Couple of points

Originally it was 50. Nowadays 40 - 50 is a 'junior' member, 50+ is a
'senior' member. There is no difference in membership benefits. Any baby-
boomer would be 50+.

 

Well, I know you're just guessing, but that seems way high. Suicide by
modern car (if you're inside it) is next to impossible, even at very
silly speeds. Older cars, motorcycles - different matter.

 

Which says what about modern cruisers?


G-S

 

I am a member of the Ulysses club (#22211), johno is a member as well (I
think his number is -666 though!).


G-S

 

And you can smile thinking about that!


G-S

 

The baby boomer period officially goes to pre 1965 now rather than 1960
as it used to, so a few are still sub 50. [1]


G-S

[1] Previously 1960 to 1965 was called the forgotten generation.

 

In aus.motorcycles on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 06:59:57 GMT

I don't think that follows. It would depend a lot on the kind fo
riding and the kind of bike.

I find my 1974 850GT Guzzi to be an easier bike to ride than the 750
Shadow cruiser I had a bit of a ride on. The Guzzi's riding position
gave me more control and the bike was easier to punt around corners.

Much will also depend on how people are crashing and why.

If it's "fast powerful bike" then you would expect to see sportbikes
over-represented which I'm told is not the case.

Zebee

 

Interesting. Plausible (just). Got a source for that?

 

I remember listening to some people talking about that; ABC radio?

Evidently there had been a drop in gun related deaths; ie suicides
(which the gun lobby claimed as a win) and another group (pro gun)
popped up and pointed out that there had been increases (roughly equal
increases) in other types of deaths suspected or confirmed to be suicides.

The gun lobby had prior to the introduction of the laws had claimed that
stricter gun laws would lead to a reduction in suicides due to the
greater difficulty or obtaining a gun and their representative didn't
sound too happy about being called on it.

I can't give you a reference though... sorry.


G-S

 

http://www.car-accidents.com/suicide-car-accidents.html

Suicidal Behavior by Motor Vehicle Collision
Authors: Dominique Murray a; Diego de Leo a
Affiliation: a Australian Institute for Suicide Research and
Prevention, Griffith University, Australia


Boxer

 

Is it true then, what CrazyCam says above, that "U.C. does try to
actively encourage its members to undertake regular rider training
courses, by handing out cash subsidies towards the cost of the
courses?" I expect they do.

 

There is, or at least, used to be a difference.

Junior members are traditionally expected to assist senior members
getting on and off their bikes, when required.

So far, so good, I have not actually had to use this yet.

regards,
CrazyCam

 

I, too, have recollection of that happening.

regards,
CrazyCam

 

<hurt look>

Would I lie?

Membership fees for U.C. are (last time I renewed) $60 for three years.

My last rebate for doing an advanced training course was $80.

BTW, they will also subsidise, to the tune of $60, an approved first aid
course.

These payments are made, once for each type of course, per three year
membership period.

The fact that the U.C. hasn't gone broke is a pretty good indication of
the participation rates in courses.

regards,
CrazyCam

 

Mate, I was 18 and into cages with nothing more than a passing interest
in bikes when that thing arrived. Two Wheels wrote it up as the greatest
thing since sliced bread and I wanted one bad.

A couple of years later, though I never got one myself, mates had 850,
1000 and 1100 'G' versions. I still remember the GS1000G as the plushest
ride I've ever had on a bike.

I believed they handled quite well, as did the first GSX-1100.

There were some doubts about the handling of later GSX-1100s, the EFE
model perhaps, 'round '84-'85 I think. Might've been the 16" front wheel
models.

 

From my experience, I'd say five to ten percent would be about right.
Sometimes they take out other people too.

 

Drive a BMW at 160ks into a big tree, or oncoming traffic, or a moving
train, and let me know how you get on...

 

I agree with you there, Zebee, but for a different reason.

Yes, modern bikes are much more capable than their '70s predecessors.

But, there in lies the problem.

Most of the typical '70s bikes would, when pushed towards their limits,
give lots of warnings that the rider is pushing the friendship, and if
the rider doesn't ease up, the bike might well bite.

Most modern bikes are going a good bit quicker, and then give a lot less
warning, before they bite.

regards,
CrazyCam

 

The "ID" card is one issue. Of more interest is my experience in returning
to motorcycling after a 30 year break. I held a full NSW rider's licence
during that time. I was legally entitled to buy any machine that I chose.
I bought a learner legal 500 and within two days of buying it felt that it
did not make right hand turns at intersections very well. The bike cornered
all right. I was so rusty that I was not prepared to lean the bike far
enough so that it could turn properly.

Is that type of experience shared by other returning riders?

John Dwyer.