Not caring

[Phantom Limb]

I think too many learner riders are progressing through the novice system without spending enough time in the saddle. I know a fair few younger guys who've jumped on two wheels recently, and their bikes are just sitting in the garage because they've too many excuses to not go riding.
It would be excellent if there was a way to ensure that each learner rider completed a prerequisite number of kilometers before taking the next stage.
By the time these guys / gals get to 'big bike' stage, they're still not confident on a motorcycle! So the system of time elapsed and piss easy tests is just not working.

[arcane12]

I think too many learner riders are progressing through the novice system without spending enough time in the saddle. I know a fair few younger guys who've jumped on two wheels recently, and their bikes are just sitting in the garage because they've too many excuses to not go riding.
It would be excellent if there was a way to ensure that each learner rider completed a prerequisite number of kilometers before taking the next stage.
By the time these guys / gals get to 'big bike' stage, they're still not confident on a motorcycle! So the system of time elapsed and piss easy tests is just not working.

Yes! That's my gripe (a bit self serving as I am on my restricted, and commuting to work). I could just go out on the occasional weekend ride on a cheap little 250, wait out my time to get my full and get myself killed on a nice big bike. I guess my biggest disappointment is as the new system was coming out they said one thing, and then at the last minute shifted the goalposts.

In regard to the crash statistics, my first thought is "There are lies, damn lies, and statistics." Though when creating a report like that it must be difficult to choose what data to include, and still make the report concise. I love the little squiggle for loss of control turning right!

Loss of control is an interesting category, I wonder if they differenitated (or even were able to) between rider error and pure accident. Which would be hard especially as where do you draw the line between not driving defensively enough and just pure bad luck?

On the lighter side - I guess I will stay on my restricted for evar! Much safer, as long as I stay on an under 750. But once I turn 40 I guess I hang up the towel as it becomes 3x more likely to crash?

[Banditbandit]

Riders come and riders go. Personally I don't care how or what you ride, just don't give me any grief and we'll be fine.

Wot he said - that's about it ...

Dickheads on small bikes I leave behind as quickly as possible - speed freaks on sports bikes I let disappear over the horizon ..

[ital916]

Followed a person on a 1000 monster the other day, he/she was scared to death of leaning it over. Came to a crawl turning at an intersection and would go wide on slight bends on the motorway. Almost sideswiped a car in the lane next to them. I had a chuckle, it was funny. Funny, riding a liter bike without the skill or competence to even maneuver it. Seeing as they were coming from treads, it might be the case of having new tires, but having new tires doesn't stop someone from riding the thing, it isn't going to explode if you lean it over. I had my laugh and overtook. Out of sight, out of mind.

[ducatilover]

it was funny.

I don't get the punch line.

You bunch of wimmin' worry and moan far too much, hitch yer britches up and go for a bloody ride.

If motorcycling became illegal, I'd simply leave and take my bikes with me.

[f2dz]

Who else just has reached this point?

I used to care, but now I don't. If people wanna ride like idiots, that's their prerogative. Just so long as they don't crash into me and kill me, or kill anyone else, that's fine.

If they crash and kill themselves, meh. Their fault.

As for the current system, there's no way they should remove the cc restrictions and let anyone ride anything. You'd have even more crazy idiots out there.

[Big Dave]

Love the lovers and ignore the haters.

[GrayWolf]

I think too many learner riders are progressing through the novice system without spending enough time in the saddle. I know a fair few younger guys who've jumped on two wheels recently, and their bikes are just sitting in the garage because they've too many excuses to not go riding.
It would be excellent if there was a way to ensure that each learner rider completed a prerequisite number of kilometers before taking the next stage.
By the time these guys / gals get to 'big bike' stage, they're still not confident on a motorcycle! So the system of time elapsed and piss easy tests is just not working.

Careful there Phantom, you'll be getting told you're a legend?, and you need a street or building named after you!!

[wingnutt]

I ride a 1200 tourer, and have never had a problem with youngsters on any bike, I found them courteous and I've never
ever had the situation, where Ive cursed.

I have on accassion, thought the way they are riding, like bad lines etc, concerns me because motorcycling is a great leveler, and sooner or later it can bite you on the butt.

I care about other riders on the road as you should, because you have a responsabilty to other road users as well as yourself.

[Fatt Max]

I find that other bikers dont like me cos I is fat....

[rastuscat]

Sitting on a bike for a very long time makes you about as much of a rider as heating up thousands of microwave dinners makes you a chef.

I could hug you for this comment. It is soooooo fecking true.

I followed a very experienced rider recently on the Akaroa Road. He didn't break any laws, he didn't fall off, so as far as he is concerned, he's a great rider. He braked in totally unnecessary places, took crap lines in corners, and used his gears like a total numpty. He's bloody hopeless, IMHO.

Experience counts for something most times, but not always. Potentially it only means you've had plenty of time to develop bad riding.

[duckonin]

Actually, i think you will find that it is not young riders who are featuring in our motorcycle fatalities.

I would be inclined to use the word 'yet' after your word of "fatalities".

[jrandom]

I could hug you for this comment.

OMG really?

[Richard Mc F]

I am awsome................don't care much for others