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RhadamYgg
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Joined: 18 Mar 2008
Posts: 1776
Location: Rahway, NJ
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 Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:00 pm Post subject: |
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| jstark47 wrote: | 20 year old goes to Sears, buys a table saw. Sears salesperson doesn't ask if he knows how to use it, just sells it to him. Goes home, uses it, has an accident, cuts off a hand, bleeds to death before he can control the bleeding.
Should we blacklist that Sears store? I don't think so. As a matter of fact, that sounds kinda dumb, doesn't it?
I agree with Flynrider.
I'm not going to boycott any dealer who, in their struggle to cover overhead and stay in business, may not have gotten the exact shades of gray correct and made the correct judgement call. It's not a black and white issue. How low a skill level in a rider? How powerful a motorcycle? You can kill yourself easily on a 150cc scooter for that matter....
I'm sorry this mother lost her son...... but it's too damned bad she wants everyone except him and herself to be responsible for his lack of judgement. As the article said, "he turned around to smile at his friends." The numbnut couldn't even look where he was going, and this is somehow the dealer's or the manufacturer's fault? |
The likelyhood of someone killing themselves within 30 seconds of starting a table saw is significantly smaller than riding a supersport bike.
Certainly, anyone can kill themselves on a 150cc scooter or for that matter a pot with 1" depth of water.
What we are talking about is that the dealer/salesperson knows that the product is dangerous in anything less than experienced hands. The dealer knows that this isn't a tractor-trailer truck being bought by an unlicensed individual for a business that will be driven by someone else. They know that the individual in front of them will be riding the motorcycle that they are selling (unless it was a gift for someone else, but I don't think anyone would recommend buying a bike as a gift given the particular nature of people when they finally sit on a bike).
You have to have a license in order to purchase a gun. A gun can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. It is no different with a supersport bike.
Europe, already has laws regarding cars. You need to have a specific license to ride a car with incredible horsepower. This is no different.
With all that, I'm not really arguing for laws in this matter.
But I am interested in establishing bikers that will live for the hobby and vehicle rather than die from it.
Understanding that bikes have a lot of horsepower for their weight and actually internalizing that and knowing what will happen when you tromp on the throttle are two different things. A knowledge that people don't come with inherently and a knowledge that most certainly, if the dealer and salesperson know their product - they know there is difference in these kinds of knowledge.
RhadamYgg
_________________
2008 Suzuki B-King - 4470 miles
(unofficial SS1000)
Brackstone's old Kawasaki 2007 Ninja 250cc (sold - 5300 miles ridden)
Hoping my kids don't hate me too much in the future.
Two sons (Random) 3/30/03 and (Corwin) 09/08/06....
Twin girls born on (Cordelia, Morrigan) 4/22/09... |
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RhadamYgg
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Joined: 18 Mar 2008
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Location: Rahway, NJ
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:04 pm Post subject: |
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| blues2cruise wrote: | This kid had no respect for the laws to start with.....do you really think he would have repsected a law that would prevent him from buying that powerful bike?
Nope.
I don't know how it's done in the states.....but here in Canada....you cannot ride the bike off the lot without first having purchased insurance. And....you cannot purchase insurance without a valid license.
Did someone else purchase the bike for him? |
You see, that is something I don't understand either. Like I mentioned previously, I've been purchasing cars or involved in the purchase of cars for 20 years.
In no case was I ever allowed to purchase a car without a driver's license and proof of insurance. If anything, these requirements have become stronger.
For example, when I bought cars earlier, all I had to do was show I had a valid insurance card. Now, I have to have a card with the current cars information on it (requires a call to the insurance company and them faxing to the car dealer the updated insurance card).
RhadamYgg
_________________
2008 Suzuki B-King - 4470 miles
(unofficial SS1000)
Brackstone's old Kawasaki 2007 Ninja 250cc (sold - 5300 miles ridden)
Hoping my kids don't hate me too much in the future.
Two sons (Random) 3/30/03 and (Corwin) 09/08/06....
Twin girls born on (Cordelia, Morrigan) 4/22/09... |
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RhadamYgg
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Joined: 18 Mar 2008
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Location: Rahway, NJ
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:17 pm Post subject: |
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| dm@ss wrote: | What has happened to personal responsibility? Why is the first reaction to a bad decision to find who it can be blamed on?
Should dealers exercise a little more responsibility in fitting the bike to the buyer? Probably.
Should there be a law restricting the sales of "dangerous" motorcycles to "inexperienced" rider? Absolutely not. That is bad on so many levels.
Who's going to define "dangerous" and "inexperienced"? What happens when inexperienced is defined as 1 year today and then in 3 years the definition (and law) changes to 5 years?
I am tired of the government deciding they know what is best for me. I may agree with the general idea of the law but I resent the fact that I am forced into it. Case in point - seat belts and helmets. I'd wear them anyway but resent being told by my nanny government to do it or else.
As for bad decisions and personal responsibility, anyone want to buy a Wall Street bank? |
Personal responsibility is great. But so is being informed about what you are doing.
Look at it this way - most of us at TMW understand and have a full knowledge of what we are doing if we decide to buy a supersport bike. We may still get killed by it, but we have full knowledge of what we are doing - as we are all experienced riders.
People that admire bikes and want one, but don't own one and just have an idea of what a motorcycle is and are in love with it - don't necessarily have this knowledge. They wander in to a dealer and they talk it up and the salesperson sells them the Hayabusa or whatever.
A new lifelong rider is born, and this is great. But unfortunately, they die and in their first ride or two. They don't buy any more bikes in the future so less sales there. There are fewer motorcycles out there in the world instead of more and this affects us as a group politically. And not only that, but the perception that motorcycles are inherently dangerous is propagated and makes it more likely that laws will legislate motorcycling completely out of existence.
Unless we come up with a mechanism to deal with this kind of unethical behavior, it will be our future that is in question, and not those few foolish riders that have more confidence than real-world skill hopping on a bike and getting killed.
As far as skills determination - I think a skills test would be all that is required. Some people have lots of skills at 1 year riding, some don't after riding for 5 years.
RhadamYgg
_________________
2008 Suzuki B-King - 4470 miles
(unofficial SS1000)
Brackstone's old Kawasaki 2007 Ninja 250cc (sold - 5300 miles ridden)
Hoping my kids don't hate me too much in the future.
Two sons (Random) 3/30/03 and (Corwin) 09/08/06....
Twin girls born on (Cordelia, Morrigan) 4/22/09... |
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RhadamYgg
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Joined: 18 Mar 2008
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:25 pm Post subject: Re: Ethics, Motorcycle Dealerships and Motorcyclists |
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| mydlyfkryzis wrote: | | RhadamYgg wrote: |
...For example the article talks about these high-powered bikes as not having speed governors. I know for a fact if it was a new bike that was a super sport - it certainly would have a speed limiter. It could however have been an older super sport bike without such a regulator in place...
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The speed regulator on a new super sport is set for 186 MPH. This was from pressure by the European community.
I don't think this would of changed anything.
I don't know of any adult motorcycle with any kind of speed regulator. Some bikes have a little power reduction in first gear to reduce wheelspin, but that's about it. All modern bikes have Rev Limiters to prevent going over the redline and destroying the engine. Maybe that is what you are thinking of? |
Holy Schnikies. 186! Yeah, I'm sure this kid probably wasn't even doing 80 when he hit. Local roads, rapid acceleration.
RhadamYgg
_________________
2008 Suzuki B-King - 4470 miles
(unofficial SS1000)
Brackstone's old Kawasaki 2007 Ninja 250cc (sold - 5300 miles ridden)
Hoping my kids don't hate me too much in the future.
Two sons (Random) 3/30/03 and (Corwin) 09/08/06....
Twin girls born on (Cordelia, Morrigan) 4/22/09... |
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RhadamYgg
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Joined: 18 Mar 2008
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Location: Rahway, NJ
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:29 pm Post subject: Re: Ethics, Motorcycle Dealerships and Motorcyclists |
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| ofblong wrote: | | mydlyfkryzis wrote: | | RhadamYgg wrote: |
...For example the article talks about these high-powered bikes as not having speed governors. I know for a fact if it was a new bike that was a super sport - it certainly would have a speed limiter. It could however have been an older super sport bike without such a regulator in place...
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The speed regulator on a new super sport is set for 186 MPH. This was from pressure by the European community.
I don't think this would of changed anything.
I don't know of any adult motorcycle with any kind of speed regulator. Some bikes have a little power reduction in first gear to reduce wheelspin, but that's about it. All modern bikes have Rev Limiters to prevent going over the redline and destroying the engine. Maybe that is what you are thinking of? |
yup friend of mine his bike limits at 186mph. He has hit that limit as well. |
Damn! I couldn't imagine. I've only gone 110 in my Civic a couple of times and the fastest I've ridden my bike is 90. Hit big bumps on route 80 while doing 90, too. Let's just say bikes in general are very stable, the suspension in my Ninja 250 does "crumb" for damping bumps at 90 and I managed to not fall of and not get so scared that I wouldn't ride the bike again.
But I'm not going to ride 90 on roads that I haven't ridden many times again, that's for sure.
I couldn't imagine 186.
RhadamYgg
_________________
2008 Suzuki B-King - 4470 miles
(unofficial SS1000)
Brackstone's old Kawasaki 2007 Ninja 250cc (sold - 5300 miles ridden)
Hoping my kids don't hate me too much in the future.
Two sons (Random) 3/30/03 and (Corwin) 09/08/06....
Twin girls born on (Cordelia, Morrigan) 4/22/09... |
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RhadamYgg
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Joined: 18 Mar 2008
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Location: Rahway, NJ
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:33 pm Post subject: |
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| mydlyfkryzis wrote: | I have a better idea on how to prevent accidents like this. Rather than punish a dealer for selling that which he sells, I propose all potential buyer need to get my approval before buying a motorcycle. After an extensive interview, I will render judgment, I.E: A> This person is normal and can buy their motorcycle of choice or B> This person is an idiot and should not be allowed to buy or ride.
I have no other qualifications other than I know an idiot when I see one.
Oh, and of course, I would expect a nominal fee. |
Damn, you'd be a very busy person certifying riders. The problem would be someone trying to sue you if you misjudged someone and they become bug splatter.
But overall, that isn't a bad idea. An unofficial review group of existing riders to sit the 18 or 20 year old kid and tell them what riding a 200 hp 400 lb bike is like and that maybe they should start with a moped first.... Ok, I'm exaggerating. 
But aren't almost all motorcycle dealers populated mostly by bikers. Shouldn't they be able to do your litmus test as long time riders?
RhadamYgg
_________________
2008 Suzuki B-King - 4470 miles
(unofficial SS1000)
Brackstone's old Kawasaki 2007 Ninja 250cc (sold - 5300 miles ridden)
Hoping my kids don't hate me too much in the future.
Two sons (Random) 3/30/03 and (Corwin) 09/08/06....
Twin girls born on (Cordelia, Morrigan) 4/22/09... |
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RhadamYgg
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Joined: 18 Mar 2008
Posts: 1776
Location: Rahway, NJ
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:34 pm Post subject: |
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| Talus wrote: | | dm@ss wrote: |
As for bad decisions and personal responsibility, anyone want to buy a Wall Street bank? |
I love this! |
Me too!
One of the guys at Tiger Schulmanns is a stock trader. He was complaining he couldn't concentrate in class because of all the "crumb" going on in wall street.
RhadamYgg
[fixed spelling error]
_________________
2008 Suzuki B-King - 4470 miles
(unofficial SS1000)
Brackstone's old Kawasaki 2007 Ninja 250cc (sold - 5300 miles ridden)
Hoping my kids don't hate me too much in the future.
Two sons (Random) 3/30/03 and (Corwin) 09/08/06....
Twin girls born on (Cordelia, Morrigan) 4/22/09...
Last edited by RhadamYgg on Sun Sep 21, 2008 12:17 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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RhadamYgg
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:35 pm Post subject: |
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| dr_bar wrote: | I kinda like laying blame...
- The manufacturer, for producing a vehicle that is capable of far exceeding any legal speed limit in the country.
- The dealership, for offering for sale said vehicle.
- The saleman, for not exercising morals and selling said vehicle to dimwit.
- The deceased, for purchasing a vehicle that was way out of his league, and not having the license or training needed to control said vehicle.
- The parents, for failing to drill into their child's head the common sense required to survive past his 21st birthday.
Did I miss anybody??? |
I was going to say no, but I think one group is missing.
Motorcyclists - for failing to take care of one of their own, even though he was only a motorcyclist for less than a day.
RhadamYgg
_________________
2008 Suzuki B-King - 4470 miles
(unofficial SS1000)
Brackstone's old Kawasaki 2007 Ninja 250cc (sold - 5300 miles ridden)
Hoping my kids don't hate me too much in the future.
Two sons (Random) 3/30/03 and (Corwin) 09/08/06....
Twin girls born on (Cordelia, Morrigan) 4/22/09... |
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ofblong
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Location: Michigan
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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| RhadamYgg wrote: | | dr_bar wrote: | I kinda like laying blame...
- The manufacturer, for producing a vehicle that is capable of far exceeding any legal speed limit in the country.
- The dealership, for offering for sale said vehicle.
- The saleman, for not exercising morals and selling said vehicle to dimwit.
- The deceased, for purchasing a vehicle that was way out of his league, and not having the license or training needed to control said vehicle.
- The parents, for failing to drill into their child's head the common sense required to survive past his 21st birthday.
Did I miss anybody??? |
I was going to say no, but I think one group is missing.
Motorcyclists - for failing to take care of one of their own, even though he was only a motorcyclist for less than a day.
RhadamYgg |
uhh and what motorcyclists do you think would have been able to "sway" this kid from doing what he did? You were a teenager once and I can assure you there most likely wouldnt have been anyone to sway him into not buying such a big bike.
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RhadamYgg
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Location: Rahway, NJ
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 10:53 pm Post subject: |
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| ofblong wrote: | | RhadamYgg wrote: | | dr_bar wrote: | I kinda like laying blame...
- The manufacturer, for producing a vehicle that is capable of far exceeding any legal speed limit in the country.
- The dealership, for offering for sale said vehicle.
- The saleman, for not exercising morals and selling said vehicle to dimwit.
- The deceased, for purchasing a vehicle that was way out of his league, and not having the license or training needed to control said vehicle.
- The parents, for failing to drill into their child's head the common sense required to survive past his 21st birthday.
Did I miss anybody??? |
I was going to say no, but I think one group is missing.
Motorcyclists - for failing to take care of one of their own, even though he was only a motorcyclist for less than a day.
RhadamYgg |
uhh and what motorcyclists do you think would have been able to "sway" this kid from doing what he did? You were a teenager once and I can assure you there most likely wouldnt have been anyone to sway him into not buying such a big bike. |
Actually, when I was a kid I didn't have the slightest inclination to get a motorcycle.
But that doesn't invalidate your point. When you are that full of testosterone, that 'in' to getting the most powerful bike on the block - what can really stop you? You'll nod your head when people tell you that it can be dangerous, etc. and then go straight to the dealer and say - that brand-new CBR1000RR - I'd like that - and I make good enough money to buy it (which really isn't that much money.
But that fact still doesn't invalidate that motorcyclists are responsible (not in a legally culpable way). Really in terms of a society. It is rare that you see any of the big mags talk about how people need to start small and learn the skill set before buying the Hayabusa. We buy those magazines, even if it is only once in a while. We don't complain about it. Here on this site we'll talk about the noobs and advise them what they should get, but inside of every review there should be a little well-worded paragraph that states something like 'You wouldn't dream of driving a race car on city streets without first learning to drive a car, why would you do it with a motorcycle?'
We can attempt to do something (obviously not all motorcyclists) such as create a loose organization with a simple certification. To go to dealerships and get their pledge that they won't sell bikes to people who are in out of their depth. We can popularize the idea that like Spiderman, great power requires great responsibility (I know I butchered the quote, but it is late).
In fact, with 6.5 million bikes in the USA, only a small number of bikers could do something to make a difference to ensure that fewer (note, of course, not none) die every year by jumping on a rocket-powered low-weight monster than what happens at present.
Motorcycling takes horrible PR when professional Hockey players buy their first bike and die almost immediately.
And I know I'm not horribly imaginative, but I'm sure there are other small things that can be done to reduce the number of idiots on high-powered bikes - without government intervention.
We can only benefit by having more - longer-term members of the 'biker' portion of society, a better reputation in politics when it comes to building the roads of the future, more people biking because as bikes can be highly fuel efficient.
Lots of good things to be had. Lots of bad things we can help to alleviate.
Hell, at 37 Years old I still drool at the big bikes, but my butt won't be going in one. I've started motorcycling too late and by the time I have enough experience I'll be too slow to react fast enough for a fast bike.
RhadamYgg
_________________
2008 Suzuki B-King - 4470 miles
(unofficial SS1000)
Brackstone's old Kawasaki 2007 Ninja 250cc (sold - 5300 miles ridden)
Hoping my kids don't hate me too much in the future.
Two sons (Random) 3/30/03 and (Corwin) 09/08/06....
Twin girls born on (Cordelia, Morrigan) 4/22/09... |
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Johnj
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 11:04 pm Post subject: |
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| dr_bar wrote: | | The parents, for failing to drill into their child's head the common sense required to survive past his 21st birthday. |
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MZ33
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| Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 7:37 am Post subject: |
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Oh, Rhadam, I feel for the mother and community--I really do. And I lean more toward favoring mandatory MSF-type training and helmet laws than most motorcyclists do. But I do not think anything that you have proposed would have prevented this.
1) He rode dirt bikes. He would pass a cursory skills test. Moreover, he probably could talk a good game to the salesperson.
2) Blacklisting dealerships? What if it was only an individual salesperson? More importantly, that list would have to be researched by the prospective biker in advance, and there are already resources available to help with how to get started on this hobby. The person has to be willing to perform "due diligence." If he/she is willing, the stuff is already out there. And I strongly suspect that the local reputation of this dealer has already suffered. By your criteria, it sounds like an injury/death would have to occur anyway to make the list.
3) Who knows exactly what was said at that dealership? How much can a dealership prevent a sale before being accused of discrimination? How responsible would the keepers of the list be for libel/slander should the dealership choose to sue?
4) Have you noticed that, even on this website, arguments have been made by novice riders that one can, in fact, learn to ride on a supersport, so long as one "respects the bike", blah, blah, blah. And some do, I guess. Actually, of most new riders making the SS bike error, this guy had more skills than most.
He made some perilous mistakes. We can't fix everything.
My 2 cents.
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RhadamYgg
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| Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:33 am Post subject: |
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| MZ33 wrote: | Oh, Rhadam, I feel for the mother and community--I really do. And I lean more toward favoring mandatory MSF-type training and helmet laws than most motorcyclists do. But I do not think anything that you have proposed would have prevented this.
1) He rode dirt bikes. He would pass a cursory skills test. Moreover, he probably could talk a good game to the salesperson.
2) Blacklisting dealerships? What if it was only an individual salesperson? More importantly, that list would have to be researched by the prospective biker in advance, and there are already resources available to help with how to get started on this hobby. The person has to be willing to perform "due diligence." If he/she is willing, the stuff is already out there. And I strongly suspect that the local reputation of this dealer has already suffered. By your criteria, it sounds like an injury/death would have to occur anyway to make the list.
3) Who knows exactly what was said at that dealership? How much can a dealership prevent a sale before being accused of discrimination? How responsible would the keepers of the list be for libel/slander should the dealership choose to sue?
4) Have you noticed that, even on this website, arguments have been made by novice riders that one can, in fact, learn to ride on a supersport, so long as one "respects the bike", blah, blah, blah. And some do, I guess. Actually, of most new riders making the SS bike error, this guy had more skills than most.
He made some perilous mistakes. We can't fix everything.
My 2 cents. |
Its funny, I've been thinking about a couple of things along the lines of your post. Especially number 1. He wasn't exactly a noob, like me when he started riding. So, that is a very good point.
It really doesn't negate this whole blindness salespeople and some dealerships have about having a license before buying a motorcycle when since 1989 - and never once have I been able to buy a car without the appropriate license or insurance. I realize for some posters this isn't necessarily true (based on state).
As for point number 2 - it depends on how you think of things. I was in the military for 10 years (as a reservist and national guardsmen) and I've been a member of various organizations over the years. Leadership and direction comes from the top of an organization. Also, even if an individual's actions are contrary to the organizations policy, the organizations leadership - basically as captain of the ship - is still responsible. So, to me, if a salesperson at a dealership has gross negligence and sells a bike to someone without a license - the organization is responsible. This is actually a very simple case for that. If the dealership required presentation of a valid M endorsed license and keeping photocopied records of that license when selling a bike, they would have prevented this and many similar deaths like it. And it isn't a question of this kind of death happening once every few years - these kinds of deaths happen every year.
For point number 3 - it really doesn't matter what was said at the dealership. There is an unalterable list of facts. Rider did not have a license. Dealership sold bike to rider without license. Rider without license dies. There is no reason to get involved with he said, she said. Or the promises of a purchaser to get the appropriate endorsement "as soon as they can". As far as discrimination - this is discrimination - to discriminate is to make a decision. In this case salespeople should be discriminated on the basis of the fact that if a person doesn't have the right endorsement/license - they don't belong buying this product. As far as lists and libel. If we keep to the simple case first - there is no libel, no slander. News reports that biker x was killed, had no license, purchased bike at dealership z. We keep and maintain a list online of those places and recommend that people who are living bikers do not buy from those organizations.
For point number 4 - which is also a very good point - I love your posting... People argue that they learned on x supersport bike and that it can be done and think others can and should do it too so they aren't buying a new bike every year for the first 3 years of their riding experience... One of the guys at the dealerships I've gone to admitted to started on a hyperpowerful bike and that he couldn't keep up with his friends for a long time. He refused to ride fast because he knew it was beyond his capabilies. Gradually, he learned to ride and could keep up with his buddies. I think this takes an incredible amount of self-control. I mean, I've got a piece of garbage Ninja 250 and I've take it up to 90. Given my weight and other people postings on video sites - even this bike could go faster. I do think that if people truly believe they are beyond the testosterone and they have a valid motorcycle license or M endorsement - they should be able to sign a waiver - that absolves the dealership of responsibility (and of being blacklisted) if they should die because of their choice to by a superpowered motorcycle without experience, knowledge and understanding of what these bikes can do. I also think if there is such a waiver that if these people should die - they be excluded from the overall deaths attributed to motorcycles.
You know, through a lot of debate I'm sure that we could all come up with a good way to help prevent these kinds of deaths as well as penalize those who knowingly perform unethical activities that endanger the lives of others.
RhadamYgg
_________________
2008 Suzuki B-King - 4470 miles
(unofficial SS1000)
Brackstone's old Kawasaki 2007 Ninja 250cc (sold - 5300 miles ridden)
Hoping my kids don't hate me too much in the future.
Two sons (Random) 3/30/03 and (Corwin) 09/08/06....
Twin girls born on (Cordelia, Morrigan) 4/22/09... |
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Brackstone
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| Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:35 am Post subject: |
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I've met so many motorcyclists that I could not sway from purchasing a bigger bike and truthfully I'm starting to be of the mindset that I could have started on a 750 and while there is one instance where my over zealous nature probably would've gotten me injured the rest of the times it would've been the bike getting hurt and not me.
Being a person that does not like being injured, or incurring repair bills I would've bought the 250 still regardless. However there are some people out there that just don't care, nor will they ever care.
If you restricted this guy from buying a 600 at a dealership he just would've bought a 600 by going to someone who is selling theirs used.
A lot of the problem comes from "Peer Pressure" as well. When I was at Motorcycle Mall there were a group of people showing their friends showing a their friend what bike to buy.
The only part of the conversation I caught was "That's you right there, dawg. The 675 aight?!"
In my opinion there is nothing we can do in this situation. I feel bad for anyone that has to lose a loved one but in my opinion this is plain and simple evolution.
I'm not a bible guy myself but I feel this quote is appropriate:
"The meek shall inherit the earth."
P.S. I know you can't judge anything from a picture, but based on the "Find a nice photo for the article!" routine the kid looks like a real jock and his "Dirt Bike Riding" was probably more of the extreme variety. Which probably lead to him taking risks here as well.
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RhadamYgg
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| Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 11:11 am Post subject: |
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| Brackstone wrote: | I've met so many motorcyclists that I could not sway from purchasing a bigger bike and truthfully I'm starting to be of the mindset that I could have started on a 750 and while there is one instance where my over zealous nature probably would've gotten me injured the rest of the times it would've been the bike getting hurt and not me.
Being a person that does not like being injured, or incurring repair bills I would've bought the 250 still regardless. However there are some people out there that just don't care, nor will they ever care.
If you restricted this guy from buying a 600 at a dealership he just would've bought a 600 by going to someone who is selling theirs used.
A lot of the problem comes from "Peer Pressure" as well. When I was at Motorcycle Mall there were a group of people showing their friends showing a their friend what bike to buy.
The only part of the conversation I caught was "That's you right there, dawg. The 675 aight?!"
In my opinion there is nothing we can do in this situation. I feel bad for anyone that has to lose a loved one but in my opinion this is plain and simple evolution.
I'm not a bible guy myself but I feel this quote is appropriate:
"The meek shall inherit the earth."
P.S. I know you can't judge anything from a picture, but based on the "Find a nice photo for the article!" routine the kid looks like a real jock and his "Dirt Bike Riding" was probably more of the extreme variety. Which probably lead to him taking risks here as well. |
Its funny, we both go to some similar places to buy and look at bikes. When I was at Motorcycle Mall the salesperson was very eager to pre-sell me a 2008 Ninja 2008, but I told him I'd wait until after the MSF course. The door lady (an older female biker) told me as I walked out that I'd come back after the MSF course and get a 600...
I'm glad I didn't though. I'm very glad I didn't. I've made a number of mistakes while riding that I believe would have hurt on a larger bike. Basic clutch and throttle issues. I still sometimes goof a little and give it too much throttle too soon when shifting, but it isn't a big deal on this bike.
But I do know the mentality you are talking about - and it is very prevalent here in northern NJ. I call it testicles first. Because that is what people use to think first then they use their brain, if at all.
I'll admit when I saw the picture of the kid I had similar thoughts as you did - he's kind of thuggish, etc. But doing the kind of work he did, he probably built a lot of muscle and that would give him that look. You can't really judge a person by the way they look. But it is hard not to.
After about 4 months of experience and 4200 or so miles - I do feel ready to upgrade to something else. Maybe a BMW F800ST with ABS and TPS - oh and a belt drive. If, of course, I can afford it and don't change my mind 10 times over the next year. I'm probably going to keep the 250 for another year and bunch of thousands of miles before upgrading.
RhadamYgg
_________________
2008 Suzuki B-King - 4470 miles
(unofficial SS1000)
Brackstone's old Kawasaki 2007 Ninja 250cc (sold - 5300 miles ridden)
Hoping my kids don't hate me too much in the future.
Two sons (Random) 3/30/03 and (Corwin) 09/08/06....
Twin girls born on (Cordelia, Morrigan) 4/22/09... |
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