We all do it

[Uncle B]

Out on a ride you stop at a well known rider meeting/gathering point.
A bike appears you've never seen before, you all stop and watch as he/she pulls up.
Without knowing it we all go through a subconsious 'checking them out' process.

You watch them dismount and you check out the gear the're wearing.....is it textile or leather? (leather scores more points), do they have knee sliders? if so what sort of condition are they (scuffed ones score major points).
Your attention turns to the bike and with a quick scan you go over it looking for signs of what sort of rider they are. Is the bike standard or modded? What tyres are they running?
The most important of all that will determine what sort of rider they are over anything else is.........what state is the chicken strip on there front tyre like? The smaller the chicken, the better the rider.

Yeah yeah I know pointless crap. But if think about it, we all do it.

[Goblin]

Yeah I do it. Thats the beauty of going to Oko and such places. Biker people are so friendly and you can strike up a conversation with anyone and not feel like a total dick. Gotta love it!

[TLDV8]

I must be getting old,that sound's like a Squid checklist:killingme

[James Deuce]

Pathetic, isn't it VTWIN.

We're all shallow, shallow, shallow.

You might wanna work on the fur on the edges of your front tyyre. Velox's front is looking distinctly more "professional" than yours.

[Uncle B]

You might wanna work on the fur on the edges of your front tyyre. Velox's front is looking distinctly more "professional" than yours.

Now that's sad.

[Motu]

If there's a bike parked at my favorite stopping place,I'll carry on and find somewhere else to have a rest.If there is a gathering of bikes no way will I join them.If I have to I'll stand at the edge of the crowd and watch.I ride a bike to get away from people,not find more!

[onearmedbandit]

I love it when riders I've just met tell me how hard they are at riding. A quick inspection of the front tyre soon has them on the back foot.

[Big Dave]

Interesting, but no - I don't do any of that - actually, the things you rate as cred - I score as 'reasons to avoid' in a social ride.
Particularly the knee sliders. They only impress me at a race track.

[FROSTY]

Funny aye the chicken strips bit. I used to make a really good contribution to my race budget by selling my used race tyres to posers.
One guy in particular was really keen to look like he rode fast.
Someone shoulda explained to him that the virginal hero blobs under his pegs were a dead giveaway he was a poser.
-Ohh and that was back in the days when ya diddnt need to be a contortionist to fit on a bike so pegs would scrape looong before ya ran outa tyre

[Macktheknife]

Sorry Dave I am not into that stuff mate, I only give a crap if the rider is a half decent person and not a total wanker.
I am of the opinion that I can learn lots from those around me but often all they have to teach is what not to do or be.
I am keen to improve my riding skills but not for the sake of impressing anyone else, I just do it 'cause I love it.
:2thumbsup :beer: :drinkup:

[SPman]

Quire frankly, Im more interested in getting around a corner with the least amount of lean possible. Always seems more impressive to me, than some wanker whos hangin off the bike at every corner on the road, trying to get his knee down.
Guess its cos Im old school where you tucked onto the bike and dangled your toes off the peg to gauge the ground coming up - I tend to look at the toes on peoples boots............
Pathetic, eh?

[kro]

I do that at the swimming pools with the "swimming Mums", but the checklist is a bit different. Yes, I know I'm a pig, but I have made peace with my perving.

[XTC]

Bet you wouldn't check my ride out like that. Probably totally ignore me as most sports bike riders do because I ride a big trailie.... BUT my front tyre does not have chicken strips at all not does the back and they are knobblys :bleh:but then gravel is a good way to scrub your tyres to the edge. My gear more often than not is mud splattered or dusty. So I probably wouldn't impress you guys at all but then i'm not trying to and thats the difference. If my life was spent trying to impress everyone else then I would not be truly living it. To all those out there don't fall for becoming a try hard/poser/whatever just be yourself lifes much better that way.

[Sketchy_Racer]

Guess its cos Im old school where you tucked onto the bike and dangled your toes off the peg to gauge the ground coming up - I tend to look at the toes on peoples boots............
Pathetic, eh?


LOL i must be an old school rider then cause on my FXR there is no way you can get your knee down to 'gauge' the amount of lean... so my boots now have big holes on the toes and i have scabby scarred toes!! :bash: I find once used to gaugeing with the toes it is as helpfull as a knee..... untill you start sliding and cannot hold yourself up with the toe:eyepoke:

and also with the ;chicken strips' BS, it is dumb cause sometimes the tires are to wide for the rims and it is impossible to use all the tire right to the edge. So its a dumb way to tell if someone is a good rider.

[APPLE]

yeh must admit?i dont look at blokes tyres 2 see the chicken strips and that?im more interested in wot there riding?jus enjoy your ride.at your own pace?:yes:

[Wolf]

I'm sorry VTWIN, I have to add to the growing number of people disproving your thread title.

I scope out the bike with regard to how much I like the look of it - never look at chicken strips or wear patterns on the rider's armour.

[Sensei]

Down here there is only about 8 of us that Haul major Arse So we don't have to try to be anyone else than who we are & just ride the way we Ride .

[Sensei]

Guess its cos Im old school where you tucked onto the bike and dangled your toes off the peg to gauge the ground coming up
[/QUOTE]

Yea Do the same . Has worked for 20+ y's

[scumdog]

Out on a ride you stop at a well known rider meeting/gathering point.
A bike appears you've never seen before, you all stop and watch as he/she pulls up.
Without knowing it we all go through a subconsious 'checking them out' process.

You watch them dismount and you check out the gear the're wearing.....is it textile or leather? (leather scores more points), do they have knee sliders? if so what sort of condition are they (scuffed ones score major points).
Your attention turns to the bike and with a quick scan you go over it looking for signs of what sort of rider they are. Is the bike standard or modded? What tyres are they running?
The most important of all that will determine what sort of rider they are over anything else is.........what state is the chicken strip on there front tyre like? The smaller the chicken, the better the rider.

Yeah yeah I know pointless crap. But if think about it, we all do it.

No fuckin' way!
I just look, 'hey, a bike' then I look again "hmm, looks like a cool scoot, I wonder if it's xxx? (he or she) is from xxx club. (Or some other rider I've met before)
Bike? tyres? apparel? who gives a shit?
We're all bikers.

[SPman]

Down here there is only about 8 of us that Haul major Arse So we don't have to try to be anyone else than who we are & just ride the way we Ride .
Good answer. Learned long ago to just be who I am and not try to compete. I I ride the pace Ive always ridden and sod everyone else. I really couldnt give a toss if people think I ride fast slow or backwards - as long as I enjoy myself and dont cause anyone any problems...probably why I ride by myself so much,,,,,,

[bladez]

tyers dont mean alot to me as i like to make them last but will always stop to look at bikes and talk if they are not stuck up like most are

[Zed]

Yeah yeah I know pointless crap. But if think about it, we all do it.Not everyone does it, in fact, there are probably fewer than you may think? Those observations come through *experience* and not all riders have that.

But yeah, I'm guilty as charged of doing that officer VTWIN, I usually look at the chicken strips on the rear tyre first though. :spudguita

[scumdog]

Not everyone does it, in fact, there are probably fewer than you may think? Those observations come through *experience* and not all riders have that.

But yeah, I'm guilty as charged of doing that officer VTWIN, I usually look at the chicken strips on the rear tyre first though. :spudguita

You mean you have to have a rear tyre ?????? AND chicken strips???:doh:

[Zed]

You mean you have to have a rear tyre ?????? AND chicken strips???:doh:Well, chicken strips don't really apply to Harleys so you have no worries mate!!! :bleh:

[justsomeguy]

Out on a ride you stop at a well known rider meeting/gathering point................Yeah yeah I know pointless crap. But if think about it, we all do it.

I used to be like that.

Now I can't be fecked with all that bullshit mine's bigger than yours crap......

[Waylander]

I like that my chicken strips are smaller than what you would expect for a cruiser, but I really don't check them on other riders wheels.

[Virago]

We all do it............
No we don't.

Ride fast, or ride slow. Ride big, or ride small. Ride near, or ride far.

It makes no difference to me.

When I meet up with other riders, its a chance for camaraderie, not snobbery.

[Wolf]

Not everyone does it, in fact, there are probably fewer than you may think? Those observations come through *experience* and not all riders have that.

But yeah, I'm guilty as charged of doing that officer VTWIN, I usually look at the chicken strips on the rear tyre first though. :spudguita
The observations come from desire to compare or to judge, not everyone is like that. I don't care what a person rides or how they ride it. Obviously you and some others do. There are a lot of very experienced riders on KB (and elsewhere) and not all of them go around scoping out people's bikes to see if they lay them down more or less than themselves or others they know. Pissing contests are just not some people's scene.

The problem with such observations is that they can be interpreted - or judged - in different ways: to some it may be "cool" that the rider has scuffed knee sliders, others may question the "wisdom" of taking the corners on public roads so fast they have to scrape their knees. To some, wearing knee sliders on a public road might seem the territory of irresponsible hoons (my uncle was accused of being a hoon for wearing a helmet back before compulsory helmet laws, the cop who was talking to him felt they belonged strictly on the track)...

When all is said and done, is scraping a knee on every corner the "right" way to ride or is slowing down and taking it easier the "right" way?

Personally, I leave a person's riding style to their own personal preference and just get on with admiring the bike.

[scumdog]

Well, chicken strips don't really apply to Harleys so you have no worries mate!!! :bleh:


SOOOO! I guess you have NEVER looked at my H-D rear tyre!!!

O.K. it's not "sprots-bike' catagory but I bet it has no relevance to your comment eh????

Not getting nasty either.

[Zed]

The observations come from desire to compare or to judge, not everyone is like that.

Pissing contests are just not some people's scene.Sounds like you're the one doing the judging? The observations don't necessarily come from those desires, that psychological babble IMO.

I don't belive either VTWIN or myself are indulging in any sort of "pissing contest" but rather are exercising our natural tendency to be curious about other riders and their bikes, nothing wrong with that, we are passionate about motorcycles. When you examine a bike and its rider like we are discussing, there is a whole wealth of knowledge to be gained that people like you miss out on!

[mv.senna]

....additional "single girl's" assessment performed on meeting new riders:
a) is he ugly/riding a stink bike,
b) is he wearing a wedding band
c) does he have a girlfriend with him (or at home)

if the answer to all of the above is no, then continue with ongoing assessments.
:rofl:

[Aitch]

What's a chicken strip?

[Uncle B]

I don't belive either VTWIN or myself are indulging in any sort of "pissing contest" but rather are exercising our natural tendency to be curious about other riders and their bikes, nothing wrong with that, we are passionate about motorcycles. When you examine a bike and its rider like we are discussing, there is a whole wealth of knowledge to be gained that people like you miss out on!
Yeah...wot he said
Thanks Zed.
I didn't mean to upset anybody or start a riot, just tossed up a theory for discussion.
I'm not into any sort of macho bollocks so Merry Christmas to all.

[Yokai]

Chicken strips are the massive strips of unused tyre on the outside of my tyres - you get rid of them by going lower through corners... although in my case, you get rid of them with sandpaper and elbow grease!

:yes:

I don't have chicken strips - I'm a vegetarian - I have Not Fucking Leaning My Bike That Far with these Tyres Have you Seen The Profile on 'Em strips...

[ManDownUnder]

I have to admit I look at the bike, and I go talk to the person.

Where have they been, been riding long, where are they going etc.

Get to know them. Scratched sliders tell me a bit about them, but I'd rather listen to what they have to say...

[Wolf]

The observations don't necessarily come from those desires, that psychological babble IMO.
What an interesting judgment...

And quite a bite.


I don't belive either VTWIN or myself are indulging in any sort of "pissing contest"
Really?

You watch them dismount and you check out the gear the're wearing.....is it textile or leather? (leather scores more points), do they have knee sliders? if so what sort of condition are they (scuffed ones score major points).
The most important of all that will determine what sort of rider they are over anything else is.........what state is the chicken strip on there front tyre like? The smaller the chicken, the better the rider.
Sounds like judgments to me. And you have admitted you scope out the rear chicken strips and base your assessment (judgment) on that.

Basing an assessment of a rider in a casual situation based on the observation of one bike and the gear they're currently wearing is overly simplistic.

Had they fitted, I would have had second hand leathers with extremely scuffed knee sliders - but not due to any actions of my own. Any assessment based on those leathers would have been erroneous.

Making an assumption based on visible "evidence" can be entirely misleading. The bike you are assessing may have huge chicken strips because the rider prefers to ride like a nana on public roads but his/her other bike, the one that's only used on the track might be a totally different matter.

Likewise looking at heavily scraped pegs and well-scrubbed tyres and judging that the person is a careless idiot on the roads could also be erroneous - for all we know he/she did all of that at an approved track.


When you examine a bike and its rider like we are discussing, there is a whole wealth of knowledge to be gained that people like you miss out on!
A wealth of knowing how wide people's chicken strips are and how "good" a rider you judge them to be thereby.

Personally I would rather talk with the people, chat about their bike and riding in general and get to know them for who they are, not make snap judgments based on physical evidence that may be misleading. A wealth of info that may or may not be accurate is pointless. Info that is relevant to me I gain by conversation.

What possible use is it to me that X's chicken strips are wider than Y's? Does that in some way improve my riding? Do I gain anything from that information aside from a comparison with my own bike? Are leathers truly "better" than textile? I'm sure there are a number of threads here arguing that backwards and forwards with no clear winner. Are scuffed knee sliders truly a sign of a "better" rider or a hoon or just a different style of riding? Did the wearer scuff them himself or is he an L-Plate rider on a budget?

I don't feel I am "missing out" on anything useful by not judging books by their covers - I'm too busy gaining useful information "reading the book" - conversing with the rider.

That is the difference between "people like me", Zed, and you.

[ghost]

If there's a bike parked at my favorite stopping place,I'll carry on and find somewhere else to have a rest.If there is a gathering of bikes no way will I join them.If I have to I'll stand at the edge of the crowd and watch.I ride a bike to get away from people,not find more!

Motu for prez

[James Deuce]

Uncle BRUUUUUUUCE.

Look what you did!!

[vifferman]

I must admit that on the first KB ride I went on, my bike, chicken strips and zorst were duly inspected, and I felt 'judged'. I would've been more comfortable with a cheery welcome, hearty handshake, and only a cursory glance at my bike accompanied by a "Nice machine!" or similar.

BTW - examining the chicken strips on my current mount would be a pointless exercise. I honestly doubt anyone would be able to completely scrub the tyre from edge to edge, given that it is a sports tyre on a bike which is not particularly sporty. And the rear still has small (8mm or thereabouts) 'chicken' strips after several weeks of riding. I've no doubt (from past experience) that if I'd gone on the Coro loop or did a track day there would be zero chickenness, but I'm too chicken to push them to the edges on the street (VFR parts are not cheap), and I've virtually no highway miles on them yet.

Yes, I check out people's bikes, but not too critically, and not to assess them as a person. I love bikes, and I like to look at them.

[Wolf]

When we had our barbecue we had a GN250, a couple of Honda CBRs (one with a munted fairing and the other nearly pristine), a Virago 1100 and a Virago 250 (with Kiwi Ingenuity(TM) Air Horn) and later a Bandit and an FXR.

I admired the bikes, tried most of them out for size and learned that Waylander is more comfortable if he sits at the rear of the seat when trying to ride a GN250, determined that strayjuliet can fit comfortably on the Virago 250, had a great chat with some great people, swapped notes about armour and other riding stuff.

Wouldn't have a clue how wide people's chicken strips are - couldn't give a shit - had a great day meeting great people and feel enriched.

[oldrider]

I just like to say G'day and look at the bikes!

I admire racers on the race track, road riders on the road, offroaders off the road, etc, etc. Horses for courses the rest is bullshit IMHO.

Jeez Motu does that mean I will have to run down every loner in the North Island just in case it's you, just to say G'day?

I would hate to miss the chance, you sound like an interesting guy!

I found this thread a bit disappointing , too many pretenders out there it seems. :slap: John. :dodge: :dodge:

[Eurodave]

I have to admit I look at the bike, and I go talk to the person.

Where have they been, been riding long, where are they going etc.

Get to know them. Scratched sliders tell me a bit about them, but I'd rather listen to what they have to say...

Damn right, view the bike ,meet the rider, have a chat:2thumbsup .......none of this 'my chicken strips are smaller than yours', or 'scratched elbow sliders,therefore my gonads are bigger than yours' bullshit

[sels1]

If there's a bike parked at my favorite stopping place,I'll carry on and find somewhere else to have a rest.If there is a gathering of bikes no way will I join them.If I have to I'll stand at the edge of the crowd and watch.I ride a bike to get away from people,not find more!


But interestingly you spend a bit of time on here mixing with people you dont know....????

Like SD and others, I like to check out the type of bike for interests sake (the more unusual the bike, the more interesting obviously) and its nice to meet other riders and swap notes. Not interested or impressed by chicken strips and knee sliders etc.

[Zed]

That is the difference between "people like me", Zed, and you.Yeah mate, me and you are definately worlds apart in our thinking...on many issues!

[Wolf]

Like SD and others, I like to check out the type of bike for interests sake (the more unusual the bike, the more interesting obviously) and its nice to meet other riders and swap notes.
I'd never have a Harley or a race-style sprot bike or a custom chopper or some of the concept bikes out there but I can certainly admire their form and have a damn good ogle. As Oldrider said, "horses for courses" and I can appreciate the form and function of bikes even if they're designed for riding that I do not do (I'd rather blat around off-road and go on adventure rides than blat around the Pukekohe track at high speed.)

I like scoping out whatever mods people might have on their bikes and hearing the reasons behind them.

Many bikes out there I would never own - too dear, too uncomfortable, not suited to my riding style (probably wouldn't have a Cruiser again unless it was the only thing in my price range) - but I still like them and check them out at every opportunity. If I can chat with the rider as well and swap notes, all the better.

I'm extremely passionate about motorbikes and I seldom pass up the opportunity to check out what's around - which is why events like the toy run or battle of the streets are such great fun.

And most bikers love talking about their bikes and gear.

Likewise armour - I'm more interested in "Is it comfortable? Is it waterproof?" than if it has knee sliders and what state they're in. Textile and leather both have their strong and weak points. I cannot tell by looking at a person's armour if their smart new outfit is because they're a total newbie or because their old gear finally gave up the ghost after being abused for twenty years or some bugger nicked it; nor can I tell by looking if the old worn leathers were owned from new or bought from Cash Converters or from a mate. I chat, get to know the person and find out what they feel about their gear and how it serves them (I want to get new gloves since the barbecue because our comparisons revealed to me exactly how fucking uncomfortable my gloves are compared with what else is available out there. Also gained an insight into why it pays to shell out a few extra dollars on certain helmets.)

[Wolf]

Yeah mate, me and you are definately worlds apart in our thinking...on many issues!
And the world would be sadly impoverished if that were not the case. What a bland existence we would have if everyone were the same - loads of identical bikes all ridden the same by people who look the same and movies and books with insipid "plots" where nothing exciting or "conflict-based" happened and conversations that die out because we all know what everyone's going to say or do next...

[Mooch]

I tend to "checkout" riders on the road rather than the carpark, which is probably why I hardly stop at the top of the Rima's much anymore (and I'm a bit shy /more of a listener type )
I'm more interested in the way people ride , IE are they relaxed and smooth , where they position the bike on the road , are they riding to conditions , do they have good lines , how do they approach following you, do they follow too close or do they sit nicely in your mirrors, is the speed appropriate for the traffic / conditions. Are they predictable or do they ride erratically, Is it someone you can follow and learn from without pushing yourself and stuff like that.
Some riders seem to get to the edge of there tire's some don't, I don't rate either rider as better or worse. First time I saw knee sliders on a road rider I had trouble containing my laughter , thought they were totally out of place. Now I have some myself so I'll understand if people laugh at me. (They come in handy, really saves the knees when oiling/adjusting the chain / checking tire pressures ,etc and might save my knees in an off) Never had to use them on the road and most of the fast road riders I know don't need to corner with their knee dragging.

I find talk of chicken strips funny as well , most of the time when I see a front tire blistered to the edge , I think track day or no reserve for error , but I don't think , wow what a fantastic rider , which I could be just like them.

So if you see an almost 40 something biker , Yellow Duc, leathers , mods , knee sliders , chicken strips , cut any BS on if I’m worthy of being a biker speed god and say gidday instead.

[Wolf]

So if you see an almost 40 something biker , Yellow Duc, leathers , mods , knee sliders , chicken strips , cut any BS on if I’m worthy of being a biker speed god and say gidday instead.
Dunno if I can afford the bus fare to London, dude.

[SlowHand]

pfft, chicken strips, I dont have any. On the spaceys I have full contact going in a straight line.

And Jo, now that I know NhuanH got the kung foo grip, where do I rate in the "assessment?" :blip:

[White trash]

Interesting, but no - I don't do any of that - actually, the things you rate as cred - I score as 'reasons to avoid' in a social ride.
Particularly the knee sliders. They only impress me at a race track.

Soooo........you don't wanna ride together anymore?

[madboy]

Everyone got their sense of humour back now?

I rolled up to a ride with the big boys yesterday, shiney virgin knee sliders, a good 35mm of chicken strip on the rear. Of course, I've never had the leathers on the track, and the tyre was brand new having only been ridden from the shop home in the rain...

But when trackday comes I'll lend the knee sliders and bike to WT/LB/[insert squid here] for a lap or two... that'll fix my ego. Then next week you'll all think I'm either a hero or a lunatic depending on what side of the fence you sit on. Except for VTWIN who already know's I'm a poser.

[Wolf]

Everyone got their sense of humour back now?

I rolled up to a ride with the big boys yesterday, shiney virgin knee sliders, a good 35mm of chicken strip on the rear. Of course, I've never had the leathers on the track, and the tyre was brand new having only been ridden from the shop home in the rain...

But when trackday comes I'll lend the knee sliders and bike to WT/LB/[insert squid here] for a lap or two... that'll fix my ego. Then next week you'll all think I'm either a hero or a lunatic depending on what side of the fence you sit on. Except for VTWIN who already know's I'm a poser.
Well, if madboy can display chicken strips from time to time, no assessment based on appearances will ever be accurate. :killingme

[froggyfrenchman]

im definatly guilty of this. but its a good way to learn alot bout the person before they even have the helmet off.

[pritch]

I cannot tell by looking at a person's armour if their smart new outfit is because they're a total newbie or because their old gear finally gave up the ghost after being abused for twenty years or some bugger nicked it

Agreed, and if someone has scruffy (well used) gear that may indicate that they know what they are doing. On the other hand if I could actually fit into my Belstaffs it wouldn't mean I know what I'm doing, it would just mean I'm getting old.

I saw a bike at the local dealer a week or two back, almost identical to mine so I checked it out. When I saw that the back tyre was worn right to the edge, well worn, I was sort of envious. Then I noticed that he had also worn his cases and his bar ends and the envy evaporated somewhat. :whistle:

[Wolf]

Then I noticed that he had also worn his cases and his bar ends and the envy evaporated somewhat. :whistle:
Worn bar ends? Woooo! Big balls, that guy. I don't like to brag but I must confess I've managed that a couple of times (even got a "worn" tacho once) but normally I'm too chicken to go beyond wearing my pegs.

[Big Dave]

Soooo........you don't wanna ride together anymore?


No that's not true - i never wanted to ride with you.

I don't give a rats if someone can get a knee down - so can I. Big fuckin' whooop.
What impresses me on a ride is someone who offers to buy lunch.

[Big Dave]

Worn bar ends? Woooo!

It means he fell off?

[Wolf]

It means he fell off?
That was the interpretation I put on it. Either that or wider bars than the bitchin'est off-roader - think in terms of a crucifix...

[Wolf]

No that's not true - i never wanted to ride with you.

I don't give a rats if someone can get a knee down - so can I. Big fuckin' whooop.
What impresses me on a ride is someone who offers to buy lunch.
Now, we're talkin'!

[Dafe]

Out on a ride you stop at a well known rider meeting/gathering point.
A bike appears you've never seen before, you all stop and watch as he/she pulls up.
Without knowing it we all go through a subconsious 'checking them out' process.

You watch them dismount and you check out the gear the're wearing.....is it textile or leather? (leather scores more points), do they have knee sliders? if so what sort of condition are they (scuffed ones score major points).
Your attention turns to the bike and with a quick scan you go over it looking for signs of what sort of rider they are. Is the bike standard or modded? What tyres are they running?
The most important of all that will determine what sort of rider they are over anything else is.........what state is the chicken strip on there front tyre like? The smaller the chicken, the better the rider.

Yeah yeah I know pointless crap. But if think about it, we all do it.

I'm Guilty!!!

I always look at other peoples bikes closely. I also check out their gear with a brief glance too.
I would call myself a motorcycling enthusiast, It's very natural for me to want to know what mods people have done to their bikes, they could add to possible ideas for my bike. I love seeing tidy-as mod jobs done to bikes, it just shows how some people obviously have a passion for their machines.
I'm always looking for something that somebody has done to their bike that makes me go Cool! I'm always looking for gear on riders that looks the Shiz too!
I'm a motorcycle enthusiast like many car enthusiasts. If I go to a bike meet, I'm checking out the other motorbikes for sure!
Infact, I'll often go for rides to check out the bike shops gear and drool at the bikes in stock too.

[Dafe]

im definatly guilty of this. but its a good way to learn alot bout the person before they even have the helmet off.

Spot on! A very good point!

[2_SL0]

No that's not true - i never wanted to ride with you.

I don't give a rats if someone can get a knee down - so can I. Big fuckin' whooop.
What impresses me on a ride is someone who offers to buy lunch.


Did you say your buying lunch. Ill upsize mine plz. :mellow:

[zadok]

I certainly take an interest in other bikes I see, but as already said by some, the chicken strips condition doesn't interest me.

[pritch]

It means he fell off?

It does. Nothing wrong with that of course, to find the limit sometimes you will exceed it. But I'm too old for that stuff, so i'll just wear the chicken strips..

[Eurodave]

but as already said by some, the chicken strips condition doesn't interest me.

It certainly interests me,......make mine zinger & upsized ,with a large pepsi please

[Wolf]

It certainly interests me,......make mine zinger & upsized ,with a large pepsi please
I'll go for "classic" with a works burger, upsized and a sprite - pepsi blows goats...

[idb]

It all confirms everything we Mainlanders think about you North Island latte-drinking, Armani wearing posers...........................

[Wolf]

:Oi: I don't wear Armani!

[Big Dave]

:Oi: I don't wear Armani!

I have some.





Kevin Armarni & Sons
Belmore.
Nice sports coat and a running gag.

[oldrider]

Ive been riding for over 51 years!
To be honest I don't even really know what the hell chicken strips are?
That might be why Ive been riding for 51 years! :blip:
I felt so inferior :crybaby: I made some enquiries and have been told that;
You can wear the chicken strips out by riding around slowly on under inflated tyres! It figures if you are a poser I spose.:moon:
Cheers John.:spudwhat:

[Uncle B]

I've taken into regards the feedback from this thread and changed my ways to not look at anyones bike or gear.

Sadly I have failed.

On the thursday Welly ride I found myself looking at front chicken strips. I tried to turn away but I couldn't, then I realised I was checking out someones knee sliders, so back to therapy I go.......sorry guys I probally won't be out for a while, what with all the shock treatment, but I'll be back when I'm cured.

[Big Dave]

I'll go for "classic" with a works burger, upsized and a sprite - pepsi blows goats...

Got me to 160kgs. That and meatlovers pizza.

A fresh salad and a water/diet pop for me now. After you've been doing it a while it tastes just almost as good and your guts just feel so much better for not injesting all that fat.

[Waylander]

I'll go for "classic" with a works burger, upsized and a sprite - pepsi blows goats...
I'll take 5 bacon cheeseburgers with a large side of fries, make sure they are very greasy, and a extra large Dr.Pepper, anything less than 3 litres will not do.

[Wolf]

Where oh where to I get a three-litre Dr Pepper?!?!

The cans don't contain enough.

[Waylander]

From the states mate, from the states. Same thing with the bacon cheeseburgers (cause the wendy's here doesn't have the proper ones)

[gav]

I'll have 4 fried chickens and a coke!!

[idb]

I'll have 4 fried chickens and a coke!!
Poser!!!!!

[Dafe]

I've taken into regards the feedback from this thread and changed my ways to not look at anyones bike or gear.

Sadly I have failed.

On the thursday Welly ride I found myself looking at front chicken strips. I tried to turn away but I couldn't, then I realised I was checking out someones knee sliders, so back to therapy I go.......sorry guys I probally won't be out for a while, what with all the shock treatment, but I'll be back when I'm cured.

Fantastic, I heard you were undergoing therapy! I'm glad you've finally taken some responsibility for your actions.

This timing is perfect, I pick up my nice new LEATHER (Brownie Points!) Spidi Road Eagle Jacket tomorrow, I couldn't bare the thought that you might be looking! How dare you look at my gears bro!!!:eek:

That would be just insane & rediculous! I would have to dissaprove of your post. Just as Wolf pointed out, top of page 2! Why would I want to know more about a rider by scoping his bike or gears. I have no interest in other bikers, coz my heads far too far up my own arse to give a shiz!:moon:





Hang on a second! I was scoping your bike too on thursday night..... and Petes....... and Vickis..... and Deanos!
Oh dude, I apologise! Can you please please please check whether your therapy class has any more vacancies?:confused:

[Uncle B]

All are welcome. Blindfolds will be supplied. No leather please

[NC]

I've taken into regards the feedback from this thread and changed my ways to not look at anyones bike or gear.

Sadly I have failed.

On the thursday Welly ride I found myself looking at front chicken strips. I tried to turn away but I couldn't, then I realised I was checking out someones knee sliders, so back to therapy I go.......sorry guys I probally won't be out for a while, what with all the shock treatment, but I'll be back when I'm cured.
Your a pervert! :niceone:

[TwoSeven]

I've this theory that the more money someone pays for a bike, the less they wave/nod/say hi to other riders. :)

Especially the noddy brigade in chch - who, looking at their faces - seem to be away in some oblivious fairy land.

[number33]

If any snotty posing cunt sniggered at my old dungers untouched tyre edges they'd wear a parkstone boot fair up their fucking arse.

[Dafe]

If any snotty posing cunt sniggered at my old dungers untouched tyre edges they'd wear a parkstone boot fair up their fucking arse.

Thats understandable! You're from Palmerston North!
There's a reason why they built Manfield in Palmy - To avoid you getting right angled tyres!

[Wolf]

That would be just insane & rediculous! I would have to dissaprove of your post. Just as Wolf pointed out, top of page 2! Why would I want to know more about a rider by scoping his bike or gears. I have no interest in other bikers, coz my heads far too far up my own arse to give a shiz!:moon:
Actually, Dafe, my point was that any amateur Sherlock Holmes stuff can be misleading and you can quickly form a misleading opinion. I would not presume to make a judgment about a rider's skill level based on supposed "evidence" which may be explained in multiple ways - that way I don't get a smack in the nose from a 10-year veteran of the track because the "evidence" suggests he's a total newbie who's "too scared" to get a knee down when there may be other explanations for the pristine armour, lack of knee sliders and wide chicken strips.

Likewise I won't think someone is a biker god only to find out he bought the litre bike, with its chicken-strip-free tyres, and the well scuffed racing leathers second hand the previous day - right after getting his full licence.

Sherlock Holmes, while highly entertaining, is fiction.

I have a different method of finding out about ther riders and their bikes, it's called "conversation". :devil2:

I find it handy for learning new things - much more useful to me than knowing how far someone (not necessarily the person currently riding it) has leaned the bike over at some point. I also find it handy for weeding out the ones who wander around claiming they dropped the engine off a GT550 into a TS125 frame and went on to win the MX championships and jumped 26 buses.

[Storm]

Your a pervert! :niceone:

Suppose it takes one to know one :stoogie: :Playnice:

[Biff]

But if think about it, we all do it.

I don't. Unless it's a chick.

Does this make me a bad person?

And I don't wear knee sliders. So I guess that people take me for a shite rider?

[ManDownUnder]

Your a pervert! :niceone:

me too... I am too - don't you - forget about me... don't don't don't don't...

(there's a song in there somewhere)

[Biff]

me too... I am too - don't you - forget about me... don't don't don't don't...

(there's a song in there somewhere)

Simple Minds.


The band that is not you. Well, ok you as well.

[skelstar]

Ill admit that if I see a shit-hot sprotsbike ride turn up I automatially assume that they walk the walk too. I do have it in the back of my mind that they may be all money and no balls...but hey, if they have a nice bike im envious anyway.

I havent aquired the chicken-strip spotting skillz yet so usually decide on model and year (and paint job?)...but to be honest as a newb you are always wondering where you fit into the whole scene and I guess this is one way of doing it.

[Uncle B]

I don't. Unless it's a chick.

Does this make me a bad person?


And I don't wear knee sliders. So I guess that people take me for a shite rider?
Mate....your a bloke...you can't help it.

Not in any way.

Well....if the rumors are true............

[Sniper]

I did it once. Never again.

[NC]

Suppose it takes one to know one :stoogie: :Playnice:
You'd know then? :bleh:

[skidMark]

Out on a ride you stop at a well known rider meeting/gathering point.
A bike appears you've never seen before, you all stop and watch as he/she pulls up.
Without knowing it we all go through a subconsious 'checking them out' process.

You watch them dismount and you check out the gear the're wearing.....is it textile or leather? (leather scores more points), do they have knee sliders? if so what sort of condition are they (scuffed ones score major points).
Your attention turns to the bike and with a quick scan you go over it looking for signs of what sort of rider they are. Is the bike standard or modded? What tyres are they running?
The most important of all that will determine what sort of rider they are over anything else is.........what state is the chicken strip on there front tyre like? The smaller the chicken, the better the rider.

Yeah yeah I know pointless crap. But if think about it, we all do it.

Can somebody please tell me what the hell a chicken stripper is lol.

[avgas]

I dont pay attention to chicken strips....... more if they have a nice flat piece in the middle with about 5mm of tread missing. How most of my tyres end up.
Dont worry i round em back off on the corners ;)

[Storm]

NC -You taught me all I is knowing

[Pixie]

Interesting, but no - I don't do any of that - actually, the things you rate as cred - I score as 'reasons to avoid' in a social ride.
Particularly the knee sliders. They only impress me at a race track.
It's a kid thing

[Pixie]

I like that my chicken strips are smaller than what you would expect for a cruiser, but I really don't check them on other riders wheels.
Do you know what part of the chicken the strips come from?
Bloody disgusting,it is.
Worse than McNuggets!

[Pixie]

When all is said and done, is scraping a knee on every corner the "right" way to ride or is slowing down and taking it easier the "right" way?

Often, in order to get the knee down involves actually negotiating a corner slower than riding normally.
The adherents delude themselves that they are heroes.
Watch film of the IOM TT.You won't see any of the racers dragging knees there.

[buellbabe]

Interesting, but no - I don't do any of that - actually, the things you rate as cred - I score as 'reasons to avoid' in a social ride.
Particularly the knee sliders. They only impress me at a race track.

HA! That made me chuckle! Used to know a guy who thought he was on a track every time we went for a ride(full race leathersetc...) , he would be hanging off the side of his bike on corners that BARELY qualified as corners!! I nearly binned it once cos I was laughing so much!

Anyway back on subject: Tend to sorta agree... yeah of course I'll check out the bike (from a suitable distance) and definately check out the rider but unless I strike up a conversation with the rider I think its uncool to get up close and personal with the bike.
:scooter: :sunny:

[Sniper]

Can somebody please tell me what the hell a chicken stripper is lol.
:no: :no: :no: :no: :no:
You ever heard of SEARCH?????

[Mooch]

:no: :no: :no: :no: :no:
You ever heard of SEARCH?????

Just did a google image search on chicken stripper .....:confused: :eek5: :o

Not a good idea.

[skelstar]

Just did a google image search on chicken stripper .....:confused: :eek5: :o

Not a good idea.
From what I can tell, the chicken strip is the strip of rubber around the outside of you tire that hasnt been ridden on. A conservative rider would have very larger/wide chicken strips as they dont lean the bike over very far. A more aggresive (or reckless) rider would have very thin (or no) chicken strips on the edge of their tires as they have leaned their bike over much more in corners.

[Eurodave]

Do you know what part of the chicken the strips come from?
Bloody disgusting,it is.
Worse than McNuggets!

Do tell...........

[Storm]

Or have a flatter profile tyre- ie on my gn250, I had no chicken strips within two days of getting it brand new. So they arent by any means the be all and end all of rider ability gauging

[Wolf]

On getting a knee down: There's a guy on this site with a bit of a rep for fast riding. I've never seen him ride but the description given to me was "sitting on his bike like he's sitting in an armchair"... and leaving everyone for dead. Apparently it was "bad" enough when he had a Sports Tourer, now he has a Sprots boik he's even harder to keep up with. Apparently he has no need to get a knee down in order to corner like a demon.

I'd like to be around when someone said to him that his lack of scuffed knee-sliders was worth less riding-cred "points" - especially if those who have ridden with him are within earshot.

[skelstar]

On getting a knee down:...
Many (600cc+) tried to keep up with a local welly rider(250cc) and have struggled through the corners etc. Im VERY reliably informed that on a recent 'rider/racing instruction day' it was very hard to convince her to move around on/off her seat at all. She just leans and leans. Knees dont even come into it apparently.

[Qkchk]

Do I know them or don't I? Thats the usual question.......... Extra bonus points if they are a KBer ....:ride:

[skelstar]

Do I know them or don't I? Thats the usual question.......... Extra bonus points if they are a KBer ....:ride:
A quite fast female KBer in welly that rides a 250cc. All the clues are there.

[Uncle B]

Ooo...Ooo....I know, I know.

Could it be the dreaded Blue Meanie.:blip:

[Fatjim]

I only look at my own. Thats because I know I'm a crap rider, but I'm trying to get better and braver. It's a good way to quantify how brave I am to myself. Still got at least an inch to go on the front VTWIN.

[Macktheknife]

What impresses me on a ride is someone who offers to buy lunch.
Feel free to impress me anytime there BD! lol that place down Mission Bay was nice....:apint:

[Macktheknife]

A fresh salad and a water/diet pop for me now. After you've been doing it a while it tastes just almost as good and your guts just feel so much better for not injesting all that fat.
You gotta keep telling yourself that huh... dont tease the man fella's. :beer: :drinkup:

[Virago]

I just can't get over the number of dickheads on this site that firmly believe that "fast riding is good, slow riding is bad".

"Look at the size of his chicken strips - snigger snigger". Get over yourselves guys!

If I see someone on public roads, dressed in full race gear including knee sliders, I don't think "Wow", I think "Wanker".

Being able to corner faster than someone else doesn't make anyone a better rider. If anyone actually thinks that it does, then they are simply another egotistical "boy racer".:tugger:

Do it consistantly well on the race track - that will impress me. Play race track wannabe on public roads - you're a f*ckwit.

[rasty]

Nice one Virago -- I can't help wondering if the same image thing is behind the "armour good, anything else must be bad" mind-set that seems to be a big part of some bikers thinking these days.

[madboy]

If I see someone on public roads, dressed in full race gear including knee sliders, I don't think "Wow", I think "Wanker".Yep, imagine what those "wankers" on fast, well handling bikes think of people who ride bikes completely unsuited to corners, and yet who still insist of riding them through corners!

[wendigo]

If I see someone on public roads, dressed in full race gear including knee sliders, I don't think "Wow", I think "Wanker"

Damn!!! It's time to hang up me dayglo spyke's & full face wanker shoei lid & go of and get meself a nice black microthin leatherette jacket with tassels and matching trousers (with a nice big cod piece of course to replace the ego presently encapsulated by my leathers). And an open face lid of course.

Then, as I sail through the air when I punted of my bike by a car who didn't see me coz of my inconspicuous leathers, my final thoughts can be "At least I don't look like a wanker!!!"

You know - I think I'll pass on that one. Each to his own & all of that.

[Virago]

........I think I'll pass on that one. Each to his own & all of that.
I agree - each to his own. As I said earlier in this thread, ride fast or slow, I don't care. But I differentiate between riding fast, and riding "on the limit".

Riding "on the limit" on the race track is great - it impresses the hell out of me. Cornering on the limit of the bike and rider's ability (with the magical knee down) is great to see.

But the great thing about getting a knee down on the track, is that while there is little margin for error, there is also very few factors that can cross that margin. There's not likely to be a patch of diesel on the corner. Little Timmy is not going to run across the track chasing a ball. Timmy's grandad is not going to reverse his car out of a driveway. There's not likely to be a stray sheep wandering across the road.

These thing happen on public roads. And when the law of averages eventually catches up with the wannabe road racers, the self-rigtheous victim can always blame the diesel spiller, little Timmy, Timmy's grandad, or the farmer. As always it will be someone else's fault, not the idiot who removed all margin for error.

The boy-racers in their jap import cages also like to drive to the limit, street racing and "drifting" the corners. IMO they are anti-social wankers - just like the boy-racer bikers.

But as long as there are those here trying to impress each other with their scuffed knee sliders and lack of chicken strips, and scoffing at those "lesser" riders, we will continue to read the ride reports "Six of us went for a ride today, and only two fell off".

(I need a new soap box - this one's worn out).

[Waylander]

On getting a knee down: There's a guy on this site with a bit of a rep for fast riding. I've never seen him ride but the description given to me was "sitting on his bike like he's sitting in an armchair"... and leaving everyone for dead. Apparently it was "bad" enough when he had a Sports Tourer, now he has a Sprots boik he's even harder to keep up with. Apparently he has no need to get a knee down in order to corner like a demon.

I'd like to be around when someone said to him that his lack of scuffed knee-sliders was worth less riding-cred "points" - especially if those who have ridden with him are within earshot.
Hehe. I'de love to see dover, speedmedic or any of the other boyracer bikers try and keep up with Him one day.

[scumdog]

Damn!!! It's time to hang up me dayglo spyke's & full face wanker shoei lid & go of and get meself a nice black microthin leatherette jacket with tassels and matching trousers (with a nice big cod piece of course to replace the ego presently encapsulated by my leathers). And an open face lid of course.


Now your talking! (well partly) Tassles, open face helmet - now all you need are the fingerless gloves and skull mask!!:yeah: :woohoo: :ride:

[Waylander]

Now your talking! (well partly) Tassles, open face helmet - now all you need are the fingerless gloves and skull mask!!:yeah: :woohoo: :ride:
Who needs a helmet?:scratch:

[Uncle B]

No....Sorry......Still doing it.

[Fatjim]

Well here it is. The ultimae proof of Uncle B's hypocrocy.

[Wolf]

Well here it is. The ultimae proof of Uncle B's hypocrocy.
Fair's fair, we expect you to back up the claim that his are bigger than yours by showing us a photo and sworn affidavits from Justices of the Peace that you actually wore down the strips by riding the bike yourself rather than having someone else ride it or by scuffing them with sand paper...

We also require proof that the above photo wasn't taken 2kms up a straight road one minute after Uncle B bought the tyre...

Your evidence is not conclusive and would not "hold water" in any court of law.

[Ixion]

Now your talking! (well partly) Tassles, open face helmet - now all you need are the fingerless gloves and skull mask!!:yeah: :woohoo: :ride:

I don't get the fingerless gloves? Don't your fingers get cold?

[Uncle B]

Well here it is. The ultimae proof of Uncle B's hypocrocy.
Low blow Fatjim

You forgot to explain that It's a brand new bike with brand new tyres so caution prevails.......besides.....we won't mention that even tho I'm breaking her in I still have time to park up, remove my helmet, roll a smoke and light it before you turn up at the top of the Taka's.

You didn't mention that did you.......apology accepted.

[Kendog]

Well, I was planning on taking my first ride on my new bike up the hill on Sunday, but after reading this I may change my mind and go on a Monday avo! As soon as I pull up (very slowly probably) at the rest area to turn around because my hands will be sore from gripping the throttle so hard due to being scared shitliss, I will probably already have been scrutinised.:dodge: Great, the thought makes me more nervous than the actual ride up there!!! Thanks guys! And for the record, I check out firstly, is it a pretty bike, secondly, is it a chick riding (double brownie points, just for being a chick), and third if it's a guy, is he hot!! lol.:laugh:
signed Mrs Dog.

[Dafe]

Thats not quite fair - I must admit, those chicken strips were before Bruce had even ever sat on the bike!
I know, Coz I was there when this Honda rider was planning his devious motives!

[crazyxr250rider]

oh dear. what a minfeild..........quite frankly I could'nt give a shit how good a rider someone is on a trail ride its jus about getting out and havin' good time and meeting up with likeminded people..........

[Big Dave]

I don't get the fingerless gloves? Don't your fingers get cold?

I only wear them on hot days and they are great. I rode around all day today in 'em and my Davida open face....and LIVED to tell the tale.

Nada tassles.

[Ixion]

But, but, but , dontcha KNOW, it's a SCIENTIFIC FACT that wearing an open face helmet will KILL YA, cos the air pressure will force its way up your nostrils, into your skull cavity and force your brain cells out your ears, and they'll be blown away in the wind. The gubberinmint oughta pass a LAW against irresponsible riders like you !