Have you ever noticed.... (a warning!)

[placidfemme]

Have you ever noticed how you can spot a biker a mile away that potentialy could put your life, someone elses life, or their own life at risk?

Everytime I've seen a biker do something completely stupid, they've all had one thing in common.

No safety gear, except a helmet.

A true biker is aware of the risk's associated with biking. You'd be stupid not too right? A true biker who is passionate about their sport/lifestyle makes their own personal safety their number one priority, if your not alive or if your disabled you can't enjoy your passion, biking. So of-course true bikers make sure that in the unfortunate event of an accident that they have every possible chance of walking away from the accident, or recovering fully. Helmet, Jacket, Pants, Boots and gloves... sometimes a back protector and who knows what other precausions REAL bikers take to portect themselves so they can enjoy their sport/lifestyle to the full.

Living in Auckland I see an average of about 10 bikers a day if not more, and the ones that take risks with their lives, and other peoples lives, are the ones who have nothing on but a bloody helmet. And the bikers that ride safely and are considerate towards all other road users have gear from head to toe.

On Wednesday night, heading on the Northern Motorway towards the North Shore, a biker pulled up behind me (I was going 100kph) and he/she overtook me in my own lane, I looked in my mirrors, saw him/her to left of me, so I moved slighty over to the right (staggered formation), the biker must have taken that as an invite to scare the living shit out of me, and risk my life. He/she shot up next to me, then hooned off weaving in and out of the traffic... wearing... yes... only a damn helmet, track shoes, black slacks and jacket that looked like it was made of thin cotton.

Further up the motorway another biker pulled up behind me and did the EXACT same thing. Scaring the shit out of me again by passing so close I nearly swerved into the left hand lane because I thought he/she was going to ride into me.

Then yesterday, heading home on the Northern Motorway again, as I headed on the Fanshaw street on ramp, looked over my shoulder to change lanes, saw a biker 2 lanes over, first thing I noticed in my 2 second glance... helmet... no other safety gear. Thought I wouldn't leave it to chance seeing my current experiences with bikers like these... I changed lanes, and by the time I got into the lane next to me, I looked in my mirror and sure enough this biker was right behind me weaving back and forth in the lane. I choose my side of the lane and hoped he/she would calm down and assume the staggered formation behind me... Next minute this asshole overtakes me in my own lane, scares the shit out of me (again :( ) and I nearly swerved into the lane next to me, causing that car to slam on his brakes, then this asshole biker shot up between the traffic and into the far left hand lane as we head over the bridge (never using his/her indicators) and then overtook the car infront of him/her from the left hand side, between the car and the barrier, the driver had the same reaction as me, shat himself and nearly swerved into the lane I was in, causing the driver infront of me to slam on his brakes, again risking my life for the 2nd time in 4 minutes.

Think about it seriously

When you see bikers with no protective gear on except a helmet - SLOW DOWN AND LET THEM PASS.

If these people are careless enough to not even protect themselves, if they don't care about their own safety you are STUPID to assume they give a shit about your safety.


Ride Safe everyone :ride:

End of rant.

[Sniper]

Good to see someone cares so much Placidfemme. I knnow what you mean when you see idiots like that. My philosofy is to stay out their way and they should stay out of yours

PS: Their is spelt like this, not Thier

[Sparky Bills]

When you see bikers with no protective gear on except a helmet - SLOW DOWN AND LET THEM PASS.

If these people are careless enough to not even protect themselves, if they don't care about thier own safety you are STUPID to assume they give a shit about your safety.


Ride Safe everyone :ride:

End of rant.


Fully agree!
There are some very stupid people out there.
I had this biker try to race me over the hill last week, wearing jeans and a jacket and running shoes!!!! NO GLOVES!! Couldnt believe it. :weird:
But saying that, most bikers are smart enough.
Its just the stupid ones that stand out from the rest.

[placidfemme]

Good to see someone cares so much Placidfemme. I knnow what you mean when you see idiots like that. My philosofy is to stay out their way and they should stay out of yours

PS: Their is spelt like this, not Thier

lol my spelling sucks *goes to correct it*

Thanks :)

[bugjuice]

it's called 'natural selection'. God will take them out soon enough ;)
Often their 'bike' language says a lot too. It's not always something specific, but you have to rely on that 'hunch' that you get..

[Pwalo]

Yep, just like you can pick out certain drivers in their cars/4wds etc. Just got to keep your wits about you.

And wear decent gear, it works!

[vifferman]

Have you ever noticed how you can spot a biker a mile away that potentialy could put your life, someone elses life, or their own life at risk?

Everytime I've seen a biker do something completely stupid, they've all had one thing in common.

No safety gear, except a helmet.
Yup.

True, dat. :yes:
Or only minimal safety gear.

[Eurodave]

The trouble with these nongs wearing very little in the way of protective gear is that it reflects poorly on us bikers as a whole. They & their lightly clad farming bretheren artificially inflate the fatality/badly injured statistics & so motorcycling is percieved by the great unwashed majority as WAY MORE dangerous than it actually is.
Its all about sensable risk management & decent riding gear & behaviour is of utmost importance!!

[placidfemme]

The trouble with these nongs wearing very little in the way of protective gear is that it reflects poorly on us bikers as a whole. They & their lightly clad farming bretheren artificially inflate the fatality/badly injured statistics & so motorcycling is percieved by the great unwashed majority as WAY MORE dangerous than it actually is.
Its all about sensable risk management & decent riding gear & behaviour is of utmost importance!!

Thats true... People have an idea in their heads that bikers are not safe and all that crap...

Whenever I go somewhere, or arrive somewhere and have to remove or put on my riding gear people are always amazed at how much safety gear I wear:

"I didn't know bikers wore so much gear"
"I thought all bikers just wore a jacket"

And so on...

And I agree behaviour is of the utmost importance... When a biker see's another biker most times they change into "idiot" mode and "my bike is bigger and faster... watch me be an asshole" mode.

[Torque]

Most of the idiots out riding bikes with no gear on must have peanuts for brains!! Maybe they havn't yet fallen off or just don't give a shit or have no idear as to what will happen to them when there flesh hits the tar seal. I had a crash a few weeks ago my first for 20 years touch wood.Had all the gear on,full leathers,gloves with knuckel protectors ect. Bike now in the morgue but i am still enjoying my riding. I think maybe they are young and just have no experience or just supid.

[Mr Skid]

I like watching peoples bubbles burst when they realise that not all riders are nice socially responsibile people.

If someone is a interllectually deprived individual with a nonchalant attitude to their own and others welfare, a purchase of a bike won't suddenly imbue then with wisdom and a sense of community responsibility.

The only bikes you can trust on the road are BMW's and Moto Guzzi's.

[Coyote]

Good to see someone cares so much Placidfemme. I knnow what you mean when you see idiots like that. My philosofy is to stay out their way and they should stay out of yours

PS: Their is spelt like this, not Thier
Philosophy is spelt like this, not philosofy :-p

These people wouldn't even be wearing a helmet if it wasn't law. They've got the bike to be cool, not cause they like bikes. They'll learn when they fall

[White trash]

I saw some fucken idiot, sitting on his gas tank, doing a wheelie, up and down Rutherford St wearing only a Screamin' Kiwi T-Shirt, Levis, trainers, helmet and gloves.

Oh the humanity...........

[Biff]

Good post Placid Femme. Also a good sign that your hazard perception radar is online and tuned in.

My alarm bells also go off when I see idiots wearing just t-shirts etc. I even saw a prat riding a Gixxer wearing shorts and a t-shirt a couple of months ago. Whataprat. :yes:

[Ixion]

I like watching peoples bubbles burst when they realise that not all riders are nice socially responsibile people.

If someone is a interllectually deprived individual with a nonchalant attitude to their own and others welfare, a purchase of a bike won't suddenly imbue then with wisdom and a sense of community responsibility.

The only bikes you can trust on the road are BMW's and Moto Guzzi's.

Does that mean that when I jump of teh Whale and jump on Li'l ratty I cease to be a socially responsible people imbued with wisdom and a sense of community responsibility (ah, gee , shucks, tweren't nuffin :mellow: ) , and become , an intellectually deprived individual with a nonchalant attitude to my own and others welfare?

Uh , well , now that I think about it ............um, ah , well, yeah, That Li'l Ratty , he's a damn bad influence I reckon. Definately irresponsible. Just seems to think life is for nothing but having fun. And annoying pompous people.

Lighten up folks, bikers is bikers. Some of us may not agree with the choices that others make, but it's their call, they're still bikers.

Seems to be just a teensy tiny wheeny little bit of a judgemental spirit about these days.Maybe could be a business opportunity for beam removal operators ?

[Mr Skid]

Does that mean that when I jump of teh Whale and jump on Li'l ratty I cease to be a socially responsible people imbued with wisdom and a sense of community responsibility (ah, gee , shucks, tweren't nuffin :mellow: ) , and become , an intellectually deprived individual with a nonchalant attitude to my own and others welfare?

Uh , well , now that I think about it ............um, ah , well, yeah, That Li'l Ratty , he's a damn bad influence I reckon. Definately irresponsible. Just seems to think life is for nothing but having fun. And annoying pompous people.

Lighten up folks, bikers is bikers. Some of us may not agree with the choices that others make, but it's their call, they're still bikers.

Seems to be just a teensy tiny wheeny little bit of a judgemental spirit about these days.Maybe could be a business opportunity for beam removal operators ?

Ah, good to see I got at least one bite from my broad and sweeping statement :devil2:

[placidfemme]

lol yeah I was waiting for someone to bite on that too... however, I'm a little curious... why do you think BMW and Moto Guzzi riders are better than any other riders?

[Eurodave]

lol yeah I was waiting for someone to bite on that too... however, I'm a little curious... why do you think BMW and Moto Guzzi riders are better than any other riders?

BECAUSE WE JUST ARE!! OK!! :motu:

[XP@]

These are temporary bikers.

When the scars have to heal before the cast can go on, then possibly you should have had your leathers on.

I'm off to het some bolts from the other side of town... MX boots, bike pants, jacket (with orange vest) and lid.

[Ixion]

Ah, good to see I got at least one bite from my broad and sweeping statement :devil2:
You left out Velocette owners, though but.

[placidfemme]

BECAUSE WE JUST ARE!! OK!! :motu:

lol ok :Punk:

[Wolf]

lol yeah I was waiting for someone to bite on that too... however, I'm a little curious... why do you think BMW and Moto Guzzi riders are better than any other riders?
Because when you pay enough for a deposit on a house to buy a motorbike and then enough to repay a mortgage each week just to keep it running, you're a serious biker... Anything less than that's "just fucking around" :devil2:

Kinda like serious smokers buy Zippos, Bic Flics are for those who're not committed...

Beemer riders kindly recall what my dream bike is (there is a search function on these forums) before jumping down my throat. Guzzi riders, flame away - asbestos underwear already on.

[Mr Skid]

Because when you pay enough for a deposit on a house to buy a motorbike and then enough to repay a mortgage each week just to keep it running, you're a serious biker... Anything less than that's "just fucking around" :devil2:
:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[placidfemme]

*has never been interested in BMW's or Moto Guzzi's so I wouldn't even know what one costs*

[Wolf]

*has never been interested in BMW's or Moto Guzzi's so I wouldn't even know what one costs*
$40+K for a new Beemer. It's $8500 for an old '84 BMW R100CS. and $4500 for an R65LS of similar vintage.

[Gremlin]

Getting back to gear, we need to remember that most of us (KB) are people who really enjoy biking. We do it a lot, love it, experience a lot of weird behaviour etc. But we aren't completely reckless and intend to riding for many years.

Some of these idiots intend to ride for a while, but some think bikes are cool and want to try one. So they get one, but can't be stuffed paying for all the gear that comes with riding. They just want to try riding. As someone had already said, they will be weeded out anyway (ideally with no-one else involved)

That said, it still doesn't excuse their behaviour, just trying to say that not everyone thinks like us...

[vifferman]

Lighten up folks, bikers is bikers. Some of us may not agree with the choices that others make, but it's their call, they're still bikers.

Seems to be just a teensy tiny wheeny little bit of a judgemental spirit about these days.Maybe could be a business opportunity for beam removal operators ?
Yeah, righto. Ring Zed and get him on the case...

[placidfemme]

Getting back to gear, we need to remember that most of us (KB) are people who really enjoy biking. We do it a lot, love it, experience a lot of weird behaviour etc. But we aren't completely reckless and intend to riding for many years.

Some of these idiots intend to ride for a while, but some think bikes are cool and want to try one. So they get one, but can't be stuffed paying for all the gear that comes with riding. They just want to try riding. As someone had already said, they will be weeded out anyway (ideally with no-one else involved)

That said, it still doesn't excuse their behaviour, just trying to say that not everyone thinks like us...

Yes thats true... as most of us know, buying the gear that can save your life often turns out to be the hardest to sort out financially, always spend all the money buying the bike and the gear is usually an after though, or a very close second on the list.

Your right in saying these people that don't wear any gear other than helmets are just joy riders, testing it out for the "image" only. The main reason for my rant was just to note my observation of these riders and the way in which they ride and how dangerous some of them can be... just incase someone from on here does have an encounter with them... they can know what to expect...

I know it's a pretty big generalization (not sure of the spelling but damn that looks long lol), to lump all non-gear wearing bikers into one group, but I havn't seen any bikers wearing full gear doing stupid stuff (other than speeding... but thats not so bad... kinda lol). But all the stupid riders I've seen breaking all sorts of laws and riding very dangerously have been non-gear wearing riders..

[White trash]

I ride stupidly sometimes wearing leathers and sometimes in a T-shirt and jeans.

When I'm not wearing "gear", I pose very little risk to anyone other than myself as the speeds are (relatively) low.

When I'm wearing a race suit and going like a fuckwit, if the worst should happen, there's a very good chance my bike will hit another vehicle, should they be so unlucky as to be using my piece of road.

Shoulda asked first, saved the hassle.

[Drew]

I must not be a real biker, cos I can't afford full leathers, or bike boots, does that make me the fake kind?
Obviously not very passionate either, even tho I aint gone six months without a bike sinse I was fifteen!
How about you get off your high horse, so I can shove your boots, leathers and passion up your arse placid, cos your kind of, hollier than thou, attitude has a tendancy to get people killed in bar fight.
So to sum up, eat shit and die!

[White trash]

I must not be a real biker, cos I can't afford full leathers, or bike boots, does that make me the fake kind?
Obviously not very passionate either, even tho I aint gone six months without a bike sinse I was fifteen!
How about you get off your high horse, so I can shove your boots, leathers and passion up your arse placid, cos your kind of, hollier than thou, attitude has a tendancy to get people killed in bar fight.
So to sum up, eat shit and die!

Don't hold back, man, tell her what you really think.

[James Deuce]

I must not be a real biker, cos I can't afford full leathers, or bike boots, does that make me the fake kind?
Obviously not very passionate either, even tho I aint gone six months without a bike sinse I was fifteen!
How about you get off your high horse, so I can shove your boots, leathers and passion up your arse placid, cos your kind of, hollier than thou, attitude has a tendancy to get people killed in bar fight.
So to sum up, eat shit and die!

Bit rough that.

There ways to disagree, and then there are "ways".

I know what you are saying, but deep breath first bud.

[Drew]

Don't hold back, man, tell her what you really think.

Had to go easy, or I would have offended her.

[Drew]

Bit rough that.

There ways to disagree, and then there are "ways".

I know what you are saying, but deep breath first bud.

I was just trying to put some passion into it, seeing as how I am short of it. Consious effort and all that.

[James Deuce]

I was just trying to put some passion into it, seeing as how I am short of it. Consious effort and all that.

At least you have a sense of humour.

Go have one of these :drinkup:

[Drew]

At least you have a sense of humour.

Go have one of these :drinkup:

Ordinarily, I would expect somone to engage in a bit of a shit slinging match after I said something like that. She must be the bigger man.
P.s. Me be getting wery wery messy later on. :drinkup: :yes:

[placidfemme]

I must not be a real biker, cos I can't afford full leathers, or bike boots, does that make me the fake kind?
Obviously not very passionate either, even tho I aint gone six months without a bike sinse I was fifteen!
How about you get off your high horse, so I can shove your boots, leathers and passion up your arse placid, cos your kind of, hollier than thou, attitude has a tendancy to get people killed in bar fight.
So to sum up, eat shit and die!

Dude you need to chill out... I'm not going to argue with you... because as my signature says... I never argue with idiots.

[Gremlin]

Had to go easy, or I would have offended her.
Meh, your right not to wear gear, just that it seems the majority of people wearing little gear tend to risk their lives more by riding dangerously. I would prefer to stay out of their way, and not get taken out.

Placidfemme has already said it is a bit of a generalisation, as many comments by many people are. You can't describe groups accurately because nobody is the same.

As long as whatever you are doing does not affect someone badly (ie wheelie when nobody around) then I would have 0 problems with it. After all, I believe the same thing

[White trash]

If these people are careless enough to not even protect themselves, if they don't care about their own safety you are STUPID to assume they give a shit about your safety.


R

Actually, I took a bit of offence here. What I wear is my business. But thanks for your concern.

[placidfemme]

You and the other dude who would like to see me eat shit (not into that... but thanks for the offer), are taking this personally. And it wasn't a dig at any of you on here. It was an observation. What you wear and don't wear is your business and personally I don't care, but I do care about the assholes that do stupid shit around me and put my life in danger, this thread was my little rant and a warning to anyone who wishes to take heed to it...

And by the way... I wasn't concerned... at all

[White trash]

You and the other dude who would like to see me eat shit (not into that... but thanks for the offer), are taking this personally. And it wasn't a dig at any of you on here. It was an observation. What you wear and don't wear is your business and personally I don't care, but I do care about the assholes that do stupid shit around me and put my life in danger, this thread was my little rant and a warning to anyone who wishes to take heed to it...


I'm not taking it personally, I can see where you're coming from, but you're opening statement was a *gross* generalisation and a statement, something that happens far too much around here for my liking.

I do realise it's very easy to generalise a group when something has or is pissing you off, I've done it myself. But I like to think that as bikers, everybody can respect each others choices.

[DingDong]

I wear leathers, but dont wear gloves (they stay in my bag until I get cold) and I wear shoes... :nono: when racing the risk is high, I'll wear all the right gear for the job... but on the road i'd rather be comfy and ride the way I like.

I'm not out to kill anyone just because I dont dress up like a racer and I definately dont want to kill myself :no:

Just stop moving over for them... :yes:

[placidfemme]

I wear leathers, but dont wear gloves (they stay in my bag until I get cold) and I wear shoes... :nono: when racing the risk is high, I'll wear all the right gear for the job... but on the road i'd rather be comfy and ride the way I like.

I'm not out to kill anyone just because I dont dress up like a racer and I definately dont want to kill myself :no:

Just stop moving over for them... :yes:

Fair enough... But yeah I'll always move over (into the staggered formation) because you never know what kind of biker is behind you... I've had a lot of bikers ride behind me on the motorway and normal roads, and they assume the position, and arn't a problem. Just the rare few who have points to prove that are the problem.

I'm not having a dig at anyone as I mentioned, I know that most gear isn't cheap, when I first started riding all I had for the first few months was my helmet and gloves and I had to save up to buy all the gear I have now (over a year later), so I can understand why some people don't wear gear, and like yourself with your gloves, you choose not to wear them unless its cold... and thats fine... :ride:

[gamgee]

i wear my leathers under my waterproof jacket, because i can't do it the other way and the leather doesn't cover my neck, but by all means make the assumption i'm a useless rider, see if i care :weird:

[placidfemme]

Well you obviously care or your wouldn't have posted... as for my respone to your comment read the above comments to the others who took it personally

[Wellyman]

The only time I don't wear full gear is when I take my bike for a blat up and down our small driveway thing to give the bike a run and or change the oil but I do wear a helmet and gloves at least.

[placidfemme]

The only time I don't wear full gear is when I take my bike for a blat up and down our small driveway thing to give the bike a run and or change the oil but I do wear a helmet and gloves at least.

Yeah I used to ride around in jeans because I was too lazy to put my kevlar pants on... and I used to wear thick winter riding gloves... Until my partner came off her bike and I saw how her kevlar pants and gloves (with knuckle protection and the such) protected her knees and hands... since then I always wear my gear... even if it's just up to the dairy and back...

[Two Smoker]

Yeah I used to ride around in jeans because I was too lazy to put my kevlar pants on... and I used to wear thick winter riding gloves... Until my partner came off her bike and I saw how her kevlar pants and gloves (with knuckle protection and the such) protected her knees and hands... since then I always wear my gear... even if it's just up to the dairy and back...

Me too, people mock me for that... but i show them the damage to my leathers, then they know i have a habit of falling off...

[Coyote]

I don't trust my leathers anymore. They tore up so easily when I came off

[gav]

Yeah, I dunno, can see your point, but I think back when I started out on road bikes, I couldnt afford much in the way of decent gear. Hell $500 (back then) for a set of race leathers or leather jacket etc, shit man, I could get a couple of tyres, brake pads, four into one exhaust etc. I was 18 and raced a PE175 off road and had a GT380 for the street, that sucker could just about crack the ton, I had a full face helmet but wore MX gloves, jeans, nylon paddock jacket, unless it was raining then had the ole yellow PVC jacket. :yes: Dunno if its that much difference, I'm sure people thought I was a temporary kiwi on that old GT380, even more so when I traded a XR350 for a CB750F, still didnt have any leathers, only bought a leather jacket when I got my GSX1100E at 21.

[placidfemme]

I don't trust my leathers anymore. They tore up so easily when I came off

Is that common with leathers?

I have a Spyke 2pc suit, but I've never worn the full suit... and I've never come off my bike (touch wood), but I was told leathers were the best option. Kind of scary to think about that... were you hurt or just torn up leathers?

Gav: I know what you mean, when I first started riding I couldn't afford gear... Got my helmet and gloves as a "starter pack" with the bike... Then got a HP with a friend to buy the leathers, and then got lucky and got a nice paycheck one week and happened to go to Motomail when a sale was on...

[Drew]

Dude you need to chill out... I'm not going to argue with you... because as my signature says... I never argue with idiots.

Come on, your opening paragraph, said four friggin times, that I was not a real and true biker. How could It not piss me off.
You seem to see my response as an unintelligent, angry lash out sesh, perhaps you might have a look at it from my side, could it be integrity driving me to defend myself, do IDIOTS have integrity?
Just incase you still feel like labeling me an idiot, think first about how you worded your statement, (as though you spoke for the intire biking community, and it was a factual and flawless assesment.) Then see how over the top my response was. :no:
I may not have a PHD, but an idiot I am not.

[placidfemme]

alrighty then oh and the negative feedback is very big of you... makes you feel like a "real" biker does it?

[mikey]

you're opening statement was a *gross* generalisation and a statement,



hey you thievering of ideas cunt. that was my opinion, come up with some original shit.


:no:
I may not have a PHD, but I AM AN IDIOT.



GO THE TRASH's

[gamgee]

as oposed to a violent femme? thats quite clever... about the most clever thing about this thread

[FROSTY]

getting a tadd heated here isn't it??
Hey as pointed out yea we all SHOULD wear the best protective gear.
Life is never that simple.
Heres a sweeping statement.
As a newly converted christian (biker) you are full of all your new learned knowledge and want nothing more than to share it with everybody else.
You are indignant that not everyone is converted to your way of thinking.
As an older -more experienced christian (biker) you realise that life isn't so full of apsolutes.
People backslide,people make judgement calls that in hindsight perhaps arent to smart. :weird:
The trick is to learn from these mistakes and move onwards.

[mikey]

Until my partner came off her bike and I saw how her kevlar pants and gloves (with knuckle protection and the such) protected her knees and hands... since then I always wear my gear... even if it's just up to the dairy and back...


*cough* nasty safety NAZI lesbian *cough *

[FROSTY]

*cough* nasty safety NAZI lesbian *cough *
Says mr "ill be right on the racetrack with sneakers and jeans"
overzealous perhaps a little but the points are valid.

[placidfemme]

getting a tadd heated here isn't it??
Hey as pointed out yea we all SHOULD wear the best protective gear.
Life is never that simple.
Heres a sweeping statement.
As a newly converted christian (biker) you are full of all your new learned knowledge and want nothing more than to share it with everybody else.
You are indignant that not everyone is converted to your way of thinking.
As an older -more experienced christian (biker) you realise that life isn't so full of apsolutes.
People backslide,people make judgement calls that in hindsight perhaps arent to smart. :weird:
The trick is to learn from these mistakes and move onwards.

So are you a christian? Anyway... that was a good example :ride: :yes:

[FROSTY]

So are you a christian? Anyway... that was a good example :ride: :yes:
Actually yes I am I don't make a song and dance about it but if anyone asks,,,. Im old enough to realise that taking some moralistic high ground will get me nowhere,but being open and happy and helpfull will have people wanting your advise.

[placidfemme]

Actually yes I am I don't make a song and dance about it but if anyone asks,,,. Im old enough to realise that taking some moralistic high ground will get me nowhere,but being open and happy and helpfull will have people wanting your advise.

Thats true, it's always best to play it safe :)

[inlinefour]

I've said it before and I'll say it again.
It ain't so important what you ride, but rather important what you wear. :ride:

[placidfemme]

I've said it before and I'll say it again.
It ain't so important what you ride, but rather important what you wear. :ride:

Thank you for getting what I was trying to say in my rant. A few people took it personally and it got totally off topic and out of hand. I never meant to insult anyone. :)

[MacD]

On the other hand, in my years of riding, I've seen just as much dodgy riding from people on race replica bikes, wearing race replica gloves, helmets, boots and attitude as I have from people in jeans and a t-shirt.

Perhaps it's what's under the gear, especially the helmet, that's the most important feature of a rider?

[placidfemme]

On the other hand, in my years of riding, I've seen just as much dodgy riding from people on race replica bikes, wearing race replica gloves, helmets, boots and attitude as I have from people in jeans and a t-shirt.

Perhaps it's what's under the gear, especially the helmet, that's the most important feature of a rider?

Yeah I know what your saying, and your right, you can't judge a rider soley by what they do or don't wear when riding. I was merely noting my observation from personal experience. I don't look at every rider who doesn't wear gear and automatically assume he/she is a crap dangerous rider. When I see a rider with no gear I assume one of two things... either they can't afford the gear, which is fine... or they don't think they need it (I still treat them with every mannerism that I treat any other rider, I still wave/nod, I still move into a staggered riding position when they are behind me or I am following them and so forth). But when they ride like idiots and risk all the lives on the road around them, just to get one car ahead or arrive where ever they're going 5 minutes faster, when they don't indicated and undertake (my new word lol :)) and so forth, then I WILL assume that the said rider is careless, not bothered about thier own safety which brings me to the whole point of my rant...

When I was first learning to ride everyone told me "assume that every vehicle out there can and will move into your space, assume they won't see you, assume that even if they do see you they will still move into your path" and so forth...

So bottom line... And I'm still sticking to this... Be careful when you see bikers without approprite protection, for your sake and for their sake. For your sake because they could risk your life, and for their sake because they are more likely to be seriously injured in the event of an accident (say if they are an asshole rider, and they do to you what they did to me, overtake me in my own lane, scaring the crap out of me, nearly making me swerve into the next lane... now most of you are big burley men... and some of you are obviously aggresive (like the eat shit and die comment guy) so if the same situation happened to you, you might not have moved over, the other biker might have mis judged and smacked into you... causing damage to themselves and possible you.

So bottom line again... yes... SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER and LET THEM PASS when you see them... for your sake and theirs. Exspecially if they don't have gear. They may (or may not) care for their own safety, so does it really hurt for any of us to take that extra precausion to watch out for ourselves and others.

[inlinefour]

On the other hand, in my years of riding, I've seen just as much dodgy riding from people on race replica bikes, wearing race replica gloves, helmets, boots and attitude as I have from people in jeans and a t-shirt.

Perhaps it's what's under the gear, especially the helmet, that's the most important feature of a rider?

Sometimes a bloody good dose of road rash can do wonders for the life expectancy of a rider. I know it worked wonders for me...

[Mitch]

Thank you for getting what I was trying to say in my rant. A few people took it personally and it got totally off topic and out of hand. I never meant to insult anyone. :)

When you state your opinion on an issue you make that issue personal.....
It does not suddenly become personal because someone else responds to your comments with their own opinion on what you had to say, or perhaps more importantly HOW you said it.

Wearing good gear is a smart idea HOWEVER if you chose not to that does not make you an idiot!!!!!!

[SPman]

Only time I dont wear all my gear is when I'm pissed and need to clear my head with a quick 160k blast up East Coast Road..and...

Oops!

[Jackrat]

Thank you for getting what I was trying to say in my rant. A few people took it personally and it got totally off topic and out of hand. I never meant to insult anyone. :)

I get where your coming from,BUT as somebody that drives 10,000 km a month at work I see all the things you talk about and a lot of the time it's coming from people that do have on all the gear and are riding bikes that should indercate they would know better.
As far as taking it personaly,well I don't always wear gear you might approve of,but I've been doing so for over 30 years and will continue to do so.
People like you are reguarly calling people like me stupid,ideot ect ect but I can't help but notice NONE of you ever have much to say in person.
I've worn an open face for all of those thirty odd years an at times I'll wear a light wheight jacket as well,I've even ducked into town on the odd occasion
without my gloves or leather pants.
Maybe that goes against your safty ideals but your just going to have to get used to it,it's still a free country.
To all those that say natural selection will get me,Ha ha,your a bit late,I'm already years ahead of most of you and life just keeps getting better.If any of you 200+ crowd think your going to come off better than me at 110 your bloody kiding your selfs.You can only get so dead and your pushing for it way beyond what I'm doing reguardless of what you wear.

PF,This is not aimed at you as such but your post has raised an issue I'm very aware of and get real tired of hearing about.
Cheers,stay safe.

[Drew]

Having gone through, and read the whole thread again, two things spring to mind
1: Back pedal much, do ya placid? You say in the first post, that if they aren't wearing the gear, treat them as a threat to your safety, then later on, you say that you never know what to expect, gear or no. Now I'm not too sure how to make this a positive reply, but here goes. :grouphug: Great, briliant, super!
2: The other thing is, you don't seem to take criticism very well, why are we not allowed to disagree with what you said? Is that not why we all do this? To voice our many different opinions, and debate to our hearts content. All I am saying, is that is totally arrogant, for you to dissmiss me as an idiot, (and a negative thinker,) simply because I spoke out against, what I still regaurd as a personal attack on me, and anyone else who is less fortunate than you.
Grow up and get a clue! :weird:

[Drew]

GO THE TRASH's[/QUOTE]

Fucken A!
You might be able to tell, I don't like being looked down on. I dont think anyone deserves it, so consider this my crusade against snobbery!
Rock on!

[mikey]

Says mr "ill be right on the racetrack with sneakers and jeans"
overzealous perhaps a little but the points are valid.

an did i crash? noooooooo... so i could of been going quicker, without all that shit arse gear on


GO THE TRASH's

Fucken A!
You might be able to tell, I don't like being looked down on. I dont think anyone deserves it, so consider this my crusade against snobbery!
Rock on![/QUOTE]

an FUCK THA MAN