1200babe

KNowing that this month is reserved to make others more aware of those of us on 2 wheels it is scary that I have read about more motorcycle fatalities this month than ever before. To the best of my knowledge there have been 4 in our county in the last 48 hours alone. Some of them may not have done anything wrong and been the victem of fate. But in at least one instance the rider was doing illegal speeds that not only killed him but also his sister. Although it is sad they both expired I am glad that his reckless riding didn't hurt, maim or kill any innocent drivers/other riders that happened to be in his way on the freeways. For Gods sake, please save the high speeds for track days. Perhaps if each of us more experienced riders would try and help guide newbies a bit more we can save a few more lives. I am beginning to think the Eoropean method of licensing riders is best- you start on a smaller cc bike and gradually work your way up the ladder- hopefully as you gain riding experience and skills. Perhaps that way newbies wouldn't get hurt riding bikes with too much power for their level of ridiing ability. Please work at getting your skill level built up and dare I say this- slow down and enjoy the ride! Keep the shiny side up youall!

Gwyneth

This has been a sad month indeed. I just finished watching a news report on another crash in Mira Mesa that occurred last night. The rider was doing approximately 90 mph in a 25 mph zone on a residential street. He lost control of the bike and hit a utility box and died. The bike was a Honda F4i. The rider was 26 years old and in the military. A friend was riding with him and witnessed his buddy's death. This accident and the one where the brother and sister died had two things in common: 1) high rate of speed, and 2) new bike. Based upon the news report it sounds like both riders were new to the sport. So, as 1200 Babe stated, perhaps those of us with more experience and wisdom can take the new riders under our wings and hopefully educate them. I know that some people will not listen, but for those that do it will be worth it. My heart goes out to the riders and their families and friends.

JakeR1

Quite a few of us have been saying this for some time. Tiered licensing is the way to go, but it will never happen because of all the older people who have never ridden before, and insist that they need a large bike.

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S-EX636

I must say, it's getting hard for me to even wave at other sportbikers while on the road. Just yesterday, I gave in. I was on my way home, stuck in Ridgecrest traffic (about 6 cars in front of me), doing the daily drag from light to light. An aquaintance split lanes behind me fairly fast (in a 35 MPH) to catch-up and say hi. I reluctantly waved in return. He sped off, split some cars, and made some questionable passes (tailgating). All this to get caught at the next light. When he came to a stop, he looked in his rearview to see if I had followed. I didn't, and he motioned me to join back up with him. I just shook my head. I've been on one ride with him in the past, but never again. While he has good riding skills, he's got no brain's -Thinking every ride is a race. One day he might join the statistics we read about. I've spoken to him about this, but obviously like water off a duck.

As riding season opens up, I've also seen many new riders in town. Since we live in the desert, they are wearing tank-tops, shorts, tennis shoes, etc. No protection other than the state-mandated helmets. They seem to run with the ICON crowd here too. Those are the guys I do not want to be affilated with. They love stunting, I hate it. Therefore, I don't wave when we pass each other. I don't meet with these guys, fearing we'll be on a ride and one goes down. I don't want to be around to clean up the mess.

I was talking with a Harley buddy of mine the other day about sportriders. He didn't know there are different 'groups'. I explained to him the newbies, stunta's (which I classify as the same group most of the time), and sport riders. This goes back to not interacting(waving, hanging out, riding) with the 'other' riders. I do not want to be tied to 'that' group. It's hard enough to ride a sportbike without the stereotype, why befriend them?

As for death, its inevitable. It is truly sad to hear about the increase in motorcycle related fatalities. In the case mentioned in this post of doing 90 in a 25, well... how would rider education have informed him of the dangers any different than drivers education? I do not feel for him, though those he left behind I do.

Enough from me, I could go on and on...

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JakeR1

I generally won't wave at someone if they're riding like an idiot. If they seem to have at least half a brain, though, I'll drop a couple fingers.

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Just call me Matt...

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Gwyneth

For the most part I wave at everybody whether they are on a Harley, Sportbike or scooter. I guess I'm not discriminant. As for not socializing with other riders, there are quite a few who I've met that I like and respect (quite a few off this board). I've gone on many group rides with various different folks, and have only occassionally had to put up with an immature rider. I don't give them the cold shoulder, but try to offer advice. None of us can force others how to behave on a bike, but we can offer advice and lead by example. I do avoid riders on the highway if I don't know them and they try to do stunts next to me or are riding in an unsafe manner. Hopefully these riders meet up with the good folks I've met on this site and take heed to the advice given and get an opportunity to learn from their mistakes.