A local man, only 37 years old I think it said, was killed when a pickup truck pulled out of a side road in front of him on the way to work. He was killed instantly.

He was wearing a full face helmet. He was a welder, and was wearing heavy overalls and steel toe boots. He had purchased the bike 7 months previously to save money, because they had a new baby in the family.

This just goes to show, no matter how good you think you are, no matter how much armored gear you wear, no matter how good your bike is, if some barely awake person with coffee in their hand pulls their truck in front of you (its called being in the wrong place at the wrong time) you are dead.

There won't be some miracle counter-steer evade, there won't be some magic stoppee. There will be aluminum and plastic and skin and bone impacting the wall of steel that is the side of the truck.

The faster you ride, the more likely you will encounter a situation you cannot evade.

I watch MotoGP and MotoGP2 and WSB and AMA SB every time its on Speed or ESPN or whatever and I can get in front of the TV. Those guys have horrendous high sides and low sides all the time. The best riders in the world.

So just think about the guy going to work who was killed by a pickup truck he couldn't avoid. And slow down when you on roads with driveways, or country farm lanes from farm houses, and the like.

I don't want to read about one of us dying because we were going too fast to avoid hitting an immovable object.

* Last updated by: privateer on 7/27/2011 @ 7:11 AM *

Good words.

If I die on the bike that's okay, but I'm determined that it won't be my fault and it will be in spite of all the gear I'm wearing :)

Since most motorcycle accidents are operator error, including simply riding off the road and speeding near intersections, your behavior has a huge impact on your likelihood of injury or death. The truly innocent rider being killed is rare, but it does happen. I can live with that, but if I didn't do what I could to minimize risk I wouldn't ride.

* Last updated by: tooncinator on 7/27/2011 @ 8:54 AM *

I only count only gear to save me from a fall and a slide, maybe a few bumps along the way. Cars trees poles and all that other stuff we have on and around the road---there is no protecting against that of course.

Cars trees poles and all that other stuff we have on and around the road---there is no protecting against that of course.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

sad to read privateer

and speeding near intersections, your behavior has a huge impact on your likelihood of injury or death.

* Last updated by: bean07 on 7/28/2011 @ 2:38 AM *

Mostly agree, bean, but the higher your speed, the less time you have to react. This is true of anything, and is very evident in racing. When you push to your limit, it doesn't take much to upset the apple cart.

Also, the potential damage increases exponentially with speed.

I dropped a bike trying to turn right at the top of a hill once, stalled it out. Somebody walking by helped me pick it up, and off I went.

I lost my ZX11 in a 60mph low side that turned into a high side for the bike, and blew the right leg seam of my leathers out. Pulled every muscle in my body, and I couldn't hardly walk or pick up a spoon to eat cereal for a few days.

Someone else goes 50mph, the speed limit, and hits a pickup truck broadside, just like in the TV advertisement which is ironic, in part because at 50mph, he didn't have time to react.

Chaos theory. I'm just saying, don't contribute more trigger facters than you have to.

For some reason this thread is making me want to go out and ride?? but i can't with the bike upon stands.

Yet 26 years ago I went around this "S Bend @ 155 kms three boys threw each a handfull of stones infront of me @ the second bend !

Sell your bike and buy your Cadillac already Priv, you're no longer enjoying yourself. I'm tired of all the worrying. The one thing on this planet that actually makes me feel alive anymore and everyone wants to play guilt trips on me like I haven't had enough bullshit thrown my way regarding motorcycles and sacrifice. Screw you and everyone who wants to tell me I'm gonna kill myself someday. Sure would be better than going slow with the multitudes of diseases these days trying to get us (according to the fear mongers) and senseless acts of violence claiming innocent people's lives. You probably don't deserve to be yelled at but if every time you hear about some poor sap getting his end you get all choked up then maybe it's time to hang it up because you're most likely becoming more of a threat to yourself and those on the road. If anything I get mad at the circumstances which lead to the death but never blame it on the operating of a motorcycle {just because you can be killed on one}. I think it's funny how for some people suddenly it hits them like they never realized just how scarey it can be and they feel a need to let everyone in on their epiphany to try to save as many as they can. Heaven forbid that in these crappy times we can have something that makes us feel good once in a while. Damn it I'm sick of the pathetic pussies who want to warn me about every little fucking thing and how it'll fucking kill me some day. Gave up cigarettes because that will kill me some day. Gave up drinking till I puke, I might become an alcoholic. Gave up smoking weed and doing acid because I might get drug tested and then I'll lose my job and my life will 'end'. Gave up just about anything that used to be a personal outlet for all the crap I deal with and now I gotta give up riding fast because 'NO MATTER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES' I will be killed(someday). So nothing personal but screw you and your concern about whether or not I'm riding safely and thinking about how death is hiding right around every corner every moment of my ride. I get off on that shit! And if you don't than why the hell are you riding a ZX14? The faster I go the more I settle down, the more at peace I feel, the more 'happy' I can feel, and I don't need any wet blanket reminding me of what I risk in order to get there and ruining that for me. I have paid in the past as well as I imagine I may pay in the future but why do we need to dwell on it. It is a risk I have conscientiously accepted as an adult just like everyone who rides MUST do.Man, I'm really tired of how emasculated this country has become! When a man can't die a man, instead it's always a shame. A young man recently died who belonged in a group I used to roll with. He went down on his own and hit a guard rail wrong. His wife maintains it's how he would've liked to go (riding his bike that is). Everyone knows it's a fucking tragedy for his wife and kid and the life he won't get to live. But the whole group remembers him to this day because he was such a happy fun person to be around and that it was part of the deal. Only thing that bothers me is the stupid shit people will be saying about me like I was reckless or some shit like they fuggin know what they are talking the fuck about. That is what bothers me. Because I wish people would shut the F up and let people enjoy their lives the best they can with out forcing their inadequacies and prejudices on other people's lives.
But that's all I got to say about that...

BTW, I'm with Cooty. Teleportation all the way baby!

I wish people would shut the F up and let people enjoy their lives the best they can with out forcing their inadequacies and prejudices on other people's lives.

SheDamn, Edge! Best post of the year!

I know. I'm especially belligerent today! Cheers!

I know. I'm especially belligerent today! Cheers!

Maybe.. but it was still a fun read.

Ya.. no doubt the dude that ate pick-up was just in wrong place at the exact wrong time.. no doubt it would have been better if he was going slower.. no doubt if he would have been 5 seconds later or sooner out the door he'd still be alive.. but all we can do is stay in the game while riding if you are gonna keep riding. No way to stop some forces in the universe... you just can't do it. I appreciate the intent of the warnings but I am with Edgecrusher here.. at least in that we are all individuals that can make our own decision to do whatever we decide to do and a person is hopefully aware of the risks one is taking.. and if you aren't, may you die quickly and not hurt anyone on your way out.

I too am tired of the safety frenzy in this country/world. Honestly... even tho the "Mothers against anything fun or dangerous" crowd is already up in arms against motorcycles, there is no way that they truly know how fast and dangerous a modern sport bike can be in the wrong hands... and they consider all hands the wrong hands. If they actually knew, assuming they had a frame of reference what a sub 10 sec vehicle was even like, I am sure there membership would triple over night and they would be marching on the steps of every government body and manufacturer they could. Look how MADD strong armed the auto insurance and legislators over driving under the influence of alcohol. .08 isn't even feeling good for most people.. guess that's another rant for another time? Anyway, good thing the average person, riding around in a air bag enveloped cage, has no real idea about what we know our machines can do.

Chaos theory. I'm just saying, don't contribute more trigger facters than you have to.

Well said. But where do we draw the line? I mean.. if you want to be absolutely safe.. stop riding a motorcycle.

* Last updated by: motoCycho on 7/28/2011 @ 2:26 PM *

If you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen

No way to stop some forces in the universe... you just can't do it.

we are all individuals that can make our own decision to do whatever we decide to do and a person is hopefully aware of the risks one is taking..

Look how MADD strong armed the auto insurance and legislators

Anyway, good thing the average person, riding around in a air bag enveloped cage, has no real idea about what we know our machines can do.

+1 again. that is why i have avoided passing with less than 50 yards to an oncoming vehical. they just don't have any idea how easy it is and they may do something crazy like swerve off the road. maybe it really is better to not let them know.

Guy's we are all right….I have to say I have two small kids that I would do anything for even get rid of my baby if there was no other way….:) but really the reasons I ride is because it’s thrilling & relaxing every time I get on my baby….The feeling you get is unreal! Last year my brother got into a motorcycle accident and almost died. It was not his fault at all by any means. The front tire went out on his Harley on the high way at 70mph and flipped it on the high way. He’s good to go now (thank GOD) But it made me think and slow down but as some of the guys are saying we need to live our lives and do what makes us happy. What makes me happy is riding. At times I ride as fast as I can safely and at other times I ride real easy and take it all in…But that’s my choice. All I can say is ride safe my brothers but! RIDE HARD! Enjoy your families and also you own life….

wooow lol lots of testosterone in this thread... I think that 1 of the liberty a man should have is to choose how he wanna live and therefore how he wanna die. I'm not talking about suicide here. I had a little conversation with Hub the other day. It dealt with the most dangerous race on two wheels the TT and it was concluded that a man has the right to put himself in harm's way if he has the necessary skills. What I'm saying is that to the average Joe a guy doing 160 mph is asking for a coffin. But when you factor skills and experience it is a different story. Rook 160 mph may be my 80 mph for instance. And for those who overestimate their skills, natural selection will correct their ambition. I have been riding for a year and half (the 14 is my first motorcycle) and I can say that at times I have taken on ambitious tasks (i.e. power wheelies, WOT accelerations etc) for a newbie like me. My reasoning behind that is: You can take all the precautions you can think of but if other riders or drivers don't do the same you're still fucked. Back in April I was riding on my way to the gym and suddenly realized I had left some gear at work. The gym being so close to work I thought no biggie another chance to enjoy the 14 so I re routed, it was a beautiful day the birds were singing and work had been easy so I told myself let's drive super nice and be courteous. So I kept my 40 mph pace, signaled well in advance and kept scanning the traffic in front of me remembering stuff like what my grand father told me after he asked how many senses do one use to drive a car. After my answer he smiled and said you also use your nose (engine overheating, etc). Anyways it was textbook riding. There was a bus in font me and I knew exactly where it was going to stop so I signaled merged left, signaled again and merged back right to make that right and enter my work place parking lot. Just as I began turning I heard tires squealing and thought: what's wrong with my 14? Before I can answer... I was propelled forward with force and landed on my right hip. Pissed off I stood up to check on my baby when a guy at least my height (6'5) approached saying "oh my god are you ok" my first instinct was to push him pack and assess the damage on my 14 but as my hand came in contact with him I turned to face him and read sheriff on his t-shirt. So I'm asking what are you chance of being hit by an off duty sheriff, especially when you are driving carefully? And what are you chance of having an accident doing 160 mph on a backroad? it could be 5% versus 25% let's say, just for the sake of the argument. Still all those numbers don't matter cause once you are in those 5% or 25% then you have 100% to have an accident. Take Bean example for instance! I'm pretty sure that a run at 120 mph plus get all his attention and focus and in a way makes him safer. His accident took place on a familiar road while riding under the speed limit. I know! At 100 mph he would have been probably dead but then all of this wouldn't matter to him. That being said BEAN TAKE IT EASY I'm not saying you should ride crazy. Rest that leg of yours first loool.
Privateer! I'm glad and respect the fact that you are a responsible rider. You are the equivalent of a 5th degree black belt sensei with all the skills and the self control. I hope I get there some day. I thank you for bringing this topic to us, it gave us all an opportunity to vent and share opinions. However, I think that what edge is trying to say is: We are living more or less stressful lives. The 14 is the instrument that we use to relieve that stress. We are doing all that we can to enjoy responsibly or at least not put other people lives in danger. As for ourselves we made a decision that bikers all over the world made or are making which is accepting that the purchase of a motorcycle, in this case, the 2nd fastest accelerating production vehicle on the planet (sorry busa) may reduce our life expectancy. I tell my wife all the time:Do you think they made the 14 thinking people riding in the street where not going to try to find out what the bike does when you're redlining it? A german philosopher concluded that it's in the nature of (most) men to seek risk. Whether it is a Masai warrior going to hunt a lion with a spear, or two knights galloping toward each other with a giant piece of wood, a free climber etc. If it was up to me we would live in a world in which nobody dies or get a ticket but there is a balance to things, we all die, alas, some sooner than others, and get ticketed. I'm not sure that for every death there is a birth but I would like to think that in our democratic country a traffic violation fine equals a better street/road...Dogo loool

Anyone that is getting upset is missing the point. Unable to discuss this without taking personal shots at people? Try logging off for 24 hours and learning some civility.

Geez I haven't been on here for months, because of crap like this... I won't voice my opinion but this is why I don't even look at forums anymore.. thought I would check it out maybe it has changed.... NOPE... Privateer ride safe bro!

I gave up taking any forum squabbles too serious a couple years ago.

you just say "eat me" and move on. Don't be run off. let the other guy run if he wants. I've been here too long. On the rare occassion anyone is an ass to me, I just ignore them for the most part.

That being said BEAN TAKE IT EASY I'm not saying you should ride crazy. Rest that leg of yours first loool.

That was just my

For outright Muscle!

* Last updated by: bean07 on 7/28/2011 @ 10:32 PM *

Fuzz4141
Joined: 02/17/09
Posts: 269
RE: Death by pickup truck...
07/28/11 9:00 PM

Geez I haven't been on here for months, because of crap like this... I won't voice my opinion but this is why I don't even look at forums anymore.. thought I would check it out maybe it has changed.... NOPE... Privateer ride safe bro!

So you can back to tell us you are still not coming back? Duly noted.

* Last updated by: motoCycho on 7/28/2011 @ 11:54 PM *

Hell I almost die every time I get on it! what else is new.

http://www.youtube.com/user/rnickeymouse#p/u/0/6Qi2sq94aKA You gather a squid, a decreasing radius turn, and a tire that has seen better days... What do you get?

Ya Get "Squid on the Rocks " Didn't look that fast, was on a great bike, and was out of shape coming out of the first corner.

Saw the bike coming at him and its all over rover, shit tyre, wrong entry, wrong gear and shit for brains

* Last updated by: ethin14 on 7/29/2011 @ 3:11 AM *

Anyone that is getting upset is missing the point. Unable to discuss this without taking personal shots at people? Try logging off for 24 hours and learning some civility.

Always trying to take the high ground. lol I got your civility right here

* Last updated by: Edgecrusher on 7/29/2011 @ 6:34 AM *