Ouch! Why I wear gloves and a jacket on the bike 2

[p38arover]

Love the lean angle - it's more than I could get on my bikes!


This is so cringe-worthy it's probably all over the internet and I'm the second-last person on earth to see it. Ah well.

Words just fail me...

http://oneoff.smugmug.com/photos/i-TP4XjG6/0/XL/i-TP4XjG6-XL.jpg

More:

http://oneoff.smugmug.com/photos/i-PR7PCdc/0/XL/i-PR7PCdc-XL.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/10/247.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/10/248.jpg


Notice in the last picture, the touring bike rider in the left portion of the screen wearing what looks like a full-face Arai and the blue, armored Honda jacket?

All of the cruiser folks are in shirt sleeves, tank tops and open-face helmets.

Just sayin'...

Note the profile of the rear tyre on that bike. It's flat! The front doesn't look much better.

[VladTepes]

I've heard of people with big cruisers putting car tyres on the rear to save $ !

That bike must have been going pretty slowly by the time they came off.

[p38arover]

Probably right about the speed.

Don't you love how they've parked and blocked the traffic lane? I hope they had someone back around the corner to warn traffic.

Someone made a comment about Florida plates - and that FLA riders don't get to ride around corners very often.

[Bearman]

I still reckon that every new bike rider should be made to have a walk through the hospital recovery ward or whatever it's called. The amount of bark missing from hands (usually the first to hit the bitumen),legs and joints from people who have come off a bike is mind blowing. I cringe every time I see a pair of young riders on a hi powered bike with nothing other that thongs, shorts and t-shirt. Leathers and good quality double layered gloves are a must if you value your skin. Bitumen is highly abrasive when you contact it at speed.

[Landover]

I had to laugh at how there all standing around the bike making sure it's ok while the girl that hit the deck is just standing to the side.

[Tombie]

That's at the "Tail of the Dragon"

318 corners in 11 miles :-)

As for gear - I believe everyone has the right to choose. Yes, full gear is the best idea.

On the highway I always wear full protection gear.
However, around town, t shirt, shorts (always enclosed footwear) is my common choice.
If I come off sure it will hurt, but it's unlikely. (touches nearest wooden object)

[stig0000]

Saves, Bails, Fails! - YouTube

this is a good vid about bikes,

[p38arover]

On the highway I always wear full protection gear.
However, around town, t shirt, shorts (always enclosed footwear) is my common choice.

One of the reasons I don't do a lot of miles on the bike is that it is just too much hassle to fully dress for it - I won't ride without full gear. It's also just too hot in summer.

Even if the temp is only in the high twenties, by the time I get the gear on, I want to take it all off as it's just too hot and I'm starting to stress. It's all shorts for me. (I had a funeral to attend on Monday and found, when I went to get dressed, that I don't own a pair of long pants - only my leather-lined motorcycling jeans. That shows how long since I've worn a pair of long pants - nearly 4 years ago for my son's funeral.). One of the reasons I gave up scuba diving was the stress of suiting up. I was OK in the water.

[EDG60]

the girl that hit the deck is just standing to the side. lucky she was wearing a back support thingy

[Tank]

Yeh! nothing handles quite like a Harley Davidson (aka Highly Dangerous), thank Christ, Regards Frank.

[LowRanger]

Yeh! nothing handles quite like a Harley Davidson (aka Highly Dangerous), thank Christ, Regards Frank.

That sounds like a typical statement of a ricer rider,that really has no clue just how quickly a properly set up Harley can be punted around.

The picture obviously shows a bike going down the road,but that is just one bike out of a large number,the rest of the bikes went around the same bend and didn't lay down,so that to me suggests rider error,rather than the fact that Harleys don't handle.

I have rounded up many ricer touring bikes in the twisties,where they can't use the power advantage of their multi cylinder engines.
I have had quite a few Harleys over the years now,and every one has had the chassis and/or bolts through the chassis worn away from scraping on the ground around bends.

The same sort of statements used to be made regarding BMWs because ricer owners couldn't get used to riding with the rear cantilever effects of the rear end suspension,but they were often shut up,when one went past ridden by someone that knew how well the system worked and knew how to ride accordingly.

Wayne

[Bigbjorn]

Most US states don't require riders to wear a helmet, and most riders don't.

[OrangeZXr10R]

That sounds like a typical statement of a ricer rider
Wayne

Funny thing is, Harley riders tank up at the same servo as I do, does that make them rice burners too :angel:

All motorbike/scooter/Road Trail riders should wear at least Helmet, Gloves, Boots and Kevlar Jeans as a minimum. I exclude Dirt Bike riders as I've never seen one that wasn't fully kitted out in the bush yet.
It makes me shake my head when I see morons in shorts, t-shirts/tank tops and thongs.

[Utemad]

I exclude Dirt Bike riders as I've never seen one that wasn't fully kitted out in the bush yet.
It makes me shake my head when I see morons in shorts, t-shirts/tank tops and thongs.

I saw one just wearing a tank top and jeans one day. It was right before his bike bounced off the front of my car and he jumped into the bushes.
Lucky for him I was in a Commodore going slow in first gear due to the corrugations and the blind corner. It would have been even better for him if he didn't come around that blind corner on the wrong side of the road.

[Tank]

That sounds like a typical statement of a ricer rider,that really has no clue just how quickly a properly set up Harley can be punted around.

The picture obviously shows a bike going down the road,but that is just one bike out of a large number,the rest of the bikes went around the same bend and didn't lay down,so that to me suggests rider error,rather than the fact that Harleys don't handle.

I have rounded up many ricer touring bikes in the twisties,where they can't use the power advantage of their multi cylinder engines.
I have had quite a few Harleys over the years now,and every one has had the chassis and/or bolts through the chassis worn away from scraping on the ground around bends.

The same sort of statements used to be made regarding BMWs because ricer owners couldn't get used to riding with the rear cantilever effects of the rear end suspension,but they were often shut up,when one went past ridden by someone that knew how well the system worked and knew how to ride accordingly.

Wayne
No Mate, Triumph rider, never seen a stock harley that could stick with any triumph around any corner anywhere, just does not happen, they have always been an atrociuos handling bike. A mate of mine has a (around 89/90 MY) Harley Fat Boy and it scared the **** out of him, almost lost it turning right (from a standstill) from a set of lights, sliding around on them chassis bolts you're talking about, just like the one in the original post, had him worried watching the flex in those front forks, so worried he parked it up and hasn't ridden it since. A Triumph Bonneville held the PRODUCTION class record for years at Isle of Mann at over 100mph avg. What records has a stock un modified harley ever held at Isle of Mann. BTW my harley mate also has 68 Bonny 750 and an earlier Daytona 500, rides them all the time, Regards Frank

[mudmouse]

Don't you love how they've parked and blocked the traffic lane? I hope they had someone back around the corner to warn traffic.

He, he - I was thinking the same thing...

Then I saw the bloke on the Honda riding past (probably giggling)...

...and all the HD riders gathered 'round the bike looking concerned as he concentrates on trying to start it - and making sure it's okay.......but no one seems to give a bugger about his pillion :angel:

Isn't it 'Colours, bike, woman....'

:D

Matt.

[mick88]

The chick looks to have faired pretty well considering she was so lightly clad. Lucky girl and hopefully a bloody good lesson for her.
Only the other day I seen a guy charging along on one of those big scooters and he had on T-shirt, shorts and sandals........all I could think about were his toes being ground off......Ouch!
Just about every one of those sparks coming off the Harley would have to represent a $10 note.......nothing worse than seeing your bike sliding down the bitumen.


Cheers, Mick.

[p38arover]

Hey, fellas, no arguing about which bike is better. :mad:

The main thing is that we ride (although, in my case, occasionally). :(

I nod to all riders, be they on a scooter, a sport bike, or a HD. Only HD riders don't return the nod - they stare straight ahead.

[Bushie]

Over the years I've attended a LOT of bike accidents in Royal National Park, (there are probably 2 a day on summer weekends). Doesn't seem to matter too much what they are wearing, they rarely fare very well.


Martyn
(Luckily now I manage most from a distance)

[loanrangie]

After having gravel dug out of my knee in hospital when i was 18 i will never ride without proper protection, luckily all i remember was waking up and seeing a surgeon scrubbing my open knee and i passed out :eek:.

[dobbo]

Only HD riders don't return to nod - they stare straight ahead.

Can they see you through the vibrations? Yes I own a 4BD1

[Tombie]

Hey, fellas, no arguing about which bike is better. :mad:

The main thing is that we ride (although, in my case, occasionally). :(

I nod to all riders, be they on a scooter, a sport bike, or a HD. Only HD riders don't return to nod - they stare straight ahead.

I acknowledge all riders.
Up here every one does...
In a town of this size, everyone knows the local "clubs"...

And as said "It doesn't matter WHAT you ride, it matters THAT you ride"




"Where the Desert meets the Sea"

[p38arover]

I'll admit I'm no fan of HD (for a start I hate the noise) but have you non-HD owners considered that pouring scorn on them is like Jap 4WD owners pouring scorn on us LR drivers - they don't know what we know.

I know some HD riders who have racked up huge mileages on their bikes and they just keep going. I'm not sure the average Japanese bike will do that.

[p38arover]

More proof:

Head on crash - YouTube

[rick130]

More proof:

Head on crash - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeJn9NUJZSE)

Ron, sorry for the language but #@r& :eek:

[mick88]

Unreal!

And he survived!

[mick88]

The Rebels Outlaw Gang had an overnight stay here about three weeks back.
There were approximately 500 Harleys, groups of 20-50 bikes at a time rolling into town, all with a police vehicle of some sort tailing them.
The sound was unreal, something like a freight train going through a thunderstorm.
Harley Davidson are definetly doing something right to have such a following, there must have been fifteen million bucks worth of motorcycles.

Cheers, Mick

[p38arover]

I don't think you can join an outlaw MC if you ride non-HD - so some of those sales are mandated.

[sheerluck]

More proof:

Head on crash - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeJn9NUJZSE)

If there was ever a guy that needed to go out and buy a lottery ticket that night, it was him.

Just......wow.

[LowRanger]

I don't think you can join an outlaw MC if you ride non-HD - so some of those sales are mandated.

Ron
You should have a look around Penrith
There is a particularly large and well know OLMC there that most of the members ride Triumphs.

And having owned and raced Jap bikes as well as Ducatis,and choosing to own and ride Harley's,I can honestly say that I acknowledge all bike riders,but find that I Never get a return acknowledgement of Jap bike riders.So the inverse is also true.

I also agree that it would be very uncommon to see a Jap bike that will clock up the high mileage that Harleys will happily do without an engine rebuild.
The last 2 Harleys I owned,I sold with 91,000 and 98,000km on them without a rebuild of any type,and neither used any oil or blew any smoke.

Wayne

[LowRanger]

No Mate, Triumph rider, never seen a stock harley that could stick with any triumph around any corner anywhere, just does not happen, they have always been an atrociuos handling bike. A mate of mine has a (around 89/90 MY) Harley Fat Boy and it scared the **** out of him, almost lost it turning right (from a standstill) from a set of lights, sliding around on them chassis bolts you're talking about, just like the one in the original post, had him worried watching the flex in those front forks, so worried he parked it up and hasn't ridden it since. A Triumph Bonneville held the PRODUCTION class record for years at Isle of Mann at over 100mph avg. What records has a stock un modified harley ever held at Isle of Mann. BTW my harley mate also has 68 Bonny 750 and an earlier Daytona 500, rides them all the time, Regards Frank

Frank
Horses for courses,I was referring to Touring bikes,and yes I am aware of how well old Triumphs handled,not quite as well as my BMW R90S though:D
And I agree with the handling of Fat Cats,they are only for the poser brigade,or the big city solicitor/lawyer that wanted to look cool and fit in.A reasonably quick Harley would be an XR1000,not my type of bike,but can be punted around rather quickly.
And the good thing about a Harley is that when you are done with it,you will still get some coin back in your pocket.

Wayne

[p38arover]

Ron
You should have a look around Penrith
There is a particularly large and well know OLMC there that most of the members ride Triumphs.

I shall. I go past their clubhouse quite regularly (they are near the local LR specialist).


I can honestly say that I acknowledge all bike riders,but find that I Never get a return acknowledgement of Jap bike riders.So the inverse is also true.

That's 'cos we aren't expecting it! :D

[p38arover]

And the good thing about a Harley is that when you are done with it,you will still get some coin back in your pocket.

Very true!

[LowRanger]

I shall. I go past their clubhouse quite regularly (they are near the local LR specialist).



That's 'cos we aren't expecting it! :D

Different club Ron.It is the other club that begins with "N"

Wayne

[p38arover]

Different club Ron.It is the other club that begins with "N"

Wayne

Ahh. I'm not sure where they are but I'll keep an eye out. I've met a few OMC guys over the years and they have always been willing to chat about bikes.

[abaddonxi]

Sure it's a repost, but always worth another look.

Donnie Williams - 2nd run http://www.NTMSC.com - YouTube

[p38arover]

I've never been able to do low speed turns like those blokes - on any bike. :(

[Chucaro]

.................................................. ............
As for gear - I believe everyone has the right to choose. Yes, full gear is the best idea.


I agree with that as long as they pay for all medical expenses, go to a private hospital and the hospital give priority in the emergency ward to those that are not looking for trouble.

[Chucaro]

I've never been able to do low speed turns like those blokes - on any bike. :(

Try it on a BMW ;)

[p38arover]

Try it on a BMW ;)

A boxer twin?

[Chucaro]

A boxer twin?

Yes! if you have short legs the R850R is an awesome well balanced bike and chep on the used market. I have one for 8 month touring east of Oz 2 up and towing a trailer.
My last was the superb R1150GS, test one and you will be hook for life ;)

[TDman]

As for gear - I believe everyone has the right to choose. Yes, full gear is the best idea.


Mate, I have to strongly disagree.
For you thats true but what about the other people that have to pick up the pieces?
I was a ambo volly (in NZ most of the Ambo's are vollys, even in town) for a number of years and the people most affected are Medical, Fire and Police:(.
Please mate, for others sake make sure you have your gear on!
Ride safe.

TD

[KaH_ACT]

Mate, I have to strongly disagree.
For you thats true but what about the other people that have to pick up the pieces?
I was a ambo volly (in NZ most of the Ambo's are vollys, even in town) for a number of years and the people most affected are Medical, Fire and Police:(.
Please mate, for others sake make sure you have your gear on!
Ride safe.

TD

Agree TDMan - but pillon should also do the same... seen guys in full gear on bikes with girlfreind on back in shorts, boobtube, and sandles - she was wearing a helmet...

I ride to and from work every day and always wear right geat - Triumph Street Triple!

[flagg]

Mate, I have to strongly disagree.
For you thats true but what about the other people that have to pick up the pieces?
I was a ambo volly (in NZ most of the Ambo's are vollys, even in town) for a number of years and the people most affected are Medical, Fire and Police:(.
Please mate, for others sake make sure you have your gear on!
Ride safe.

TD

+1 hosing squids off roads isn't my idea of fun.

I used to have a 1.5inch gap between my boots and my knee guards on my off road gear..one day I came off and hit a tree pretty hard - guess where the foot peg found? The best part wasn't parting the peg and my leg.. or the boots full of blood.. it was the long, rough ride home to base.. then the 4hour drive to proper medical attention.

Guess how has new boots? The best ones money can buy - with no gaps.

If you don't have all the gear - proper gear. And if you don't wear it every time you ride you are an idiot. I'm sorry, but it is that simple. If people want to argue that it is their choice to be an idiot.. sure.. fine, but they are still a selfish idiot.

[Geezer]

+1 hosing squids off roads isn't my idea of fun.

I used to have a 1.5inch gap between my boots and my knee guards on my off road gear..one day I came off and hit a tree pretty hard - guess where the foot peg found? The best part wasn't parting the peg and my leg.. or the boots full of blood.. it was the long, rough ride home to base.. then the 4hour drive to proper medical attention.

Guess how has new boots? The best ones money can buy - with no gaps.

If you don't have all the gear - proper gear. And if you don't wear it every time you ride you are an idiot. I'm sorry, but it is that simple. If people want to argue that it is their choice to be an idiot.. sure.. fine, but they are still a selfish idiot.

I have to agree with this.
I had a low speed collision with an idiot taxi in Brisbane, i was fortunately wearing protective gear. Unfortunately is was a stinking hot day and had my jacket zip about a quarter undone to let in a little ventilation resulting in some deep gouging and skin loss on my shoulder from rolling down the road.
My friend in another incident only wearing helmet, shorts,t shirt and thongs, had to have extensive skin grafts and his old man wipe his arse and everything else for several months until he could use his hands again.
He now kits up every time!

Guy in head on clip was unbelievable, if he were a cat?

[ade]

I also agree that it would be very uncommon to see a Jap bike that will clock up the high mileage that Harleys will happily do without an engine rebuild.
The last 2 Harleys I owned,I sold with 91,000 and 98,000km on them without a rebuild of any type,and neither used any oil or blew any smoke.

Wayne

my 1989 kawasaki zxr 750h2 owned from new has done over three hundredthou kms without any major engine work on it,never had a crap heap harley be able able to out run it on a straight or the twisties, harleys ar for fat old losers with small dicks.

[spudboy]

I don't have anything in particular against Harleys as bikes - I have never ridden one so not sure how they handle etc - but there is such an 'image' of what a Harley rider is. They come with a lot preconceived 'baggage', especially from the general public.

I've gone through a Triumph phase, and am now onto a BMW phase, and people have equally negative reactions to BMW riders!

Life is full of tribalism...

Oh - and I agree completely with all the gear all the time. Nothing will save you if you go into a tree at 100, but for slides and small offs you can't beat the full compliment of protective gear.

Cheers
David

[gusthedog]

One of the things that gives me the irrits (cant say ****s on the forum!) is people who don't wear protective gear around town. The comment is usually "Im going slower so don't need to" or "It's too hot!". I think that both of these are excuses (and we all know excuses are like bum holes- we all have them and they all stink!).

Just some food for thought from the Monash Accident Centre

www.monash.edu.au/miri/research/reports/muarc260.pdf (http://www.monash.edu.au/miri/research/reports/muarc260.pdf)

Go down to the start of page 5. In the third paragraph it states that only 27.2% of motorcycle accidents happen in 100kmh zones. That means that over 70% of crashes occur in lower speed zones, ie: in towns. Those that do not wear gear in towns are tools and not wearing gear in the place that over 70% of stacks occur.:mad:

Another interesting articly from Monash:

www.monash.edu.au/miri/research/reports/atsb174.pdf (http://www.monash.edu.au/miri/research/reports/atsb174.pdf)

Check out page ii right at the bottom where it says that facial injuries were not significantly more when comparing a full face helmet to open face (8% vs 4%). Personally I thought there would be a heap more difference.

On the next page (under rider factors) they also say that those who were experienced off road riders before they got their road licence are actually more likely to have a stack on road than those who were only road riders. An interesting statement.

Thought it might be nice for some figures on actual studies done (in oz too!) rather than just another screaming forum match where someone says something contrary to someone else's opinion coz they know better. No, science knows better! :wasntme:

[timaus13]

Hey, fellas, no arguing about which bike is better. :mad:

The main thing is that we ride (although, in my case, occasionally). :(

I nod to all riders, be they on a scooter, a sport bike, or a HD. Only HD riders don't return to nod - they stare straight ahead.

Very very well said 2 wheels is 2 wheels and two diffs are two diffs, we all love what we do and how we do it The make or model of choice is just that Choice and I choose any and all forms of transport as they all have good and bad traits. I also nod to everyone but it is rare to get a nod in return these days.

cheers and stay upright :-):D

[rangieman]

Mate, I have to strongly disagree.
For you thats true but what about the other people that have to pick up the pieces?
I was a ambo volly (in NZ most of the Ambo's are vollys, even in town) for a number of years and the people most affected are Medical, Fire and Police:(.
Please mate, for others sake make sure you have your gear on!
Ride safe.

TD
I strongly agree , In my opinion those that dont wear the full gear and choose to wear shorts and tshirts even thongs have never come off !

When i was young and silly i thought id wear shorts and tshirt and came off at a low speed on a dirt road , The result was not good and i have the scares to prove it , I still ride but i suit up with all the correct riding gear no matter how hot it is !
Oh go the Hinkley Triumph :p

[ezyrama]

I asked a mate, why the hell if your going to ride with just a T shirt and shorts, do you put gloves on, His answer was " If I come off Ian, I can still wipe my own backside". Whilst it was funny at the time, I still cant bring myself to take the VStrom or the Trumpy out without being kitted up. We have some fantastic rides here in the Hinterland of the Gold Coast but I have had mates go over the side of Beechmont ( Google map it and have a look) and the results were not pretty, pins,rods,broken collarbones etc. Most people around here wave,nod etc and I always nod or wave back. Admittedly the majority of the omc guys dont unless your on the Trumpy, but lately I have noticed the cafe latte racers tragics around here are a bit reluctant to acknowledge anyone. At the end of the day, it all about the ride, not what you ride. Enjoy yourselves out there.

Cheers Ian

[blitz]

funny how most of the Harley comments on this thread mirror landy comments on most other 4x4 forums:eek::eek::eek: piece of blah blah blah

I've owned heaps of bikes over the years all japanese until the last one which was a Harley absolutely loved it but sold it as I needed the money.

What most people forget is that most models of harleys are touring bikes (yes some are for show but jap brands make them too) as such they are a very comfortable bike to do hours in the saddle so of course there are other bike that will out perform them

the sport bike is the Buell - goes stops turns; a brilliant bike.

never riden a sporty so I cant comment

Oh and full gear or your tempting fate.

P.S. I always nodded to other bike riders on the harley and just like landys some nodded back but most didn't.

[p38arover]

I still cant bring myself to take the VStrom or the Trumpy out without being kitted up. We have some fantastic rides here in the Hinterland of the Gold Coast

Are you on the Stromtrooper forum? Stromtrooper Forum : Suzuki V-Strom Motorcycle Forums (http://www.stromtrooper.com)

The GC guys arrange rides - see Strom troopers ride 4/5 feb - Stromtrooper Forum : Suzuki V-Strom Motorcycle Forums (http://www.stromtrooper.com/australia-new-zealand/71315-strom-troopers-ride-4-5-feb.html)

We have the annual V-Strom gathering coming up in Bingara in March: http://www.stromtrooper.com/australia-new-zealand/62565-annual-v-strom-gathering-bingara-northern-nsw-23-25-march-2012-a.html



P.S. I always nodded to other bike riders on the harley and just like landys some nodded back but most didn't.

That's 'cos we non-HD riders aren't expecting it! :D

[blitz]

That's 'cos we non-HD riders aren't expecting it! :D

ah hahahahahahahaha i really did laugh out loud, not just LOL :D

[timbo]

This is why I subscribe to the motto of ATGATT. All The Gear, All The Time.

I'd rather lose sweat than skin!

[rb30gtr]

Not just gloves and a jacket, all leather! I totally agree with you lads, I am 30 now and have been riding on road since I was 16 (and 9 months) and so have the rest of the family. 3 brothers and old man.
Always wear gear! Always.

I wont even head to the local shops without leather jacket, gloves and proper boots protecting my ankles.
After riding/racing on dirt for my teenage and below years and seeing so many injury's protecting your skin is vital!

On the hardley dangerous argument:
I stopped into EC as a mate of mine writes or used to write/test for Rapid Bikes, just to watch the ride day guys hammer around, and a big huge muscle bound guy jumped on a tiny HD Sporty, and we all had a giggle and thought, here we go. But he was absolutely blasting this thing around! Carving up all bikes from big to small, just manhandled the thing into oblivion, I had nothing but respect that day! And always look back fondly.
Also Mad Matt Mingay carves one up on the stunt track, can't say anything bad about that!

Ok so to revise, my HD view is more based around the certain clubs/people that ride them not the bikes themselves, I love all things with 2 wheels.

Side note my Repsol CBR Fireblade is for sale.:eek:

[rb30gtr]

The Rebels Outlaw Gang had an overnight stay here about three weeks back.
There were approximately 500 Harleys, groups of 20-50 bikes at a time rolling into town, all with a police vehicle of some sort tailing them.
The sound was unreal, something like a freight train going through a thunderstorm.
Harley Davidson are definetly doing something right to have such a following, there must have been fifteen million bucks worth of motorcycles.

Cheers, Mick

15 million bucks worth, and all stolen.
I must admit they do sound brilliant, a good S&S 1500 or bigger in a Duece frame, can smoke the rear wheel with ease. Note* They are not so good at wheelies.

Cheers,
Ben

[rb30gtr]

Ron
You should have a look around Penrith
There is a particularly large and well know OLMC there that most of the members ride Triumphs.

And having owned and raced Jap bikes as well as Ducatis,and choosing to own and ride Harley's,I can honestly say that I acknowledge all bike riders,but find that I Never get a return acknowledgement of Jap bike riders.So the inverse is also true.

I also agree that it would be very uncommon to see a Jap bike that will clock up the high mileage that Harleys will happily do without an engine rebuild.
The last 2 Harleys I owned,I sold with 91,000 and 98,000km on them without a rebuild of any type,and neither used any oil or blew any smoke.

Wayne

Hmm, I do agree HD's are good for the miles (Late model ones), but maybe due to spending their lives at low revs? Not sure any of the HD's that can perform like a modern 1000 would do more than a few KM's. So I guess comparing a spade with a spade, a HD would not even get close to what a Jap bike can endure? - I do realise that said they arnt designed to take the same treatment, so why do we compare them at all? bit of fun I guess :D

Jap bike experience:
One of the guys I rode with from Bikers Anon did over 150 on an 05 R1. Still rode like new - including a huge amount of track days.
My old mans FJR1300 did over 100kms, still ran like a new bike
His previous FJ1200 was closer to 200kms and still ran fine.
Brothers Honda thingamagic V4 400 had gone around the clock multiple times and ran fine even though it said 80kms on the clock - ex courier bike.
My XR650 I got to 45kms from memory with nothing other than regular servicing, and ran like new.
I had a FZR250R that had 55kms on the clock, not bad for something that spends most of its life at 18,000rpms!

We do have a Yamaha YDS5e with 3000 miles from new on the clock, original tyres and everything :) That is my favourite, 1966 or 67.

Cheers,
Ben

[Tombie]

Great thread... Enjoying the viewpoints of all involved.

I'm doing a ride with the wife to Broken Hill in the October LWE...

We'll be riding individual bikes... It's her first bike rally as a rider.

Looking forward to it immensely.

For that ride, definitely ATGATT..

For my ride to work this morning, however, you'll never get me in all the gear.
5 minutes, 3km, jeans, work boots, t shirt and open face.

Sunny day "beachies" are shorts, t shirt and sneakers..

Morning runs to the Gym is the same.. It's invigorating to ride in shorts and t shirt when it's 5°c :D

Anything out of town gets the gear thrown on...

[Tombie]

Plenty of HDs in town with big km on them...

They're big lazy engines, they go a long time.

Several big twin Metrics as well with serious numbers on them.

[VladTepes]

My sig line from a bike forum...


The best way to convert gasoline to noise, without the annoying byproduct of horsepower, is to burn it in a Harley.

It's purely a joke though. Harleys in general aren;t for me though a few of te more recent ones are nice..

Personally I just LOVE the look of the new Indians shortly being released and would have one in a heartbeat. Could spend days just sitting and staring, taking in that lovely engine....

Meanwhile I content myself with my Suzuki GSX1400 and Honda CX500 project....






The prophet spake thus:


At the end of the day, it all about the ride, not what you ride. Enjoy yourselves out there.


and the word was good !






P.S. Protective gear = hell, yes !

[VladTepes]

Mate it's a risk I'm willing to take.

[Bigbjorn]

I gave up on bikes many years ago. Every time I got out in traffic I felt someone tried to kill me.

[p38arover]

I gave up on bikes many years ago. Every time I got out in traffic I felt someone tried to kill me.

You shouldn't annoy so many people on this forum, Brian! :D

[gusthedog]

Anything out of town gets the gear thrown on...

Sorry Tombie but I'm with others in the ATTGATT philosophy. Research shows that over 1/2 of motorcycle accidents occur in towns on short trips.;)

[VladTepes]

It's a bit of a moot argument though.


For me - I'm pretty much ATGATT.
But, like almost every other activity under the sun, in my opinion as long as you aren't hurting anyone ELSE - go for it Tiger !

Individual responsibility not government intervention please.

[Tombie]

Sorry Tombie but I'm with others in the ATTGATT philosophy. Research shows that over 1/2 of motorcycle accidents occur in towns on short trips.;)

That is true...

I work on the fact I'm not capital city based, so my greatest risk is generally me. :D

Our traffic density here is pretty light on - reducing interaction risk, and the roads are pretty good, combined with regular travel on same routes giving insight to issues.

In this place, almost 50% of people ride bikes so are very rider aware which helps!

So ATGSOTT it is ;)

[VladTepes]

ATGSOTT ?! :lol2: Cracker.

[42rangie]

Also a ATGATT sort of chap. Working in hospital for 38 years, I have seen LOTS of road rash. Used to ride 300 days out of the year (unless it snowed).

Vlad- CX500. Bought when they first came out. Great little bike. Lots of miles, lots of road trips.

Not much biking now. Two divorces. Forced retirement. Not enough extra money. Have to keep P38 on the road!:D

[Bigbjorn]

You shouldn't annoy so many people on this forum, Brian! :D

Ron, I like to keep them on their toes, like a tall sheila.

[Tank]

I still reckon that every new bike rider should be made to have a walk through the hospital recovery ward or whatever it's called. The amount of bark missing from hands (usually the first to hit the bitumen),legs and joints from people who have come off a bike is mind blowing. I cringe every time I see a pair of young riders on a hi powered bike with nothing other that thongs, shorts and t-shirt. Leathers and good quality double layered gloves are a must if you value your skin. Bitumen is highly abrasive when you contact it at speed.
Quote: " Bitumen is highly abrasive when you contact it at speed"
bloody hard as well, Regards Frank.

[Tombie]

Beautiful weather here for riding at the moment!
The 109 has been my daily chariot for months now!

The joys of living on the edge of the desert!

[goingbush]

perhaps OT but interesting clip for the wrong reasons.

in the USA you have to stop behind a offloading bus, same as you do in Melbourne with a tram.

whose fault, the bike for not slowing / stopping, or the car for not looking ??


SHOCKING VIDEO: Jack Nicklaus' Grandson Nick O'Leary Survives Scary Motorcycle Crash - YouTube

[Blknight.aus]

if the bike wasnt speeding the car is in the wrong.

the bus was unloadin passangers, vehicles behind that wish to over take cant, the bike was coming towards the bus in the oncoming lane and the car had pulled across the whole width of the lane and (in theory) was also blocking the bus from proceding.

[Tombie]

Well a bit of big screen playback, some time calcs and:

Bike wasn't speeding!

But where the heck was that car going!!!!!

[p38arover]

I doubt many UJMs will get to 300,000km. My Honda CBR1000F was certainly feelings its age by 50,000km.

I may have to retract that statement. There are a few blokes on the Stromtrooper forum who are over the 200,000 mile mark on their Suzuki DL650 V-Stroms.