RubberSideDown

^

I don't have to make those who choose to ride without helmets look like fools- they do that themselves.

You are coming across as a bit of a 'lecturer' though. You choose to ride a very fast bike in all the gear, others choose to cruise along at 40kph in jeans and a t-shirt. Personal choice.

FWIW I'm closer to you than 'them' in that I also ride a fairly quick bike and I wear decent gear, but if that cement truck u-turns in front of me at the last minute while I'm riding at high speed I'll be splattered across the road no matter what I am wearing. Unless you ride your 200hp bike close to the speed limit (which I doubt) then it might be a good idea to accept that you are taking a similar risk riding at high speed in your top of the range gear as the scooter rider in a cheap helmet riding to 711 at 40 kph.

Nothing is 100% effective- I already acknowledged that I take a risk by riding, but I choose not to compound that risk by not gearing-up.

Yes, I have a fast bike, but I would wear the same gear on any 'big bike'.

Sorry if you feel you're being 'lectured'- I'm arguing my point.

Note that the worst crash I ever had (as far as injury was concerned) was on a scooter at about 40kph- I wasn't properly geared-up, and I paid the price- I'd like to see someone else avoid what I went through.

^^

Says the guy who thinks all he needs are his 'god-given abilities' to be safe on the road...

I have never met a really good rider who would be willing to ride without a helmet or decent gear- I very much doubt that opinion would change were I ever to meet you.

There's almost no loss of peripheral vision in a current, certified helmet, btw- certainly not to the point where the added safety benefits are compromised (as per the NTSB tests I linked earlier).

Calm down and re-read slowly what i said..here again..You need all god given abilities working in your favour to be fully 'situationally aware' each and every time you ride a bike.

No where did i say as you suggest.. who thinks all he needs are his 'god-given abilities' to be safe on the road..

Huge difference huh?..if you cant have a discussion without insulting people or twisting other posters words, you should desist posting

Not really, as you said you prefer to ride without a helmet in an earlier post- if you're not using gear, you're relying solely on your skills as your means of protection, and there are situations where even the most skillful rider will hit the pavement, and will have to rely on his safety equipment rather than his 'god-given abilities'.

See- I have been reading your posts- I guess I won't have to 'desist posting' now- whew!

OK.. obviously comprehension is not your strong point..thats alright i'll write this slowly so that maybe you can get it.

The point i made ,as you well know, was referring specifically to why I choose not to wear a full face helmet,,,because..[again]You need all god given abilities working in your favour to be fully 'situationally aware' each and every time you ride a bike. and i didn't feel that they were/are..just my opinion

These being [as i said already ] full vision,full hearing ability and being able to smell the surroundings..Yes?

Many other skills are, of course involved and yes ,even the most skilful of riders is not immune from taking a fall....

Trust you got it this time..

EDIT>>As you said.

.I do think this topic had devolved into 'beating a dead horse', though... I'll continue to attempt to reduce my exposure to serious injury or death while engaging in what is inherently a dangerous activity in the best of circumstances (let alone in one of the most hazardous countries on Earth to ride)- good luck to those who prefer to play the longer odds.

I agree and no matter if i do it my way[as i have done for a loooong time] or do it your 'wrapped-in-cottonwool' approach" it is all about enjoying the treat that only motorcycles can give..we all have to recognise our own limits and ride within our own limits and hope to have a little luck now and again to go with your abilities and make the most of every ride.

Thanks for writing slowly (though I would imagine that's your usual speed...)

You said you choose not to wear a helmet whenever possible, so you have to rely on something other than gear for your safety.

It's your choice- it's a foolish one, but whatever- if it worked for you in the past, it will always work, right...?

I 'get' it- as I said, I don't care what you do- if there are impressionable newbs looking for info, though, it would be a shame if they followed your example.

^

The reason many of us can post knowledgeably in regards to quality full-face helmets is that we actually own and use them.

Your points re: the negative effects on sound and vision are absolutely incorrect- I did in fact post a link to statistics regarding these very issues earlier in this thread.

A certified helmet must have a minimum field-of-vision (which goes beyond adequate) and wind-shear is way more detrimental to hearing than a helmet ever could be (it's a good idea to ride with earplugs regardless of helmet type).

Your step-sons' 'full-face racing helmet' was most likely crap if you had the experience you claim.

You are posting "knowledgeably" on one half of the argument, as you don't use an open faced helmet in order to make a comparison.

No one is suggesting that you are riding totally blind or completely deaf in an full face helmet and they may meet a minimum requirement in both respects. But, IMO a "minimum requirement" doesn't cut it in the busy streets with a surprise hiding around every corner, or behind you.

What are you talking about "wind shear" this guy is doing 25mph (or less) in the town, have you actually read the topic?

So you think it is a good idea to be totally deaf in the busy streets. well good luck mate? 2 million young girls on mobile phones, all agree with you.

I've worn other styles of helmet- I don't wear one now as I feel the 35% chance of a hit to the jaw isn't worth it.

Wind-shear can affect your hearing at 25mph- earplugs don't make you 'deaf', but can cut out the wind-noise to the point where they work to your benefit.

The 'minimum requirement' is more than adequate to give a full field of vision while offering way more protection.

Have you ever done any research into what highly-regarding riding instructors suggest, Allan? There's a lot of info on the net that actually worth a look, and it could make you a better and safer rider- I realize you have little practical experience (though that doesn't stop you from offering advice), but at least you'd post with sone basis in fact rather than conjecture.

^^

Says the guy who thinks all he needs are his 'god-given abilities' to be safe on the road...

I have never met a really good rider who would be willing to ride without a helmet or decent gear- I very much doubt that opinion would change were I ever to meet you.

There's almost no loss of peripheral vision in a current, certified helmet, btw- certainly not to the point where the added safety benefits are compromised (as per the NTSB tests I linked earlier).

Calm down and re-read slowly what i said..here again..You need all god given abilities working in your favour to be fully 'situationally aware' each and every time you ride a bike.

No where did i say as you suggest.. who thinks all he needs are his 'god-given abilities' to be safe on the road..

Huge difference huh?..if you cant have a discussion without insulting people or twisting other posters words, you should desist posting

Not really, as you said you prefer to ride without a helmet in an earlier post- if you're not using gear, you're relying solely on your skills as your means of protection, and there are situations where even the most skillful rider will hit the pavement, and will have to rely on his safety equipment rather than his 'god-given abilities'.

See- I have been reading your posts- I guess I won't have to 'desist posting' now- whew!

I do think this topic had devolved into 'beating a dead horse', though... I'll continue to attempt to reduce my exposure to serious injury or death while engaging in what is inherently a dangerous activity in the best of circumstances (let alone in one of the most hazardous countries on Earth to ride)- good luck to those who prefer to play the longer odds.

Actually, there are a few knowledgeable posters right here on this forum with whom I can discuss super-bikes, if that's OK with you...

Of course there's room for everybody, but if you're going to post incorrect information (when the correct info is easily available if you're willing to do your due diligence) on a subject as important as safety gear, you shouldn't expect flowers and sunshine in the posts refuting it.

Off-course it's okay, that's the whole point with a forum my man.

I been getting a lot of good info here over the years and sometimes bullshit talk, lol.

Thankfully I been riding bikes on and off for over 30 years so know which is or isen't.

There are some subjects that aren't worthy of 'bullshit talk', especially in LOS- I think staying safe on the road is the most important one.

Many subjects ('the best bike' or 'the perfect road') are fine for BS'ing, but the efficacy of a decent lid (and other gear) is something else, especially when (as you pointed out) new riders are concerned- I've seen too much unnecessary carnage here (we all have) and I'd be happy seeing a bit less of it.

^^

Says the guy who thinks all he needs are his 'god-given abilities' to be safe on the road...

I have never met a really good rider who would be willing to ride without a helmet or decent gear (in any street-riding scenario)- I very much doubt that opinion would change were I ever to meet you, as you prefer to ride without a helmet, and gearing up properly is an integral part of being a good rider.

There's almost no loss of peripheral vision in a current, certified helmet, btw- certainly not to the point where the added safety benefits are compromised (as per the NTSB tests I linked earlier).

^

I don't have to make those who choose to ride without helmets look like fools- they do that themselves.

'I tried one once' does not equal the ability to post knowledgeably on the subject, so it's difficult to give your opinion any respect or credence.

I really don't care what you wear, and I agree it's your choice- I'm responding to the usual misinformation that is so sadly prevalent on this forum.

Well RSD, there are many small bike/scooter riders here and you should know too that many retired people come over to Thailand and perhaps buy

their 1st motorbike/scooter here thus don't know much about the subject and likely limited interest in bikes in general and only consider them as a

way of getting from A to B.

I think that is fine and there should be room here for everybody, right?

I sure a 1Lit dude like you are in some other forums where you can discuss your super bikes in great detail and that's fine too.

Actually, there are a few knowledgeable posters right here on this forum with whom I can discuss super-bikes, if that's OK with you...

Of course there's room for everybody, but if you're going to post incorrect information (when the correct info is easily available if you're willing to do your due diligence) on a subject as important as safety gear, you shouldn't expect flowers and sunshine in the posts refuting it.

Impact percentage zones for a full-face helmet for both right and left sides- the chances to taking a hit to the jaw area are just under 35%- that's pretty significant:

^

The reason many of us can post knowledgeably in regards to quality full-face helmets is that we actually own and use them.

Your points re: the negative effects on sound and vision are absolutely incorrect- I did in fact post a link to statistics regarding these very issues earlier in this thread.

A certified helmet must have a minimum field-of-vision (which goes beyond adequate) and wind-shear is way more detrimental to hearing than a helmet ever could be (it's a good idea to ride with earplugs regardless of helmet type).

Your step-sons' 'full-face racing helmet' was most likely crap if you had the experience you claim.

The reason many of us can post knowledgeably in regards to quality full-face helmets is that we actually own and use them.

Agree with this..i tried one once and swore that if i ever had to wear one again, i'd give up riding bikes...so i can not debate the pro's and cons of such devices.

Thankfully i never ever did wear one again and continued riding ..open face helmet when i had to and sans helmet whenever/wherever i could ..

This was and still is my choice...

'I tried one once' does not equal the ability to post knowledgeably on the subject, so it's difficult to give your opinion any credence (personally, I'd give up riding if I had to ride without a helmet).

I really don't care what you wear, and I agree it's your choice- I'm responding to the usual misinformation that is so sadly prevalent on this forum- I can debate the pros and cons, hence my post.

Still waiting for the definitive answer on derestriction- if it's an ECU flash, no problem, but if it's done through smaller throttle bodies or something else invasive, it's a bit of a PITA and a warranty breaker.

^

Not a problem- I wouldn't take any notice of you either way.

I nod to other sportbike riders if they're properly geared-up, and I'll return the rare wave I receive.

I guess that means I shouldn't wave to sport bike rider's then.

You can wave to little kids on bicycles if you want.

It was rare for cruiser riders to acknowledge me (and vis versa) when I rode in the States- it doesn't happen in Thailand ever, and I tend to take little if any notice of them as I don't know (or care about) the particulars of the bikes they ride- it's not a matter of disrespect, but rather one of noticing people who share an interest similar to mine beyond the simple act of riding a motorcycle- sorry if your feelings are hurt.

I do not think is all that rare.

You cannot hurt my feelings but I did take exception to the " sportbike riders if they are properly geared up" portion of your comment. I do not ride a sportbike and I will never wear all the gear that "properly geared up sportbike riders" wear. Or does properly geared up mean not wearing t shirt, shorts and flip-flops.

Properly geared-up means wearing a certified helmet that offers actual protection, an armored jacket, proper footwear, gloves, and armored pants (or at least some leg armor with jeans). Regardless of what you ride, the pavement is just as hard if you happen to land on it- I tend to have less respect for riders who are on big bikes and don't wear proper gear- from 13 years of riding in LOS, this is most sportbike riders, and nearly all cruiser riders.

If you make the effort to gear-up properly (which I consider to be part-and- parcel of being a good rider) and you share my affinity for sportbikes, I'll acknowledge you on the road if we encounter each other. I would help any fellow rider who needed assistance, but, in passing, I'll judge you on your appearance and act accordingly.

I don't identify with squids- that isn't an implication that you are one, but if I see you riding around with no helmet and a sleeveless vest, I'll consider you one- I love riding and it's one of my main sources of fun, but it's fun I take seriously.

^

I was referring to car/SUV/truck drivers more than fellow riders- when I approach from the rear with my HID lights on, they often move to the side to let me by.

I do wave at all drivers who pull to the left to let me by- I like to encourage that sort of behavior.

I've walked away from crashes where my helmet hit the ground pretty hard- if I hadn't been wearing one, I would have been carried away.

A telling statistic:

Helmets are considered to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcyclists. This means for every 100 motorcyclists killed in crashes while not wearing a helmet, 37 of them could have been saved had all 100 worn helmets.

http://www.examiner.com/article/deadly-motorcycle-accident-statistics

And as far as full-face helmets hindering vision or hearing goes (they don't), this link is worth a look:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/DOT/NHTSA/Communication%20&%20Consumer%20Information/Studies%20&%20Reports/Associated%20Files/tt127.pdf

The hospitals and morgues in places like Koh Samui and Phuket are filled with people who thought 40kph wasn't fast enough to require a helmet (or only necessitated a 500 baht worthless one).

A helmet is the single most important piece of gear you can wear- buy one that has at least some sort of safety certification.

I nod to other sportbike riders if they're properly geared-up, and I'll return the rare wave I receive.

I guess that means I shouldn't wave to sport bike rider's then.

You can wave to little kids on bicycles if you want.

It was rare for cruiser riders to acknowledge me (and vis versa) when I rode in the States- it doesn't happen in Thailand ever, and I tend to take little if any notice of them as I don't know (or care about) the particulars of the bikes they ride- it's not a matter of disrespect, but rather one of noticing people who share an interest similar to mine beyond the simple act of riding a motorcycle- sorry if your feelings are hurt.

13 years of riding heavy, fast bikes in LOS, and the only crash I've had was on my Wave back in 2002 (hit a dog).

Kawasaki isn't selling the ZX-10R in LOS- 629K is for the Ninja 1000.

The US version is restricted about 20hp below the Euro version for emissions reasons- it only takes an ECU flash to fix it, though.

Red Baron had a couple for 800K give-or-take.

I nod to other sportbike riders if they're properly geared-up, and I'll return the rare wave I receive.

Things like reservoir covers and CF bits are usually a much better deal via China through eBay- I wouldn't go that route for anything really important (except possibly levers- I've got Pazzos, but there have been excellent reviews for the Chinese knock-offs), but I've found their billet and CF stuff to be excellent quality- I just ordered a CF chain-guard that should look way better than the stock piece.

Ducati and KTM charge more than double US MSRP for their top-of-the-line bikes (like all versions of the Panigale and the 1290 Superduke)- it has nothing to do with taxes, though- they're just gouging us here in LOS.

Double is still well short of the 300% duty the scooter rider was talking about.

I was referring to the post directly above mine which stated the most he'd seen was double prices in the West (where Ducati and KTM go closer to 125% on some models)- obviously the poster who said there's a 300% mark-up has never shopped for a bike in LOS.