[eon]

You should read the following article.
http://static2.jadedpixel.com/s/files/1/0003/9861/files/RideArticle%20Forcefield.pdf

Also
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/back-protector/tpro-bohn/

When I was researching this last summer, the TPro Forcefield seemed to be the best available. This is sold in the US under the Joe Rocket Speedmaster label but apparently there are some differences and it only qualifies as CE Level 1 (the TPro is Level 2). I am not sure what this all means but if I was buying a back protector today I would go with the TPro.

[eon]

Glad you like your new purchase. I will always be a FF guy but I absolutely respect a persons right to choose. Sucks about your rear tire, 3700 miles! That seems extremely low. I’m not an expert on these things (or anything really) but is that anywhere remotely near normal? Maybe on a high performance sport bike with sticky rear tires handling lots of HP, but on a cruiser?

[eon]

Depends on if you would wear the full one or not. Obviously more protection is better than less but it will only protect it if you are wearing it. Your price looks a little high though. When I was researching this the Joe Rocket branded one came out tops and that was around $120 I think. What protectors were you looking at?

[eon]

I bought super bright wide angle LEDs from BikeHighway (I think mine were 1150s) and am very happy with the result. I got the wide angle ones as some people had mentioned concerns over the focused direction of LEDs (ie. straight back). The wide angle ones have some bulbs pointed off to the side so that you get a better spread of light.

Ideally I would love to have modulated brake lights as I really notice them on other bikes.

[eon]

Ooh, webbikeworld has just reviewed the helmet you are looking at. Looks very nice
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/hjc/is-16/

[eon]

They seem to be closing these down every day so get it while its here!

[eon]

When selling my last car, the buyer and myself went to a bank and got the cashiers check there and then. Gave me peace of mind and he did not have to get the check until the sale was a done deal. This is the best way in my opinion. I would not want to carry thousands in cash to meet a stranger nor would I want thousands in cash in my house.

[eon]

I read something a long time ago on how to persuade parents to let you do something. It went something like “Dad/Mom, you raised me to know right from wrong and to have a level head on my shoulders. Now is the time to trust you did a good job or admit you have failed”. I’m not doing that quote justice but you get the idea. You actually sound more level headed than your father. You have done some research on what makes a good beginner bike (admittedly to justify what you want but that’s ok ). Your dad is basing his decision on stereotypes. You could point out the stereotypical cruiser dude is in his 40’s, wears no protective gear and rides from bar to bar. Does that mean that’s what he will do? Course not. Same applies to you and sport bikes.

I suspect however the squid argument is just a front to justify what he wants. He wants a cruiser and would love to go riding with his son. Nothing wrong with that and it’s something you should think twice about before walking away from. There will always be time to get the sport bike later.

[eon]

Is it just me or did the Snell response shoot themselves in the foot? He stated 50 years ago when they started out that due to restricted space and equipment they had to whack the same spot twice in order adequately test it. Seems to me they then make up justifications to continue using this method in the face of real world crash analysis where this double hit was never identified as a problem. The whole response reeked of academic jealousies and infighting.

In short, don’t be pressured into buying a non-Snell certified lid if you don’t want to. But I would caution that if it is DOT certified only then make sure it is a reputable manufacturer. There is no independent testing of DOT certificates so you are relying on the manufacturers word.

[eon]

I just spent almost an hour reading through the magazine article listed above (don’t tell the boss). Wow…that was the most impressive piece of journalism I’ve seen in a long long time. I heartily recommend everyone here taking the time to read that. I now at least understand why there is controversy over helmet testing. Before I just wanted to know is this helmet safe, yes/no. Now I realize there is a lot more to it than that. The article is does not do the Snell Foundation any favors but I was most unimpressed with their snide and at times silly response.

now I really need to do some work

[eon]

Do inexpensive DOT-approved helmets protect better than helmets than expensive Snell-approved helmets? The June 2005 Motorcyclist magazine addressed this controversy. That issue contains a detailed article on an extensive test that was conducted on 16 different motorcycle helmets, ranging from the $89.00 Z1R (wBW review) to the $700.00 Schuberth S1 (wBW review).

Their conclusion is that the inexpensive, polycarbonate shell Z1R transferred an average of 152Gs to the head-form, vs. 211Gs of the Snell-approved Scorpion EXO-700.

Also, the UK’s RIDE magazine tested 28 helmets in the May 2005 issue. While the testing methodology was slightly different, they also found that the HJC AC-11 provided the second best impact absorption of the lot. Could it be that a motorcycle helmet doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive to provide good protection?

There’s much, much more to the story, and we strongly suggest reading both articles and studying this subject before you buy your next helmet. One of the conclusions in the Motorcyclist magazine article is that a softer polycarbonate DOT-only approved helmet may provide the highest levels of protection.

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Now I gotta go read this article (when I’m not late for work!)

[eon]

Why would they mention it could happen in a car? That’s probably what happened on the other side of road with the “3 near-simultaneous collisions”, which barely rated a mention. The story was really only news worthy as the guy nearly died. I was just impressed that the phrase “speed was a factor” was not rolled out.

The quote at the end (surrounding noises can be heard) got me wondering about the legalities of wearing headphones while driving a car? And what about the cool dudes with mega sub-woofers who are like rolling earthquakes. Do they get pulled over? There is no way they can hear surrounding noises.

[eon]

Glad you enjoyed the class. I think they call that exercise at the end “the peanut”. I am lucky that the MSF range is close enough to me that I can go practice on it and that’s my new favorite.

Your right about this class not being as popular as the BRC. My local school does at least 2 BRC a week but only 1 ERC a month, and my first class was canceled as not enough people signed up!

Now I just need to get the moolah together to take the advanced class!

[eon]

1. Everyone learns at different rates but I don’t think it is hard to learn the basics. It’s a bit overwhelming at first trying to coordinate all four limbs at once but you soon pick it up. After that it’s just practice, practice, practice till it all becomes second nature. Progressing beyond the basic controls to become a safe rider is a lot harder. Learning to read the road conditions, predict the behavior of other road users, ride defensively etc etc is a life long process.

2. I don’t see any problems with your height/strength if you get a bike that is relatively light and you can get your feet on the ground.

3. Lots of threads on here signing the praises of various bikes. Take a look see which ones you like. I’m guessing you are in the UK? If so, you have more options for smaller cc bikes than we get in the USA. You wont find much mention of them here (as they are unavailable) but I believe there are plenty of nice 125cc bikes out there. If you are not planning any motorway riding then that could be a perfect starter bike.

No offense to your Dad but he might not be the best person to learn from. Do you know if he had bad habits? How long has it been since he has ridden? Will he be able to explain the basics to a beginner? He might be able to do all these things but it never hurts to get some professional advice as well.

Best of luck

[eon]

Had to go look up a picture of an SE. Why is it these retro bikes look so good? Can’t say I remember that style even though I was a kid in Britain in the 70’s. But something about it just feels right.

Let us know when you finally get one. That will be a good day.

[Author]

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