Calling All Motorcycle Enthusiasts

[Wattle]

In Australia, helmets have been compulsory for as long as I can remember. For both motorcycles and bicycles. There are no exemptions allowed by law. We have a very strong road campaign for safety. Motorcycles also have to have their lights on at all times, even during the day.

I personally think it is a great idea. I don't think its a case of the government trying to take that decision from the riders. Its purely a safety issue, the same as wearing seatbelts and restraining children in car seats (which are also compulsory by law in Australia). Think of the paramedic that has to attend to those motorcycle accidents that the rider has no helmet... icky.

Maybe thats why you wait less in America for a suitable donor organ. Our reduced road toll has also decreased the availability of donor organs.

I say wear a helmet and arrive alive. 

[George Jung]

Its purely a safety issue, the same as wearing seatbelts and restraining children in car seats (which are also compulsory by law in Australia).

That's cool.    With regards to children I agree 100% because they are not responsible for themselves.  On the other hand I do happen to disagree with seatbelt laws (although I always wear one).  It's a great idea to buckle up just like it is a great idea to wear a helmet, especially with all of those drunk drivers on the road!

[KICKSTART]

Helmets and seatbelts are the law here in the UK and tbh i would wear both anyway .Think of the damage you could do to your head coming off a bike and as for a car , well i wouldnt want to go through the windscreen 

[okarol]

   
   No Helmet = Organ Donor

[George Jung]

I had to post this pic of my very good friends on my motorcycle.

[Sluff]

Nice pic George. 

[George Jung]

Oh man, the little guy, Christian, wanted to go for a ride in a bad way!  "Turn it on daddy, turn it on ."  "Back up daddy, back up daddy, back up daddy!"  We let him put on the gloves and helmet and turned it on but mommy said NO to going for a ride.  We will have to work on her! 

Thanks Sluff, I am proud  of my friends if you can't tell.  Hey, I am glad to hear that you are out of the hospital, everyone has been concerned about you.

[Sluff]

I think my son started to ride with me at 9 yrs old. I took him all the way from Wisconsin to West yellowstone Montana and back. 3500 miles in 10 days. Spent two nights in Sturgis and 2 nights in West Yellowstone MT.

[goofynina]

Umm, good looking.......bike you got there George   (the kid's kinda cute too) ok ok, so is his daddy, sheeesh, make me say it why dont you, lol  

[Krowbar]

I had some questions about biking for a first timer. I've driven a 100cc bike from 16-23 (and covered about 50k miles) but haven't ridden any 2-wheeler again in 13 years. Whats a good starting point?

I've heard about the MSF course. Is it possible to take this course and get a motorbike license without actually owning a bike first? I was planning to get a bike in a couple of years from now but wanted to get the paperwork done and ready.

[Sluff]

I had some questions about biking for a first timer. I've driven a 100cc bike from 16-23 (and covered about 50k miles) but haven't ridden any 2-wheeler again in 13 years. Whats a good starting point?

I've heard about the MSF course. Is it possible to take this course and get a motorbike license without actually owning a bike first? I was planning to get a bike in a couple of years from now but wanted to get the paperwork done and ready.

In Wisconsin you could go to the tech College and sign up for a course and use their bike. When you pass the course you get your endorsement.

[George Jung]

Krowbar, considering the laws vary from state to state, I did just what you are describing.  I took the MSF class at a community college (they had a nice variety of bikes that were fun to ride) and proceded to the DMV where I was issued a learners permit.  I have never actually had the endorsement on my license for some odd reason but the permit has always served me well.  Technically, all I need to do is pass the written test at the DMV, pay $10, and out the door.  It is good for a year, maybe longer, and the only restriction is that you are not "allowed" to have a passenger.  The permit is good day and night.  I have always highly recommended the MSF course even for experienced riders as it is a good fundamental refresher and we all need to be reminded every so often.  My first road bike was a 600cc Honda F2 (black, purple and yellow) which was a little risky to start off on but I have faired well.  What type of motorcycling are you interested in?  Hope this helped .

[George Jung]

In Wisconsin you could go to the tech College and sign up for a course and use their bike. When you pass the course you get your endorsement.

Maybe I did have an endorsement when I first started....I can't remember.  I do know I have never taken the riding test at DMV, only a question and answer.

[Sluff]

The MSF courses are good for everyone. I have taken the advance course where you have to have your own bike. I have a Harley Dresser so it was a bit of a challenge compared to the sport bikes but I passed and I enjoyed the experience.

[Krowbar]

Yeah I'm definitely going for the MSF course. I was planning to get a mid-sized bike though, about 250-350cc for 2 hour trips and such to get some practice and experience and light enough to manhandle if I lose control. Any heavier and I probably can't handle it yet.  I'm 5'10" and hope to weigh 180 pounds by the time I get the bike.

If and when I get a transplant, I hope to get a bigger bike and ride across the country in the summer (or at least NY -> Phoenix).   Hopefully, it's a realistic plan.

This is at least a year off since Im 210 pounds now and focussing on weight loss. I'd like to get the licensing and paperwork out of the way though. The MSF sounds perfect since its a weekend course.

[Sluff]

My mom was 5'6" 118 lbs and she had a Yamaha 250, but didn't go far on it. You may want to consider a larger motor size depending on the speed you want to travel at for 2-3 hours a 250 may be to small. The trick in handling is to buy something as low to the ground that your feet are flat on the ground when you are stopped. Also never stop with the front wheel turned, keep it straight and you'll never have a problem.

[Amanda From OZ]

just caught onto this thread..... great pictures everyone.

OK as many of you are guessing i don't know much about motorcycles but  i have had a nasty experience on one.... by burning my leg on the engine part!!! thanks to the driver not warning me!! i dint understand how people ride them and not burn themselves!! ouch!!

I think that might be my last experience on a bike!!

[Sluff]

just caught onto this thread..... great pictures everyone.

OK as many of you are guessing i don't know much about motorcycles but  i have had a nasty experience on one.... by burning my leg on the engine part!!! thanks to the driver not warning me!! i dint understand how people ride them and not burn themselves!! ouch!!

I think that might be my last experience on a bike!!

On average I burn my leg twice a year on the same spot. I have a nice scar. HA

[Rose From OZ]

I did it on the same bike as Amanda but was actually warned before I tried to hop on. That bit just seems to get into the way and also have a scar to prove it.

[Krowbar]

My brother tried to climb onto my bike barefoot once when he was around 10 years old to play vroom-vroom and stepped on the muffler. Luckily it had cooled down enough to not leave a scar but he yelled plenty.

[Amanda From OZ]

ahhh that "thing" is called a muffler  great i learn something new everyday!!

[Sluff]

Why use seatbelts when you got airbags? Helmuts it's a choice I hate them.