Designer Bikers

There are many of a particular breed of motorcycle enthusiasts who can only
be described as members of a small group of bikers who are called by many
names.. "posers" is only one of them .. I call them designer bikers. They
can be picked out of any crowd, although they generally have no affiliation
with any group of bikers .. This select group of designer bikers can
normally be found frequenting first newsgroup and then another as they drift
through their world of fashion and fantasy.. Most are articulate and claim
to be affluent.. They are particularly dangerous to the rookies in the
biking world as they assume that their articulate, although not entirely
intelligent ability to mislead will suffice to make an impression on the
average rookie.. The designer biker can skillfully describe the designer
clothing and other gear such as helmets that will keep you safe and possibly
save your life.. The designer biker can recommend "the" helmet that has the
most remarkable technology of lifesaving properties..Usually priced in range
from $350.00 up.. The more expensive, certainly the flashiest and colorful..
the more impressed they are.. Some even have extensive collections of those
designer helmet to add credibility and impression on a struggling youngster
who is being exposed for the first time.. To furthur enhance safety while
enjoying all the pleasures of thiese magnificent machines we ride.. you must
wear a designer pair of armored trousers . again the more colorful and
expensive, the safer and more secure you will become.. The impression is all
important to the designer biker.. Then a top which is also armored and
colorful.. usually fabricated from a high tech material that is expensive
and exotic.. The boots should be of the latest design with steel implants ..
colorful and costing $150.00 and more.. The more expensive, the safer.. We
now have an ensemble to ride and enjoy our motorcycles that very well could
exceed $1,000.00.. According to the designer biker, that expense is totally
necessary to ensure a safe and secure cruise to the corner store or to a
long run enduring for hours and miles..Leather is frowned upon and
disdained.. for reasons we will explore as this series continues..Beware
rookie.. The designer biker can teach you all these wonderful and impressive
elements that contribute to your safety, but he cannot teach you the
survival skills you will need to ensure a long and enjoyable pursuit of your
chosen hobby .. In plain words .. that designer biker can get you killed..
killed.. killed.. That is what makes him dangerous, especially to the
newcomers to motorcyclists..If you feel secure wearing a helmet when you
ride, buy one.. Any $29.95 DOT approved helmet bought from your local dealer
or mail order outlet will provide you with as much safety as the high end
designer helmets .. As you become more accustomed to the streets and
highways, you will encounter many other bikers who are wearing jeans, a
doo-rag and a pair of boots.. Many will be riding the bike of their choice
that reflects the tastes and likes of the individual riding it..usually
detatiled by that rider.. Many of those bikers will be older, some even
elderly.. sprinkles of grey in their hair.. Some will be bearded with long
hair.. Some have ridden motorcycles their entire lives.. They've survived
long before the age of high tech and designer bikers.. Thier survival skills
are impeccable and their long lives on two wheels are testimony to those
skills..These bikers say little about the gear to survive a tragic crash,
but they can teach you volumes about the survival skills to avoid that
crash.. They've been known to travel across this nation to attend a funeral
for one of their biker brothers, spend the time at the funeral, grieve and
mourn the loss, mount that motorcycle and ride back to where they call
home.. Designer bikers are not renowned for that kind of loyalty and
dedication .. Designer bikers are more interested in their fashion statement
of the moment.. When they see a more expensive and elaborate article of
clothing, they will immediately run to their high end shopping place to
discover how they can buy a more impressive garment..That old seasoned
veteran of countless miles on two wheels, under any and all appalling
conditions can teach you how to survive while that dangerous designer biker
may be the one to teach you how to dress, get killed and still make that
impression..The choice is yours .. Mr. Rookie..and that life you are risking
is also yours..Other parts of this series will follow as the motivation
strikes me.. Individual designer bikers will be described by me, in
individual postings.. one after the other.. There just might be disclosures
that could help you make the decision that is crucial to extended enjoyment
of the motorcyclist's world..

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

Hey Bill -

I gotta speak up on this one. I think that your analysis is
way off base here. I agree that survival skills are very important to
a motorcyclist, but most of the people riding either don't have them
or are still learning them. In any case, all of your skills may not
help a bit in the event of a freak accident (deer jumps in front of
you, or a drunk trucker crosses the line and hits you head on).

Our skills allow us to try to avoid the accident by not being
in a given situation, or perhaps they lessen the severity of the
accident by our split-second decisions. But that's the extent of it.
Motorcycling is a fun, exciting, rewarding, social sport. BUT, it's
also dangerous to some extent. I don't buy into the whole "you
shouldn't ride that, you will get yourself killed." However, it's
more dangerous than, say, riding in a cage. We all know it and we all
accept that responsibility. Anyway, not to be on my soap box here and
preaching about biking - I just want to emphasize that skills are
definitely important.

The argument I have with your post is that you are practically
telling the rookies to disregard safety gear in favor of working on
survival skills and that I just cannot agree with. I mean, you never
came out and said don't buy any gear, but you slammed just about every
piece of gear out there to the point where, if someone didn't know any
better, they might not be inclined to buy it.

I'll start from the top and work my way down, but I'll make it
a little shorter if I can.

The helmet - yeah, DOT and preferably SNELL approved. SNELL
has stricter requirements than DOT. Not sure I have ever seen a
$25.00 DOT approved helmet, but they might be out there. Certainly
for under $100.00 But what DOES the more expensive helmet get you?
Features that can't be found on a less expensive helmet which,
ultimately results in comfort. A comfortable helmet is more likely to
be worn and less likely to cause a distraction to the rider. Yes, my
helmet goes anywhere from $300 ~ $700 depending on where you buy it.
And I'll buy another one.

Jacket - Leather or not, this can be a simple or complex piece
of gear that is meant to do ONE thing, but might do others. SAVE YOUR
SKIN in the event that you lay that sucker down. BTW - wearing a
jacket and being covered keeps you cooler than just wearing a t-shirt.
Don't believe me? Why do you think all the middle eastern people wear
robes all the time in the middle of the desert? What else might a
jacket entail that makes it more expensive? Armor...that's a big one,
then you get into ventilation, liners, etc. At the very least, it
keeps you from getting pelted by gravel and bugs that might otherwise
distract you from riding.

Gloves - at the very least, have a pair that makes your riding
experience more enjoyable by preventing those annoying little stings
of gravel and insects when you ride. A good pair of SAFETY gloves
would cover your whole hand and be made from some type of good,
quality leather. Armor plating in the knuckles isn't a bad idea
either. Perforated or insulated (depending on time of year) the glove
should fit good and not prevent you from operating your controls.
Again, they shouldn't be a distraction to riding. Keep in mind that
in most spills you are instinctively going to try to get your hands in
front of you to reduce your fall, or if you are unfortunate enough to
go spinning your hands are going to be beating the hell out of the
pavement.

Pants - again, similar to a jacket with the main reason to
wear them being to save your skin. Armor, ventilation, etc. are all
extras that may make you more comfortable and are more likely to keep
you from getting a serious case of bruising or road rash.

Boots - very over looked, often not purchased with the right
concept in mind. Boots should come up over the ankles. They should
have some type of steel or kevlar protection not just in the toe, but
over the ankle as well. It's nice if they keep rain and wind out, but
that is a matter of preference. You definitely want non-slip, oil /
water resistant soles. Almost any "motorcycle" boot has these
nowadays. I'd be weary of buying anything that looks good, but
doesn't provide these basic features.

Now, let's talk about the "bling!" factor since that seemed to
be what you were so adamantly opposed to. In motorcycle gear, you can
and will pay more for something that is flashy, has that extra paint
scheme or whatever. If you choose to allow that to make your decision
for you and ignore the true qualities of safety gear then that is your
own responsibility. Many bikers do it. I hate to say it, but the
most offensive of all the bunch is the crap spewed out by HD. It's
VERY expensive and often not very functional, but something is usually
better than nothing. My hat is off to any biker that will wear gear.

So yes, you might easily have $1000 or more invested in some
gear, but I'll say this.....that ONE time the Gieco Squirrel (seen
that commercial?) darts in front of you and washes out your front tire
and you lay that bike down it's all worth it.

The one major point I'd like to get across is that gear
(helmet, jacket, pants, boots, gloves, whatever) is all PROVEN to
reduce injury (not prevent, that is the job of the biker) if it's good
gear and worn properly. There is irrefutable evidence of this and
every good biker worth his or her salt knows it. Whether or not they
choose to do anything about it is up to them.

So, if I was talking to a beginner rider (which I seem to do
from time to time) I would HIGHLY advise them to get some good gear.
To me, this IS part of the survival instinct.

BTW - sorry so long.

--Fullstate

 

Top Post.. No disrespect intended..

LOL.. Hello Fullstate, my good friend.. Thanks for the well spoken
response.. If you've kept up with recent carry-on's in this group for the
past several weeks, there is a point to my post in this regard.. I am
getting to it by a series that I am posting in separate and individual
posts.. There is a method to my madness and if you keep reading patiently,
you will finally see the point.. This post is directed at individuals..
Among which, you are definitely not included.. You are absolutely right
about your choices and fortunately we live in a place where we have the
liberty to make those choices.. As you well know, from personal experience
with me, I never tell another man how to ride his own motorcycle, but do all
in my power to help any new or inexperienced rider to ride better and
safer.. The old and dear friend from California just called me and wants to
ride to Austin for the ROT rally.. If you can manage, we'd love to have your
fine company.. Keep in touch..

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

I've been thinking about the ROT. But once again I am not sure if my
work schedule will allow it. I just got off the phone with a travel
agent to schedule a round-about trip that would take me from Seattle
to Vancouver to Montana to California and back home......

When IS the ROT this year anyway?? I am so out of it.


--Fullstate

 

It commences on Thurs. morning of the 3rd and goes through Sunday of the
6th.. I want you to get acquainted with that friend of mine that I have told
you so much about.. He is one of a kind and I'm sure just by meeting and
knowing this man, you would feel well rewarded.. Look forward to you going
with us..

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

Top Post and I Thank You

Perhaps someone is putting an emphasis on something that isn't evident in my
original post.. There was no mention of preference of any style motorcycle..
The assumption that a recommendation for anybody's style of motorcycle is
only perceived by this poster.. No manufacturer of any domestic or metric
motorcycle has been implied.. In addition.. There is absolutely no
recommendation to wear or not to wear any of the helmets or gear.. On the
contrary, the contention is that the rider himself is considered mentally
competent and mature enough to make his own decision .We must always assume
the mental capabilities of the individual adult rider has been additionally
tested for qualification for the endorsement to operate that motorcycle..
Provions for minors wearing helmets are mandatory, as they should be..The
choices for the protective and armored apparell are also left up to the
individual and qualified rider.. It should be left to his qualified
decision, and not imposed as an ultimate life saving requirement.. It would
appear that just as many riders have been killed while "in uniform" than
those without.. Those are not statistics and just personal observations by
being present at the scenes of hundreds of motorcycle accidents .. The more
prevalent cause for those deaths has been the apparent faulure to safely
operate and control of that motorcycle, which is another reflection of poor
judgement on the part of the rider and survival skills to avoid the
accident. The designer biker appears to encourage the rookie to immediately
invest in the fashion statements of extravagant and elaborate helmets and
apparell before the most crucial fail safe development of survival skills of
a proven mentor.. No matter how much protective gear or how elaborate that
glossy helmet may be.. if that rider doesn't have those survival skills to
avoid that crash, he will most likely lose his life..no matter what style or
type motorcycle he rides... Living proof of this is the many seasoned riders
we see every day on the highways and streets.. Their claims to fame are not
how many accidents they've had or how badly they have been injured .. or
not, in those crashes..They can tell some interesting tales of the close
calls they've had and the ways they avoided disasters during those
incidents.. That's the true merits of survival and valuable lessons that
will save the life of any rider.. Remember .. the best way to survive a
wreck is just not to have them.. The reason crashes on motorcycles are
called accidents is because that is exactly what they are.. The best life
saving device a rider can possess is the ability and survivor skills to
avoid accidents.. Any one of us can have an accident any time we mount the
steel horse, I.. for one don't intend to plan and dress for one.. The way I
ride, all the protective and expensive gear and apparell available, would
not save the life I value.. Until then, I feel blessed to have the freedom
to make that decision without being directed ...The designer biker seems to
crave and encourage intervention in his choices.. Sorry.. that isn't my
definition of the freedom that we all enjoy... Be patient Albert.. your turn
is coming.. Thanks for your response to the post..

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

Hey Fullstate!

I wrote a posting directed at you, but I guess it didn't show up (or
someone cancelled it...I can't figure out who would do such a
thing...NOT!) here. I was wondering about your gloves and boots.
Mostly who made them and where you got them...and maybe pricing. I
can't remember correctly, but I seem to recall your boots being Joe
Rocket? I'm also looking for some good gloves to maybe match my jacket
and remembered yours. Any suggestions and what to look for? You've
seen what I ride like and know that I need plenty of movement in my
hands and feet. I don't really like riding in hard boots for distances
because of the bum foot I have, and athletic type shoes have the laces
which can get caught when I come off my pegs to shift up. I was sorta
thinking about the Joe Rocket Reactor boots. Any opinions?

It would be cool if you can get off work long enough to hit the rally
down there. I made the reservations and it looks like this year I'll
be staying in Round Rock just north of Austin. I went to get a back
tire for the bike this morning and noticed cords showing in a small
spot. I rode it about 5 miles or so and next stop I looked and found
the entire stripe in the center cut through and corded. I also noticed
what at first looked like bird crap...turned out to be a big ass screw
that I picked up...apparently on that last ride to Cranfills Gap. I
have a tire on order for tomorrow and I'm shut down until then. I
started thinking about it, and that's been one tough assed tire. I've
had it on the bike since the summer of '99 and got about 18,000 miles
from it. It's the Metzeler ME880. As hard as I ride with a back tire,
I'm surprised it lasted anywhere near that long.

Anyway, see what you can do about getting that weekend off!

 

My apologies if I didn't see the post. I have been skipping a lot of
the posts and threads.

In any case, my boots are SIDI boots. They have several models and
options available depending on if you are male or female, like the
cruising style or the sport style. Do you need a lot of armor, or a
little. They got a boot for just about everything. I wear the B1
boot. It's pretty comfy, even for just walking around. The Vertebra
boots are really good for armor, but maybe a little less comfy for
walking around. Seeing as how I am on the road more than the track, I
opted for the B1.

My gloves are called N2 and they are a kangaroo leather. It's tougher
than cowhide so you can get a thinner cut and have more protection. I
personally wear the gauntlet style, but my friend bought the shorties
and he really likes them, too. They have carbon fiber in the knuckles
and feel great. Quick word of advice - if you get any type of leather
glove, be sure to buy it tight. not so tight it cuts off the
circulation, but very snug. They will stretch.

When I had a cruiser I used ME880's. Good tire. The weekend of the
6th would just about be when I am back in town I do believe. I may
just try to make it, but I don't usually hang at the ROT. I like to
ride down, do day rides in the hill country and then hang out in
downtown to party. I used to have friends that lived down there so I
always had a place to stay. This year, though, no reservations. :-(


--Fullstate

 

"since summer 99"
"18,000 miles"

I thought people on this list rode. Isn't 18,000 miles about a year
instead of 5 years? At 5 years that would be only 3,600 miles a year.
How can that happen without the carbs gunking up from the gas going bad?

 

Patience "grasshopper".. I will get to you.. I promise..

 

the tire may have been starting to dry rot from lack of use and that's
why it came apart. 3.6k a year is certainly not hard use. Jim Owen
easily covered that much distance just over the course of last week.

 

That must have been your first "real" run... LMAO.. Patience .. patience..
I'm not through with your detestable ass, yet... You've still got miles and
miles to go.. "grasshopper"...

 

Well I can tell you that *I* don't ride anywhere near 18k miles a
year.

My bike is for fun....I don't ride it to work and stuff like that.
And, I am not into slabbing it down the interstate for 8 hours
straight either. *yawn*

So someone might say they have more miles than me, but I bet they
aren't as fun!! <j/k>


--Fullstate

 

That's okay. There've been several postings that were "cancelled"
shortly after I posted them in the past couple days. It would seem
Internet America (ie, Lisa Maurer) isn't doing their job as
"co-moderator" of this place in allowing such goings-on. They also
don't seem to be doing such a good job in controlling their
subscribers.

I'm probably not going to do much hanging around there either.
Probably just look through the vendors, take some pictures and maybe
get naked. Otherwise, it'll mostly be hanging out at 6th street and
visiting the many shops and beer salons.

We have reservations...if you need a place.

 

LOL... Then too.. you aren't a "poser" nor a "Designer Biker".. Wanna talk
"mileage" and endurance..Some of these so called posers and designer bikers
should make a run with guys like Buddy Helscel, Mike Nichols and Joe
Keough..When you make a run with men like these sprinkled amongst the
"crew", they will turn a one week run into a 4,500 mile laugh, hoot and
holler fiesta where no one will get bored .. Plain vanilla.. hard as nails
...never wore a designer helmet nor a jacket that cost over one hundred
dollars.. Slept under a bush alongside their motocycles, eat sardines out of
the can and enjoyed each other's company.. Between them, they have mentored
and inspired enough young riders to make a crew that could compete with the
Gypsies..None of those guys ever wore colors.. And didn't know what "Iron
Butt" was all about.. They made those so-called iron butt runs as a matter
of course.. No one but them and the guys they came to see, ever heard about
it.. I've made a few of those myself, Fullstate..You've rode with me a few
times.. When I ride with anyone who handles his bike, the way you do, I am
impressed.. You .. definitely ain't no designer biker or poser..No matter if
your Aprilia speaks english or not, you know every nut and bolt on that
puppy and you handle it like a man that loves it.. You are a biker, my
friend and I will ride with you anytime..I've never heard you say "what's
the matter, rookie.. can't you keep up"or any other smart shit that would
embarrass anyone.. I've seen you slow down to accomodate a rookie when you
observed him pushing his limits.. I've never heard you talk down another
man's motorcycle unless it was good natured joking .. I've rode beside you..
ahead of you and pegged up.. your Aprilia performed well and my little
Vulcan 800 performed with it.. Two very different bikes and two very
different men of two very different age groups..We've enjoyed our rides
together and share a mutual respect..Posers or designer bikers have neither
"shared" nor "respected".. and they don't understand the concept.. That's
what I'm talking..

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

He's just trying to impress someone with his idiot remark. I don't
remember when our Cranfill's Gap run was, but that was the last time
the bike was out of the garage other than a few jaunts around town
just the past couple of days. I also don't have anything to be
embarrassed about since I've still got more miles on my bike than any
other 86 Shadow I know.

As you said, and very well I might add, my bike is for fun. I've
always maintained that motorcycles are recreational vehicles. Truth be
told about Mark Johnson though, his first ever 1000 miles in a day was
only a few years ago...and he only was able to do it on an interstate
highway (I-35 from Dallas to Kansas City and back) sitting on a
Goldwing. Now he thinks he's an "expert" on long distance riding. I've
put more 1000 mile days on touring bikes, my Shadow and even a couple
on an old Suzuki GS450T before he even knew it could be done. I've
done almost all mine on roads that had scenery in the hill country,
Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas and Oklahoma. I did it out of
necessity, and didn't use it to try and embarrass anyone.

Mark Johnson is a "poser", "rookie" and someone that'll end getting
someone hurt out on the road with his stupid crap. And if you notice,
he'll never accept a ride invitation. Heck, even Ron May and his wife
accepted an invitation to ride with others...and as far as I could
tell, enjoyed every minute of the ride.

To put it all in perspective, Mark's comment reminds me of a 16 year
old kid who brags about how he's a ladies man and gets laid alot to a
group of older family men...or even to his father.

 

Oh... I dunno.[1] You can do the miles without the slab if you're set
up right. So far, my most memorable was a 1611 mile day (23 hours 15
min) and only about 100 was slab. The rest was all secondary roads in
the NV Outback. THEM'S some stomping grounds where you can stretch your
legs.

OTOH, "back east" the miles are fewer but the enforcement and congestion
are greater. Because of that, a lot of otherwise-good roads are hardly
worth the effort. I have to keep my miles down to something like 600 to
800 whenever I head east.

[1] Fun is fun. Saying one fun is not as fun as another fun isn't fun.[2]

[2] I find it less fun to run WFO for an hour and call that "a day".

 

I don't know which "Buddy" you're talking about, but I know that
"Buddy" has never been "plain vanilla" about anything! The best part
about him is for "entertainment", just tell him he's got a light out
on his motorcycle. It'll last for hours!

Of course, he's also a "biker" who can definately ride a motorcycle.
His motorcycle doesn't have a spot of dirt anywhere on it, but he's
more than happy to ride anything with two wheels for hours on end. He
also makes riding look easy. I could just see it now, Buddy would look
at Mark Johnson with a confused look on his face and say "boy, you're
just a dumb ****".

And another thing about Buddy, he's also a Mason who was a Mason
before he ever spoke a single word of his oath. That's something I'd
have to wonder about Mark Johnson.

 

Take it to the sidewalk son.. there may be some old biker suck you up his
tailpipe when he passes you..

 

I'd say that you are a lying fucking idiot.. You've never seen a 1,600 mile
run in a day in your phony assed life.. LMAO.. Been there .. done that and
bought the t-shirt..What'd you make all that long day on, asshole ?
Goddam.. you must think no one else has ridden LD, on this group.. I've rode
with Fullstate.. He rides like he lives.. He lives like he rides.. Have a
little bit more "patience" , grasshopper, I am getting around to your
"posing" designer biker, ass.. Meantime, lay off the good guys like
Fullstate, you can't even get there from here.. BTW.. ever find out why I
want to meet you down in Waco so bad, or is that why you avoid that part of
my comments to your clandestine ass.. Don't usenet explain that term to
you...??