Bling Riders

[solman]

A couple of weeks ago, we met a guy on a blinged out Hayabusa and it was lowered too. He was also wearing Yoshimura replica full leathers as well. When it came time to ride and we hit the twisties, it became apparent as to what needed to happen. I found myself finding an opportunity to pass this guy. He took one turn wide and I found out why bikes should not be lowered. His handling was horrible and in some ways dangerous. As soon as I passed him, it was a while before he caught up to us. It is also funny talking to people who I would consider squids. Talking to them about certain riding aspects and hearing their view points makes me want to laugh on occasion.

[CWO4GUNNER]

Yup I always let the young squids pass me, as I save all my fast action riding for the dirt. At least there you can do a bit of flying as well.

[ciso]

Yup I always let the young squids pass me, as I save all my fast action riding for the dirt. At least there you can do a bit of flying as well.

I second that comment. Pushing retirement age has made me more conscience of old bones, but the dirt can still do it for me.

[Cruisecontrol]

So you can't break bones on dirt?

I went on a run with a guy who had a ZX9 with a turbo that had 276 rwhp, stretched swinger and all the bits money could buy. It wouldn't corner for anything but it did not make it any less of an awesome machine.
I would prefer to see that than a dope that buys a brand new GSXR1000 and rides it like a scooter...

[CWO4GUNNER]

Of course you can brake bones in the dirt, but landing on it is like landing on a gymnasium mat compared to landing on concrete. Also with the exception of track riders, dirt bike riders develop much better skill and control over street riders where decisions on obstacles and possible impacts are dwelt in tenths of a second constantly while on the street they are dealt with leisurely by the minute. Like track cessions, a hard fast cession on a single track dirt trail regularly will make you a very good and in shape street commuter, and its allot cheaper then race track time. Also the dirt lets you know how soft you have become and requires being in some form of reasonable shape, this also important so that when you do hit the ground it will be more like a sack of potatoes, then a glass bowl of jello IMO.

[ciso]

Of course you can brake bones in the dirt, but landing on it is like landing on a gymnasium mat compared to landing on concrete. Also with the exception of track riders, dirt bike riders develop much better skill and control over street riders where decisions on obstacles and possible impacts are dwelt in tenths of a second constantly while on the street they are dealt with leisurely by the minute. Like track cessions, a hard fast cession on a single track dirt trail regularly will make you a very good and in shape street commuter, and its allot cheaper then race track time. Also the dirt lets you know how soft you have become and requires being in some form of reasonable shape, this also important so that when you do hit the ground it will be more like a sack of potatoes, then a glass bowl of jello IMO.

Well said and the reason I started my boys on the dirt as did my father with my brother and I. It does keep the skills up and if you don't ride the dirt for a while, it shows you how out of shape you really are.

[Cruisecontrol]

That logic is only used by dirt bike riders to make them feel like they are better riders.
Dirt riding and road riding have very little in common. If you rode on the street like you did in the dirt you would be alive for about 15 seconds. I can understand racers having a good background on dirt because at their level of riding sliding a bike is part of a fast lap.
But let me know the next time a tree decides to pull out in front of you because it "didn't see you" and we can discuss reaction times.

[Red01]

OTOH, knowing what to do when the bike slides on the street can make a difference.  Just because you don't normally ride on the street sliding, doesn't mean the ability to deal with is not needed.

[RDUBandit]

LOL!  I talked to a squidly, lowered 'busa owner at work the other day.   He asked what kind of bike I had, and when I replied, "A Bandit and a Ducati Monster," he just stared blankly at me.  I said, "I like a more naked bike."  His reply:  "I'd be afraid stuff will fly into your engine."  Conversation stopper. 

That said, I ride the shit outta my bikes, but I like a little bling too!!

[solman]

His reply:  "I'd be afraid stuff will fly into your engine

As in what flying in the motor?

[smooth operator]

LOL!  I talked to a squidly, lowered 'busa owner at work the other day.   He asked what kind of bike I had, and when I replied, "A Bandit and a Ducati Monster," he just stared blankly at me.  I said, "I like a more naked bike."  His reply:  "I'd be afraid stuff will fly into your engine."  Conversation stopper. 

That said, I ride the shit outta my bikes, but I like a little bling too!!

  LOL sometimes they just make ya laugh!

[RDUBandit]

His reply:  "I'd be afraid stuff will fly into your engine

As in what flying in the motor?

I really don't know, perhaps a large bird? 

[Red01]

My K&N filters have been doing a great job at keeping the large birds outta my engine. 

[Vidrazor]

[[I really don't know, perhaps a large bird?]]

Don't laugh, that happened to my friend when he was living in Japan. He was riding the little 250 Yamaha cruiser on the highway (small bikes are common in Japan) when some bird flew in and got stuck between the engine and the frame. The thing naturally was flapping and freaking and it was quite a distraction to my friend. He was pretty freaked too. He finally manage to free the poor thing (while still riding the the highway) and go on his way, but it was quite an experience.

[Dragbike]

His reply:  "I'd be afraid stuff will fly into your engine

As in what flying in the motor?

I really don't know, perhaps a large bird? 

Perhaps after following another "BLING" lowered bike after it scrapes the road and parts fly off. 
I guess that is why I am old and stupid now, and have 5 bikes. (I need 2 more to fill out the rest of the week) I really love Orange County and Jessie James bikes I want to take as many pictures of them I can and hang them on the wall,,,,,,,then go ride one of my own bikes and have fun in what ever terrain and bike I am on!    
I have said for years now " You don't take a Cadillac mountain climbing or take BIG FOOT monster truck down the interstate” 
And yes, I have hit a few birds in my 40 years of motorcycle enthusiasm, I just thought it was not their day!! "They ani't hard to unstuck even without the K&N's"
See Ya
Brent