[eon]

David Hough (of Proficient Motorcycling fame) wrote the following article on earplugs. Doesn’t talk about listening to music but about wind noise and hearing loss.
http://www.soundrider.com/current/may09/earplugs_101-1.htm

I choose not to listen to music as I know it would affect my riding. Studies have shown that listening to loud music makes people drive faster. Not sure about that but listening to loud, fast music certainly makes me drive faster. Not something I need while on the bike.

[eon]

I have had several close calls and they do spook you. But I try and learn from each of them so that that situation does not happen again. I post my experience on forums like these and try to learn from the experience of others. Each time I have done that I have ended up changing the way I ride. Each time I have taken a situation that could have scared me off the bike and turned it into an opportunity to make me a better/safer rider. It may only be a small improvement but it works wonders in restoring your confidence and removing that fear.

[eon]

I believe Rok Straps are much preferable to bungee cords. Haven’t used them yet myself but i am going camping at the end of July so I will need find a solution before then. I think a web/net type thingy would help keep your backpack in check as well. I remember webikeworld (or maybe it was newenough?) had a review of one a while back. It was on the small side but it might help you.

Meantime I still need to figure out what tent to get.

[eon]

I like the fact they are reaching out online to educate people. I know this Steve Sheppard guy monitors local forums here and answers DOL type questions (although he is sometimes a bit abrasive).

[eon]

Yes, you do need to adjust to the higher revs and that takes a little adjustment. I cannot comment on bikes as I have a scooter (which sounds like an angry hair dryer) but I once did have a Honda S2000 (sports car). That thing did not come alive till 5000rpm and went all the way to 9000rpm screaming like a banshee. Once I got over the initial shock and realization the engine was not about to explode it became music to my ears. If you do not grow to love that sound then you might just be a cruiser guy.

[eon]

You are obviously a young guy. I am not. It is a recognized fact that young men feel invincible and that as you get older you get more cautious. You have shown some caution by deciding to start on a 250. I ask you to at least consider you are still underestimating the risks involved here. If you seriously consider all the risks and press ahead with your plans then I sincerely wish you all the best (however the little matter of insurance might get in your way)

I was also concerned by your motives for wanting to do stunts and ride the cool bike. It shouts “ego” and there is nothing more dangerous than ego when you are on a bike. Even this safety conscious old git nearly drove head long into a concrete barrier the first time someone complemented me at traffic lights. I took off fast and nearly ended my riding career 2 weeks after starting. If you put yourself in a group of your peers on a race tuned bike, will you have the self control to keep yourself safe? Not many of us would.

Be safe, have fun and be riding for many years.

[eon]

Glad you and the bike are ok. Good point about the brakes. Will definitely head to a parking lot for some braking practice once I get new pads.

[eon]

Ok, I’m sorry but I could not resist. Where I come from sarcasm is used to keep people grounded and it looks like you needed a reality check. I have no problem with you wanting to do stunts but when you throw in the lusting after the squid machine, plans to be stunting after 3 months, still lives with parents, yada yada, then it you need to get your feet back on the ground. Riding and staying alive is harder than it looks. I am sure you are reading gixxer and stunt sites and you want to be one of those guys. That’s fine. But do yourself a favor and read up on the dangers on riding a bike as well.

As far as the ride from NJ to FL, it is certainly possible to do but I’m not sure I would recommend it do a newer rider. Riding on the interstates is not fun and sports bikes are not the most comfortable things around, and that is a long way. I’m not sure where the trip fits in your timeline but if you are really ready to move up from a 250 then perhaps sell the 250 in NJ and get your next bike in FL?

[eon]

Parents can be such jerks. After maken you wait a year you should go straight to the gixxer. You know you wont want to wait another 3 months, and come on, it just looks so cool and the chix will totally dig you on it. You really wanna spend the summer on a little 2fiddy?

You can spend the next 12 months learning how to do stoppies and wheelies on uTube. You should be one of the stunta boyz within a month I would think.

Ride the bike to FL. You can do it with in one day and join the Iron Butt crew. Dont eat lunch, just drink Red Bull and you wont need to nap. And I-95 is the perfect place to practice your wheelies. You gotta practice to get good.

You’re only young once you know. And some people just never get to be old.

[eon]

The consequences of an illegal act have always factored into the charges. After all, isn’t that what manslaughter is? You did something stupid but it ended up killing someone. Big difference between that and just the stupid part.

What I don’t understand is the reluctance to charge her with manslaughter. Unless they are just going through the due process waiting for the crash scene investigation to be complete. Don’t see the need myself for Congress to get involved. Unless there is more to the story than that article let on.

[eon]

Here’s hoping for a good outcome for you, whatever you think that may be.
If finances are tight a good insurance pay out may be a good thing. As DK says, maybe get a smaller cheaper bike. Let us know how this progresses, I’ve only heard good things about Progressive.

[eon]

Echo what the others have said, leave the ego behind and go there to learn. Don’t stress about the test or not learning things fast enough, it will come. And most importantly, try and have fun.

If you want to prepare a little before the course you can read the class booklet here.
http://www.msf-usa.org/CurriculumMaterials/BRCRiderHndbk_2005v6.pdf

[eon]

Full size version of the pic here
Alternate compositions of the same scene are here and here, but I think the one I posted is the best.

[eon]

Correct, that’s exactly where it is. You local here then?
And for lovely blue skies, check out my pictures in the Picture forum thread “Today was a good day”

[eon]

I agree with Munch on the confidence thing. For me being able to take a corner well comes down to how I am feeling at that precise moment with the bike and with myself. Wearing good/comfortable protective gear will help with that. I also think the ear plugs may be helping more than you think. Without them I certainly notice a lot more wind noise and it is distracting. I would guess your brain is interpreting that noise as ‘you are going fast!’ and would not help your concentration and/or confidence.

[Author]

Posts