Woe to the cage drivers

[Dave]

I got given an A100 by an apprentice at my work a few years ago, I used to really enjoy thrashing the stupid little thing to work in rush hour,lane splitting and knowing that even if i dropped it-i would pick it up have a laugh and carry on. It was far more enjoyable for that purpose than the stress of riding the GSXR in heavy traffic.
Now its relegated to a paddock bike at bike rallys. that reminds me-time to reserect it for cold kiwi.

[Yamahamaman]

For my 2c, I believe many of our woes are caused by the inexperience of a vast many cage manipulators (note I did not use the word driver). These manipulators and boy racers have been driven to school by their mums all their life and when they turn fifteen start to drive themselves to school bypassing that vulnerable bicycle stage which is where respect of the roads and other traffic users is learned either the easy way or the hard way.

I have also come to the comclusion that the amount of 'dangly charms' hanging from the rearview mirror is inversely proportional to the vehicle manipulating skills of the owner.

:roadkill:

[georgedubyabush]

yeah, im in agreement with pretty much everything here. those are just things ive heard said to me, largely in jest.
im happy enough with the 250 I guess, it would be a great city bike. my beef is that i pretty much never ride in town, so my speed is hardly ever low enough to shine in the nimble lanesplitting stakes. I only ever even lived in town for 3years of uni. I get down to Whangarei maybe once a month.
ive never ridden another road bike, so dont know how much better mine is in the corners. so they dont all corner like this?
All I see is miles of empty Northland roads. I'm 10minutes from the Mungamuka gorge, now that's fun.

I wouldve thought that tyres at least would last a little longer on a 250. my battlaxs have no tread at 4500kms.

[Antallica]

Might see you next week George, I'm cruising up Opanoni way next week. See if I can't bring my 150cc up to 150k/hr again

[MikeL]

Bike vs car vs public transport for commuting: empirical evidence:

Commute: Onehunga - city (Aotea Centre): 7:30 a.m.; city to Onehunga: 5 p.m.

BIKE:
Time: morning: 10-15 minutes; evening: 20-25 minutes
Cost: petrol: bugger all; parking: free
Health/safety/comfort: keep your wits about you and the only unavoidable hazard is dirty diesel exhausts; cold and wet can be a bit of a trial at times, but hey! you're on a bike!

CAR:
Time: morning: 20-25 minutes; evening: 30-40 minutes
Cost: petrol: not that much (Toyota Starlet!!); parking: $12
Health/safety/comfort: cocooned, heater, radio... only danger is when I forget that I'm not on my bike and try to lane filter...

BUS:
Time: morning: 30-40 minutes; evening: 55-70mins not counting waiting time at bus stop
Cost: $6.60
Health/safety/comfort: only form of transport that enables me to read Zen and the Art of Motorcyle Maintenance while going to work. Other advantages... hmm, give me time, I'll think of something. Hint: in wet weather, don't sit underneath the skylight: it leaks. Published bus timetables belong to the category of fantasy fiction.

So judge for yourself. For me, the choice is between bike and car. At this time of the year, the car sometimes seems the more sensible option. Much and all as I enjoy cursing the cagers when I'm on my bike, and regret not being on the bike when I'm in the car, stuck in a long line of traffic, it would be hypocritical of me to condemn the automobile. As for public transport, the only time I'll use the bus again is if both my car and bike are out of action at the same time.

[georgedubyabush]

which way you going Antallica? through the trees? up through twinbridges, or doing the loop?
might be able to join you depending on whether or not I can find a new set of my oddball tyre size. (and if I can keep up) no one up here can find any. ordering may take a while.
anyone know who might have the following in stock:
140/60R18
110/70R17
new ones Kwaka kid so dont try and sell me your raceslick specials.

[Antallica]

I'll be going Tuesday probably, I'll be taking the normal Whangarei route right past Rawene a bit. I'll be coming back on Thurs same way. Keep up... pfft, just wait till I shove something nasty in your rims

[Coldkiwi]

yeah. to be honest.. if banksie wants people to use his spanky new train station or any other public transport system  he's going to have to make it significantly faster, cheaper or more convenient than using their cars. Preferably at least two of the above.

And frankly, the bike is plenty cheaper and twice as fast as bus, train, ferry or car and its only a bit less convenient in winter... but then, with decent gear I never actually get wet... if i parked the car 500m away i'd get pissed on !!!

[georgedubyabush]

Antallica;
through to Dargaville, then up through the trees seems to be the well worn biker route. I went down through there in my car about 3 weeks ago and dozens of all types of bikes were coming the other way. I was thinking, damn wish it was me. wouldve been too if I dared try and strap the girlfriend on the back. I'd recommend it if you havent already. (the tree route, not strapping my girlfriend on the back of your bike) probably about two dollars extra gas in that 150

[Antallica]

Dunno if I can afford the gas .. oohh I might just be able to scrounge up something.

Yeah might venture up that way instead, it IS the shorter route I am told anyway. I just don't know it. *buys map*

[wkid_one]

An interesting thread - here go some of my thoughts...

250cc:

Anyone who doesn't believe these are quick and manly - get on a GP bike - yeah right - fat chance.  Well ride the Aprilia RS250 - this will give the shits to many a large cube sports bike when ridden well.  250's are superb for learning how to corner and maintain corner speed - with big bike you can fall in to the 'use the power' trap - rather than best line.

Why Car Driver's don't switch:

I believe a multitude of reasons.  Many have to wear suits - and this isn't as conducive on a bike.  Many cars are paid for by the the company so they are compelled to use them 9see my in 1 week when I get the company car - with tow bar of course to tow the bike to the track mwaaa hahaha).  Weather puts many car drivers off.  Many people are scared of bikes through previous or relayed experiences.  Bikes aren't always safe to park where some people work.  Some people have to transport a lot of stuff when they work.  Some people have to pick up clients/visit clients..  Some people just don't even think about bikes.  See - all valid reasons - albeit some of them ignorant.

Lane Splitting

See the thread a started - I LOVE lane splitting.  Except when I get to close to a car and rip my foot peg off in their wheel arch at 120kph.....ask KiwiDan - he was following....

Anywho - my contribution.