| Motorcycle rides and riders in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia | |||||||
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05-19-2009, 07:22 AM
| #41 | |
| Mr. PNW Riders 2007  | 
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05-19-2009, 10:36 PM
| #42 | |
| Training Wheels Joined: May 2009 From: Bonney Lake, WA I Ride: 05' Yamaha FZ1 |
 I always wondered what younger siblings were good for. Motorcycle safety! | |
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05-20-2009, 12:47 AM
| #43 |
| Endorsed Joined: Apr 2009 From: near McMinnville I Ride: Hondas, Huskys and Harleys | Never let your bike take you someplace that your brain hasn't been at least three seconds earlier. Don't talk on the phone. Don't listen to the radio, iPod, etc. Don't talk on the CB. Don't talk to your pillion. Don't look at the bird that your pillion is pointing at and talking about. Ride the fucking motorcycle. |
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05-20-2009, 08:54 AM
| #45 |
| Pit Crew Joined: Apr 2009 From: Coast hopper I Ride: '05 250 Ninja, '09 nekkid SV650S | Tunnel vision is bad. Learn to pay attention to things that are all around you and not just in front of you. It can also help you prevent getting a ticket when someone behind you has a radar detector and is trying their damnedest to get your attention to slow the fuck down. (Personal experience, lol) |
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05-20-2009, 10:06 AM
| #47 |
| MotoGP Champion Joined: Sep 2005 From: Bremerton I Ride: 03 Are See fiddy one, 05 DRZ400SM, 95 FZR1040, 69 Combat Commando Roadster, 73 Commando Interstate, 67 BSA B44, 71 BSA B50 | Get a Mod to sticky this thread.... |
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05-20-2009, 11:07 AM
| #48 |
| Zone Head Joined: Aug 2006 From: Banks, Or. I Ride: U ride? | Do not Dart from one lane to the other in traffic. Never get mad and be aggressive. Be smooth and predictable. If you think your looking far enough ahead, look to see if you can see anything past where you were focusing. keep your eyes moving. Look far away glance close. Look More. Expect the unexpected so your ready for it when it happens. |
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05-20-2009, 11:52 AM
| #50 |
| Washington (VA)  Joined: Dec 2008 From: Spokane Valley, WA I Ride: a Triumph, and whatever else they'll let me test ride. | Well, not a "long-time" rider by any means, (Working on 9 years since I started riding on the street) but I can say with certainty that the best advice I was given as a youngster on a bike that was way too fast was, "Slow the fuck down. You're riding like an idiot, and you look horrible doing it. I'm almost ashamed to ride with you, but everyone needs a mentor." That was from a very very experienced rider who saw the fire in my eyes, determined to break sound barriers. I didn't heed the warning, and it caught up with me....he gave me the "I told ya so." and left it alone. I slowed down after that crash, did some track days, and got into racing. I take it pretty darn easy on the streets now, but I am really looking forward to getting some track time in. |
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05-20-2009, 12:29 PM
| #52 |
| WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Aug 2006 From: Edmonds I Ride: Currently a H1 Humvee, P19B. At home 50cc twist and go | Just because the power is there does not mean it needs to be used. Like others have said turn your head watch for the car trying to take you out. If you see a person on a cell phone or just not paying attention move away from them. For those who have riden with me (noobs), there is no finish line so its not a race on the street. There is also no trophy girl thats gonna go home with because you think you are fast, and for you ladies no trophy boy for you either. |
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05-20-2009, 12:37 PM
| #53 |
| MotoGP Contender Joined: Aug 2008 From: Puget Sound I Ride: H-D | Like everyone has more or less said by now~ 1. Everyone will kill you if you let them. 2. Don't let whatever costume you wear give you a false sense of safety. 3. Constantly recon at least 1/4 of a mile ahead of you. 4. Trust your gut. 5. Your ego will kill you.  |
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05-20-2009, 04:11 PM
| #54 |
| Pit Crew Joined: Jun 2008 From: Portland Oregon I Ride: 01 Speed Triple/Suzuki RF900 95 | Commuting, freeway and other personal manta related to riding. Keep a good gap to the car in front of you. Bigger gap == more time to react == you have more options. This is an easy thing to teach yourself. Stay away from uncovered loads on the freeway. Stay back from them or get around them. No I don't trust the average person to properly secure there load. Assume who ever loaded the truck or trailer is a total tool and just threw crap in there and drove off thinking "I am only going a little ways". Ever wonder where all the junk on the side of the free way comes from? Either be behind a semi or at least even with the driver. NEVER be in the blind spot long enough for it to matter. This is a good rule for cars and trucks as well. DON'T be in the blind spots. Slow down and get back a bit or speed up and get ahead of them. ASSUME they don't see you at all and mean to hurt you. . Relax when commuting and riding in general. Plane and simple. Remember how much you like to ride your bike even in if you are stuck in traffic. Angry == bad decisions. Wear the right gear. Get summer gear and winter gear. Sort it out buy some gear. Sort out how to be dry and comfortable in all conditions that you ride in. Only riding in the perfect summer days is a bit of weak sauce in my book. There are plenty of fall winter and spring days. Decide for yourself the level of gear you want to wear but know this: Jeans do not protect from rash. Sort out your mirrors. Find something that works and learn to trust them. If you can't trust them enough to make a lane changes without looking sort it out and find something that you can trust. No mirrors is for the track not for the street. This is about your safety. Sort out your blinkers. I know you might think it isn't cool to have DOT or better blinkers on your bike but they do something really important and that is communicate in a clear way to others. If you want to move ways from the stock setups be sure what ever you replace them with work and do the job. This is not about equipment check tickets form the LEO this is about your safety. Do not drink and ride. If I am on the moto I will not drink the slightest. I have a pretty decent relationship with alcohol and know my limits quite well but this is a hard and firm rule for me. Call it a double standard as I will drink and then later drive my car but please give it some serious thought, I have some friends with bad stories.... It is about your safety. Learn to let cars pass you. EGO says pass everyone and never be passed. Learn that it does not matter and let cars pass you on your bike, don't let others control your speed. This is really simply ride your own ride. At the end of day it is about having fun and being on the moto. For new riders looking for a ride: ALL BIKES ARE FAST Even the lowly ninja 250 is an under 15 seconds 1/4 mile time bike. That it not dog slow by any reasonable definition. You will hear all sorts of should / should not do BS I will list mine here in one place: 1. Don't buy new. You might not like the hobby and you have zero idea of what you will really want. Look on crigslist see all the people trying to sell their used very low mileage bike for MSRP? You don't want to be that person. Also maybe a Sprint ST is a better bike for you than a GSXR or an HD dyna lowrider you have no idea yet if you don't have any real street time. 2. Buy GEAR! Gear lasts forever buy it early. 3. Current personal recommended starters include but not limited to. Ninja 500 Ninja 250 Ninja 650 SV 650 Monster 600/620/750 and related. GS500 (maybe the new GS stuff as well) Honda Shadow 650 Realistically anything you will be able to handle a decent amount of power just fine without scaring the daylights out of yourself. I managed to survive starting on an older 600 as did many others. Some people ride a ninja 250 for years and years some people die on a ninja 250. Figure out what works for you. I strongly suggest you say away from the big hp bikes for a while, you need to understand how to control yourself before you ride one of the really fast or heavy bikes (all bikes are fast but some are faster....) The danger of motorcycles is not the bike as much as it is the rider. You need time to grow as a rider. Ok that is about it I guess. Have fun out there. |
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05-20-2009, 10:27 PM
| #55 | |
| Pit Crew Joined: Apr 2009 From: Coast hopper I Ride: '05 250 Ninja, '09 nekkid SV650S |
But I agree, even a 250 has some pep and shouldn't be taken lightly. Excellent beginner bike in my opinion too. While I'm not a long time rider by any means, I'll just give some of my musings. Don't ride beyond what you think you can handle. People make fun of 'chicken strips' but seriously, I'd rather have them than a possible wipe out trying to get rid of them by doing something stupid. Learn your bike before attempting to do anything bigger/better/faster. You'll probably live longer that way or have less injuries in general. Don't think that just because you haven't done U-turns and figure 8's and cone weaves/avoids since your endorsement test that they'll never happen. They're put in the test for a reason and everyone should take some time to do these exercises on any new bike they get. Confidence in yourself and your bike in being able to do the task before an actual incident will help immensely. Don't fight the cages, please. If someone is tailgating you, pull over and let them pass. You never know who might have an extreme case of road rage and not find your slowing down and/or general 'Fuck you' attitude as amusing as you do. If you find a car trying to pull into your area, be on the defense not the offense. While it may feel good to kick at a car door or smack a mirror, things can go horribly wrong if you lose your control doing it or insurance gets involved. After all, in this case, you're the one who damaged their car. People are assholes that way. About all I can think of right now  | |
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05-21-2009, 07:36 AM
| #58 | |
| Streetfighter Joined: Feb 2009 From: Sunny San Diego til mid nov then back to rain I Ride: Schwinn |
Thats huge !!!!!! The fact you all thought hard on what you know, is a win. the FACT that you were willing to help is a big win. I think all of us got reminded of something that wasnt on the top of our thoughts in prepping to ride. I'm headed to downtown Seattle today from my comfy country roads. All the city tips, plus a refresher on urban riding from Motorcyclistonline will help Me stay focused riding. Not the very important reasons I have to go there. This isnt a tire/oil/bike make thread. Its a what I do to stay alive and can pass on deal. And it showed Me the biking community of 2009 is a healthy thing!! You all Rock!! Be proud of yourselves !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    AND Oregon, Idaho too, | |
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05-21-2009, 08:08 AM
| #59 | |
| MotoGP Contender Joined: Nov 2005 From: Rathdrum, ID I Ride: cause I'm a Loowwlife |
I haven't kicked any doors or punched mirrors yet, I have hit the shoulder pulled even with their drivers window and waved though, that scared the shit outa that driver, sure was fun watching them almost wreck because they swerved back the other way without looking, as I motored on. Next dumbass on a cell phone or putting on makeup or doing something besides driving, I am taking a trophy from though. General innattentiveness I can handle, doing shit besides driving though pisses me off. | |
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05-21-2009, 09:06 AM
| #60 |
| Superbiker Joined: Dec 2005 From: Tacoma, WA I Ride: GSXR-1100 & a B12 | I just want to echo what JimmyZ mentioned... I see lots of good practical advice about a lot of stuff in here, but the one thing that isn't getting any "airtime" is "headspace". Attitude is everything. If you're angry about your boss/wife/boyfriend/whatever and you're all wrapped-up in thinking about something that happened 15 minutes ago, then you're not going to have your $10 worth of attention available to pay attention to the bike and what's going on around you. One of the biggest lessons that I learned on the racetrack that translates directly to the street is the lesson about here-and-now. Everything else ceases to exist when the throttle opens and the clutch engages. There is nothing but the here-and-now. That's the sort of "poetry-in-motion" that is why I love riding so much. I only have limited resources when it comes to my physical and mental capacity, and almost all of us ride machines that can far exceed our own human limits... anything that is in the back of my mind or gnawing at my worry-bone only detracts from what is available to me when the deer does loom out of nowhere or the idiot on the cel-phone does pull out in front of me or (fill_in_the_blank). I can point to other "causes" for any one of the several times I have found myself sliding along the pavement with my motorcycle no longer in my field-of-vision... but the bottom-line is that it's *usually* because I was not paying enough attention to the here-and-now or I made a bad decision or a combination of both. Make it a part of your pre-ride drill - along with important things like checking to be sure that the wheels are still round and tires have air in them and that kinda stuff - before you put the helmet on, make sure that the head inside of it is here and now and ready to ride, not thinking about your stupid boss at work, or the girl/guy that dumped you and isn't worthy of your attention anyway. Most of all, do NOT ride angry. It affects judgement and risk-taking choices, and I am of the opinion that it's just as dangerous as riding while intoxicated. Fear, Anger, Love, Hate - none of them have any place inside that helmet. Head-space. That's what I think anyway. |
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05-21-2009, 09:18 AM
| #61 | |
| MotoGP Contender Joined: Nov 2005 From: Rathdrum, ID I Ride: cause I'm a Loowwlife |
I make a point of riding slowly when there are outside distractions, but within a couple miles those are usually gone, I've settled in on the bike and its time to have some ME time. I ride my fastest when I feel its my slowest, but thats because I've got nothing else on my mind, I'm relaxed, everything is fluid, and the miles just keep on counting. Then I get pissed when the fuel light comes on. | |
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05-25-2009, 03:28 AM
| #63 |
| Endorsed Joined: May 2009 From: Richland, WA I Ride: 09 Kawaski Ninja ZX-14 - Burnt Orange, and if your in the moutains ya might see me on my Artic Cat 650!! |  I had a close call about 4 months ago when heading down to the Muckleteo Ferry...it was raining (slick)...so I was keeping it slow, but not slow enough when the light turned yellow...I began slowing down quickly but I had just entered a section of the ferry lane with white lines...both tires locked up and I had a two wheel skid on my hands...I don't really remember how I rode it out, the bike stalled and died and I came to a stop just in time! Looking back on it all I can think of is that I was going to fast for the conditions even though I was going 5 under the speed limit! I don't know if this will help anybody, but I wanted to share since I had only been riding for about 6 months! |
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05-25-2009, 06:20 AM
| #65 |
| MotoGP Champion | My first bike was a 1961 Honda 50cc full size bike, in 1969. I have not been without since. My best sliver of advise is "learn" Never stop learning. It doesn't really matter what, where, how or from who. It matters that your mind is willing to listen and evaluate. Motorcycle skilz are not easily applied without practice. So this is my favorite learning behavior. Find an empty lot and do some full brake stops, braking turns, slow 8's or what ever you're uncomfortable with. This could be a weekend event if some of the mentors wanted to teach basics. Because it is amazing how many good track guys aren't good road guys. Basics skilz are where life continues. The best source isn't old riders, in general it is the book from one of our own locals. By David Hough named Proficient Motorcycling, I highly recommend it!  Last edited by Gusgus; 05-25-2009 at 08:19 AM.. |
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05-25-2009, 08:02 AM
| #66 | |
| Streetfighter Joined: Feb 2009 From: Sunny San Diego til mid nov then back to rain I Ride: Schwinn |
Paint, middle of lane at stop lights + rain= skid. A number of folks mentioned this in here. There is No, none, very very little traction on paint when wet. I avoid it even when hot out. Any oil or liquid on paint is a guaranteed slip. This thread is for you my new friend. I strongly suggest printing the 50 ways to save your life and read them often before you ride. I do and I've been riding a looooong time. Thank you MJN for making this a sticky !!!!  | |
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05-25-2009, 09:06 AM
| #67 | |
| Superbiker |
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05-25-2009, 09:07 AM
| #68 | |
| Superbiker |
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06-26-2009, 04:58 AM
| #71 |
| MotoGP Contender Joined: Jul 2007 From: Camas, Washington I Ride: 05 zx12r | check you tire pressure before you ride check your lights / blinkers before you ride balls of your feet on the pegs get your damn toe out from under the shift lever keep your eyes up when you come to a stop breathe blink loosen up your arms loosen up your grip carry your weight in your gut and your legs NOT your arms cover your brake and clutch with a finger lean and believe look throoooouuuuugh the turn relax be smoooooooothe |
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06-26-2009, 07:45 AM
| #72 |
| Track School Dazed Joined: Oct 2005 From: CENTRAL I Ride: When I can | Slow down on the street. Save the lean angles and speed for track days. (where everyone is heads-up and going the same direction, theres no cars, animals, or gravel in the corners, ect, ect) Bikes are small. Many have dual headlights. We can and do look like a car in the distance. People mis-judge our speed, and the result can be an accident, or worse. Give yourself a break. |
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06-28-2009, 11:58 PM
| #73 |
| Training Wheels Joined: May 2008 From: Shelton, WA I Ride: Honda XR650L SuperMoto, Nt650Gt, Craftsman LT1000, 96' CR20R | Watch out for deer!!!!!!! Split two bambies two nights ago. Last year saw an elk in the fog on the freeway outside of Shelton. His head was about a foot off my shoulder when I saw him. I felt the wind kick back as I passed. I swear I smelt his breath. Had to two do some extreme braking tonight on the way home in my cage to avoid a very young bambi. You just can't judge what animal will pop up and when they do, what their reaction will be. Always look for escape routes. Your brakes are not always the answer to escape a bad situation. Invest in clean underwear. |
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06-29-2009, 12:27 AM
| #74 | |
| Endorsed Joined: Nov 2008 From: Medford BOYEEEEE!!!! lol I Ride: a Yamaha Roadstar Warrior VERY safe-like ;) |
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06-29-2009, 12:47 PM
| #75 |
| Endorsed Joined: May 2009 From: Yelm, WA I Ride: Harley | When I am on a country road and it is the 'thru' road when approaching cross roads I like to stay out by the center line, sometimes weave back and forth or flash my brights, I think it helps people see me. Also careful when you are approaching side roads and you are behind a car or truck, that is all the people see, they dont see you!! drop back cause people are impatient and will dart out as quick as they can. and practice driving slow, it dont hurt to much to fall over at 1 mph but it sure is embarASSING! Carl |
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06-30-2009, 08:54 AM
| #76 | |
| Training Wheels |
it can, and should be done suspension = control, nuff said braking under acceleration isn't always bad "When trouble approaches from the rear, drop a gear and disappear" | |
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07-25-2009, 05:24 AM
| #78 |
| Training Wheels Joined: Jul 2009 From: South Everette Washington I Ride: my girlfriend, but she doesn't keep up in the twisties | haven't been on a bike in 10 years (mainly cause I totalled my last one) but one thing I learned in the army that I apply to riding, "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." Just remember (to borrow a line from some space movie somewhere) "we're sitting on a million gallons of fuel about to be blasted into space, by a ship full of pieces made by the lowest possible bidder" TRANSLATION "the more moving and interactive parts it has, the more things that can go wrong with it. Use your head" And last but not least, Don't expect the cagers to see you. I know it's "common sense" but common sense isn't so common among people anymore. Be safe everyone! |
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08-19-2009, 01:31 AM
| #79 |
| Newbie Joined: Sep 2008 From: Bellingham, WA I Ride: Street Fighter Ninja 250 | Check your PSI! If you have a tire low on air in a car its a nuisance. If you have a tire low on air on a motorcycle, it could be lethal. And its quite easy to run over a nail or other puncturing debris without noticing it. |
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