Author Topic: For the bikers: Loud Suits Save Lives! (Read 1518 times)

rami · « **Reply #15 on:** June 01, 2007, 05:11:04 PM »

You know Joey, I love my Hayabusa too much to put her at risk. It's VERY tempting to let her run wild on the highway. But there's just too much to lose for a moment of stupidity. There are a few local racetracks I'm considering taking her to. I'll just call it dating for now

My Baby:

She's my 4th. After first setting eyes on her, I vowed to make her THE ONE. A lady deserves respect. This one is guaranteed to have the last word, so I don't argue with her! Rami

bsee · « **Reply #16 on:** June 01, 2007, 05:54:20 PM »

It's almost as bad when someone with a couple years of experience sells their Radian for a Hayabusa or other high horsepower machine. They figure they're pretty good and they know how to ride. In reality, the same twist of the wrist that gets you some decent acceleration on your 600 will put the front wheel of a modern 1200+ monster in the air quicker than you could imagine.

Whatever you ride, always approach an unfamiliar bike with caution and respect until you get the feel for it. I like to start with a cautious ride to an open parking lot and then put myself through some mini-MSF drills to get the low speed handling down first. You can also play with the

rami · « **Reply #17 on:** June 01, 2007, 06:42:55 PM »

I've been quite lucky never to have had any major incidents in my 20+ years riding sportbikes. I suppose the older you get the less risks you're willing to take for a quick thrill. I don't even take her out at night! Since I got her last October, she only has 800km on the odometer. She has another 800km left to complete the break-in. The very thought of her getting all scratched up hurts like road rash (which by the way - I've experienced several times cycling, but never motorcycling).

Rami

811952 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 01, 2007, 08:44:58 PM »

Rami, that's one gorgeous ride!

If not for long distance travelling on the interstate, I think I'd have a ton of fun on something like a KLX 250.

John

rami · « **Reply #19 on:** June 02, 2007, 07:31:56 AM »

Thanks John. She's a 2006 Limited Edition. I first saw her at the motorcycle show in February 2006. I never thought I'd actually find one on a dealer showroom. It really was love at first sight. I wasn't intending to buy another motorcycle, but when I found myself visiting her every other day, it just HAD to happen. I still spend more time admiring her than actaully riding her. So the thought of putting her at risk... It ain't gonna happen.

She's a keeper

Rami

(Message edited by rami on June 02, 2007)

bsee · « **Reply #20 on:** June 02, 2007, 10:18:35 AM »

Man, bikes are for riding. I road my ST1300 home 55 miles from the showroom in late February '03 (in New England). By Labor Day, she was ready for her 16K mile service. Worst case, give her a monthly spin and annual service to preserve all the rubber parts and keep things from drying out!

rami · « **Reply #21 on:** June 02, 2007, 12:36:20 PM »

I try to take her out at least once a week. Usually 100 -200 km rides. I don't like riding with other bikers or stopping at various gatherings. I enjoy her most on twisting, winding back roads or the open highway. She's definitely meant to move. She also happens to look great doing it.

Rami

bigredbass · « **Reply #22 on:** June 02, 2007, 03:47:22 PM »

But Rami, you said the magic words: 'She's my FOURTH bike'. And you obviously have much respect for the warp-drive behind that throttle. It's unfortunate how many H-Bombs are bought as FIRST bikes, as terrifying as that sounds.

J o e y

rami · « **Reply #23 on:** June 02, 2007, 05:59:32 PM »

That's very true Joey. Youth, testosterone, and high horsepower are a dangerous mixture. Almost every other day I hear about another tragedy involving fast cars and/or motorcycles. I started riding dirt and dual purpose bikes at 16. Surviving on a high powered bike into your 40's and beyond is truly a credit to experience and wisdom. Knowing when NOT to pull that trigger. A powerful bike will definitely have the last word.

Rami

82daion · « **Reply #24 on:** June 02, 2007, 09:54:11 PM »

That Hayabusa is a beautiful machine, Rami.

And that suit is quite becoming, John.

I've always wanted to try riding, but I've already got an automotive project going, and between that, college, and the Series I that's in my near future, it's probably not something I'll get into for a while.

(Message edited by 82Daion on June 02, 2007)

tbrannon · « **Reply #25 on:** June 02, 2007, 10:15:33 PM »

Chris,

Have you decided to go for the Series I? Did you get a chance to play that superfilter equipped bass?

82daion · « **Reply #26 on:** June 02, 2007, 10:38:21 PM »

Toby,

I haven't played the superfilter bass, but after some deep thought on the subject, that bass probably isn't the right one for me-there's just too much going on with it electronically, and the fact that it needs some neck work to be fully playable is a bit of a turnoff. I'd have to revamp my rig to make using it practical.

Unless I'm offered a great price on the superfilter bass, the Series I is probably my best bet right now.

tbrannon · « **Reply #27 on:** June 03, 2007, 01:42:56 AM »

Chris,

Fair enough- They're both lovely and I love the lacewood on the Series I (and the back lam is drop dead gorgeous).

Sorry for the hijack....bikers ride on!!

BTW: I commute on my bike (pedal version) about 80% of the time. I don't wear flourescent, but I have a VERY yellow Cannondale Epic jacket that makes me mighty visible.

811952 · « **Reply #28 on:** June 03, 2007, 12:31:06 PM »

Why, thank you, Chris!

Yesterday I picked up a pair of custom molded earplugs to wear when I ride or use the chainsaw. They match the suit, but are the opposite of loud!

Rami, it definitely figures that someone that suffers from Multiple Bass Syndrome as badly as you, would also be afflicted with Multiple Bike Syndrome. What else ya got?

John

tbrannon · « **Reply #29 on:** June 03, 2007, 12:41:28 PM »

John,

How much do the earplugs block when you're on the bike?

I recently got a little iPod nano and I started wearing it while I was pedaling my way to work- I kept the volume really low so that I could still hear traffic - the music was just audible- and yet I only lasted about a week. I stopped wearing it because I just didn't feel as safe with my hearing reduced.

I've been commuting on my bike for abour 15 years and have been dumped off my bike 3 times (and just avoided countless other mishaps)- I've found my ears to be as valuable as my eyes for avoiding death-by-auto. As much as I liked listening to the Brothers Johnson while I climbed the big hills on the way to work, I just couldn't get comfortable with reducing my sense of hearing while out in traffic.

Toby