http://www.break.com/index/motor-scooter-rear-ended.html
he did look over his shoulder. just in time to see the guy speeding into his butt. suck.
Why did he slam on his breaks, oh thats because he is dumb. Wear some gear buddy, you used up all your luck on that one.
And wear shoes :cookoo:
the car was going much faster than everyone else, but you cant see speed so maybe he was speeding maybe not. I would say the scooter was definitely at fault there. and im not just saying that because I hate :2guns: scooters.
"SCOOT" over!! :D
anyone else agree when i say that scooters of any size shouldnt be allowed on the highways?
scooters...all of the danger, none of the cool
Quote from: pandymai on August 18, 2010, 11:41:28 AM
anyone else agree when i say that scooters of any size shouldnt be allowed on the highways?
Not really. I drove a '86 Honda 250 Elite through most of college. It could do about 75 mph. I hate to say it, but the next bike I buy will probably be a Honda. That engine was the most reliable thing in the world. It would start up on the first or second crank in subzero weather no problem. I would leave it outside for months in the dead of winter, covered in ice and snow, with no gas stabilizer or carb cleaner or anything, come back to it in the spring, at worst I would need to charge the battery, and it would start right up.
Quote from: pandymai on August 18, 2010, 11:41:28 AM
anyone else agree when i say that scooters of any size shouldnt be allowed on the highways?
you do know that suzuki actually makes a scooter with a bigger motor than our gs500 right?
Quote from: bassmechanicsz on August 18, 2010, 12:28:06 PM
you do know that suzuki actually makes a scooter with a bigger motor than our gs500 right?
http://www.suzukicycles.com/en/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/Burgman%20650/2009/AN650.aspx
Not that I would ever contemplate buying a scooter that costs more than an abs equipped V-Strom 650 :o
(Or any scooter for that matter....)
i've never ridden a scooter so i guess i wouldnt know..
but, do scooters maneuver as well at high speeds as other motorcycles?
i know there are scooters with bigger motors, but it's the overall handling aspect i worry about.
I believe the rider had sandals on... at least before the collision.
I think you can see them fly off when he gets hit...
those scooters with bigger engines are still slower than a gs500 plus they get worse mpg and they are heavier, dont handle well, dont brake good, and look ridiculous to boot. I have ridden a few scooters from 50-650cc and they all suck at everything. If you want 100+mpg get a moped, they are much more fun than a scooter.
Quote from: pandymai on August 18, 2010, 12:34:44 PM
i've never ridden a scooter so i guess i wouldnt know..
but, do scooters maneuver as well at high speeds as other motorcycles?
i know there are scooters with bigger motors, but it's the overall handling aspect i worry about.
The wheels on my Elite were way smaller, so it felt like it got blown around more at high speeds.. Handling <65 for the most part was pretty good, but they could be downright scary on an interstate. Where I went to school in West Virginia, the interstate is 70 mph, and cars and trucks go way faster than that. One time I was on the interstate there and a truck passed me going pretty fast, I felt like I was going to get blown off the road. The wind drag behind the truck was enough to suck me forward. Definitely wouldn't do that again.
Scooters are evil and should be sacrificed to the motorcycle gods :icon_twisted:. But seriously scooters and their tools of a riders are the reason the greenslips in Aust have just shot through the roof (or so they say) but having seen them riding around sydney I would not be suprised thats the reason, just like the fool in the video no protection gear just a helmet, so their pristine head can look at their torn & battered body after an accident that they generally caused.
Well I've vented enough. :cheers: :thumb:
In Aust we have categories of Scooters. The Moped type - 50cc - can be bought and ridden withOut a motorcycle license or doing a motorcycle safety course. Just lob into the moped dealer and ride out on your car license.
As such, they invariably only wear a helmet as safety gear cause it's compulsory. The rest is usually shorts, t shirt, flip flops. Sometimes office girls in high heels. Helmets are usually Open Face. Asians ride two-up - on 50cc. They (the riders) have no real road sense it seems. No idea how to position for safety, ride in a mentally-switched-off cager way and think everyone can get out of their way.
Riding behind a tip-truck once, a moped came screaming up on the inside - where cars are normally parked - shot in front of me between me and the truck, almost lost it trying to keep it straight, then slammed the brakes on to make a turn. When I beeped my horn at him he beeped back WTF?
All their weight is way down low. They have no triangular frame so the rigidity comes from a heavy floor pan. The larger the cc, say like a 650 or even only a 450, and once the bike starts to go over you cannot stop it. the ergonomics of your position within the bike prevent it. Nothing to grab with your knees. As such, you really just sit On a scooter and I don't think you can be At One with it.
Michael
lucky lad that one.. pretty sure though that the head/shoulder check should be performed before the lane change :icon_eek:
Quote from: mister on August 18, 2010, 11:21:58 PM
In Aust we have categories of Scooters. The Moped type - 50cc - can be bought and ridden withOut a motorcycle license or doing a motorcycle safety course. Just lob into the moped dealer and ride out on your car license.
Not completely true. Just cut this straight from the RTA website.
What about scooter and automatic only licences?
Riders of automatic motorcycles under 160ml are exempt from the pre-provisional course. However, they are required to attend and pass the pre-learner course and the MOST. Riders of automatic motorcycles larger than 160ml will have their licence endorsed with a condition: "May only ride automatic motorcycles". This condition will be valid until an unrestricted licence is issued.
But that aside. I have seen maybe two scooter riders in Newcastle that wear more then a helmet, they are completely suited. The rest are like that idoit in the film. Wear a helmet and what ever happens to be fashionable for that day.
Quote from: Shaddow on August 19, 2010, 07:57:44 AM
Quote from: mister on August 18, 2010, 11:21:58 PM
In Aust we have categories of Scooters. The Moped type - 50cc - can be bought and ridden withOut a motorcycle license or doing a motorcycle safety course. Just lob into the moped dealer and ride out on your car license.
Not completely true. Just cut this straight from the RTA website.
What about scooter and automatic only licences?
Riders of automatic motorcycles under 160ml are exempt from the pre-provisional course. However, they are required to attend and pass the pre-learner course and the MOST. Riders of automatic motorcycles larger than 160ml will have their licence endorsed with a condition: "May only ride automatic motorcycles". This condition will be valid until an unrestricted licence is issued.
But that aside. I have seen maybe two scooter riders in Newcastle that wear more then a helmet, they are completely suited. The rest are like that idoit in the film. Wear a helmet and what ever happens to be fashionable for that day.
Not everyone is under the RTA. In Queensland a car license lets you ride a moped of no more than 50ccs http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Licensing/Getting-a-licence/Classes-and-codes.aspx so... walk in with your car license and ride out on the moped. No training. Nothing. That's why the Moped Hire businesses flourish on The Gold Coast. So all the tourists can have fun in the sun. :icon_mrgreen:
Sorry. I should have made the distinction it was in my state, not all across Aust (my bad)...
The states that allow 50cc mopeds to be ridden on car licenses are: QLD, SA, NT & WA
The states that require training and passing a test to ride a 50cc moped are: ACT, NSW, TAS & VIC
Michael
More scooter fun...
http://www.break.com/index/key-west-female-moped-driver-crash.html
Quote from: fraze11 on August 19, 2010, 10:34:59 AM
More scooter fun...
http://www.break.com/index/key-west-female-moped-driver-crash.html
Scooter Power!!!!!! :laugh:
Quote from: fraze11 on August 19, 2010, 10:34:59 AM
More scooter fun...
http://www.break.com/index/key-west-female-moped-driver-crash.html
WTF??? haha
Quote from: fraze11 on August 19, 2010, 10:34:59 AM
More scooter fun...
http://www.break.com/index/key-west-female-moped-driver-crash.html
Ah... ATGATT I see.
And the story told at office water coolers all across the country will be... so this chick on a BRAND NEW yadda yadda yadda.
Brazillian Girl Crashes Scooter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvSBGSfTg9M
Man Meets Wall HA HA.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8Pmx105_tk
Michael
OMG!!! haha
This one... woman goes over the handle bars! Sorry, but just replaying that bit (10 - 12 secs) is funny stuff... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1klJsRyos_M
Michael
Here's one of my rides...
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2128/4512922626_7ca48be726_z.jpg)
70cc of fury. I always wear a full face helmet, but the biggest reason for that is so no one can tell it's me riding a moped :thumb:
I haven't ridden it enough to really say how much I'd wear on a regular basis, but gloves are 50/50 depending on the weather. I think I usually wore pants but not always. I don't ride it like a motorcycle though. If I was actually leaning into corners and everything else I'd wear more but I'm pretty cool with a t shirt and tennis shoes when I have an average speed of 20mph. I ride in shorts and a t shirt on my bicycle all the time so I don't really feel the need to go full gear just for an extra 10mph. I do live in the city though, so I spend more time sitting at red lights and going in a straight line than the average person may.
Anyone ever watch these vids and wonder why that guy had a camera running in his car?
I thought it might've been a cop, which would also explain the speeding and general reckless driving for no apparent reason, but when the guy got out of the car he just looked like a normal guy so who knows.
He might just have it because he drives like a nut, just like a lot of guys with sportbikes record themselves riding in traffic.
(http://www.jakobday.com/images/forums/best_thread_ever.jpg)
Quote from: mister on August 19, 2010, 08:54:24 AM
Sorry. I should have made the distinction it was in my state, not all across Aust (my bad)...
The states that allow 50cc mopeds to be ridden on car licenses are: QLD, SA, NT & WA
The states that require training and passing a test to ride a 50cc moped are: ACT, NSW, TAS & VIC
Michael
Sorry man I sound like an arse. Hey I wrote it at 1am after evening shift. That's my excuse and I'm stick... oh yes ice cream yummy.
I didn't realise our countries other states let you ride at all without a license. From what I know of NSW laws you legally can't even have a powered bicycle if it uses a petrol or diesel engine. Electric is okay up to 200watts power from memory (but don't quote me on that) and it must be pedal assist.
In Pennsylvania, and a lot of other states in the US you only have to have a car license to ride a moped. The limits on that being that it's smaller than 50cc, has pedals, max of 1.5hp, and does not go faster than 25. Granted 98% of the people I've met with hopes have them set up somewhere between 65-80cc, have them ported with new carbs, exhaust, and whatever else and have them going almost 50mph, but it's pretty hard for a cop to tell what the inside of your motor looks like, so as long as you don't ride like a jerk no one really cares. You've gotta do something pretty stupid to get pulled over in the city anyway. The one nice thing is that they don't have to be inspected, and since Ohio lets you register them without a title, it's not too hard to get a new title for one if you can get a bill of sale from Ohio.
I wish mine actually ran... :technical: It was a fun 2-3 rides when it did.
Quote from: pandymai on August 18, 2010, 11:41:28 AM
anyone else agree when i say that scooters of any size shouldnt be allowed on the highways?
No, not at all. Allow the nanny state to ban scooters and pretty soon they'll be coming after us. As long as it can do the speed limit we have no right to judge what someone should ride. I want my rights respected, so I respect yours, even if you're a geek who rides a scooter.
Quote from: pandymai on August 18, 2010, 12:34:44 PM
i've never ridden a scooter so i guess i wouldnt know..
but, do scooters maneuver as well at high speeds as other motorcycles?
i know there are scooters with bigger motors, but it's the overall handling aspect i worry about.
At lower speeds scooters actually handle better than motorcycles due to their smaller size, smaller wheels, and lower center of gravity. Most scooters aren't capable of high speeds, but in recent years there are scooters up to 650cc and will leave our bike in the dust, believe it or not. And yes, they handle very well. I know a guy who has a 650cc Suzuki scooter. I rib him about it, all in good fun. He loves it and he's not aware his scooter can outrun my GS. He bought it because he doesn't want to learn to shift gears and he loves the superior built-in luggage, storage compartments, and weather protection. After looking at one, other than the geek factor and high price, they're pretty compelling.
He looked, but too late, and he was going slow. I assume that was a cop who rear-ended him, judging by the radio sounds in the background. The cop was speeding. Notice how he was going faster than the other traffic but was in the right lane. They both screwed up on this one, but you know how this will go down on paper? It's the car driver's fault all the way. The scooter had time to get completely into the right lane. The car driver should have been traveling at a prudent speed to deal with traffic changing lanes. He hit him square in the arse. It's his fault.
Quote from: bill14224The cop was speeding.
Based on what evidence?
QuoteNotice how he was going faster than the other traffic but was in the right lane.
So?
What is the posted speed limit on that stretch of road? how fast was the car actually going?
No way to tell. Moving faster than surrounding traffic does not automatically equal speeding.
QuoteThe car driver should have been travelling at a prudent speed to deal with traffic changing lanes.
And the scooter rider should have looked before moving into the other lane, and should not have braked when he saw the car right behind.
6 of one, half dozen of the other.
If you get rear ended while you're changing lanes, it's your fault. Pretty cut-and-dry.
I remember watching the scooters while I did provisional license training/test. I keep reading about people saying how well they handle. Umm no. They seem easier "to handle" then a bike at low speeds but they struggled to do the tight weave in and out of witches hats. Both because they had no ground clearance, (no ability/room to turn) and the lack of motor control (ie can only use brake, not a brake and clutch set up) really seemed to hamper them. Other than that I saw no problem with them. Comfort seemed good, power good, brakes so so, wouldn't want to hit any of the potholes I see on the way to work with the little wheels they have. Plus I hate the idea that I've got nothing to grip between my legs to make sure I stay on the bike properly.
Quote from: pave_spectre on August 21, 2010, 09:12:23 PM
Quote from: bill14224The cop was speeding.
Based on what evidence?
QuoteNotice how he was going faster than the other traffic but was in the right lane.
So?
What is the posted speed limit on that stretch of road? how fast was the car actually going?
No way to tell. Moving faster than surrounding traffic does not automatically equal speeding.
QuoteThe car driver should have been travelling at a prudent speed to deal with traffic changing lanes.
And the scooter rider should have looked before moving into the other lane, and should not have braked when he saw the car right behind.
6 of one, half dozen of the other.
I just used my best judgment, that's all. The car was going faster than the other traffic and by the looks of the pavement stripes going by it looks like he's speeding compared to the others. Where I live the traffic averages 5 mph or so over the limit if conditions allow and he was going faster than everyone else. I've noticed the same thing in the several states I've driven in over the years. This ain't traffic court, it's a motorcycle forum, and this is all merely supposition. Laws vary from one place to another but where I live when you rear-end someone it's your fault. If this accident happened in NY it's the car driver's fault. I realize that scooter guy was dumb to change lanes while slowing down. That is a recipe for death, but in this state it doesn't matter as far as who is held responsible.
I can give you another example. In NY state it is illegal to back out of your driveway. (look it up, it's true) Why, you ask? The law is never enforced unless there is an accident while someone is backing out. The law exists to make sure that any accident that happens that way is the fault of the person who is backing out.
Thanks for posting that first video.
http://www.break.com/index/motor-scooter-rear-ended.html (http://www.break.com/index/motor-scooter-rear-ended.html)
Lots of good input because of it.
Fortunately for us riders that have a brain, fools will always find way to kill or damage themselves and this does have a very positive effect for the rest of us.
(http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2wc9e/2cents.gif) There will be a certain number of riders that are going down on their bike this year, (the stats show it).
There will be a certain number of rider fatalities too, (the stats show it).
Every time one of em' go down, that directly and immediately lowers the chance of "YOU" going down.
{Reference: David Hough in his 1st. Proficient Motorcycling book and the NHTSA & Hurt Report numbers}
There are usually about 4500 bikers killed and about 75,000 injured each year (www.nhtsa.dot.gov). Each time one goes down, your chances of same are reduced. You can't deny the facts!
So, any time I see a rider practicing poor judgment, like our friend in the video, I simply think of him as being on his way to making "YOU & I" one digit closer to yet another safe & happy accident free year on the bike.
Thank you Mr. Hough for putting all those stats in a perspective I can grasp.
And thank you squids and fools across the country for filling those NHTSA stats each year so alert & sane riders like us don't have to.
-Ej-
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f252/shaddow78/Mopedcampaign4.gif)
Morphing the topic. But not too far off;
So why it is that when I commute to work on the Harley I seldom have an issue but when I ride the exact same route on my scooter, I get tail-gated and buzzed almost constantly.
It's as if people want to "touch" the scooter but seem to stay clear of the Harley. <go figure>
By the way. . .
Mopeds are fair game.
You are indeed aloud to tag em' with your cage.
. . .with their stinky annoying 2-stroke engines and their silly 32 MPH top speed.
<Disclaimer: tt-four is exempt if spotted on his rather clean antique TOMOS> :thumb:
Not sure why that is so. I've noticed that when I accidentally loose the P-Plates (Will finally get off them in November officially) off my bike suddenly people stop tail gating me, stop trying to stupidly overtake me. Hell I love the people in their 4Bs trying to undertake me on roundabouts that I don't even have to lean to corner through. Its a MOTORBIKE! Even a half dead one is faster then the average moron in their city only 4B.
I noticed the difference in my cars too. i drive the sedate corolla at above the speed limit on the same route and it gets tailgated and people cut in front of it etc but when I drove my smacked on the ground skyline (it had other rice boy mods but hey I bought it cheap to fill a hole with it all done so ugg) people stayed clear of it. No tailgating, no cutting hell I even drove it slower and it was still steered clear of.
Unfortunately the zed used to get wanna be sport car drivers trying to have a race with you all the time. All I ever wanted to do with them was get out and have a good old beating the living F**K out of them! Shall be interesting when they goes back on the rode and you can hear the turbos whining more bogans and youngin's will want to race it.
I think its a mentality. They assume the scooter, or the p plate driver or Learner driver is an idiot and they need to get past them to avoid them, even though they are exactly the sort of vehicles you should be MORE careful around. Unfortunately those types of people usually are the WORST drivers, can't keep safe braking distances, make sudden rash movements, don't observe their surroundings, blame everyone else when things don't go right, etc. Makes me just want to road rage their arse with a point and click device.
Err I'll end my rant now.
Quote from: Electrojake on August 27, 2010, 04:29:06 PM
So why it is that when I commute to work on the Harley I seldom have an issue but when I ride the exact same route on my scooter, I get tail-gated and buzzed almost constantly.
I feel it's because when people see someone on a Harley they assume it's someone who's violent and has nothing to live for, and is therefore not the one on the road you would choose to mess with. When they see someone on a moped or scooter they just assume it's a 40 year old guy who has yet to hit puberty, and is there just to be pushed out of the way. It's a poor stereotype of people on Harleys, but it's the image so many of them shoot for so that's what happens. Well, all of them except the guy we say going down the highway today on his touring bike with a confederate flag license plate hanging off the back all while wearing shorts and some kind of ugly patterned button up short sleeve shirt. He looked about as menacing as Randy Quaid and I was tempted to run him over myself.
Quote from: Electrojake on August 27, 2010, 04:29:06 PM
<Disclaimer: tt-four is exempt if spotted on his rather clean antique TOMOS> :thumb:
I was gonna say! haha, mine will almost hit 50 and will wheelie way easier than any GS you'll ever ride. It is not to be messed with.
Yikes....those crashes (especially in the first post) look MIGHTY painful. I've crashed on the freeway in full gear, and THAT hurt a lot...I can't imagine my bare skin hitting the deck like that. OUCH. :icon_eek: