I agree with you about needing to have some kind of controls and limits, but, don’t you think it starts with the parents first???!!!!!! Stop blaming a booming industry, we as parents (myself a parent of two) have to teach these would be riders at an early enough age to respect these very capable machines. NO way would I let one of my kids jump on any of the current race spec bikes without first learning and knowing how to ride properly. After that its up to them and hope that we did a good enough job as parents to educate them to make the right decision. It is not someone elses responsibility whether it be morally or financially to control the motorcycling industry
Well, as a dues-paying conservative, I tend to lean in the direction of your arguments, philosophically speaking.
HOWEVER, the motorycle industry is a little different than , say, the couch pillow business. These motorcycles are capable of almost four times the national speed limit. And, while YOU seem to be knowledgeable of the potential of these machines, I will bet you any amount of money that a majority of parents putting up the cash for these things have no idea of the attainable speeds. Perhaps if it was required to have a “do not remove under penalty of law” label, similiar to what is required of stuffing pillows with non-synthetic , potentially harmful allergens, stating that “this vehicle is capable of a speed of XXX mph” to give these ignorant parants at least a clue as to what they are putting their kids on. My problem is that the salesman will tell Pops “that big ol 1200cc is too much for a beginner, but this little 600RR is just a putt-putt”, damn well knowing that it is just a deadly as a loaded gun in the hands of a 16 year old. Somewhere between no regulation and total regulation lies a compromise that will allow an honest dealer to prosper while keeping the consumer AND the consumer’s parent advised as to the possible dangers associated with the purchase. There is no simple answer, most likely because the performance has increased much faster than the average non-enthusiast can imagine. My first Honda 450 had to work long and hard to reach “the ton”,where a modern “entry level” bike can reach that velocity just before the 3-4 shift. It is a different world, my friend.
Point well made and taken. My kids love riding their little 50s on the trails with me, but like you said, I learned by riding smaller displacement bikes working my way up to the larger race spec bikes. I feel quite confident that MY children as well as any other child that learns how to ride at an early age will not be a danger to society and themselves if later in the future they decide to get on one of these bikes. I agree with you and what you are saying…. It all comes down to education and respect. I have been riding for roughly 22 years with an AMA race license for 8 years. There are still times when my 1000cc bike makes me get a little nervous and the thought of putting an uneducated punk getting on one of these scares me as well…..
It’s darwinism at its finest. I say we hand these bikes out for free to anyone who wants one and in a short period of time, we can increase the average IQ of the available gene pool by 20 or 30 points.
I agree that the operator’s mentality, experience and maturity level all play an important role dealing with these speed machines. I happen to be a mid-thirty woman who loves the crotch-rockets. I did take the motorcycle course that introduces you to the world both good and bad of riding a moatorcycle. I practiced on side roads and parking lots. I started with a slower cruiser and worked my way up to a fast bike. I wore a helmet 100% of the time along with a leather jacket and gloves even in the dead of the summer here. I gained experience and knowledge about when and where it is safe(is it really ever?) to “open her up”. I rode in small numbers and with those more experienced. Yes, I went 155 down 95 on a straight away when there was no real traffic. Most important I never rode while I was hungry, angry, lonely or tired.
I drive a 2005 CBR1000RR, boy I am glad I opted not to go with GSXR1000!! I prefereed the Honda because the sexier look of the up the seat exhaust system, also my kids won’t burn there legs getting on or off the bike with the side exhaust. and now I know I am saving $$ on insurance!!
Risk takers are drawn to risky machines. The machine does not CAUSE bad riding… but high-performance machines make it startlingly easy to get in over your head quickly, with no good way out. Just ask Jason Williams, former Duke guard.
Graduated licensing in motorcycling would be an effective way to increase the distance between the inadequately skilled rider and a machine that demands extraordinary riding abilities.
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Rob,
I agree with you about needing to have some kind of controls and limits, but, don’t you think it starts with the parents first???!!!!!! Stop blaming a booming industry, we as parents (myself a parent of two) have to teach these would be riders at an early enough age to respect these very capable machines. NO way would I let one of my kids jump on any of the current race spec bikes without first learning and knowing how to ride properly. After that its up to them and hope that we did a good enough job as parents to educate them to make the right decision. It is not someone elses responsibility whether it be morally or financially to control the motorcycling industry
Well, as a dues-paying conservative, I tend to lean in the direction of your arguments, philosophically speaking.
HOWEVER, the motorycle industry is a little different than , say, the couch pillow business. These motorcycles are capable of almost four times the national speed limit. And, while YOU seem to be knowledgeable of the potential of these machines, I will bet you any amount of money that a majority of parents putting up the cash for these things have no idea of the attainable speeds. Perhaps if it was required to have a “do not remove under penalty of law” label, similiar to what is required of stuffing pillows with non-synthetic , potentially harmful allergens, stating that “this vehicle is capable of a speed of XXX mph” to give these ignorant parants at least a clue as to what they are putting their kids on. My problem is that the salesman will tell Pops “that big ol 1200cc is too much for a beginner, but this little 600RR is just a putt-putt”, damn well knowing that it is just a deadly as a loaded gun in the hands of a 16 year old. Somewhere between no regulation and total regulation lies a compromise that will allow an honest dealer to prosper while keeping the consumer AND the consumer’s parent advised as to the possible dangers associated with the purchase. There is no simple answer, most likely because the performance has increased much faster than the average non-enthusiast can imagine. My first Honda 450 had to work long and hard to reach “the ton”,where a modern “entry level” bike can reach that velocity just before the 3-4 shift. It is a different world, my friend.
Point well made and taken. My kids love riding their little 50s on the trails with me, but like you said, I learned by riding smaller displacement bikes working my way up to the larger race spec bikes. I feel quite confident that MY children as well as any other child that learns how to ride at an early age will not be a danger to society and themselves if later in the future they decide to get on one of these bikes. I agree with you and what you are saying…. It all comes down to education and respect. I have been riding for roughly 22 years with an AMA race license for 8 years. There are still times when my 1000cc bike makes me get a little nervous and the thought of putting an uneducated punk getting on one of these scares me as well…..
Nuff said
It’s darwinism at its finest. I say we hand these bikes out for free to anyone who wants one and in a short period of time, we can increase the average IQ of the available gene pool by 20 or 30 points.
I agree that the operator’s mentality, experience and maturity level all play an important role dealing with these speed machines. I happen to be a mid-thirty woman who loves the crotch-rockets. I did take the motorcycle course that introduces you to the world both good and bad of riding a moatorcycle. I practiced on side roads and parking lots. I started with a slower cruiser and worked my way up to a fast bike. I wore a helmet 100% of the time along with a leather jacket and gloves even in the dead of the summer here. I gained experience and knowledge about when and where it is safe(is it really ever?) to “open her up”. I rode in small numbers and with those more experienced. Yes, I went 155 down 95 on a straight away when there was no real traffic. Most important I never rode while I was hungry, angry, lonely or tired.
I drive a 2005 CBR1000RR, boy I am glad I opted not to go with GSXR1000!! I prefereed the Honda because the sexier look of the up the seat exhaust system, also my kids won’t burn there legs getting on or off the bike with the side exhaust. and now I know I am saving $$ on insurance!!
It takes two to tango….
Risk takers are drawn to risky machines. The machine does not CAUSE bad riding… but high-performance machines make it startlingly easy to get in over your head quickly, with no good way out. Just ask Jason Williams, former Duke guard.
Graduated licensing in motorcycling would be an effective way to increase the distance between the inadequately skilled rider and a machine that demands extraordinary riding abilities.
thYIdj