# Fucking motorcycles **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 8, 2010, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012 "2010-09-08T03:11:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2010, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/121 "2010-09-15T18:53:07Z")
Okay, I really need to scratch an itch real quick. Ahem. Fucking motorcycles, how do they work? Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![sisu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@sisu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sisu)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/122 "2010-09-16T02:10:33Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > > [@sisu](#): > > > > I don’t have super loud pipes but if it is within the law I see no issues. Now pipes that break EPA rulings are not kosher. > > So as far as you are concerned if it pisses people off because they get their conversation or TV watching or music listening interrupted or get woken up or their children woken up (all of which happen to me regularly thanks to a particular neighbour) you don’t give a fuck as long as it’s legal. You’re a selfish asshole. hey if it is legal then yeah go and get fucked I am within my rights to do it. If you think the EPA level is too loud then lobby and get it changed. By the way, I think the loud pipes that wake up neighbours would not meet EPA guidelines. ---
**Author:** ![sisu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@sisu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sisu)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/123 "2010-09-16T02:15:58Z")
> [@Bosstone](#): > > Okay, I really need to scratch an itch real quick. > > Ahem. > > Fucking motorcycles, how do they work? > > Thank you. Gyroscopes, two big gyroscopes. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/124 "2010-09-16T02:40:44Z")
> [@acsenray](#): > > I don’t see how lane-splitting (which most bikers do regardless of whether it’s legal) prevents weaving. Weaving suggests actually going into lanes. Lane-splitting is ‘riding the line’. Technically you’re in one lane or the other (unless you want to get shaken by the drunk-bumps), but your track is pretty straight with no excursions into the lanes proper. See the video I linked earlier. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/125 "2010-09-16T02:54:20Z")
> [@acsenray](#): > > > [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > > > This is why lane-splitting should be legal in every state. It’s much safer than weaving in and out of lanes. > > I don’t see how lane-splitting (which most bikers do regardless of whether it’s legal) prevents weaving. I’d go out on a limb and say most bikers _don’t_ lane split. In fact, If I took a guess, I’d bet that less then 5% do it on even a remotely regular basis. Of course, I’ve never been to California, and from what I’ve heard it’s very common out there. ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/126 "2010-09-16T03:31:55Z")
I think I’ve seen exactly one biker split lanes in Phoenix, which is surprising because in a lot of ways we’re just an extension of California. Most bikers here are actually pretty conscientious, all things considered. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Midnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/977dab/32.png) [@Captain\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Midnight)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/127 "2010-09-16T06:56:59Z")
In my opinion, motorcycles are like cocaine, a great buzz, but dangerous as hell that can kill you. I have nearly been killed on motorbikes on several occasions, so I don’t drive. My father nearly killed me as a child when I was riding with him and the back tire blew out on the highway with us going about 60 MPH or so. About helmets. I hate helmets. They are heavy, hot and uncomfortable. This is why people do not wear them. But really, you are foolish not to wear one. I hate seatbelts and never wear one. But it is foolish not to. People who don’t wear helmets and seatbelts are risking fate. I think riding a bike naked would be a spiritual experience. I drove a car naked once late at night and found it to be foolish. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/128 "2010-09-16T12:46:24Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > I’d go out on a limb and say most bikers _don’t_ lane split. In fact, If I took a guess, I’d bet that less then 5% do it on even a remotely regular basis. Of course, I’ve never been to California, and from what I’ve heard it’s very common out there. In St Martin, it is the norm. Of course, average speed limit is around 35 mph or so. The motorcyclists lane split doing a wheelie which is a crazy thing to see coming up on you in traffic in your rear view mirror. ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/129 "2010-09-16T13:17:55Z")
> [@Captain\_Midnight](#): > > About helmets. I hate helmets. They are heavy, hot and uncomfortable. Now this is just silly. Heavy is a pain, yes, but you get used to it. Hot, not so much; the padding acts as an insulator. Uncomfortable, only if you don’t take the time to find one that’s the proper size and shape for your own head. I wear full gear all the time when I ride, even in the middle of summer. Black jacket, black gloves, black shoes, black helmet. Believe me, my head is the least hot and uncomfortable part of my body then. I suspect the reasons for not wearing a helmet have as much or more to do with the fact that a decent one costs ~$400 as “they’re uncomfortable” and “I’m a rebel, baby.” ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/130 "2010-09-16T13:32:10Z")
Compared to the cost of the motorcycle and the cool-looking leathers, $400 isn’t that much to spend on a helmet. It’s all about image. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/131 "2010-09-16T13:55:12Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > > [@acsenray](#): > > > > I don’t see how lane-splitting (which most bikers do regardless of whether it’s legal) prevents weaving. > > I’d go out on a limb and say most bikers _don’t_ lane split. In fact, If I took a guess, I’d bet that less then 5% do it on even a remotely regular basis. Of course, I’ve never been to California, and from what I’ve heard it’s very common out there. In Spanish towns and for small-medium bikes (from Vespino to Virago, say), it’s the usual way. Not for a Harley or a BMW, though, and definitely not on roads under normal traffic conditions. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/132 "2010-09-16T13:59:37Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Compared to the cost of the motorcycle and the cool-looking leathers, $400 isn’t that much to spend on a helmet. It’s all about image. Compared to the possibility of an accident either turning you into a quadriplegic or turning your brain into mush, $400 is a bargain. While bicycle helmets are fortunately nowhere near that expensive, if they were, I’d either bite the bullet and buy one, or quit cycling. I want to get through life with my cranium intact, if at all possible. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/133 "2010-09-16T14:37:01Z")
> [@Bosstone](#): > > > [@Captain\_Midnight](#): > > > > About helmets. I hate helmets. They are heavy, hot and uncomfortable. > > Now this is just silly. Heavy is a pain, yes, but you get used to it. Hot, not so much; the padding acts as an insulator. Uncomfortable, only if you don’t take the time to find one that’s the proper size and shape for your own head. I’ve ridden 850-mile days before, and the weight of the helmet was not an issue. Comfort is absolutely critical, and dictates what brand and model you should choose. I’ve even taken the best-fitting helmet (for me, a Shoei) and pressed the styrofoam liner _just a little bit_ with my thumbs to eliminate hotspots on my forehead. Take the time to make it perfectly comfortable, and you won’t mind wearing it for long periods. Hot? C’est la vie. Use the vents, lift the visor a smidge to let air in. For me it’s only uncomfortable above 85 degrees, but still preferable to risking a head injury. In cooler weather a full-face helmet is an absolute must; I’ve ridden for hours through 32-degree sleet at highway speeds, which would have been impossible with a bare head. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/134 "2010-09-16T14:47:20Z")
> [@Machine\_Elf](#): > > In cooler weather a full-face helmet is an absolute must; I’ve ridden for hours through 32-degree sleet at highway speeds, which would have been impossible with a bare head. I have yet to buy a balaclava, so in cold weather I wear a large bandana bandit-style with the end tucked into my jacket. I wear an Arai helmet, which I like better than the Shoei. But I can clear the rain off of my Shoei’s shield by turning my head. For some reason this doesn’t work with the Arai. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/135 "2010-09-16T14:57:46Z")
Bikes have to be loud ,in case they are forced into driving in somebodies blind spot. Sometimes hearing them is all you have. Then bikers have the new sport of avoiding people who are on cell phones or texting while driving. The bike has to be loud enough to be heard over a radio. In some cases that is real, real loud. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/136 "2010-09-16T15:01:11Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > Bikes have to be loud ,in case they are forced into driving in somebodies blind spot. You are never “forced” into riding in someone’s blind spot. Can’t pull ahead into their field of view? Fine, hit the brakes and fall back. Don’t linger there and pretend some invisible hand is forcing you to do so. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/137 "2010-09-16T15:06:22Z")
I agree. My R1 is nice and quiet, and I like it that way. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/138 "2010-09-16T15:16:12Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > \ It’s all about image. I think you just summed up everything we need to know about motorcycles and motorcycle riders there. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/139 "2010-09-16T15:17:34Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > Bikes have to be loud ,in case they are forced into driving in somebodies blind spot. Sometimes hearing them is all you have. Then bikers have the new sport of avoiding people who are on cell phones or texting while driving. The bike has to be loud enough to be heard over a radio. In some cases that is real, real loud. May I refer you to the previous three pages of this thread? ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012/140 "2010-09-16T15:25:33Z")
Don’t be silly, **gonzo** lives in his own little world. He doesn’t have to abide by anything nonsensical like prior discussion. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-motorcycles/553012.md?page=8)