Motorcycle myths
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Your post will create a lot of conversation. I dont agree with it, of course.
1. If you want to stay safe and alive, forget wearing a helmet, simply do NOT ride a motorcycle. No public servant of public agency should be forcing you to wear anything.
2. Even though I do not have loud pipes, NO question in my mind they save lives, I drive 1000 miles a week, when a bike with loud pipes is near me or in a blind spot I know it right away.
Sometimes I am startled when changing lanes to find a quiet bike was right next to me, if he had loud pipes I would have known it before looking.
With that said, loud pipes are illegal, with good reason, the public should not have to put up with your obnoxious loud motorcycle because your afraid to get in an accident. If you are afraid, then stay off motorcycles and let the public enjoy life in peace instead of listening to your ILLEGAL loud pipes.
1. If you want to stay safe and alive, forget wearing a helmet, simply do NOT ride a motorcycle. No public servant of public agency should be forcing you to wear anything.
2. Even though I do not have loud pipes, NO question in my mind they save lives, I drive 1000 miles a week, when a bike with loud pipes is near me or in a blind spot I know it right away.
Sometimes I am startled when changing lanes to find a quiet bike was right next to me, if he had loud pipes I would have known it before looking.
With that said, loud pipes are illegal, with good reason, the public should not have to put up with your obnoxious loud motorcycle because your afraid to get in an accident. If you are afraid, then stay off motorcycles and let the public enjoy life in peace instead of listening to your ILLEGAL loud pipes.
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I don't ride street bikes, because many car drivers just plain [censored] are blind and stupid, and I have a family.
As for tires, I know for a fact the NEW tires on my 2014 WRX were sprayed with TWO compounds, one some type of preservative in Japan and the other some type of appearance material when they prepped the new car for delivery. And that stuff was very slippery in wet. I found this out when I wrote nastigrams to SOA and discussed this with dealers and other owners - pretty sure they stopped doing this, well at least my dealer did. It took scrubbing with a few cleaners to get the surface stuff off - without damaging the rubber compound. Now I never called the stuff "mold release", because it wasn't. But dollars to donuts some MC dealers coated their tires with something. Crazy how illogical some people can be.
As for tires, I know for a fact the NEW tires on my 2014 WRX were sprayed with TWO compounds, one some type of preservative in Japan and the other some type of appearance material when they prepped the new car for delivery. And that stuff was very slippery in wet. I found this out when I wrote nastigrams to SOA and discussed this with dealers and other owners - pretty sure they stopped doing this, well at least my dealer did. It took scrubbing with a few cleaners to get the surface stuff off - without damaging the rubber compound. Now I never called the stuff "mold release", because it wasn't. But dollars to donuts some MC dealers coated their tires with something. Crazy how illogical some people can be.
Originally Posted By: alarmguy
Your post will create a lot of conversation. I dont agree with it, of course.
1. If you want to stay safe and alive, forget wearing a helmet, simply do NOT ride a motorcycle. No public servant of public agency should be forcing you to wear anything.
2. Even though I do not have loud pipes, NO question in my mind they save lives, I drive 1000 miles a week, when a bike with loud pipes is near me or in a blind spot I know it right away.
Sometimes I am startled when changing lanes to find a quiet bike was right next to me, if he had loud pipes I would have known it before looking.
With that said, loud pipes are illegal, with good reason, the public should not have to put up with your obnoxious loud motorcycle because your afraid to get in an accident. If you are afraid, then stay off motorcycles and let the public enjoy life in peace instead of listening to your ILLEGAL loud pipes.
Controversial, yes, but most of what he says (based on 35+ years and 400,000 miles+ of riding experience) is spot-on (can't rally comment on the tire thing, but I generally take it easy on new tires, FWIW)
While the debate about forcing people to wear a helmet is a contentious one, as far as I am concerned, anyone riding without one is simply proving that they have nothing worth protecting. In other words, governments shouldn't have to force people to wear one as people should wear them on their own (and not these little "microhelmet" contraptions, a veritable full-face helmet, same goes for wearing the rest of the adequate gear; shorts and sandals are NOT riding gear, regardless of what you ride - before someone tries to turn this into a anti-cruiser post, which it is not). I seem to recall Gary Busey being a rabid anti-helmet type, that is until he had a fall and smashed his noggin against a curb. Thankfully he survived, but he's been very quiet on the helmet front since then... funny how that works.
As for loud pipes, they likely do help to some degree, but the downside for everyone else but the rider (ie. major annoyance; not to mention losing riding areas) does not justify it. Learn to ride (to use your brakes, evasive techniques, get a decent horn,...) stay alert and you'll be far safer than having loud pipes and relying on them as your sole defensive mechanism - to rely on loud pipes alone to save your butt is very short-sighted (and that is being polite).
Your post will create a lot of conversation. I dont agree with it, of course.
1. If you want to stay safe and alive, forget wearing a helmet, simply do NOT ride a motorcycle. No public servant of public agency should be forcing you to wear anything.
2. Even though I do not have loud pipes, NO question in my mind they save lives, I drive 1000 miles a week, when a bike with loud pipes is near me or in a blind spot I know it right away.
Sometimes I am startled when changing lanes to find a quiet bike was right next to me, if he had loud pipes I would have known it before looking.
With that said, loud pipes are illegal, with good reason, the public should not have to put up with your obnoxious loud motorcycle because your afraid to get in an accident. If you are afraid, then stay off motorcycles and let the public enjoy life in peace instead of listening to your ILLEGAL loud pipes.
Controversial, yes, but most of what he says (based on 35+ years and 400,000 miles+ of riding experience) is spot-on (can't rally comment on the tire thing, but I generally take it easy on new tires, FWIW)
While the debate about forcing people to wear a helmet is a contentious one, as far as I am concerned, anyone riding without one is simply proving that they have nothing worth protecting. In other words, governments shouldn't have to force people to wear one as people should wear them on their own (and not these little "microhelmet" contraptions, a veritable full-face helmet, same goes for wearing the rest of the adequate gear; shorts and sandals are NOT riding gear, regardless of what you ride - before someone tries to turn this into a anti-cruiser post, which it is not). I seem to recall Gary Busey being a rabid anti-helmet type, that is until he had a fall and smashed his noggin against a curb. Thankfully he survived, but he's been very quiet on the helmet front since then... funny how that works.
As for loud pipes, they likely do help to some degree, but the downside for everyone else but the rider (ie. major annoyance; not to mention losing riding areas) does not justify it. Learn to ride (to use your brakes, evasive techniques, get a decent horn,...) stay alert and you'll be far safer than having loud pipes and relying on them as your sole defensive mechanism - to rely on loud pipes alone to save your butt is very short-sighted (and that is being polite).
I ride like everyone is out to kill me. So far I've fared well, but have had some close calls where a car tried to merge into me.
Never thought I'd be a motorcycle rider, but once you get to experience the freedom of it, it's hard to replicate with anything else.
Never thought I'd be a motorcycle rider, but once you get to experience the freedom of it, it's hard to replicate with anything else.
Originally Posted By: Reddy45
I ride like everyone is out to kill me. So far I've fared well, but have had some close calls where a car tried to merge into me.
Never thought I'd be a motorcycle rider, but once you get to experience the freedom of it, it's hard to replicate with anything else.
The freedom is one part, the performance envelope of a liter class street bike is something that is nearly impossible to recreate in an auto of any HP.
UD
I ride like everyone is out to kill me. So far I've fared well, but have had some close calls where a car tried to merge into me.
Never thought I'd be a motorcycle rider, but once you get to experience the freedom of it, it's hard to replicate with anything else.
The freedom is one part, the performance envelope of a liter class street bike is something that is nearly impossible to recreate in an auto of any HP.
UD
I bought a used bike when I was about 25. Fixed a few things. Liked shifting through the gears on a back road. Was scared to drive on major roads. Decided I liked working on my bike more than riding it.
Sold it when my daughter was born.
Sold it when my daughter was born.
Been on two wheels since ~'88. Was taught appropriately at a Rider Safety course & a female instructor told me to ride as if I was invisible. And if the car driver DID see me, she told me to assume that they were all trying to kill me. I have never forgotten it & I have ridden accordingly ever since. While I understand Americans' sense of personal liberty (& I respect it), I simply think that choosing to skip the lid is a poor decision. If you are thumbing your nose at 'the man', well, fine I guess - suit yourself. But as has already been posted, do NOT try to make this personal liberty choice into anything more than that. Same goes for seat belts.
The loud exhaust trope is nothing more than that. I have been on motorists' bumpers w/ the siren on (to say nothing of lighting) & they simply do not respond. Their looks of shock as I went alongside them when the coast was clear for me to do so, were always genuine, I assure you. The number of drivers who should never be on the road w/ the rest of us would terrify you. I do not want to know the number out of fear of never leaving the house again... Loud pipes... Hah! Carry on there Super Chief. Wishing things were so has never made anything so, if that's a proper sentence.
John.
The loud exhaust trope is nothing more than that. I have been on motorists' bumpers w/ the siren on (to say nothing of lighting) & they simply do not respond. Their looks of shock as I went alongside them when the coast was clear for me to do so, were always genuine, I assure you. The number of drivers who should never be on the road w/ the rest of us would terrify you. I do not want to know the number out of fear of never leaving the house again... Loud pipes... Hah! Carry on there Super Chief. Wishing things were so has never made anything so, if that's a proper sentence.
John.
The stereotypical Harley riders attitude of loud pipes and no helmet is not remotely an issue in other parts of the world. I've been riding for 45 years and have never come across anyone who wanted to ride without a helmet and loud pipes wouldn't get through the annual inspection.
The tire release myth was more interesting. I've scrubbed new tyres with soap and water convinced I was doing some good. Hands up anyone who has removed the mould vent pips one by one on a new tire.
The tire release myth was more interesting. I've scrubbed new tyres with soap and water convinced I was doing some good. Hands up anyone who has removed the mould vent pips one by one on a new tire.
Originally Posted By: barryh
The stereotypical Harley riders attitude of loud pipes and no helmet is not remotely an issue in other parts of the world. I've been riding for 45 years and have never come across anyone who wanted to ride without a helmet and loud pipes wouldn't get through the annual inspection.
The tire release myth was more interesting. I've scrubbed new tyres with soap and water convinced I was doing some good. Hands up anyone who has removed the mould vent pips one by one on a new tire.
I just pulled a couple 100 off a new d404.
The stereotypical Harley riders attitude of loud pipes and no helmet is not remotely an issue in other parts of the world. I've been riding for 45 years and have never come across anyone who wanted to ride without a helmet and loud pipes wouldn't get through the annual inspection.
The tire release myth was more interesting. I've scrubbed new tyres with soap and water convinced I was doing some good. Hands up anyone who has removed the mould vent pips one by one on a new tire.
I just pulled a couple 100 off a new d404.
Originally Posted By: barryh
The stereotypical Harley riders attitude of loud pipes and no helmet is not remotely an issue in other parts of the world. I've been riding for 45 years and have never come across anyone who wanted to ride without a helmet and loud pipes wouldn't get through the annual inspection.
It's no myth here. The 1%ers do it when they know they can get away with it (no lid that is), and I've seen *loads* of muppets who should know better *trying* to get away with it. We don't have annual inspections, so the first thing they do when they re-birth a stolen machine is drop the factory exhaust and load up a couple of [censored] cannons. Plenty of "chartered accountants" on their day off do the same thing, except they put on the pudding basin with the bandana across their face so they can pretend they are one of the 1%ers too.
Still, the world would be a boring place if we were all the same.
The stereotypical Harley riders attitude of loud pipes and no helmet is not remotely an issue in other parts of the world. I've been riding for 45 years and have never come across anyone who wanted to ride without a helmet and loud pipes wouldn't get through the annual inspection.
It's no myth here. The 1%ers do it when they know they can get away with it (no lid that is), and I've seen *loads* of muppets who should know better *trying* to get away with it. We don't have annual inspections, so the first thing they do when they re-birth a stolen machine is drop the factory exhaust and load up a couple of [censored] cannons. Plenty of "chartered accountants" on their day off do the same thing, except they put on the pudding basin with the bandana across their face so they can pretend they are one of the 1%ers too.
Still, the world would be a boring place if we were all the same.
I would never ride without a helmet, but do believe a person should have the right to ride without a helmet.
Putting a helmet on in South Florida summer is an act of torture in my opinion.
When it is too uncomfortable to ride with a helmet, I simply don't ride. But given the amount of people here in South Florida who have only their two-wheeler as transportation, I can't blame people for skipping it.
Don't blame people for the loud pipes either. People try to merge into me when I'm driving my Rams. There's no way daylight can even reach most of their cars if I am next to them, and they still do it anyway.
The ticket here is to have a bright paint scheme, louder (but not obnoxious) pipes, LED indirect lighting in the frame, and super bright headlights and Highway lights.
Without the last item, people turning off of a side street will have no issue turning directly in front of you regardless of a stop sign, signal, or whatever.
Not a popular opinion in the "be considerate" crowd, but my life is not something that is on the table to be given in the name of consideration.
Putting a helmet on in South Florida summer is an act of torture in my opinion.
When it is too uncomfortable to ride with a helmet, I simply don't ride. But given the amount of people here in South Florida who have only their two-wheeler as transportation, I can't blame people for skipping it.
Don't blame people for the loud pipes either. People try to merge into me when I'm driving my Rams. There's no way daylight can even reach most of their cars if I am next to them, and they still do it anyway.
The ticket here is to have a bright paint scheme, louder (but not obnoxious) pipes, LED indirect lighting in the frame, and super bright headlights and Highway lights.
Without the last item, people turning off of a side street will have no issue turning directly in front of you regardless of a stop sign, signal, or whatever.
Not a popular opinion in the "be considerate" crowd, but my life is not something that is on the table to be given in the name of consideration.
I've not heard the tire mold release issue before. I did roadracing for years and that never once came up. Heat in the tire was always 90% of it, and I'd say scuffing them up with a turn or 2 the other 10%. That would apply to a regular street bike or cruiser too, except you don't need your tires at 170 degrees for just a casual turn. If someone dumps it pulling out of the parking lot after getting their new tires its' because there's no heat in them at all and they're not scuffed and they're on a bad surface, not cuz of some kind of mold release. IOW rider stupidity. Tires really are remarkable these days, brains and common sense not so much.
Originally Posted By: barryh
Hands up anyone who has removed the mould vent pips one by one on a new tire.
I just wear those off by riding. But perhaps even more unusual, I do like the smell of new tires..
Hands up anyone who has removed the mould vent pips one by one on a new tire.
I just wear those off by riding. But perhaps even more unusual, I do like the smell of new tires..
Originally Posted By: DoubleWasp
Putting a helmet on in South Florida summer is an act of torture in my opinion.
certainly less so than the alternative, that is, leaving your brain all over the pavement... As I posted earlier, I cannot comprehend why any sane person would seek to ride a motorcycle without a helmet... Proof, yet again, that Darwin was ahead of his time on that natural selection idea... Russian Roulette anyone? Chainsaw juggling? Bring it on boys!
Putting a helmet on in South Florida summer is an act of torture in my opinion.
certainly less so than the alternative, that is, leaving your brain all over the pavement... As I posted earlier, I cannot comprehend why any sane person would seek to ride a motorcycle without a helmet... Proof, yet again, that Darwin was ahead of his time on that natural selection idea... Russian Roulette anyone? Chainsaw juggling? Bring it on boys!
Originally Posted By: 02SE
Originally Posted By: barryh
Hands up anyone who has removed the mould vent pips one by one on a new tire.
I just wear those off by riding. But perhaps even more unusual, I do like the smell of new tires..
Even on the side wall? ... dang!
Originally Posted By: barryh
Hands up anyone who has removed the mould vent pips one by one on a new tire.
I just wear those off by riding. But perhaps even more unusual, I do like the smell of new tires..
Even on the side wall? ... dang!
Originally Posted By: Mik
Originally Posted By: alarmguy
Controversial, yes, but most of what he says (based on 35+ years and 400,000 miles+ of riding experience) is spot-on (can't rally comment on the tire thing, but I generally take it easy on new tires, FWIW)
While the debate about forcing people to wear a helmet is a contentious one, as far as I am concerned, anyone riding without one is simply proving that they have nothing worth protecting. In other words, governments shouldn't have to force people to wear one as people should wear them on their own (and not these little "microhelmet" contraptions, a veritable full-face helmet, same goes for wearing the rest of the adequate gear; shorts and sandals are NOT riding gear, regardless of what you ride - before someone tries to turn this into a anti-cruiser post, which it is not). I seem to recall Gary Busey being a rabid anti-helmet type, that is until he had a fall and smashed his noggin against a curb. Thankfully he survived, but he's been very quiet on the helmet front since then... funny how that works.
As for loud pipes, they likely do help to some degree, but the downside for everyone else but the rider (ie. major annoyance; not to mention losing riding areas) does not justify it. Learn to ride (to use your brakes, evasive techniques, get a decent horn,...) stay alert and you'll be far safer than having loud pipes and relying on them as your sole defensive mechanism - to rely on loud pipes alone to save your butt is very short-sighted (and that is being polite).
I can understand your post taking into account you are from another country, being the USA is supposed to be the beacon of freedom for individual rights I do not expect you to understand.
Government can not force you to wear anything on your body that you do not want too.
Your thoughts and words reflect many of those even in my country but they are wrong for they do not understand the individual FREEDOMS that are to be respected by our public SERVANTS.
Your comments are slanted at best and misleading at worst.
1. Loud Pipes - No one said "rely solely" on loud pipes for safety. One thing for sure, you KNOW WHEN A BIKE with loud pipes is in your blind spot vs a quiet bike.
2. You bring up seat belts in a car but not helmets, interesting.
Do you know how many of the 30,000 PLUS DEATHS in the USA EVERY SINGLE YEAR would be prevented if people in automobiles were forced to wear helmets?
Do you know out of the 100,000 or more automobile head injuries would be prevented if people in motor vehicles were forced to wear helmets?
Bottom line, in the USA we are a free people without PUBLIC servants imposing their thoughts on how we should live.
Ok, you mention seat belts - a seat belt is a passive device that is placed over your body, not on your body, a seat belt does PROTECT THE PUBLIC, if you lose control of your car, a seat belt will lock you in place at the controls where you may be able to avoid hurting others.
A Helmet does not, it just protects against personal injury.
A helmet on a driver of an automobile will save countless lives and head injuries, 1000 times more then motorcycle helmets ... but, again, we live in a free country. Ever notice race car drivers wear helmets? *L*
BTW - Down here in South Carolina, the land of the free, we do not have to wear helmets.
I do wear a helmet because I choose too, I do not look down on someone who doesnt, because motorcycles are dangerous, helmet or not.
If you want to prevent injuries, if you want your public servants to be your mommy or daddy, BAN motorcycles from public roads, no matter how you look at it, they are plain dangerous and nothing is going to make them safe.
I do not have loud pipes either...but I know when a bike with loud pipes is in my blind spot.
Originally Posted By: alarmguy
Controversial, yes, but most of what he says (based on 35+ years and 400,000 miles+ of riding experience) is spot-on (can't rally comment on the tire thing, but I generally take it easy on new tires, FWIW)
While the debate about forcing people to wear a helmet is a contentious one, as far as I am concerned, anyone riding without one is simply proving that they have nothing worth protecting. In other words, governments shouldn't have to force people to wear one as people should wear them on their own (and not these little "microhelmet" contraptions, a veritable full-face helmet, same goes for wearing the rest of the adequate gear; shorts and sandals are NOT riding gear, regardless of what you ride - before someone tries to turn this into a anti-cruiser post, which it is not). I seem to recall Gary Busey being a rabid anti-helmet type, that is until he had a fall and smashed his noggin against a curb. Thankfully he survived, but he's been very quiet on the helmet front since then... funny how that works.
As for loud pipes, they likely do help to some degree, but the downside for everyone else but the rider (ie. major annoyance; not to mention losing riding areas) does not justify it. Learn to ride (to use your brakes, evasive techniques, get a decent horn,...) stay alert and you'll be far safer than having loud pipes and relying on them as your sole defensive mechanism - to rely on loud pipes alone to save your butt is very short-sighted (and that is being polite).
I can understand your post taking into account you are from another country, being the USA is supposed to be the beacon of freedom for individual rights I do not expect you to understand.
Government can not force you to wear anything on your body that you do not want too.
Your thoughts and words reflect many of those even in my country but they are wrong for they do not understand the individual FREEDOMS that are to be respected by our public SERVANTS.
Your comments are slanted at best and misleading at worst.
1. Loud Pipes - No one said "rely solely" on loud pipes for safety. One thing for sure, you KNOW WHEN A BIKE with loud pipes is in your blind spot vs a quiet bike.
2. You bring up seat belts in a car but not helmets, interesting.
Do you know how many of the 30,000 PLUS DEATHS in the USA EVERY SINGLE YEAR would be prevented if people in automobiles were forced to wear helmets?
Do you know out of the 100,000 or more automobile head injuries would be prevented if people in motor vehicles were forced to wear helmets?
Bottom line, in the USA we are a free people without PUBLIC servants imposing their thoughts on how we should live.
Ok, you mention seat belts - a seat belt is a passive device that is placed over your body, not on your body, a seat belt does PROTECT THE PUBLIC, if you lose control of your car, a seat belt will lock you in place at the controls where you may be able to avoid hurting others.
A Helmet does not, it just protects against personal injury.
A helmet on a driver of an automobile will save countless lives and head injuries, 1000 times more then motorcycle helmets ... but, again, we live in a free country. Ever notice race car drivers wear helmets? *L*
BTW - Down here in South Carolina, the land of the free, we do not have to wear helmets.
I do wear a helmet because I choose too, I do not look down on someone who doesnt, because motorcycles are dangerous, helmet or not.
If you want to prevent injuries, if you want your public servants to be your mommy or daddy, BAN motorcycles from public roads, no matter how you look at it, they are plain dangerous and nothing is going to make them safe.
I do not have loud pipes either...but I know when a bike with loud pipes is in my blind spot.
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I'm pushing 70 and been riding since the early 1970's.....The older I get, the more protective equipment I wear...next year will be the full body armor
The helmets? I recommend wearing the best one you can afford and a leather or Kevlar jacket and boots at the least...But like smoking and being fat, it's a personal decision in my opinion...
The helmets? I recommend wearing the best one you can afford and a leather or Kevlar jacket and boots at the least...But like smoking and being fat, it's a personal decision in my opinion...
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