Are sport bike riders wimps?

[Ninja_Wendy]

Originally Posted by stefano

To answer the question, "are sportbike riders wimps" - the answer is NO:

You are brave

I really want to go to Italy. Those pictures are awesome. I have a friend that lives in Malta. I want to plan a trip to Italy and Malta in the next year or two. I know spanish but I need to learn some italian now. The spanish will help me a little. My hubby can understand a lot of italian. His family is from Argentina where they speak spanish like italian. It would be awesome to rent a motorcycle and ride around Italy. Of course that will have to wait until we can travel there without the kids.

[stefano]

Originally Posted by Ninja_Wendy

You are brave

I really want to go to Italy. Those pictures are awesome. I have a friend that lives in Malta. I want to plan a trip to Italy and Malta in the next year or two. I know spanish but I need to learn some italian now. The spanish will help me a little. My hubby can understand a lot of italian. His family is from Argentina where they speak spanish like italian. It would be awesome to rent a motorcycle and ride around Italy. Of course that will have to wait until we can travel there without the kids.

Not brave, just passionate

Thanks for the compliments on my homeland, I'm quite proud of it myself

You are right, a trip around Italy on motorcycles would be a dream... I myself have only beat the roads of the North in the Alps, but there is spectacular scenery and awesome roads pretty much throughout the country. Give me a shout if you plan such a trip, I'd be glad to play "leader" when you hit the Alps

I have also been to Malta, went there for a week with my partner 3 or 4 years ago. The island is very interesting (they have the oldest self-sustaining structure (it's a temple) in the world and other interesting historical sites) but don't expect to go there and find white sands and beautiful beaches... that's what we went for (damn misleading advertisement) but there are none!!! I'm sure your friend has told you all about it...

[NCDave]

Originally Posted by bennice

1.) When you're cold and numb your reaction time seems to decrease
2.) Sometimes vision is temporarily obscured by fogging visor or watery eyes
3.) Cold tires + cold pavement = bad things, man
4.) Cagers don't expect to see a motorcycle on the roads in colder weather, so the 'hit by a numbnut' risk multiplies

Those issues apply to all bike riders. How is it different on a sport bike? From a person who has both, it doesn't. I ride both as often as I can, even in cold.

In general, sport bike riders, in my opinion, seem to be out congregating at the local curvy road more than anything. If the group isn't there to hang out with, I suspect that they just chose not to ride. I think it's the same for crusier riders though, as often times they only ride to their local hangouts too.

Perhaps the segregation is between those who ride because they LOVE motorcycling, and those who ride for the companionship.

Hmmm.....just some random thoughts. Let's see who THAT p_sses off!

[crazydave]

Originally Posted by evmo

Not me!

Maybe when it gets into the low 30'S

[NCDave]

Originally Posted by Ninja_Wendy

So today I was wondering how many people in their cages were missing their bikes when they saw me riding past them.

Definitely ME!

[NCDave]

Man, the pics are beautiful! I envy you!

Originally Posted by stefano

To answer the question, "are sportbike riders wimps" - the answer is NO:

[stefano]

Originally Posted by NCDave

Man, the pics are beautiful! I envy you!

Thanks! Come on over here and check it out for yourself, I'll be your guide

As regards your earlier post, it may be true that some bikers prefer not to ride if the don't have company. I myself have always ridden alone (except once - not for choice, but I have no biker friends ) so that doesn't apply to me!

I also agree that the cold affects all bikers but I agree with bennice in the sense that I believe on a sportbike you need to be MORE alert, MORE attentive, and have faster reflexes just because everything happens so much quicker! Maybe on a cruiser you can "get away" with a little more "sloppiness" but then again I've never ridden one so you probably are in a much better position to judge than I am...

[NCDave]

Originally Posted by stefano

Thanks! Come on over here and check it out for yourself, I'll be your guide

As regards your earlier post, it may be true that some bikers prefer not to ride if the don't have company. I myself have always ridden alone (except once - not for choice, but I have no biker friends ) so that doesn't apply to me!

I also agree that the cold affects all bikers but I agree with bennice in the sense that I believe on a sportbike you need to be MORE alert, MORE attentive, and have faster reflexes just because everything happens so much quicker! Maybe on a cruiser you can "get away" with a little more "sloppiness" but then again I've never ridden one so you probably are in a much better position to judge than I am...

You're quite right about the sloppiness. It is the same attentiveness when either warm or cold though. I just slow down a bit for my abilities. For me though, it's not about having to ride fast, just being able to ride. Besides that, if one is seeking thrills in riding, how could it be better than pushing tires to their limit of losing traction and living on the edge. After all, that's what they do when they are warm, right?

[Ninja_Wendy]

Originally Posted by stefano

I have also been to Malta, went there for a week with my partner 3 or 4 years ago. The island is very interesting (they have the oldest self-sustaining structure (it's a temple) in the world and other interesting historical sites) but don't expect to go there and find white sands and beautiful beaches... that's what we went for (damn misleading advertisement) but there are none!!! I'm sure your friend has told you all about it...

She lives in Mosta and her mom lives in Gozo (I am probably spelling it wrong). I think some of the smaller islands are prettier than the mainland Malta. I guess I have to go there to find out. She claims there are beautiful beaches, they must be hiding there somewhere.

Have you seen a lot of Piaggio MP3s around where you are? They are pretty cool. I used to want to get one and then I thought I wouldn't get as much respect from bikers if I rode a scooter. But if I was going to have a scooter, the Piaggio would be it.

[Saki.Girl]

Originally Posted by stefano

To answer the question, "are sportbike riders wimps" - the answer is NO:

wow that is one breath taking pic

can i ask what kind of gloves do you have cause tht is what gets cold when i ride i need some good ones

[NCDave]

Originally Posted by Ninja_Wendy

Have you seen a lot of Piaggio MP3s around where you are? They are pretty cool. I used to want to get one and then I thought I wouldn't get as much respect from bikers if I rode a scooter. But if I was going to have a scooter, the Piaggio would be it.

you're right!

[bennice]

Originally Posted by NCDave

Those issues apply to all bike riders. How is it different on a sport bike? From a person who has both, it doesn't. I ride both as often as I can, even in cold.

In general, sport bike riders, in my opinion, seem to be out congregating at the local curvy road more than anything. If the group isn't there to hang out with, I suspect that they just chose not to ride. I think it's the same for crusier riders though, as often times they only ride to their local hangouts too.

Perhaps the segregation is between those who ride because they LOVE motorcycling, and those who ride for the companionship.

Hmmm.....just some random thoughts. Let's see who THAT p_sses off!

It very well could be that the same issues apply to cruiser riders as well. I just can't speak on their behalf since I don't have much experience in that area.

I would imagine that the big windscreen that many (not all) the cruisers have help some. Even some of the sport tourers like the FJR or Connie may not be affected as much as a supersport. I don't know how much though.

Around here we have bikers of all types who either do it for the love of riding, or for the 'hanging out with friends' factors. That's why you can find pretty much any kind of bike on the local Craigslist site or at the dealerships - 3 years old with 5000 miles type of thing. Everybody from HD riders to Haybusa to Vulcans can be had in that kind of condition.

You're gonna have to try a lot harder to get anyone Pee'd off, Dave!
No, seriously - interesting take you have on things for sure. Something to think about.

[bennice]

Wow....those are some gorgeous pics Stefano! Keep those coming!

[stefano]

Originally Posted by Ninja_Wendy

She lives in Mosta and her mom lives in Gozo (I am probably spelling it wrong). I think some of the smaller islands are prettier than the mainland Malta. I guess I have to go there to find out. She claims there are beautiful beaches, they must be hiding there somewhere.

Have you seen a lot of Piaggio MP3s around where you are? They are pretty cool. I used to want to get one and then I thought I wouldn't get as much respect from bikers if I rode a scooter. But if I was going to have a scooter, the Piaggio would be it.

Yes, Gozo is prettier than Malta (there are I think 2 other visitable really small islands, but didn't get the chance to visit either of them) and the only REAL beach is there... but it's the only one! The others are all like 100 yards long and supercrowded!!!

Yes the MP3s have had reasonable success and you see a few of them around. Piaggio's sister company Gilera has now come out with the 500cc version (the MP3 is a 250). They have both gotten rave reviews from the magazines, very stable and easy to drive, especially in adverse ground conditions. Most of the mags suggest to get the Gilera as both of them are pretty heavy machines (that double-front wheel setup is very complicated mechanically and very heavy) and the 500cc engine of the Gilera is less sluggish than its smaller sister. If the States is anything like Italy though, you're 100% right on the respect factor Here in Italy, bikers don't wave to scooters Apart from the cool factor, you'd have your left hand continuously in the air waving to people!

[stefano]

Originally Posted by Saki.Girl

wow that is one breath taking pic

can i ask what kind of gloves do you have cause tht is what gets cold when i ride i need some good ones

Thanks, that pic is indeed one of my favourites

My gloves are Dainese D-Dry: Dainese D-Dry

I haven't used them in sub 30 weather but at around 30 degrees my hands were not cold at all... and I suffer from cold hands on the flipside I rode in excess of 125 mph with them which I think takes the perceived temp well below 30

The only thing I can warn anyone about if they haven't used winter gloves for bikes before is that THEY TAKE GETTING USED TO. Being pretty thickly padded to protect your hands from the cold, at first they are quite clumsy to use and even when you get used to them, they will never give you the sensitivity and precision of summer gloves. So maybe it is a good idea the first time you use them to head to an empty parking lot and get a feel for them

[Ninja_Wendy]

Originally Posted by stefano

Yes the MP3s have had reasonable success and you see a few of them around. Piaggio's sister company Gilera has now come out with the 500cc version (the MP3 is a 250). They have both gotten rave reviews from the magazines, very stable and easy to drive, especially in adverse ground conditions. Most of the mags suggest to get the Gilera as both of them are pretty heavy machines (that double-front wheel setup is very complicated mechanically and very heavy) and the 500cc engine of the Gilera is less sluggish than its smaller sister. If the States is anything like Italy though, you're 100% right on the respect factor Here in Italy, bikers don't wave to scooters Apart from the cool factor, you'd have your left hand continuously in the air waving to people!

They have the 250, 400 and 500 here now and they are calling them all MP3. I'm on the 400 in the picture below.

We don't wave at scooters here either. Sometimes I mistake them for a motorcycle and accidentally wave at them. They look at you funny because they aren't used to getting waved at I guess.

[stefano]

Originally Posted by bennice

Wow....those are some gorgeous pics Stefano! Keep those coming!

Thanks bennice. For a while I had a "post up your mountain passes" thread going on the main lobby where lots of people on the boards were posting up pics of their mountain rides... unfortunately it died but if I get any new pics worth posting I'll definitely revive it

Here it is if anyone's interested:

Italian tradition - post up your mountain passes

[stefano]

Originally Posted by Ninja_Wendy

Sometimes I mistake them for a motorcycle and accidentally wave at them. They look at you funny because they aren't used to getting waved at I guess.

I do that too sometimes and feel so guilty afterwards

That's very interesting about the 400, as far as I know they don't sell that model here, maybe it's made specifically for the export market...

[Saki.Girl]

Originally Posted by stefano

Thanks, that pic is indeed one of my favourites

My gloves are Dainese D-Dry: Dainese D-Dry

I haven't used them in sub 30 weather but at around 30 degrees my hands were not cold at all... and I suffer from cold hands on the flipside I rode in excess of 125 mph with them which I think takes the perceived temp well below 30

The only thing I can warn anyone about if they haven't used winter gloves for bikes before is that THEY TAKE GETTING USED TO. Being pretty thickly padded to protect your hands from the cold, at first they are quite clumsy to use and even when you get used to them, they will never give you the sensitivity and precision of summer gloves. So maybe it is a good idea the first time you use them to head to an empty parking lot and get a feel for them

sweet i will check them out i have some Joe Rocket Ballistic 5.0 Gloves now and i wear other gloves under them just not warm enough every cool i will give them a try
oh and sweet on the 125 hehe

[stefano]

Originally Posted by Saki.Girl

oh and sweet on the 125 hehe

Like I said, the gloves make you a little clumsy, I didn't mean to go that fast