A shot at motorcyclists ...

[GoldOxide_imp]

This annoying perceptive of motorcycling was published in June 2019:

BRAUN: Put your motorcycle in the garage & never take it out again

I thought it would be useful to, um, appreciate others' opinions so we can be aware of the perspective.

" ... Just leave the bike at home. Everyone who loves you will be grateful. "

Yeah.

Fortunately, this article responds frankly:

[url=https://driving.ca/features/feature-story/motor-mouth-more-ignorance-about-motorcycling]Motor Mouth: More ignorant grandstanding about motorcycling

Remain aware and alert.

 

[ishouldbuyatacotruck_imp]

Shrug. Like David said in the second article, “mama tried.”

I’m still a new rider (not quite a year) but I know that despite every precaution I take there’s some idiot in a car not paying attention that could take me out. I accept it. Perhaps it’s the healthy respect of death we have that makes non motorcycle-riders so anxious?

Memento Mori and all that.

 

[Bheezy27403_imp]

Wow. That lady is special.

 

[Gone in 60]

Meh. Already got the talk, not from my mom, but from my mother in law. A shut-in who also is upset when I climb a ladder to fix her roof, get under their car to fix it, or get on an airplane to do my job. Because to her, as it is with some people, everything is a threat.

And to her old country way of thinking, the man is the provider in the family and if something bad happened to me, my wife would be penniless. My wife is a doctor, I am a glorified roady and warehouseman.

Basically I don’t ride to her house, and we don’t talk about motorcycles.

My mom? I showed her a picture of my CB when I bought it and she said it looked very neat and pretty. Recently, I took her to lunch, and on the way, I asked if she would mind if I stopped at a motorcycle shop to pick up a part that I had ordered. She wanted to come in with me to browse. She picked up a jacket and felt the armor, and looked at all of the helmets. “You wear all of this safety stuff, right?”

Yes, Mom.

Ok then.

 

[Retsel_imp]

Yep, we should give up hang gliding, mountain climbing, bicycle riding, snow skiing, etc. While we are at it maybe we shouldn't do anything that posses danger! Who needs to go to the moon or the deepest parts of the ocean? That would be way to dangerous! And once we get all those crazy people off of those deadly motorcycles let's take a close look at those deadly autos! Let's not even look at the biggest killers smoking, obesity, and low activity. Those would be way to difficult. Ya, let's focus on motorcycles. Low hanging fruit!

Sent from my SM-T710 using Tapatalk

 

[2017EX_imp]

I have been riding motorcycles for 50 years now, and I think several things come into play here. Any new rider I come across, I always recommend they take a motorcycle safety & riding course. Aside from a wealth of valuable information, the completion certificate is usually good for a discount on insurance premium.

My partner at the P.D. had a favorite saying everyday when we set out to catch criminals, "dont get complacent". When I ride, I am always riding defensively, watching out for what the other guy might do, and always scanning down the road for problems and a "way out". Unfortunately, almost daily, I do see motorcyclists doing dumb things. Things like hot dogging, not maintaining safe following distances, and riding in car blind spots. I wont even get into wearing minimal to no protective gear.

Every bike has a different feel and familiarity learning curve, so every time I have gone to a different bike, I spent quite a bit of time driving it around the neighborhood to "learn it" before venturing farther afield on it. Fortunately I have never lost respect for safe riding practices, and the potential for bad things happening if I ever loose that respect.

 

[suhawk305]

I am sick of people telling me how to live my life! Whether it is some media, political, or Hollywood self-proclaimed “expert”!
That said, as the counter article said, we are aware of the risks we face when we ride our bikes. Ride defensively, etc.
I personally do not trust any driver of an automobile, or even some other motorcyclist. I am especially cautious of unpredictable critters along the road.
Mr. Ferret or Mr. Cormanus, if you think my little rant needs to be softened, please edit.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Suhawk, I believe your words are just fine.

 

[Guth_imp]

There are always going to be people, or groups of people, telling others what they can or can't do. (Yes, I realize the irony in my pointing this out as I do that here on the forum.) Plenty more will tell others what they should or shouldn't do. I'm guessing that many of us have similar feelings about other activities that some choose to participate in that don't involve motorcycles. Of course most of us are not members of the press with a large readership at our disposal.

If Ms. Braun wanted to rail on a group of people I would have preferred to see her rail on all of the inattentive motorists that she mentioned numerous times in her article. Focusing on addressing the poor habits of the masses behind the wheels of their cars has the potential for a much greater gain in general safety and lives saved. But people are going to do what they are going to do. People are going to drive the way they drive. People like Ms. Braun are going to write what they choose to write. While I'm going to hit the road on a motorcycle if that what I choose to do.

After this thread has moved down the list and off of the front screen I will still be very aware of the risks that I take every time I choose to ride. I'll be doing my best to circumvent those risks. What I won't be doing is thinking about Ms. Braun.

 

[Bheezy27403_imp]

I'm assuming this sort of thinking is why motorcycle sales are down. The snowflakes are scared to do anything beside play video games and stare at their phones. There are inherent risks in everything we do including walking out the front door. The trick is to be aware of dangers and mitigate their consequences. Common sense really.

And as my dad always said, "If the left one don't get ya, the right one will." So I suppose we should all just have fun doing what we love while we are above ground.

 

[Lord Popgun]

I work with Navy sailors. Most are young and although they LOVE their phones, a LOT of them are into motorcycles. Or fast cars and big trucks.

The good thing is the Navy requires them to take the Navy basic motorcycle course and the advanced course after a little experiance. They can’t even buy a bike without notifying their command and signing up for the course.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

I'm assuming this sort of thinking is why motorcycle sales are down. The snowflakes are scared to do anything beside play video games and stare at their phones. There are inherent risks in everything we do including walking out the front door. The trick is to be aware of dangers and mitigate their consequences. Common sense really.

And as my dad always said, "If the left one don't get ya, the right one will." So I suppose we should all just have fun doing what we love while we are above ground.

:rofl:

I work with Navy sailors. Most are young and although they LOVE their phones, a LOT of them are into motorcycles. Or fast cars and big trucks.

The good thing is the Navy requires them to take the Navy basic motorcycle course and the advanced course after a little experiance. They can’t even buy a bike without notifying their command and signing up for the course.

Interesting PG. I never thought to consider "Navy + motorcycle". Now I have images of motorcycles touring back-and-forth inside an aircraft carrier.

 

[misterprofessionality]

I'm assuming this sort of thinking is why motorcycle sales are down. The snowflakes are scared to do anything beside play video games and stare at their phones. There are inherent risks in everything we do including walking out the front door. The trick is to be aware of dangers and mitigate their consequences. Common sense really.

And as my dad always said, "If the left one don't get ya, the right one will." So I suppose we should all just have fun doing what we love while we are above ground.

got to chime on on this, as one of the only millennials on the forum. the fact is that, for most people, a motorcycle is a secondary means of transportation. if you buy one, it's a secondary vehicle. most millennials absolutely cannot afford that kind of recreational expenditure. it's simple economics. millennials by and large will not spend money on something they can't afford. it's got zero to do with danger/risk aversion. one of the only reasons i started riding in my 20's was because i broke the system by using my bike as my primary means of transportation and giving up cars. everybody else in my peer group won't touch motorcycles, because they can't justify the expense when they already have a car.

 

[ishouldbuyatacotruck_imp]

I'm assuming this sort of thinking is why motorcycle sales are down. The snowflakes are scared to do anything beside play video games and stare at their phones. There are inherent risks in everything we do including walking out the front door. The trick is to be aware of dangers and mitigate their consequences. Common sense really.

And as my dad always said, "If the left one don't get ya, the right one will." So I suppose we should all just have fun doing what we love while we are above ground.

got to chime on on this, as one of the only millennials on the forum. the fact is that, for most people, a motorcycle is a secondary means of transportation. if you buy one, it's a secondary vehicle. most millennials absolutely cannot afford that kind of recreational expenditure. it's simple economics. millennials by and large will not spend money on something they can't afford. it's got zero to do with danger/risk aversion. one of the only reasons i started riding in my 20's was because i broke the system by using my bike as my primary means of transportation and giving up cars. everybody else in my peer group won't touch motorcycles, because they can't justify the expense when they already have a car.

got to chime on on this, as one of the only millennials on the forum. the fact is that, for most people, a motorcycle is a secondary means of transportation. if you buy one, it's a secondary vehicle. most millennials absolutely cannot afford that kind of recreational expenditure. it's simple economics. millennials by and large will not spend money on something they can't afford. it's got zero to do with danger/risk aversion. one of the only reasons i started riding in my 20's was because i broke the system by using my bike as my primary means of transportation and giving up cars. everybody else in my peer group won't touch motorcycles, because they can't justify the expense when they already have a car.
Hello fellow millennial! Boomers, , amirite?

When I'm group riding, it's primarily with fellow millennial ladies (The Litas), and it is absolutely considered a luxury second vehicle by us. But then we also haven't prioritized buying houses or having kids, for the most part.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

I'm assuming this sort of thinking is why motorcycle sales are down. The snowflakes are scared to do anything beside play video games and stare at their phones. There are inherent risks in everything we do including walking out the front door. The trick is to be aware of dangers and mitigate their consequences. Common sense really.

And as my dad always said, "If the left one don't get ya, the right one will." So I suppose we should all just have fun doing what we love while we are above ground.

got to chime on on this, as one of the only millennials on the forum. the fact is that, for most people, a motorcycle is a secondary means of transportation. if you buy one, it's a secondary vehicle. most millennials absolutely cannot afford that kind of recreational expenditure. it's simple economics. millennials by and large will not spend money on something they can't afford. it's got zero to do with danger/risk aversion. one of the only reasons i started riding in my 20's was because i broke the system by using my bike as my primary means of transportation and giving up cars. everybody else in my peer group won't touch motorcycles, because they can't justify the expense when they already have a car.

Interesting terms.

When I started riding, I couldn't afford even a used car. My pedal bicycle was tiresome for long distance in profuse summer humidity and eyeball-cracking winter winds. Heh, with the exception of winter (actually not), I actually had to "give in" and buy a used motorcycle to get me around effectively. It was, "uh god, ... I gotta get a motorcycle license ... drag ... pay stupid insurance, etc. etc.". So the m/c became my primary means of getting around and came out of need and economics.

My friends who had cars or unrestricted access to cars did not consider m/c's for similar reasons as you stated - for the most part.

 

[Lord Popgun]

GO,

Although there are lots of wheeled vehicles on carriers, no motorcycles

During the Vietnam era sailors were allowed to buy bike overseas and bring them home on the carrier (don’t know about the rest of the Navy). I was told bikes cost about $1 per CC at the Navy exchange in Yokosuka.

In 1977 I was was in a Navy air squadron (VAW-126) and we deployed on the Constellation on a West Pac cruise. And we were the last allowed to bring bikes back. Around 50 or so of us did. I got a 77 1/2 Yamaha XS750 triple. Purchased in the Navy Exchange in Yokosuka and were US models in factory crates that were loaded onto the hangar bay on our last port call. After customs inspection they were moved by the supply department into storage somewhere in a hold.

 

[Bheezy27403_imp]

I'm assuming this sort of thinking is why motorcycle sales are down. The snowflakes are scared to do anything beside play video games and stare at their phones. There are inherent risks in everything we do including walking out the front door. The trick is to be aware of dangers and mitigate their consequences. Common sense really.

And as my dad always said, "If the left one don't get ya, the right one will." So I suppose we should all just have fun doing what we love while we are above ground.

got to chime on on this, as one of the only millennials on the forum. the fact is that, for most people, a motorcycle is a secondary means of transportation. if you buy one, it's a secondary vehicle. most millennials absolutely cannot afford that kind of recreational expenditure. it's simple economics. millennials by and large will not spend money on something they can't afford. it's got zero to do with danger/risk aversion. one of the only reasons i started riding in my 20's was because i broke the system by using my bike as my primary means of transportation and giving up cars. everybody else in my peer group won't touch motorcycles, because they can't justify the expense when they already have a car.

got to chime on on this, as one of the only millennials on the forum. the fact is that, for most people, a motorcycle is a secondary means of transportation. if you buy one, it's a secondary vehicle. most millennials absolutely cannot afford that kind of recreational expenditure. it's simple economics. millennials by and large will not spend money on something they can't afford. it's got zero to do with danger/risk aversion. one of the only reasons i started riding in my 20's was because i broke the system by using my bike as my primary means of transportation and giving up cars. everybody else in my peer group won't touch motorcycles, because they can't justify the expense when they already have a car.
I'm with you on that. My first bike was in '91 after i graduated HS because it was $800 and I could afford it. My car blew up so that's the route I went. You would think then that the millennials would shift TOWARD motorcycles for the $ savings?

 

[Guth_imp]

I'm assuming this sort of thinking is why motorcycle sales are down. The snowflakes are scared to do anything beside play video games and stare at their phones. There are inherent risks in everything we do including walking out the front door. The trick is to be aware of dangers and mitigate their consequences. Common sense really.

And as my dad always said, "If the left one don't get ya, the right one will." So I suppose we should all just have fun doing what we love while we are above ground.

got to chime on on this, as one of the only millennials on the forum. the fact is that, for most people, a motorcycle is a secondary means of transportation. if you buy one, it's a secondary vehicle. most millennials absolutely cannot afford that kind of recreational expenditure. it's simple economics. millennials by and large will not spend money on something they can't afford. it's got zero to do with danger/risk aversion. one of the only reasons i started riding in my 20's was because i broke the system by using my bike as my primary means of transportation and giving up cars. everybody else in my peer group won't touch motorcycles, because they can't justify the expense when they already have a car.

I'm assuming this sort of thinking is why motorcycle sales are down. The snowflakes are scared to do anything beside play video games and stare at their phones. There are inherent risks in everything we do including walking out the front door. The trick is to be aware of dangers and mitigate their consequences. Common sense really.

And as my dad always said, "If the left one don't get ya, the right one will." So I suppose we should all just have fun doing what we love while we are above ground.

got to chime on on this, as one of the only millennials on the forum. the fact is that, for most people, a motorcycle is a secondary means of transportation. if you buy one, it's a secondary vehicle. most millennials absolutely cannot afford that kind of recreational expenditure. it's simple economics. millennials by and large will not spend money on something they can't afford. it's got zero to do with danger/risk aversion. one of the only reasons i started riding in my 20's was because i broke the system by using my bike as my primary means of transportation and giving up cars. everybody else in my peer group won't touch motorcycles, because they can't justify the expense when they already have a car.

got to chime on on this, as one of the only millennials on the forum. the fact is that, for most people, a motorcycle is a secondary means of transportation. if you buy one, it's a secondary vehicle. most millennials absolutely cannot afford that kind of recreational expenditure. it's simple economics. millennials by and large will not spend money on something they can't afford. it's got zero to do with danger/risk aversion. one of the only reasons i started riding in my 20's was because i broke the system by using my bike as my primary means of transportation and giving up cars. everybody else in my peer group won't touch motorcycles, because they can't justify the expense when they already have a car.
Hello fellow millennial! Boomers, , amirite?

When I'm group riding, it's primarily with fellow millennial ladies (The Litas), and it is absolutely considered a luxury second vehicle by us. But then we also haven't prioritized buying houses or having kids, for the most part.

These are good observations, thanks for the insights. When I was in my 20's I joked about becoming the crusty old guy that would yell out "you kids keep off of my lawn". While I have become a bit crusty as I cruise ever closer to 60 years of age, my "crustyness" typically has to do with others sharing the street while my lawn is nothing to speak of, and frankly better not to be spoken of at all, lol.

As far as the millennial/boomer thing goes, one of the biggest reasons that we keep the conversation so directed on motorcycles/motorcycling around here is that it is nice to focus on something that people have in common. There are far too many things that people don't have in common and can drag the conversation down quickly. I appreciate the fact that people of any age are enthusiastic about motorcycling. The idea that those reasons for being drawn to motorcycles (or turned away by them for that matter) might differ greatly from one person to the next is fascinating in and of itself.

If it wasn't for my wife who has worked in the mortgage business ever since I've known her I'm still not sure that I would be in a house today. I also wouldn't trade having a child for anything, but in my case that part of my life came far later than with my parent's generation. Everyone has to follow their own path in life, the trick is finding the right path for you. I'm really glad to have some younger members on board here.

 

[misterprofessionality]

I'm assuming this sort of thinking is why motorcycle sales are down. The snowflakes are scared to do anything beside play video games and stare at their phones. There are inherent risks in everything we do including walking out the front door. The trick is to be aware of dangers and mitigate their consequences. Common sense really.

And as my dad always said, "If the left one don't get ya, the right one will." So I suppose we should all just have fun doing what we love while we are above ground.

got to chime on on this, as one of the only millennials on the forum. the fact is that, for most people, a motorcycle is a secondary means of transportation. if you buy one, it's a secondary vehicle. most millennials absolutely cannot afford that kind of recreational expenditure. it's simple economics. millennials by and large will not spend money on something they can't afford. it's got zero to do with danger/risk aversion. one of the only reasons i started riding in my 20's was because i broke the system by using my bike as my primary means of transportation and giving up cars. everybody else in my peer group won't touch motorcycles, because they can't justify the expense when they already have a car.

got to chime on on this, as one of the only millennials on the forum. the fact is that, for most people, a motorcycle is a secondary means of transportation. if you buy one, it's a secondary vehicle. most millennials absolutely cannot afford that kind of recreational expenditure. it's simple economics. millennials by and large will not spend money on something they can't afford. it's got zero to do with danger/risk aversion. one of the only reasons i started riding in my 20's was because i broke the system by using my bike as my primary means of transportation and giving up cars. everybody else in my peer group won't touch motorcycles, because they can't justify the expense when they already have a car.
I'm with you on that. My first bike was in '91 after i graduated HS because it was $800 and I could afford it. My car blew up so that's the route I went. You would think then that the millennials would shift TOWARD motorcycles for the $ savings?

There are two big barriers in place that prevent that from happening: 1) perception. the perception is, if you ask around, that motorcycles are, in fact, not cheaper than cars. it's objectively untrue, but it's the perception. people see motorcycles as if they're actually more expensive than owning a car. they think motorcyclists are changing their tires every 4000 miles and constantly having to do engine repairs. they think motorcycles can't handle 6 digit mileage. they think motorcycle gear costs thousands of dollars. they truly believe it's a pure luxury pursuit. people would have to be enlightened and educated about these misconceptions before folks can shift toward buying more motorcycles, and i believe it starts with the manufacturers. they've never really attempted to market their products as transportation solutions, only as fun machines. a shift in marketing toward more practical applications and safety training would make a huge difference.

2) social pressure. people are told all the time about how dangerous motorcycling is, and they're right, but not for the reasons you'd think. it's dangerous because of the lack of training and the culture of carelessness that surrounds it. more measures like mandatory training, mandatory protective gear, and more strict licensure practices would sharply reduce the number of traffic deaths related to motorcycles, and over time people would begin to develop a familiarity with them. the more motorcycles you see on the road, the more accepted it becomes as a mode of transportation, and the more people will be willing to give it a try.

if these two things make a 180 in the near future you could see a huge turnaround for the motorcycle industry, but it's going to take the manufacturers putting up big $$$ for political lobbying and advertising to accomplish them both. This is what my generation needs to be shown the advantages of motorcycles.

 

[Ben70_imp]

Yep, it's dangerous out there. Took a little 150 mile spin today and had to take evasive action three times. One pickup truck parked squarely in my lane, pointed right at me on a slow blind curve. One oncoming left turner that made things worse by trying to stop in the middle of my lane when they finally "saw" me, and a pickup truck that pulled out in front of me then looked back and saw me. All rural stuff, no road rage or malicious intent, just an OMG moment for two out of three, with one oblivious.
I am firmly convinced that people instinctively see things as threatening or non-threatening and subconsciously ignore the non-threatening. The act of driving has become so second nature that it is relegated to autopilot, except when something alarming snaps them out of it.
Hence the .30 caliber machine gun I have mounted... Uh, no.
I practice the idea that getting on a motorcycle is like slipping the cloak of invisibility on, or that ring from "The Hobbit".
It does seem like the preponderance of young people these days get their thrills virtually. Not counting the ones in flying squirrel suits, and a few others.

Ben