Does the influx of new riders worry you?

Amber Lamps · 08-02-2008, 02:11 PM

Actually,in my opinion,the image of the motorcyclist has greatly improved over the last few decades. Sure,people may view us as reckless,stupid,crazy,etc but they no longer view us as a threat like they used to in the 50s,60s,or even 70s. We're no longer portrayed as beer guzzling vagabonds tearing up small towns and terrorizing the citizens. As it stands,we are considered only dangerous to ourselves and quite frankly,that is the situation in most cases. Whether or not a guy wears a helmet,jacket,gloves,boots,etc,is a decision that will ultimately only affect him,his loved ones,etc. Of course,I agree that wearing proper riding attire is the intelligent way to ride but I don't always wear my full gear to ride and no amount of name calling or brow beating is going to persuade me to do so. If I choose to ride without a jacket,boots,gloves,etc,I have my reasons and I won't even attempt to justify myself to you. I don't have to.

On another note,I was going to start a poll using pictures and have members vote on who's a squid. I haven't gotten the right pics but I'm sure you'll get the idea.

Here are some examples of two-wheeled vehicle operators,all wearing helmets,jeans,t-shirt (A&F if it makes you happy),and Nike's,all going the same speed,on the same road. Pick the squid and why.

1. Guy on a GSXR1000

2. Guy on a Vespa

3. Guy on a Big Dog

4. Guy on a Spree

5. Guy on a Harley Davidson Electra-Glide

6. Guy on a DRZ-400E

7. Guy on a CBR954

Obviously,I've chosen a couple of these examples because some of the members of this forum have used pics of themselves operating their bikes in this state of dress and yet have either criticized other riders for their lack of equipment or remained silent while their compatriots have done so.

Anyway,discuss away,I'm honestly and sincerely very interested in the answers. Also,if you don't mind,I've never gotten a decent answer as to how my lack of equipment affects you personally... I mean public perception of riders or insurance rates don't cut it for me as reasons for you to be so upset about my personal decisions.

08-02-2008, 02:11 PM	#11
Amber Lamps Moto GP Star Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 14,556	Actually,in my opinion,the image of the motorcyclist has greatly improved over the last few decades. Sure,people may view us as reckless,stupid,crazy,etc but they no longer view us as a threat like they used to in the 50s,60s,or even 70s. We're no longer portrayed as beer guzzling vagabonds tearing up small towns and terrorizing the citizens. As it stands,we are considered only dangerous to ourselves and quite frankly,that is the situation in most cases. Whether or not a guy wears a helmet,jacket,gloves,boots,etc,is a decision that will ultimately only affect him,his loved ones,etc. Of course,I agree that wearing proper riding attire is the intelligent way to ride but I don't always wear my full gear to ride and no amount of name calling or brow beating is going to persuade me to do so. If I choose to ride without a jacket,boots,gloves,etc,I have my reasons and I won't even attempt to justify myself to you. I don't have to. On another note,I was going to start a poll using pictures and have members vote on who's a squid. I haven't gotten the right pics but I'm sure you'll get the idea. Here are some examples of two-wheeled vehicle operators,all wearing helmets,jeans,t-shirt (A&F if it makes you happy),and Nike's,all going the same speed,on the same road. Pick the squid and why. 1. Guy on a GSXR1000 2. Guy on a Vespa 3. Guy on a Big Dog 4. Guy on a Spree 5. Guy on a Harley Davidson Electra-Glide 6. Guy on a DRZ-400E 7. Guy on a CBR954 Obviously,I've chosen a couple of these examples because some of the members of this forum have used pics of themselves operating their bikes in this state of dress and yet have either criticized other riders for their lack of equipment or remained silent while their compatriots have done so. Anyway,discuss away,I'm honestly and sincerely very interested in the answers. Also,if you don't mind,I've never gotten a decent answer as to how my lack of equipment affects you personally... I mean public perception of riders or insurance rates don't cut it for me as reasons for you to be so upset about my personal decisions.