Yes, falling off *does* hurt

[jrandom]

Well, *duh*, you might say, upon reading the thread title.

Anyway, here's a story for y'all. My (much younger and even MORE irresponsible than I) sister was staying with friends on Waiheke the last few days. She's never been on a bike or scooter of any description, even as a pillion. Her mate rides a scooter, and on Saturday afternoon was telling her all about how wonderful, useful and cheap it is. Upon hearing which, of course, my sister gets excited, runs outside and asks for a go. Her friend hands her the keys, points to the throttle and says 'twist this'.

Sister jumps on, starts engine, grabs throttle and rockets straight across the road and into a ditch. She was wearing shorts, blouse and jandals at the time. She spent the next few hours bleeding very inconveniently and picking gravel out of both legs with tweezers. She still can't walk comfortably.

It bears remembering that *anything* on two wheels requires protective gear, and letting someone on the road on a powered bike of any sort, even if it has the engine displacement of a shot glass, is downright irresponsible unless you're sure they know how to control it. It seems that 'freeze with throttle open' followed by an inability to turn or remember how to use the brakes is the usual behaviour for a non-rider when piloting a bike for the first time.

I hope the accident doesn't put her off riding.

[Hitcher]

I shudder and get sharp piercing pain in my privates whenever I see underprotected riders -- particularly people on scooters wearing shorts, sandals and tee-shirts. Obviously the premise is that scooter riders don't fall off. Also Harley riders who don't wear gloves and wear open-face helmets. Obviously they've never encountered bees or stone chips at 100kmh...
:sweatdrop

[KATWYN]

I cringe as well when I see shorts T-shirts and jandels being worn on a
bike on a nice hot beautiful day. In a perfect world, where there is
no such thing as road rash it would be the ultimate way to ride.....

After seeing what happens to skin and bone when someone has ridden
in jeans and no knee cup protection I have forever being cured of
putting full gears on -even when riding "5 minutes" down the road.

Not rego'd at the moment so have missed out on the last two weeks of
lovely weather riding!

Hope this post works and goes through.

[James Deuce]

I shudder and get sharp piercing pain in my privates whenever I see underprotected riders -- particularly people on scooters wearing shorts, sandals and tee-shirts. Obviously the premise is that scooter riders don't fall off. Also Harley riders who don't wear gloves and wear open-face helmets. Obviously they've never encountered bees or stone chips at 100kmh...
:sweatdrop

Motorcyclist magazine did a great expose on protective gear about 10 years ago. While not entirely scientific or representative of most accidents, they got a square of the fabric to be tested weighted it with a piece of concrete and dropped them off the back of a moving pickup truck at different speeds to test the reaction of the fabric fibres to both the impact and being dragged along the road surface while weighted down.

Denim exploded (:shit:) at 50mph with such violence that it broke the tether keeping the concrete block and fabric together, while "ballistic" kevlar took a great deal of damage in the initial impact, but lasted 8 times longer than leather in the drag test. Leather maybe picked up some scuff marks in the impact and at lower speeds (50mph and under) wasn't really marked, but frayed quite badly over 200kph. Cordura took the initial impact well but melted over 100mph. Under that speed the weave was damaged badly and wore through in spots.

Interestingly Motorcyclist suggested that protective clothing manufacturers should combine Cordura and Kevlar for the ideal in protective street gear, and recommended sticking with leather for racing, especially if the racing suit was reinforced and overlaid with kevlar. Looks like most of the manufacturers listened.

Pigskin vaporised over 100mph and left a streak under the block that eventually vanished too. :eek5:

[Motu]

When I was living on Waiheke the ambulance drivers spent the summer picking gravel out of scantily clad young girls who rented scooters but had never riden a bike - you only need a car lisence for them.

[Hitcher]

When I was living on Waiheke the ambulance drivers spent the summer picking gravel out of scantily clad young girls who rented scooters but had never riden a bike - you only need a car lisence for them.
Now this is another hobby horse of mine (yes, I have a large stable for all of them) -- car licence eligibility to ride a scooter. What goes on here? I suppose the logic goes along the lines that you don't need a licence to ride a push bike and that mopeds and scooters only have little engines so are some sort of limbo zone between push bikes and proper motorbikes.

I reckon if what you ride is fast enough to ride with the big dogs, you should have to have a big dog licence.
:Pokey:

[k14]

Yeah, some of them even think of themselves as bikers!!!

Like the guy one the scooter at teh lights that gave me a nod. I just shook my head and was cracking up laughing :whistle:

But i dont think i have even seen someone on a scooter with leathers. All of these kids that dont have a clue. I used to be one of those. Rode my Yamaha 50 to school for about 2 years or so. Never fell off and always wore shorts when i was riding to school. Even bare feet sometimes!!

[georgedubyabush]

Not just on road either. How many fatal farm quad accidents are there without protective gear?
My girlfriend lost the end part of her thumb in a 'leave the quad in reverse, grab the throttle and brake to stop it rolling, and get flung backwards through a barbed wire fence' debacle.
I feel entirely at blame for leaving it in reverse, without the brake on, getting off and opening a gate.

[Urban Terrorist]

Yeah, some of them even think of themselves as bikers!!!

Like the guy one the scooter at teh lights that gave me a nod. I just shook my head and was cracking up laughing :whistle:
Some of us are bikers too, have been for many years and just enjoy riding what is a great tool for an urban environment. I get waves from other riders on all sorts of bikes. Elitism from someone on a learner bike, that's funny.


But i dont think i have even seen someone on a scooter with leathers.
I'll get a photo taken and post it one day. :)

I also cringe when I see people riding any bike/scooter without some decent gear, but only give my opinion if asked or someone questions why I wear full leathers/waterproofs, boots, gloves etc. My body, my experiences, my choice. They are allowed the same, even if others know better.

[k14]

Sorry, am i right at assuming you are mocking me for riding a 250cc bike?? Come on, i wasnt trying to insult you, but a scooter isnt a motorbike!! If you want a motorbike, buy one!!!

Lets not start getting personal.

[jrandom]

My body, my experiences, my choice. They are allowed the same, even if others know better.

It's *NOT* your choice when it affects others to their detriment. Somebody has to pay the tax bill for your hospital stay while you recover from the skin grafts, y'know...

So good on ya for wearing leathers :niceone:

and hmmm... slagging off scooter riders from the dizzy heights of a restricted-license 250 is just a bit rich! :rolleyes:

Is one only admitted to the Brotherhood of Bikers when the engine is forward of the back wheel? Or is it more to do with having to swing your leg backwards, instead of forwards, when you get on the machine? I think *anyone* who doesn't sit in a cage deserves some props. And a 50cc scooter is a better tool for getting around town than, say, a Goldwing. Or are Goldwings not admitted to the Brotherhood? Yeah, that's a good idea. And let's make it so that Harleys and Jap cruisers aren't allowed in the club either. We're all too elite for that lot. Let's just make it so that unless you ride a sportbike, you're not Hardcore and we won't wave or nod at you. Loser. Hah.

You over there? Yes, you, on the XJR1300. It looks pretty pansy, with no fairings or anything. Bet you can't go very fast without falling off the back, eh? Eh? *You* can just f*ck off and join all the scooter, Goldwing and Harley riders crying because they can't join the club.

In fact, I think we should just make it easy and say that unless you ride a 600cc supersport, you're not allowed in.

Oops? You're on a 250? F*ck off and die, lightweight.

[Urban Terrorist]

Sorry, am i right at assuming you are mocking me for riding a 250cc bike?? Come on, i wasnt trying to insult you, but a scooter isnt a motorbike!! If you want a motorbike, buy one!!!

Lets not start getting personal.

No, I was mocking the fact you were mocking someone else for not riding what you consider to be a "real" bike. If thats what someone wants to ride then good on them. I also have a "normal" bike which I enjoy riding.

[Indiana_Jones]

how much is a pair of draggin' jeans? I've been looking at some protective clothing, does anyone know any cheap yet good jackets and pants ?
Thanks, go FXR :D

-Indy

[James Deuce]

jrandom :lol:

I can't breathe

:laugh:

Jim2

[wkid_one]

how much is a pair of draggin' jeans? I've been looking at some protective clothing, does anyone know any cheap yet good jackets and pants ?
Thanks, go FXR :D

-IndyIMO Draggins are good (about $229) - but only for sliding. They aren't going to protect you in the initial impact when you hit the road - or if you hit anything while sliding.......and in NZ's roading conditions - this is more than likely. You won't get friction burns etc - but you may break your knee cap etc.......but you won't get friction burns. But they are better than no protective gear.

How big are you Indy - I have my jacket and pants for sale (along with leathers)

[k14]

I wouldnt get loose fitting clothing.

When i had my off, my jeans saved me a litttle, but they gave me pretty bad/deep friction burns from them rubbing against my skin. But they are better than nothing and look normal. They can also ride up and expose bare flesh. But it is up to you!!

[Hitcher]

how much is a pair of draggin' jeans? I've been looking at some protective clothing, does anyone know any cheap yet good jackets and pants ?
Thanks, go FXR :D

-Indy
I recommend Draggins highly -- I own several pairs. They're about $220 a pair for jeans -- that kevlar don't come cheap!
:doctor:

[Hitcher]

How big are you Indy - I have my jacket and pants for sale (along with leathers)You're taking this no-bike thing pretty hard, aren't you Wikd... I can tell...
:no:

[wkid_one]

You're taking this no-bike thing pretty hard, aren't you Wikd... I can tell...
:no:
Eh I don't follow??? I have sold 99% of my gear.....boots, gloves, back protector, rear stand, radar stand.......leathers and synthetics are the only things left. Not taking it hard at all.....would be silly to hold on to it wouldn't it?

[Jackrat]

Sorry, am i right at assuming you are mocking me for riding a 250cc bike?? Come on, i wasnt trying to insult you, but a scooter isnt a motorbike!! If you want a motorbike, buy one!!!

Lets not start getting personal.

Thats a bit of a joke ain't it.
Hell I can go an buy a 500cc scooter that will eat your learners toy or a 650cc scooter that will absolutly destroy your silly little 250 jam jar.
And you think your a biker :lol: :lol: :lol:
Pull ya' head out mate.

[discodan]

A bike is a bike. We all had to start out small and personally I think thats the best way to do it. I always hear about idiots starting out on big bikes over seas where its legal, and throwing it down the road a couple of weeks later. I always wave to little bikes and remember that, that was me a year ago.

[k14]

Ok, i am sorry if i offended anyone!!

I didnt mean it the way i said it, but what's done is done.

I just get really pissed off when i see mr (15 i just got my licence and dad bought me a scooter) hooning down the street in t shirt jandals and shorts. When most of us take responsibility and wear proper protective gear to minimise risk of bad injuries.

So sorry!! No hard feelings!!

[MrMelon]

I had a bit of a play with some dude down the motorway in the weekend. He was on a cbr250rr in shorts and singlet and no gloves.. He was doing 160+ too like that... not the smartest thing in the world.

[Jackrat]

Ok, i am sorry if i offended anyone!!

I didnt mean it the way i said it, but what's done is done.

I just get really pissed off when i see mr (15 i just got my licence and dad bought me a scooter) hooning down the street in t shirt jandals and shorts. When most of us take responsibility and wear proper protective gear to minimise risk of bad injuries.

So sorry!! No hard feelings!!
Yeah no hard feelings,But as somebody that has owned an ridden most of the bikes that get slagged off by people on this site I had to take a shot,But it's all good.BTW I still ride with an open face,but I always wear my gloves, never wear jandals, don't own leather pants,seldom go much faster than 120km,never had a speeding ticket, bike car or truck.Had one big spill in thirty years riding,My fault,don't plan on doing it again.
Much like you feel about young folks on scooters I feel about young guys on sports bikes.All the gear in the world will do you no good if you ride like a fool.
I'm not having a go at you when I say that,But it is the main reason I don't ride with others unless they are my kind.I see most riders out there as being part timers,here today gone tomorrow,Hopefully just gave it up gone,not dead gone.BTW most of them young scooter riders probably think your just geting to old,I don't think I will go into how they see me :rolleyes:

[Big Dog]

I reckon if what you ride is fast enough to ride with the big dogs, you should have to have a big dog licence.
:Pokey:
You rang?
:laugh:
Seriously though I don't see how you need a big dog's license sheece My license got classes of 1 through 6.
shurely they only need a 6. :bleh:

[Big Dog]

But i dont think i have even seen someone on a scooter with leathers.
there is a dude rides a tmax around queen st (courier i think) in race rep leathers.:lol:

[Ms Piggy]

how much is a pair of draggin' jeans? I've been looking at some protective clothing, does anyone know any cheap yet good jackets and pants ?
Thanks, go FXR :D

-Indy

:2thumbsup I've just bought myself an Armour-Tech jacket which I got at mates rates ($275-) and I'm about to buy a pair of pants in the same brand which are costing me $280-. I kinda think that to save my butt (and other bits) that's pretty reasonable actually.

[Indiana_Jones]

Well I'm about 6'3" ave build i guess :msn-wink:

-Indy

[James Deuce]

Well I'm about 6'3" ave build i guess :msn-wink:

-Indy

Translation: HUGE

Poor widdle FXR :weep:

[Indiana_Jones]

Translation: HUGE

Poor widdle FXR :weep:

Dude I'm 17 lol :niceone:

-Indy

[750Y]

IMO Draggins are good (about $229) - but only for sliding. you may break your knee cap etc.......but you won't get friction burns.

lol, I broke my knee cap in an impromptu flying lesson with jeans on, but I've never lost skin with leathers on.

[wkid_one]

Well I'm about 6'3" ave build i guess :msn-wink:

-Indy

My gear should fit ya....I will send you pics if you want - pm me your email

[James Deuce]

Dude I'm 17 lol :niceone:

-Indy

And he's already grown sense of humour! :rockon:

[Indiana_Jones]

My gear should fit ya....I will send you pics if you want - pm me your email

How much u want for them, if u don't mind me being rude :)

-Indy

[wkid_one]

Meh - don't care really.....within reason. Tis a Techic Cyclone Jacket and Spidi Range Trou

[Indiana_Jones]

Meh - don't care really.....within reason. Tis a Techic Cyclone Jacket and Spidi Range Trou

lol again with the rudeness, i have no idea wtf they are :D plus what would u say is a fair price?

-Indy

[wkid_one]

I'll pm you

[Indiana_Jones]

I'll pm you

Ok, I'll just wait here...:D

-Indy

[Slim]

Thats a bit of a joke ain't it.
Hell I can go an buy a 500cc scooter that will eat your learners toy or a 650cc scooter that will absolutly destroy your silly little 250 jam jar.
But you'd need a motorbike licence to buy those "scooters".

They are referred to as "mopeds" on the LTSA site and are defined as:

a: has two wheels; and
b: either:
i: has an engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 ml and a maximum
speed not exceeding 50 km/h; or
ii: has a power source other than a piston engine and a maximum speed
not exceeding 50 km/h.

Elsewhere on the LTSA site, it says that a Car licence allows you to ride a moped with a motor power output of not more than 2Kw.

[Jackrat]

Yeah fair enough but theys still scooters.
The point I was making is that if it has two wheels and an engine it is a bike and the person riding it is due the same respect as any other rider.
What we end up with at the end of the day is people who are quite happy to bag other riders based on what they ride but then get antsy when the same happens to them.That unfortunatly applys to a lot of riders today.
You can see it happening on this site quite regular.
Just mention Harleys to a lot of folks and they will demonstrate the very thing they them selfs complain of.The odd thing about most of these types is that they quite obviously don,t have a clue what they are on about but just fall back on the same old same old.
The same goes for scooters, as we just had a taste of.

[What?]

Like I've said elsewhere in this site, if you want Draggin Jeans, go to www.dragginjeans.com (The US site). They cost $US79, so are getting cheaper by the day. But them here or from Aussie and you get ripped off.

[Hitcher]

You rang?
:laugh:
Seriously though I don't see how you need a big dog's license sheece My license got classes of 1 through 6.
shurely they only need a 6. :bleh:
BD, thanks for picking up!

That was my point -- being able to ride a class 6 vehicle (scooter) with a class 1 (car) license. As for the Noble Brother(sister)hood of Class sixers...
:banana: