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Welp, looks like no more street riding for me......

3K views 35 replies 16 participants last post by  RedBlur 
#1 ·
With all these accidents and deaths pertaining to the motorcycling world, I've decided to quit riding street. Well not all together but track fairings are permanently going on the 10R and I'll be wiring up some removable lights to take the bike up to the mountains on good days.

Long story short, my parents have a friend whose son died last week on a Gixxer. Real smart kid whose name was Kevin. He was gonna graduate from UGA and spoke 3 languages fluently.

He wasn't wearing gear and didn't have his helmet buckled in. Car pulled out in front of him and his helmet flew off mid-air. He landed on his head and the rest is all downhill.

Before the brain hemorrhaging kicked in, they said he suffered from amnesia and didn't remember who he was.

Needless to say, there was a "talk" with me and my parents after the funeral.

Although I'd fight to the death when it comes to my riding, I can't put the stress on my old decrepit parents. They claim to be losing sleep from the thought of me riding. (My Dad genuinely believes 75%+ riders die in the US).


Please be careful out there. Kevin was at school and riding home at a slow speed (supposedly). A road he takes 4 times a day. He was careless for one second and that cost him his life.
 
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#3 ·
Helmet not buckled and no gear... On a gixxer....

Sounds like them bikes have a big squid factor, enough to corrupt a smart kid!
 
#5 ·
The truly sad part is that on his Facebook page, there were tons of riders that were nagging him about not wearing gear. He brushed it off and a month later he was gone.

After browsing his Facebook, I realized that I met Kevin a few times before.

Even sadder part of the story is that his father passed away last month. My mother tells me Kevin's little brother is terrified that he's gonna die since everyone in his family seems to be passing rather tragically.
 
#6 ·
I'm very sorry to here this. Some need to read this and learn, ATGATT. If only he had had his helmet strapped on.................
 
#7 ·
Sorry to hear about your friend man. May he rest in peace. We all make foolish mistakes, just all of is don't pay for them the same way. You do whatever it is you think you have to do man. If that's how you feel then more power to you.
 
#8 ·
You do whatever it is you think you have to do man. If that's how you feel then more power to you.
Its not so much the riding safely part. I always gear up even when I go somewhere for a 15 min lunch.

I also know that getting hurt is a possible part of riding.

Its my family that I'm worried about. If some idiot hits me and I croak, I can't fathom what kind of regret would be going through my Father's mind.

Asian parents.....can't tell them nothing...
 
#10 ·
Probably should mention, I am sorry to hear about this as anyone is when a fellow rider goes down.
Was just the "for fucks sake, another gixxer squidding and getting hurt" taking over there.


Just seems so strange though, a smart kid like that not acknowledging and dealing with the risks we face as motorcyclist's every time we ride.

Personally, because I have responsibilities to my families (parents, partner and very soon a little girl), I wear full gear at all times. I only commute 3 miles each way but its full leather suit, boots, gloves and lid every time. Takes an instant for someone to hit you, can happen in a 5 minute ride easily. All three of my "serious" offs have been within a mile of home.
1) hit by boy racer, indicated and pulled up at roadside then pulled for a drive on the opposite side of the road as I tried to overtake. 0.8 miles from my home address at the time.
2) hairdresser mowed me down. Stupid bitch came.flying down an alleyway at full road speed and smashed into me as I rolled along gently between buildings. 0.1 miles.
3) last year hit diesel heading to shop 2 miles away. Smashed crank cases and all bodywork. Walked away with a hole in my elbow and a broken wrist. 0.3 miles from.my current home address.
 
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#14 ·
Takes an instant for someone to hit you, can happen in a 5 minute ride easily. All three of my "serious" offs have been within a mile of home.
I think most accidents happen a few miles from home. It can all happen in the blink of an eye.

I just can't believe the disregard he had for his own life. Why wear a helmet if you're not gonna buckle it? I mean, you're already dealing with the difficulty of having it on your head and carrying around. Fastening it is the EASY part.

Reminds me of those that drive with the seat belt buckled behind them. Pointless.
 
#11 ·
Hey Steve I just saw I made that comment after you. Just in case you thought I was aiming the gsxr comment thing at you or anything we were posting at the same time I actually saw after and was like gee I hope he dont think I only said that because his comment!
I was just assuming there were gonna be people blaming the gsxr.
Sorry if you thought I was referring to your post.
 
#12 ·
Nah its ok, I was just clarifying. I took it that you were just mentioning the gsxr shit by not mentioning it if you get me
 
#16 ·
Bummer ... feel very bad for your friend. And, I feel bad for you that you are voluntarily taking a hiatus from riding.

Maybe we should start a thread on what our parent(s) think of the fact that we ride motorcycles. I bet there would be interesting stories.

I hope you are riding soon ... very soon.
 
#17 ·
I'm not giving up riding.

I was more 80% street/20% track now I'm taking it down to 90% track and 10% street.

The only time I'll ride street is going to Deal's Gap or other fun roads. Point A to Point B riding seems like unnecessary risk.
 
#18 ·
I'm finding myself fitting into this now. I just don't get the pleasure of riding to work that I used to now that I ride track once a month.

Too many idiots out there. but also gotta think...you could meet a drunk driver in a car too...slip in the kitchen catch a knife...fall off your roof painting...get caught in a rip current at the beach...
 
#19 ·
Man life is all about risk look at the earth's history everything from valcaneos to earthquakes wars there are so many risk! What about the people who die in low speed car accidents or my Stepdad died at 55 from some rare little known disease that gives no warning.

Yea riding is dangerous but gear can help make it safer so can riding styles!

You really have no control over how long you are going to live even suicide does not always go threw as planned! When your number is up your gone thats that!

But hey your parents are worried and you want to keep them happy I can respect that! I told my family what I just typed they can't argue that so they do not bother me about it.

I see it as if I died riding than I was enjoying life and I rather do what I love than be stuck dreaming! Theres not a day that goes bye where I dont think about the risk involved with riding though I think that helps stay alert and focused!

Glad to see you are still going to enjoy the track!
 
#20 ·
This is exactly why I'm 25 and my mother still does not know I own a motorcycle.

I think so many accidents happen close to home because you subconsciously associate home with safety. Unless you really actively think about it every time, when you're close to home you just figure nothing bad will happen.
 
#22 ·
last time my mom was in town, she was like, "you aren't going to get a motorcycle like your brother right?"

I was like, "eh......no....."




P.S. He rides a cruiser, so technically I didn't lie :devious

I still feel kinda ridiculous for keeping it a secret but really it's for her own good. I wouldn't stop riding and she wouldn't stop worrying.
I'll stop riding when my wife gets pregnant. And I'm not planning on that happening any time soon
 
#28 ·
There are times when I am just running to the grocery store right outside my neighborhood I will only wear a helmet and a backpack same if I am going to the parts store if I am not jumping on the freeway generally less than 5 miles Its helmet and a backpack! I garrantee you even some of the atgatt guys do the same thing even if they do not claim they do!

I think Hamsack has general logic that has been proved in some studies just cant remember where!
 
#29 ·
If I am going to the parts store if I am not jumping on the freeway generally less than 5 miles Its helmet and a backpack! I garrantee you even some of the atgatt guys do the same thing even if they do not claim they do!

I think Hamsack has general logic that has been proved in some studies just cant remember where!
Helmet (full-face). Gloves. Jacket. Jeans (minimum). Boots. 100% of the time.
 
#31 ·
Sorry you felt that was the decision to make, Lobster. Glad you aren't giving it up completely though.
I can't. I'm addicted. Over the years I have probably put a couple hundred thousand miles on 2 wheels. If God pulls my number, it will happen even if I am in knitting class. I will continue to mitigate the risk by wearing the right gear though. No need to tempt Mr. Murphy.
 
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#32 ·
not that i dont feel for those that get hurt, or worse in a crash but, i dont understand the "so and so died from a bike crash, i am not riding ever again".

ask yourself this, if they had died in a car crash, would you stop driving automobiles?

food for thought, and i understand everyone makes their own choices. you have to do what is right for your situation. Ski
 
#34 ·
I agree with you and it makes sense. You're preaching to the choir at this point. Kevins death didn't weigh one way or another in my riding. Hell, it was bound to happen judging by the kid's lack of respect for the machine. I knew this.

But you try talking sense into a thick headed Asian man into his 60's. His minds already made up as to what bikes are and the types to ride them.

My decision is less about riding but more about making sure my father sleeps every night with calm heart.

Its not like he asked me to give up something I can't live without. Street riding had always been kind of "meh" for me. The only reason this bike hasn't been sold is how it makes me feel on the track. He and I came to a common ground and he says that if I gear up properly on the track (full leathers, chest/back protector, padded underpants, gloves, boots, and a helmet) he won't have any qualms about me riding track. This was after I told him what happens in a motorcycle accident after impact. On the track, you only (usually) slide.
 
#35 ·
Lobster

I agree with what you and so many other members have posted here.
I myself have said the very same thing a couple weeks back how I want to quite riding on the street with everything that has been going on. I am scared Sh&^*ess and depressed about the situation in the "biker world".

I have found lately that I am going on less and less joy rides.
The other day I took my bike to the track and rode 2 hours each way.
But those spirited rides in my "backyard" haven't been happening lately.

I would love to make my bike a dedicated track build if I could afford it :(

On a side note, can we assume the gixxer rider simply "forgot" to strap his helmet on? I mean nobody in their right mind wouldn't if they got the helmet on their head already :O
I know my first season of riding I have made this mistake on numerous occasions and pulled to the side of the road to strap it in. since then it has become an annoying habit where every 5 min my hand automatically goes to my chin strap to make sure my helmet is secured on. It's second nature to me now :no:
 
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