A message from bikers...
I received this from a fellow biker and, as riding season approaches, I felt it appropriate to share:
THE BIKER
When you see us moving past you quickly, don't take offense or think we're trying to "show off". Ninety five percent of the time, we're trying to get out of your blind spot or taking ourselves out of a potential dangerous situation that has evolved around us.
Distancing ourselves from you does not mean we want to race, but that we're giving ourselves the edge we need at the moment.
When you hear our horn:
Don't take offense or think we're trying to aggravate you. All we're doing is letting you know where we are in relation to you on the road, and we're more than likely aware of your inattentiveness to us while you're talking on a cell phone, eating, reading or involved in some other distracting aspect to your driving. It's important to us, and you, that you know we're there.
When you hear our loud pipes:
Don't become angry and hostile toward us. Yes, some are quite loud, but for some, there's a purpose behind being loud. It's about letting you know we're close by and we're constantly hoping that our investment in this accessory will help save our lives. Our pipes are really not about our ego...it's a pride and personalization to our form of transportation.
When you see us in our biker clothes:
Don't become fearful of us or think us weird. Our leather jackets, chaps, gloves and boots are the barriers between loosing massive amounts of flesh should something cause us to go down...nothing more, nothing less. Safety gear is paramount to our riding. We wear patches on our jackets, and pins on our vests. These are symbols of pride and honor within our group(s), individuals giving back to those who gave. These things bond us as a brotherhood and sisterhood among bikers. Not that we're better than anyone else, but that we have the same kind of nobility and pride in our accomplishments as you may have in the various aspects of your life. I guess one could say; our patches and pins are the decals and the bumper stickers of our involvement with society and the general public, of which we are very pleased to be a part of in our own little way.
When you see us in a restaurant:
You don't have to shield your child or feel intimidated. We have family, wives, husbands, children and loved ones too, just like you. We smile; we laugh and enjoy the moments we have. We are approachable, and would befriend you, if given the opportunity.
When you see us in a parking lot:
Don't convince yourself that we're there to "get you". More than likely, we just finished a long ride and are taking a break. Or, we may be meeting up with other riders for a charity run for young children, or another very worthy cause. We may just be admiring one another's bikes, sharing our pride with other brothers and sisters, just like you do with your personal vehicle.
It's what we do...it's a part of our lives, and we'd be more than welcome to share with you what riding a bike is all about...if you'd only ask.
When you see aggressive riding bikers:
Don't put us all in the same stereotypical category as those whose behavior and actions would cause you to react in disgust and intolerance. Many of us do not agree with this style of riding either, and we know and understand that human nature tends to blend us all together as the "same group". Most of us don't want that title...and don't deserve it.
When you see a group of bikers on the roadways:
Give us the courtesy of sharing the road with you.
Please don't "move in" between several bikers in formation. This gets us very excited and nervous, especially when it's done with no due regard for our safety.
Provide us with your awareness of the fact that we are much more vulnerable than you. We don't want to challenge you, for all of us are wise enough to know...we'd lose that battle.
When you are turning left or entering a roadway/highway:
Look, then look again...and then one more time. For we can be easily hidden, and appear to be invisible by such things as a telephone pole, another vehicle, bright lights or the glare of the sun...or possibly, the beads hanging from your rearview mirror, among numerous other items that are displayed there. If you see us flashing our lights at you or blowing our horn, we're only trying to ensure that you will see us before tragedy changes both our lives.
When you are behind us:
Please give us the room we need and don't tailgate us. If you hit us, we're going down...HARD! We don't want to play games with you, we just want to enjoy the ride and the fresh air, and experience that which many of you have never lived for. If we accelerate away from you, don't interpret this action as though we want to drag race you. We're only trying to take ourselves out of a bad situation if you insist on being too close.
When, and if, you experience road rage:
Don't take it out on us just because we're smaller than you and more vulnerable. Think about what you're doing and the end result that may become a reality. The consequences of your actions and choices could be very detrimental to our well being, our families, our children and our loved ones.
Yes, there are those that can tend to piss you off, however, rage towards them will not solve the issues, but accentuate them. Nine out of ten bikers will do everything they can to take themselves out of that situation without causing you or them harm.
When you have an opportunity to talk to us:
You'll discover, outside any influenced or stereotypical mindset you may have, that we are just as human as you are, just with different interests and toys. Many of us would give you the shirt off our back if it would tend to brighten your day or console you in some way. We're really no different...and we drive cars, trucks and vans too. So, meet us and greet us...I think you'll be pleasantly surprised that you'll be met with open arms.
Thank You for attempting to understand.
"Live to ride...Ride to live"
THE BIKER
When you see us moving past you quickly, don't take offense or think we're trying to "show off". Ninety five percent of the time, we're trying to get out of your blind spot or taking ourselves out of a potential dangerous situation that has evolved around us.
Distancing ourselves from you does not mean we want to race, but that we're giving ourselves the edge we need at the moment.
When you hear our horn:
Don't take offense or think we're trying to aggravate you. All we're doing is letting you know where we are in relation to you on the road, and we're more than likely aware of your inattentiveness to us while you're talking on a cell phone, eating, reading or involved in some other distracting aspect to your driving. It's important to us, and you, that you know we're there.
When you hear our loud pipes:
Don't become angry and hostile toward us. Yes, some are quite loud, but for some, there's a purpose behind being loud. It's about letting you know we're close by and we're constantly hoping that our investment in this accessory will help save our lives. Our pipes are really not about our ego...it's a pride and personalization to our form of transportation.
When you see us in our biker clothes:
Don't become fearful of us or think us weird. Our leather jackets, chaps, gloves and boots are the barriers between loosing massive amounts of flesh should something cause us to go down...nothing more, nothing less. Safety gear is paramount to our riding. We wear patches on our jackets, and pins on our vests. These are symbols of pride and honor within our group(s), individuals giving back to those who gave. These things bond us as a brotherhood and sisterhood among bikers. Not that we're better than anyone else, but that we have the same kind of nobility and pride in our accomplishments as you may have in the various aspects of your life. I guess one could say; our patches and pins are the decals and the bumper stickers of our involvement with society and the general public, of which we are very pleased to be a part of in our own little way.
When you see us in a restaurant:
You don't have to shield your child or feel intimidated. We have family, wives, husbands, children and loved ones too, just like you. We smile; we laugh and enjoy the moments we have. We are approachable, and would befriend you, if given the opportunity.
When you see us in a parking lot:
Don't convince yourself that we're there to "get you". More than likely, we just finished a long ride and are taking a break. Or, we may be meeting up with other riders for a charity run for young children, or another very worthy cause. We may just be admiring one another's bikes, sharing our pride with other brothers and sisters, just like you do with your personal vehicle.
It's what we do...it's a part of our lives, and we'd be more than welcome to share with you what riding a bike is all about...if you'd only ask.
When you see aggressive riding bikers:
Don't put us all in the same stereotypical category as those whose behavior and actions would cause you to react in disgust and intolerance. Many of us do not agree with this style of riding either, and we know and understand that human nature tends to blend us all together as the "same group". Most of us don't want that title...and don't deserve it.
When you see a group of bikers on the roadways:
Give us the courtesy of sharing the road with you.
Please don't "move in" between several bikers in formation. This gets us very excited and nervous, especially when it's done with no due regard for our safety.
Provide us with your awareness of the fact that we are much more vulnerable than you. We don't want to challenge you, for all of us are wise enough to know...we'd lose that battle.
When you are turning left or entering a roadway/highway:
Look, then look again...and then one more time. For we can be easily hidden, and appear to be invisible by such things as a telephone pole, another vehicle, bright lights or the glare of the sun...or possibly, the beads hanging from your rearview mirror, among numerous other items that are displayed there. If you see us flashing our lights at you or blowing our horn, we're only trying to ensure that you will see us before tragedy changes both our lives.
When you are behind us:
Please give us the room we need and don't tailgate us. If you hit us, we're going down...HARD! We don't want to play games with you, we just want to enjoy the ride and the fresh air, and experience that which many of you have never lived for. If we accelerate away from you, don't interpret this action as though we want to drag race you. We're only trying to take ourselves out of a bad situation if you insist on being too close.
When, and if, you experience road rage:
Don't take it out on us just because we're smaller than you and more vulnerable. Think about what you're doing and the end result that may become a reality. The consequences of your actions and choices could be very detrimental to our well being, our families, our children and our loved ones.
Yes, there are those that can tend to piss you off, however, rage towards them will not solve the issues, but accentuate them. Nine out of ten bikers will do everything they can to take themselves out of that situation without causing you or them harm.
When you have an opportunity to talk to us:
You'll discover, outside any influenced or stereotypical mindset you may have, that we are just as human as you are, just with different interests and toys. Many of us would give you the shirt off our back if it would tend to brighten your day or console you in some way. We're really no different...and we drive cars, trucks and vans too. So, meet us and greet us...I think you'll be pleasantly surprised that you'll be met with open arms.
Thank You for attempting to understand.
"Live to ride...Ride to live"
0
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So true! 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Spider7115
When you have an opportunity to talk to us:
You'll discover, outside any influenced or stereotypical mindset you may have, that we are just as human as you are, just with different interests and toys. Many of us would give you the shirt off our back if it would tend to brighten your day or console you in some way. We're really no different...and we drive cars, trucks and vans too.
Yup. [:D]0 -
and i found this on the web too:
clean leather ok, dirty smelly leather with 1/2 naked chicks patched on jacket backs, flipping birds at skulls riding choppers alongside...no.
loud pipes? get a car and join the safe crowd. noise is NOT a safety device, its a distraction that causes drivers to be distracted and wreck, causing all of our insurance rates to go up nationwide.
i'll shield my kids from anyone who curses and smokes while we try to eat in public. you be polite i'll be polite too. imagine that.
formation? since when do you own the right to form your private boundaries on the road? share means share. period. one bike = one car length, is the law.
dont worry. were looking for more than bikes. we look for children, animals, and hazards just like you do. i promise to look for you and abide by the law. if for some reason i dont and i drop my guard, it doesnt mean i do all the time. we all have bad days and so do you.
dont go copping some attitude. you knew the risk when you bought the bike. live with your decisions and maybe we will all get along.
[;)][^][:X]0 -
quote:Originally posted by Spider7115
I received this from a fellow biker and, as riding season approaches, I felt it appropriate to share:
THE BIKER
When you see us moving past you quickly, don't take offense or think we're trying to "show off". Ninety five percent of the time, we're trying to get out of your blind spot or taking ourselves out of a potential dangerous situation that has evolved around us.
Distancing ourselves from you does not mean we want to race, but that we're giving ourselves the edge we need at the moment.
When you hear our horn:
Don't take offense or think we're trying to aggravate you. All we're doing is letting you know where we are in relation to you on the road, and we're more than likely aware of your inattentiveness to us while you're talking on a cell phone, eating, reading or involved in some other distracting aspect to your driving. It's important to us, and you, that you know we're there.
When you hear our loud pipes:
Don't become angry and hostile toward us. Yes, some are quite loud, but for some, there's a purpose behind being loud. It's about letting you know we're close by and we're constantly hoping that our investment in this accessory will help save our lives. Our pipes are really not about our ego...it's a pride and personalization to our form of transportation.
When you see us in our biker clothes:
Don't become fearful of us or think us weird. Our leather jackets, chaps, gloves and boots are the barriers between loosing massive amounts of flesh should something cause us to go down...nothing more, nothing less. Safety gear is paramount to our riding. We wear patches on our jackets, and pins on our vests. These are symbols of pride and honor within our group(s), individuals giving back to those who gave. These things bond us as a brotherhood and sisterhood among bikers. Not that we're better than anyone else, but that we have the same kind of nobility and pride in our accomplishments as you may have in the various aspects of your life. I guess one could say; our patches and pins are the decals and the bumper stickers of our involvement with society and the general public, of which we are very pleased to be a part of in our own little way.
When you see us in a restaurant:
You don't have to shield your child or feel intimidated. We have family, wives, husbands, children and loved ones too, just like you. We smile; we laugh and enjoy the moments we have. We are approachable, and would befriend you, if given the opportunity.
When you see us in a parking lot:
Don't convince yourself that we're there to "get you". More than likely, we just finished a long ride and are taking a break. Or, we may be meeting up with other riders for a charity run for young children, or another very worthy cause. We may just be admiring one another's bikes, sharing our pride with other brothers and sisters, just like you do with your personal vehicle.
It's what we do...it's a part of our lives, and we'd be more than welcome to share with you what riding a bike is all about...if you'd only ask.
When you see aggressive riding bikers:
Don't put us all in the same stereotypical category as those whose behavior and actions would cause you to react in disgust and intolerance. Many of us do not agree with this style of riding either, and we know and understand that human nature tends to blend us all together as the "same group". Most of us don't want that title...and don't deserve it.
When you see a group of bikers on the roadways:
Give us the courtesy of sharing the road with you.
Please don't "move in" between several bikers in formation. This gets us very excited and nervous, especially when it's done with no due regard for our safety.
Provide us with your awareness of the fact that we are much more vulnerable than you. We don't want to challenge you, for all of us are wise enough to know...we'd lose that battle.
When you are turning left or entering a roadway/highway:
Look, then look again...and then one more time. For we can be easily hidden, and appear to be invisible by such things as a telephone pole, another vehicle, bright lights or the glare of the sun...or possibly, the beads hanging from your rearview mirror, among numerous other items that are displayed there. If you see us flashing our lights at you or blowing our horn, we're only trying to ensure that you will see us before tragedy changes both our lives.
When you are behind us:
Please give us the room we need and don't tailgate us. If you hit us, we're going down...HARD! We don't want to play games with you, we just want to enjoy the ride and the fresh air, and experience that which many of you have never lived for. If we accelerate away from you, don't interpret this action as though we want to drag race you. We're only trying to take ourselves out of a bad situation if you insist on being too close.
When, and if, you experience road rage:
Don't take it out on us just because we're smaller than you and more vulnerable. Think about what you're doing and the end result that may become a reality. The consequences of your actions and choices could be very detrimental to our well being, our families, our children and our loved ones.
Yes, there are those that can tend to piss you off, however, rage towards them will not solve the issues, but accentuate them. Nine out of ten bikers will do everything they can to take themselves out of that situation without causing you or them harm.
When you have an opportunity to talk to us:
You'll discover, outside any influenced or stereotypical mindset you may have, that we are just as human as you are, just with different interests and toys. Many of us would give you the shirt off our back if it would tend to brighten your day or console you in some way. We're really no different...and we drive cars, trucks and vans too. So, meet us and greet us...I think you'll be pleasantly surprised that you'll be met with open arms.
Thank You for attempting to understand.
"Live to ride...Ride to live"
Loud but muffled pipes? Maybe. But there is no good reason or excuse for straight pipes. Straight pipes are too damn loud and can wake a baby sleeping in the car next to the motorcycle with the straight pipes. We've got one idiot in our general neighborhood about 2-3 blocks over. Every morning when he starts up his bike with his staight pipes, you can hear it blocks away. There is no need for such noise pollution as there is already enough noise in the world created by various machines that are built so as to keep them quiet.
To compare, what a painful din it would be for EVERYBODY if EVERYBODY has straight pipes on their motorcycles, cars, vans, truck, etc.
Straight pipes are just plan thoughtless and rude to others.0 -
Oh come on. 0 -
When you hear our loud pipes: it means we should be riding Hondas instead of being obnoxious and annoying 0 -
I want a bike....can't afford one though.[:(] 0 -
I have a sweet cherry of a GS1000 that just sings. 0 -
Hey if you don't like our loud pipes cover your ears. You are shooters carry your ear protection and you won't even hear us.[:0][:0] We don't like the noise of your loud guns either![:(][:(!][:(!] 
0 -
I don't mind loud pipes, what I do mind is that they get a free pass when someone in a car or pickup would be ticketed for loud pipes. We'll see this summer, my new motor in my truck is a 528 Hemi with 3-1/2" duels with Dynomax Ultra-Flows. Dave 0 -
A Cool statement from Easy rider mag back in the 80's...is that mag still on the go?
[^]
All the good we do..no one remembers - The bad we do.. no one forgets !!
Bikers have more fun..........than people [8D]0 -
quote:Originally posted by sig232
Hey if you don't like our loud pipes cover your ears. You are shooters carry your ear protection and you won't even hear us.[:0][:0] We don't like the noise of your loud guns either![:(][:(!][:(!]
I really shouldn't have to cover my ears when I'm in my own car.
To me, loud pipes on a motorcycle is exactly the same thing as loud, thumping music coming from some teenager's giant bass speakers. It's an annoyance. And subject to the same laws.
That being said, I usually have more to worry about than somebody's juvenile, "Hey! Look A Me!" complex, and like other, temporary annoyances, it normally fades into the distance, leaving me alone with my thoughts.0 -
quote:Originally posted by mond
All the good we do..no one remembers - The bad we do.. no one forgets !!
Sad, but true. [V]
I wonder how many "non-bikers" have gone to a Children's Hospital, to give presents to the patients? Looked into the face of a terminally ill child, and if only for a short while, see joy in that precious little face. Kids, too weak to walk, wheeled into the room in wheelchairs, or on beds. Everyday, hoping/praying for some kind of miracle, or maybe just one day without pain. To watch the tears, running down the cheeks of these big bad burley bikers......
Thousands of runs each year, to benefit one deserving cause or another, are put on by bikers. The make of the bike is immaterial. They ALL do it. Many times, it's the CAUSE that motivates bikers, to donate MILLIONS of dollars a year, to help where it is needed. Rather than donating once or twice a year to the United Way, or a Christmas charity, and calling it good. (in addition to these) Bikers donate MULTIPLE times a year, with each run they attend.
Who are these bikers? The doctor that just finished operating on a patient, to save a life, and the nurse who assisted him/her. The police-person that may die, trying to apprehend a criminal. The cook, at your favorite eatery, your mechanic, your brother, your sister. Bikers come in all shapes and sizes. They drive all kinds of vehicles, and at times, a motorcycle.
Will you consider this the next time you see one? Probably not, you watched a MOVIE from the 50's, where they took over a town. You saw one with GASP.........TATTOOS. How DARE these people have the audacity to be different. Many people will look down their nose at a rice rocket that passes them, almost as quickly as the Harley with loud pipes. (which has been proven to save lives) Heaven knows that YOU have NEVER inconvenienced ANYONE, even for a few seconds, in ANY way, in your lifetime.
The ONE statement that you hear over and over and over, where a car runs into, and OFTEN KILLS a motorcyclist, is, "But officer, I didn't SEE the motorcycle." MANY times, accidents have been avoided, because the driver HEARD the motorcycle. (Yes, I have had personal experience with this) Because I LOVE to ride, with the limited "visual" aspect of a motorcycle, I'll continue to use EVERY means that I can to STAY ALIVE, thank you very much.0 -
Good'un Spider, haven't seen that one in a long time.
Pickenup nailed down a good reply too. Most cagers will never know the experience of a toy run nor the warmth you feel making the hundred and eighty miles round trip in thirty something degree temps. The look of glee on a palsied childs face when you hoist him/her up on your ride is priceless.
Giving these kids one hour of escape in a life of hardship.0 -
Left out: "Two can keep a secret if one is dead." 0 -
"we're constantly hoping that our investment in this accessory will help save our lives. Our pipes are really not about our ego..."
That statement is a pile of crap.
"When you see a group of bikers on the roadways:
Give us the courtesy of sharing the road with you.
Please don't "move in" between several bikers in formation."
Sorry boys I don't play that. I got behind a group of bikers, there were about 15 of them. They were cruising along at 53 mph. Their formation took up about 1/2 mile of road. I knew well the road we were on, it went along for about 40 more miles before the next store or intersection. I have always driven that road at 67 mph or so, have done so hundreds of times and never gotten a ticket, or been in a wreck. I had no intention of going 53 mph for 40 miles just because some bikers wanted to go that speed. No way to pass them all at once.
So I passed 5 of them, and pulled back into the right lane. It was safely done, there was lots of room.
Those bikers started waving their arms, they got all upset.
In a few minutes, I passed five more. They got upset, too.
The guy in front was waving me on like he was going to have a heart attack if I didn't get out of his "formation."
When it was safe, I passed the last of them.
I am not going 53 mph just because some bikers want to. Unless you have a parade permit, or unless you are polite enough to pull over and let faster traffic pass, guys like me will cut into your "formation."
Deal with it.
PS I have ridden many thousands of miles on big bikes, including BMW and Harley.0 -
quote:Originally posted by pickenup
quote:Originally posted by mond
All the good we do..no one remembers - The bad we do.. no one forgets !!
Sad, but true. [V]
I wonder how many "non-bikers" have gone to a Children's Hospital, to give presents to the patients? Looked into the face of a terminally ill child, and if only for a short while, see joy in that precious little face. Kids, too weak to walk, wheeled into the room in wheelchairs, or on beds. Everyday, hoping/praying for some kind of miracle, or maybe just one day without pain. To watch the tears, running down the cheeks of these big bad burley bikers......
Thousands of runs each year, to benefit one deserving cause or another, are put on by bikers. The make of the bike is immaterial. They ALL do it. Many times, it's the CAUSE that motivates bikers, to donate MILLIONS of dollars a year, to help where it is needed. Rather than donating once or twice a year to the United Way, or a Christmas charity, and calling it good. (in addition to these) Bikers donate MULTIPLE times a year, with each run they attend.
None of which makes a Fat Rat's Behind to me if I can't carry on a conversation in a normal voice in my own car. Yeah, like I said, it's a minor annoyance, but don't EVEN try to bestow some kind of bullcrap sainthood on somebody who has absolutely no regard for other people on the road. If these self-absorbed noisemakers want me to think of them as normal, they can quit trying so loudly to stand out in a crowd. But that's just my opinion.0 -
quote:Originally posted by sig232
Hey if you don't like our loud pipes cover your ears. You are shooters carry your ear protection and you won't even hear us.[:0][:0] We don't like the noise of your loud guns either![:(][:(!][:(!]
Guns don't come from the factory, already made to be quiet when fired, and then some annoying owners spends time, money and effort to purposely make then annoying loud. Guns are just plain loud and nothing can be done about it. There is no comparsion between loud guns and loud straight pipes. And nobody should have to carry their ear protection with them when they drive.
In addition, my objection was about STRAIGHT PIPES, not loud pipes.
Straight pipes are nothing but a juvenile attempt to play "look at me, I am a biker". I've owned bikes all my life and when I was young I was thoughtless enough to run straight pipes. I must have annoyed hundreds of people. I wish someone had shown me the error of my ways. Since 1999 I have owned a Yamaha V-Max and it is quiet. I doubt there is a bike on the road that has straight pipes that is as powerful, fast and high tech as my V-Max. And it was designed and first build way back in 1985.0 -
Yes. Some road bikers are a real pain in the azz. Being in a group they seem to think the highway belongs to them only when in a group.
I rode dirt for many years and we had no complaints even in samll groups. Seems like the attitude of hells angeles caught up with too many small minds with road bikes. Why make a nuisance of yourselves when you could enjoy it, not in groups. Just "Groupies" that need each
other for protection???? Or harassement?0 -
I applaud the Harley riders who do charity work. God Bless 'EM. But, how much of that is a result of the "herd mentality" and who among them would be doing charity work without the bikes? It's akin to the rich folks who put in a couple of hours at Thanksgiving down at the soup kitchen and then turn their nose up every time they pass a homeless person. Take notice of how many Harley riders are a riding billboard for Harley products. Look at me! I'm so cool. When they pull up next to you at a light, cover your ears and notice their reaction. Nobody driving a car that loud would get a free pass. I live a couple of miles off the highway and what I can hear is logging trucks in the winter and logging trucks and Harleys in the summer. I mean, ride them if you want and have a good time, but, don't try to pretend that they aren't annoying to everybody who doesn't have one.
There's a jerk who lives next door to the gf in town and during the summer, her windows vibrate when he's cranking it up at 6 AM in the morning.0
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