What is it with some bikers?
Discussion
Grant's post got me thinking....Lovely bike, all keen to get out there...etc. How many blokes have I seen on quality bikes, no expense spared, wearing jeans, trainers and sometimes no gloves......Who lets them out like this? Anyone on here a regualar "casual dresser"?
Amazes me...perhaps I'm just getting old?
Cheers.
Amazes me...perhaps I'm just getting old?
Cheers.
black-k1 said:
There is a saying that goes something like ‘Be careful what you wish for as it might come true’! With the ‘Nanny State’ as it is at the moment it is only one small step from where we are now to compulsion on full leathers, boots gloves etc. From there it is only one small step to banning bikes completely ‘for our own good’! If others want to ride in shorts and tee shirts, that is their choice.
Every time you ‘push the envelope’ on a bike you are risking a crash which may result in injury or even death. Some push the risk envelope of top speed, others with how quickly they can get around corners. Still more with how far they can go on one wheel and some do it by riding without leathers. Why are some risks ‘right’ and others ‘wrong’?
Every time you ‘push the envelope’ on a bike you are risking a crash which may result in injury or even death. Some push the risk envelope of top speed, others with how quickly they can get around corners. Still more with how far they can go on one wheel and some do it by riding without leathers. Why are some risks ‘right’ and others ‘wrong’?
David, I never said any risks were right or wrong. I'm suggesting that riding without the proper gear is a risk I'm not prepared to take, and I can't understand why anyone else would be prepared to take this risk. We all know the dangers of riding, so wouldn't common sense tell you to minimise those risks? We all make a decision (consious or not)to minimise those risks by NOT riding like lunatics at 100% of the bikes ability all of the time(Mad Dave excluded!. I don't think it's got anything to do with a nanny state, although I agree with your point on it.
black-k1 said:
chilli said:
David,
No probs, all taken on board...and I agree with a lot you say. However, I can't change my opinion that it's a stupid thing to do.. I know, I know, I take other risks but not this one.....I just wouldn't do it though, and tut everytime I see someone in casual gear!
No probs, all taken on board...and I agree with a lot you say. However, I can't change my opinion that it's a stupid thing to do.. I know, I know, I take other risks but not this one.....I just wouldn't do it though, and tut everytime I see someone in casual gear!
Nick – entry for your ‘to do’ list. Try riding through slow moving traffic in a Mediterranean town in August. - Your opinion of always riding with full protective clothing might well change. (And it’ll be part of a great holiday!
)Been there! Last year, riding through Spain, late May. Sitting at traffic lights, in a small "town". temp was mid thirties. Bike temp was 110 IIRC, and the sweat was running down my back! Must admit, a tee-shirt would have been nice...But NO, NEVER!!!!!
blueflash said:
doc3 said:
The thought of permanent injury for the sake of extra comfort or convenience is not worth it IMHO
No offence, but if you think it's that dangerous why ride a bike. No amount of armour - plastic bits on yer knees and elbows will make a t*ss if you hit something/ or something hits you.
I enjoyed a 150 mile ride around North Yorkshire on saturday with a bunch of mates , helmet,leather jacket, jeans and good pair of lace up boots n the only mistake was wearing padded gloves - unlined leather would have been a load more comfy.
keep enjoying it!.Not really as simple as "if you think it's dangerous". If you were worried about danger, you wouldn't get outta bed in the morning (although seeing your post at 02:05, I doubt you do anyway!) I guess it's just down to personal choice and managing risks. As David has said before, we are all taking risks and I agree on the point that it's imperative that we can make our own decisions, but I would never get on a bike without the full gear on....my choice.
However, I do wonder in years to come, if Ipotter around on something "comfy" whether I'll change my mind?
northernboy said:
chilli said:
Grant's post got me thinking....Lovely bike, all keen to get out there...etc. How many blokes have I seen on quality bikes, no expense spared, wearing jeans, trainers and sometimes no gloves......Who lets them out like this? Anyone on here a regualar "casual dresser"?
Amazes me...perhaps I'm just getting old?
Cheers.
Amazes me...perhaps I'm just getting old?
Cheers.
What's your point?
We all choose what level of risk we are happy with. I've been riding for decades, on all sorts of bikes, but am sometimes happy to ride in jeans and trainers.
You think that it should not be allowed, or what?
My point is that I can't understand people who would ride without the proper gear on. Let's not repeat all of the other posts about mitigating the risks etc, I'm merely stating the fact that I wouldn't even think about it, and it makes me cringe when I see people riding in their "beachwear".
As for whether it should be allowed or not...I never mentioned that it shouldn't be allowed. You do what you like, but if my mate/brother was a rider I'd be suggesting full kit everytime.
Got my point? No? Discussion on everyones thoughts.
northernboy said:
chilli said:
...I never mentioned that it shouldn't be allowed. You do what you like, but if my mate/brother was a rider I'd be suggesting full kit everytime.
Got my point? No? Discussion on everyones thoughts.
Got my point? No? Discussion on everyones thoughts.
Well, do did say "who lets them out like this".
I see no problem with it at all. I'll ride in a t-short (with elbow protection) off road, but tend to wear extremely good equipment on longer trips.
What do you wear? Have you gone to town on the best stuff?
One thing to remember is risk homeostasis, of course.
TBH I can't argue this anymore. I get what most on here (you included) are saying, and take it on board. However, I can't change my opinion on whether or not it is a wise course of action....just can't, and I don't think I'd ever ride without it.
I wear fully protected textiles in the cold, and a 2 piece leather suit on the summer. No, I haven't gone to town on the best stuff, purely for the fact that I can't afford to do so. I have however, bought the best stuff I could afford...advice I gained from friends and a majority of guys on here.
blueflash said:
Chilli: maybe your time would be better spent thinking of small ways of trying to keep things together out there ,than saying things like "WHO LETS THESE PEOPLE OUT", who are obviously more confident/comfoftable on two wheels than yourself.
Edited by blueflash on Friday 13th April 01:16
Are you suggesting that making general observations about other road users is a waste of time? From the advanced training I have done, hazard perceptions, forward observations etc are drummed into you as a major part of expect the unexpected. Not suggesting that a biker in just his pants is gonna take me out, but you know what I mean.
I agree with you, a majority of riders probably have more talent and are more comfortable on a bike, but that doesn't take into account other road users who may not be so clued up.
Really sorry guys, I respect that a lot of people have put good posts on this (and a few divvy ones) but I still think riding without the proper gear is a bad idea.
Mad Dave said:
chilli said:
We all make a decision (consious or not)to minimise those risks by NOT riding like lunatics at 100% of the bikes ability all of the time(Mad Dave excluded!. I don't think it's got anything to do with a nanny state, although I agree with your point on it.
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=377086&r=5202742&hm=16953#5202742
Mad Dave said:
chilli said:
Mad Dave said:
chilli said:
We all make a decision (consious or not)to minimise those risks by NOT riding like lunatics at 100% of the bikes ability all of the time(Mad Dave excluded!. I don't think it's got anything to do with a nanny state, although I agree with your point on it.
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=377086&r=5202742&hm=16953#5202742
LOL. A mere misjudgement.
BTW, took the K1 out for a vMax run before I gave it back - backed off about 178/179 (on the clocks). Crazy thing was still pulling, I just ran out of cajones!
My god man!! What does the K1 run out of puff at??
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