS, traction control - "can't handle the technology of modern bikes" - on a Harley? Bullshit. (And as for "instant octane at the twist of the throttle" - never ridden a big two smoker, have y')

[Katman]

There were plenty of bikes with over 100bhp in the 80s (1980 GSX1100, 100bhp, BMW K100 about the same). And a shit load more by 1990 , which is a more probable date for a 40 year old to have begun riding.



It is not the horsepower as such that is catching a lot out.

It's the speed that can be attained within a short straight between two corners.

These days a GSXR1000 can be doing 100kph faster at the entry to the corner than an 80's GSX1100.

Sure the capabilities of the bikes have improved to the point where maybe they can cope with that speed - but have the riders capabilities improved?

[Tunahunter]

This is what happens when cops patrol corners

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBTGgT_V5F8&feature=player_embedded

[doc]

It's not Harleys fault - there are Harleys with riders out there who can give most sportbike riders a hurry up.......I'd say it's more riders out of their depth ....ego's bigger than ability...and that's not a fault confined just to MLC riders....

Therin lies the problem. Anyone on a Harley giving someone on a sportsbike the learn, is at the limit on the ole harley. Comes down to an ego thing both sides . Harley rider going to show them and sports bike rider trying to get in front cos its a harley.

Sportsbike riders gotta toss off at the harley dudes who dont really care.

Bikers rights dont exist, the licence is a priviledge. :bye:

Katman is right tho, we dont look good to the majority of the voters out there.

[MarkH]

This is what happens when cops patrol corners

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBTGgT_V5F8&feature=player_embedded

Some riders don't even need to see a cop car for them to panic and fuck up.

[Tunahunter]

Ain't that the truth

[SPman]

Scariest rides I have been on is with Auckland Ulysses - the last one I was on I bailed up SH22 - I didn't want to be around if some twat wiped out himself and his pillion and anybody else in the neighbourhood.....watching guys on Blackbirds trying to pass everything into oncoming traffic, with Cruiser types saying "me too" doing the same and then wobbling around corners wasn't my idea of a stress free day! A Coro loop was a breeze, in comparison.....

[peasea]

This is what happens when cops patrol corners

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBTGgT_V5F8&feature=player_embedded

Lucky it was only a smelly sportsbike eh?

[peasea]

Therin lies the problem. Anyone on a Harley giving someone on a sportsbike the learn, is at the limit on the ole harley. Comes down to an ego thing both sides . Harley rider going to show them and sports bike rider trying to get in front cos its a harley.

Sportsbike riders gotta toss off at the harley dudes who dont really care.

100% correct. I couldn't give a flying fuck about people passing me on sportsbikes, good luck to them.

[GOONR]

There is a biker friendly editorial on stuff (http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/opinion/editorial/3734903/Editorial-More-to-bike-crashes-than-mid-life-crises) about the original article.

[Ronin]

It is not the horsepower as such that is catching a lot out.

It's the speed that can be attained within a short straight between two corners.

These days a GSXR1000 can be doing 100kph faster at the entry to the corner than an 80's GSX1100.

Sure the capabilities of the bikes have improved to the point where maybe they can cope with that speed - but have the riders capabilities improved?

I wish you would stop making sense. Someone asked me the other day when I was gonna get a bigger bike. I told him I already get to the corners just as fast as I need to. But then, I have no delusions of being Rossi.

[monkeymcbean]

Gawd! stop bike bashing.....get over it, and just get over what ever you have and ride.

[_Shrek_]

Therin lies the problem. Anyone on a Harley giving someone on a sportsbike the learn, is at the limit on the ole harley. Comes down to an ego thing both sides . Harley rider going to show them and sports bike rider trying to get in front cos its a harley.

Sportsbike riders gotta toss off at the harley dudes who dont really care.

Bikers rights dont exist, the licence is a priviledge. :bye:

Katman is right tho, we dont look good to the majority of the voters out there.

:crybaby: this is sad coz i have to agree with you :gob: old farts making sence whats going to happen next :shutup:

[AD345]

Motorcycling is brutally Darwinian, if you fuck up - you can die. Not only that, but if someone else fucks up - you can die then too

Those that don't believe this to be true, or simply of academic interest, often prove the point.

However, this fact is morally neutral. Our modern need to find someone to blame does not, unfortunately, allow this state of affairs to go unremarked or untouched. Somehow, somewhere, someway something MUST be done to "fix the problem"

Which is a giant fucking pain in the arse

Combine that with others needs to somehow distort the notion of collective responsibility widely enough that all motorcyclists should bear some burden of guilt for others actions or have a requirement to "fix the problem" (see above) and it all gets quite fraught with angst, worry and general fear and loathing.

Fortunately for my own piece of mind I don't give a fuck. And when I'm out there on fine weekends on my very large dispalcement V-twin that I bought in my 40's with others of a simlar age and sizeI find that to be a not uncommon viewpoint.

People die - our friend died recently. It wasn't (in this instance) his fault and it sure as shit wasn't ours. What it was was heart rendingly sad, devastating for his family and traumatic for his friends.

What it was not was anyone elses fucking business. It was not a situation demanding a solution, there are more than enough laws in place to do what laws can only do - exact a remedy for their breach, laws cannot prevent anything.

Should I fuck up fatally - it is not your responsibility.

The reverse is true as well

[Bald Eagle]

Well said. Totally agree bling sent.

[Katman]

Should I fuck up fatally - it is not your responsibility.

The reverse is true as well

When you fucking up fatally adds ammunition to their efforts to get rid of us then it very much is my business.

[AD345]

When you fucking up fatally adds ammunition to their efforts to get rid of us then it very much is my business.

Y'think so?

So whadda ya gonna do?

[peasea]

Motorcycling is brutally Darwinian, if you fuck up - you can die. Not only that, but if someone else fucks up - you can die then too
Fortunately for my own piece of mind I don't give a fuck.
Should I fuck up fatally - it is not your responsibility.
The reverse is true as well

I like your thinking, we should have a beer.

[peasea]

When you fucking up fatally adds ammunition to their efforts to get rid of us then it very much is my business.

But not your 'responsibility'.

[Katman]

But not your 'responsibility'.

Yes, I probably should have added this bit to the quote.


What it was not was anyone elses fucking business.

[AD345]

I like your thinking, we should have a beer.

Something encouraged me to be blunt - not sure what......

We are trying to get a few of us from the club to tour down your way come the summer.


You might want to alert the press.

:yes:

[AD345]

Sorry Katman - its still not your business

Just cos someone else (the omnipresent "they") want to make it THEIR business (which it isn't either) doesn't make it yours.



Katman - I absolutely understand your fears and fustration but there is not a blind thing you can do about my riding nor me yours.

Your intentions are honourable, your method is - interesting - but I think you are just going to get an ulcer.

[Katman]

Y'think so?

So whadda ya gonna do?

If we continue to bleat "It wasn't my fault - the bastard didn't see me" all that will happen is that the government will issue a law stating that motorcyclists are require to wear hi-viz vests.

What are you going to do about that? Continue to ride without one? It would be rather a harder offence to hide from the police than not having any rego.

So what if the government says "three tickets for riding without your hi-viz vest and we'll impound your bike for a month"?

What if they then turn around and say "after three times of having your bike impounded if you're caught riding without your hi-viz vest again we'll crush your bike"?

Perhaps we should stop fucking crying about not being seen and concentrate on making sure we see others.

[peasea]

Something encouraged me to be blunt - not sure what......

We are trying to get a few of us from the club to tour down your way come the summer.


You might want to alert the press.

:yes:

The last people I'll be talking to will be the local press. Fuckwits, the lot of 'em.
Ahh summer, bring back summer.

[AD345]

If we continue to bleat "It wasn't my fault. The bastard didn't see me" (even though we actually saw them) all that will happen is that the government will issue a law stating that motorcyclists are require to wear hi-viz vests.

What are you going to do about that? Continue to ride without one? It would be rather a harder offence to hide from the police than not having any rego.

So what if the government says "three tickets for riding without your hi-viz vest and we'll impound your bike for a month"?

What if they then turn around and say "after three times of having your bike impounded if you're caught riding without your hi-viz vest again we'll crush your bike"?

Perhaps we should stop fucking crying about not being seen and concentrate on making sure we see others.

You don't hear me crying

But that's not your point. What I am going to do is continue to do what I'm already doing. Fight wherever I can against unnecessary government intrusion in my life.

Like random traffic stops

You're against those too right?

[Katman]

Fight wherever I can against unnecessary government intrusion in my life.



Good luck with that.

[AD345]

Good luck with that.

Likewise</10char>

[fuknKIWI]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3731454/Mid-life-crises-costing-bikers-lives

Just like every boy racer is responsible for anything that happens while they are in control of their vechile, The same goes for everyone on a bike, irrelevant of cars that don't look, patchy roads or whatever else everyone blames.
He says with toungue glued in cheek.

[scumdog]

You don't hear me crying

But that's not your point. What I am going to do is continue to do what I'm already doing. Fight wherever I can against unnecessary government intrusion in my life.

Like random traffic stops



Oooh, bound to win there....:shifty:

[fuknKIWI]

I like your thinking, we should have a beer.

Before a fast ride.

[Genie]

The last people I'll be talking to will be the local press. Fuckwits, the lot of 'em.
Ahh summer, bring back summer.

I second that...this is the crappest weather and I don't like it. Where has the sunshine gone but i'm glad i'm not in Oamaru today.

[fuknKIWI]

When you fucking up fatally adds ammunition to their efforts to get rid of us then it very much is my business.

Nah not your business just your problem.

[dipshit]

Oooh, bound to win there....

Yeah, there are some blow-hards around that talk shit.

[Ixion]

Something encouraged me to be blunt - not sure what......

We are trying to get a few of us from the club to tour down your way come the summer.


You might want to alert the press.

:yes:

Be sure to take spare chairs.

[AD345]

Oooh, bound to win there....:shifty:

yeah well, if I'm gonna tilt at windmills they might as well be big fuckers

[AD345]

Yeah, there are some blow-hards around that talk shit.

remarkable display of self-knowledge there dipshit

Your therapy must be going great guns

[peasea]

I second that...this is the crappest weather and I don't like it. Where has the sunshine gone but i'm glad i'm not in Oamaru today.

Lost your water wings eh?

[peasea]

Before a fast ride.

Before, during, after, whatever. Mind you, I doubt it'll be that fast on touring bikes over the Takaka Hill.

[fuknKIWI]

Before, during, after, whatever. Mind you, I doubt it'll be that fast on touring bikes over the Takaka Hill.

Hmmm some of the boys used to have a no engine race from the top to the Rat trap, even going so far as to disconnect the chain for less rolling resistance.

[Kickaha]

Hmmm some of the boys used to have a no engine race from the top to the Rat trap, even going so far as to disconnect the chain for less rolling resistance.

Last time we did that we even passed cars on the way down, place burned down not long after, someone must have got pissed off with the crap service

[peasea]

Hmmm some of the boys used to have a no engine race from the top to the Rat trap, even going so far as to disconnect the chain for less rolling resistance.

Nothing surprises me on the Mainland. Got stuck in the Rat Trap for three days during the floods of '83. That was a learning curve.

[fuknKIWI]

Last time we did that we even passed cars on the way down, place burned down not long after, someone must have got pissed off with the crap service

How sad I didn't know, when did that happen?

[Kickaha]

How sad I didn't know, when did that happen?

19 May 1994..

[Grubber]

mid life crisis is a bullshit term to use, appears to be a catch-phrase that's used out of context all the time by media & cops, with no evidence whatsover that the persons involved in accidents were actually having some sort of crisis or not. The only crisis I see is after the crash has occurred.
For me it's more the fact that once the kids grew up & the mortgage had mostly disappeared,I finally had some spare money to do with what I want! So I chose to get a bike, no crisis there. For every middle aged bloke (or bloke-ess) who has a crash, there are hundereds (or thousands?) more who don't. I had a break from riding for around 10 years, got back into dirt bikes then decided the road was for me , so jumped into a 900cc for a couple of years, followed by my current 1600. Been back riding now for around 5 years (only 3 on the road). How long (& how many kms) does it take before they decide you're out of the mid life crisis?

I agree. I had a break of around 7 years from when i was 28 to 35. While the kids grew up, as you said, and i was able to teach them to look after me in my old age (which they don;t by the way). Brought my Harley at this stage. when i discovered that just because a Harley is new it doesn't mean that it will ride well under pressure. SOLD! 3 triumphs later and all is looking good. One small crash caused by some gravel and one large one in my youth is all i have for scars. Mid Life crisis....????? no crisis here folks.
So all in all i have no answer as to why so many crash. Maybe just need to pace ourselves a little better till we get really goood at it.

[Katman]

One small crash caused by failing to see some gravel

Just fixed that up for you.