What the feck have you done today?

[Hugo Magnus]

Entirely based on Youtube clips and videos, you tend to see a lot of riders in the US who aren't safely kitted out - riders in UK and EU on the whole, get fully wrapped up before getting on a bike.

And on multi-lane roads where you can overtake on either side must be a nightmare; must spend more time looking in your mirrors than ahead.

There seems to be a lot more motorway accidents (cars) in the past few years (this is my perception based on local motorway closures) and I wonder how many are caused by immigrants from countries that have very low standards of driving: my cousin was crashed into by 2 Iraqis about 20 years ago - they didn't have a license so obviously no insurance....and fuck all happened to them.

There are a lot of videos from the states showing Motorcyclists who are unable to navigate bends!

 

[Dox]

There are a lot of videos from the states showing Motorcyclists who are unable to navigate bends!

I thought those were all from Australia?

I wonder if those are still on here...he was actually proud of them...no apexes were touched in the making of those videos

 

[RA5]

All power to your elbow.
I find it incredible that you have "a higher rate of injury or death" over there. Only the other day there were 2 separate motorcycle fatalities in Weymouth; I could take you to 6 sites within a 3 mile radius of my hose where M/C's have met their fete. I'm sure we've all lost friends as a result of motorcycle accidents. I lost one to a deer. and a married couple to and drugged and drunken driver.

Tiered licensing helps, but this will be a tough battle. Like Dox said, the lack of gear here I'm sure also affects the numbers. Freedom....to die.

 

[Exige]

I'm posting this for self-accountability in a public forum to hopefully manipulate myself to stick with it -sadly, I need this to do this kinda shit to keep me on track, will it work? Who knows, I hope it does.

The current legal status of my nephew's fatal accident this past May is a shit-show. Not going to get into details, basically, the intoxicated driver was released the following day and as of recently has a warrant for a DUI. The investigation into the event is closed and he was not charged for the fatality.

Looking into the details of the accident has prompted me to think about how dangerous it is to ride here in the US despite our awesome roads. Fortunately, thanks to some of you fine fellows and my time in Belgium, I've been afforded the opportunity to experience what an incredible experience riding is in the UK and EU. Doing very little research, it is safer for you mates, despite a significant higher volume of motorcycles and smaller roads in your region, motorcycle riders in the US have a 5X higher rate of injury or death in comparison. There are several reasons for this which I am actively researching and I want to do something about it.

It will be a long arduous effort, but I've decided wtf, why not? For now, I am collecting data, analyzing, researching legislation, and developing a plan on how I can use this information to foster change that saves lives, increases competency in the riding community and brings awareness and responsibility to the other people on the roads we all share here.

More to come hopefully, or I will be distracted by something else and fuck off. Right now though, this is an important issue for me and I want to share with you lot.

You'd be better starting a separate thread, either in the Bikers Cafe section or the Subscribers Private Lounge bit of the forum if you want viewing more limited. Easy to keep track and keep all discussion in one place...

 

[Dukesox]

Tiered licensing helps, but this will be a tough battle. Like Dox said, the lack of gear here I'm sure also affects the numbers. Freedom....to die.

Is it weather related ? I appreciate Merca is a big place with lots of different weather but certainly here in the UK you have to wear a fair bit of kit much of the year to stop yourself freezing and then when it`s not cold it`s often way too hot for riding , like last week.
I hate seeing holidaymakers, usually total biking novices , whizzing about on Greek/Spanish islands on often badly maintained scooters wearing nothing more than shorts, a tee shirt and a pair of sunglasses. What could possibly go wrong ?

 

[Loz]

Is it weather related ? I appreciate Merca is a big place with lots of different weather but certainly here in the UK you have to wear a fair bit of kit much of the year to stop yourself freezing and then when it`s not cold it`s often way too hot for riding , like last week.
I hate seeing holidaymakers, usually total biking novices , whizzing about on Greek/Spanish islands on often badly maintained scooters wearing nothing more than shorts, a tee shirt and a pair of sunglasses. What could possibly go wrong ?

The chap on the sportsbike who undertook me at speed yesterday, squeezing between cars on a merging lane joining the M25, all the while dressed in tennis shoes, shorts and a t-shirt, demonstrated that, in fact, nothing can go wrong.
Inspiring.

The t-shirt flapping under his arms, revealing a well-fed midriff, was a bonus.

 

[RA5]

You'd be better starting a separate thread, either in the Bikers Cafe section or the Subscribers Private Lounge bit of the forum if you want viewing more limited. Easy to keep track and keep all discussion in one place...

Once I get going I will, thank you for the recommendation. I think initially it will go in the private lounge.

 

[RA5]

Is it weather related ? I appreciate Merca is a big place with lots of different weather but certainly here in the UK you have to wear a fair bit of kit much of the year to stop yourself freezing and then when it`s not cold it`s often way too hot for riding , like last week.
I hate seeing holidaymakers, usually total biking novices , whizzing about on Greek/Spanish islands on often badly maintained scooters wearing nothing more than shorts, a tee shirt and a pair of sunglasses. What could possibly go wrong ?

There are several reasons, "It' s my right"! syndrome mostly.

@Dox As far as other reasons for the higher rates of accidents, access to high performannce and large displacement bikes by anyone, regardless of skill or experience, is another reason. Here, anyone can walk into a dealership and ride off on any bike they can "afford". No license required, just insurance and payment or loan.

 

[Dukesox]

The chap on the sportsbike who undertook me at speed yesterday, squeezing between cars on a merging lane joining the M25, all the while dressed in tennis shoes, shorts and a t-shirt, demonstrated that, in fact, nothing can go wrong.
Inspiring.

The t-shirt flapping under his arms, revealing a well-fed midriff, was a bonus.

I learned my lesson at 16 when I crashed my Suzuki AP50 and despite a not very high speed I still accrued enough gravel rash for a lifetime . I was lucky and got away without breaking any bones or hitting anything other than the road. It`s proper protective gear every time for me or if it`s too hot I take the car.

 

[WAYNE]

I learned my lesson at 16 when I crashed my Suzuki AP50 and despite a not very high speed I still accrued enough gravel rash for a lifetime . I was lucky and got away without breaking any bones or hitting anything other than the road. It`s proper protective gear every time for me or if it`s too hot I take the car.

When i was 21 i crashed my Z550 with help i was wearing just normal jeans, i landed on my right knee and lost a large part of skin on it.
I couldn't bend my leg for about two weeks, very painful so i allways wear motorcycle jeans and proper gear!!

 

[Loz]

When i was 21 i crashed my Z550 with help i was wearing just normal jeans, i landed on my right knee and lost a large part of skin on it.
I couldn't bend my leg for about two weeks, very painful so i allways wear motorcycle jeans and proper gear!!

Have you not considered strapping a hammer to each knee when you ride?

 

[RA5]

When i was 21 i crashed my Z550 with help i was wearing just normal jeans, i landed on my right knee and lost a large part of skin on it.
I couldn't bend my leg for about two weeks, very painful so i allways wear motorcycle jeans and proper gear!!

Luckly, I've walked away from all my incidents, worst of which and closest to death I've been, I suffered a knee scrape and missed a head crush from oncoming traffic (SUV I slid under) by about .5". Yup, left turning vehicle. I was livid and ready to take out that bastid.

 

[WAYNE]

Luckly, I've walked away from all my incidents, worst of which and closest to death I've been, I suffered a knee scrape and missed a head crush from oncoming traffic (SUV I slid under) by about .5". Yup, left turning vehicle. I was livid and ready to take out that bastid.

I think you know of my getting hit head on by a drunk and drugged up retard while on my C90 Cub, i nearly passed over to the spirit world!! Safety gear would of helped me not getting injured as bad as i did but imo not by much and having shitloads of road experience couldn't of helped for such a shit show!!

 

[Twinlover]

There are a lot of videos from the states showing Motorcyclists who are unable to navigate bends!

Big Harleys don’t like stopping quickly or going round bends…they only like going in straight lines…slowly

 

[WAYNE]

Big Harleys don’t like stopping quickly or going round bends…they only like going in straight lines…slowly

Mine handles very well and goes round corners, i must admit it amazed me!! I've just ordered a fork brace as it does get a bit spicy on the front end as in flobbery. The fork brace should resolve the issue, i got it from Amazon.