Why so little forum activity....?

[Bluefront]

On this Scooter Safety section? Seems to me this is the single most important thing about scooter riding that concerns everyone venturing out there on two wheels. And it's getting worse every day. The other day I was stopped at a light at an off-ramp from the near-by Interstate 55, waiting for vehicles to exit the highway. Ten cars in a row had the drivers on a cell phone, while making the turn into an urban traffic road, during rush-hour.

These are the sort of idiots we encounter constantly while riding our scooters. Add to that much more traffic, higher speeds, and way younger car drivers than the early days of scooters......and I'm surprised anyone survives the scooter experience as a beginner rider these days.

Start thinking safety where scootering is concerned......rather than speed, BBks, variator weights, etc.

Rant over.....

[als01seville]

I think it's because it has already been bashed to death and what else can someone say but be vigilant, watch out for anything coming out of the side streets, always look ahead, when stopping check your rear in case someone is coming up to fast be prepared to roll to the side etc.. if pavement is wet do not make sharp turns slow down and ease into them, watch out for gravel, oil, dirt, holes in the pavement, make sure your running lights, brake and turn signals are working.
Alleyoop

[Bluefront]

Well that's a part of the safety thing for sure.....but there's so much more. I'm talking riding/safety apparel, lighting equipment, the various scooter tires, handling/braking differences between the different models, on and on.

All these things garner very little interest it seems.....even though our lives depend on those things. Hard to figure.

[lshigham]

Sept 13, 2010 15:40:18 GMT -5 Bluefront said:

Well that's a part of the safety thing for sure.....but there's so much more. I'm talking riding/safety apparel, lighting equipment, the various scooter tires, handling/braking differences between the different models, on and on.

All these things garner very little interest it seems.....even though our lives depend on those things. Hard to figure.

Like I said to someone earlier trying to sell me health insurance ''I don't value my life!''. On a more serious note, I agree, there is more to discuss. However, there is little point in talking to yourself. Something, I must admit, I do often.

[Steven Spielburgman]

What I need is a good horn. I've had cars drift over into my lane as if no one is there. I don't think they hear my horn, esp. when their windows are rolled up and they are listening to who-knows-what. They just keep on moving over and I continue with evasive manuevers with horn blowing.

[♣Luke♣]

well then ,get an 18 amp, 139 decibel Airhorn for 40 bux. ,,i have one installed on my morphous, now i can scare the hell out of those stray pigeons and doves around...sounds fun!!!

[buglite]

Sept 13, 2010 13:47:41 GMT -5 als01seville said:

I think it's because it has already been bashed to death and what else can someone say but be vigilant, watch out for anything coming out of the side streets, always look ahead, when stopping check your rear in case someone is coming up to fast be prepared to roll to the side etc.. if pavement is wet do not make sharp turns slow down and ease into them, watch out for gravel, oil, dirt, holes in the pavement, make sure your running lights, brake and turn signals are working.
Alleyoop

I've been lurking on this forum for quite awhile but this one pushed me to register. There is plenty more to talk about when it comes to scooter and motorcycle safety, but even if there wasn't. If it was just these things you mentioned said over and over again in different ways on as many posts as possible it might just save a life or two.

Here's a few more you didn't say... Start wide entering curves lining toward narrow at the end. Never brake hard in a lean, and try not to break at all, instead straighten yourself up first. Discussion of what lanes to be in and handle different scenarios. Discussion of lighting modulators, Hi visibility clothing, etc.

In fact I'd rather talk about safety then any other topic possible. It's the topic that's going to keep me alive to work on my bike and see the sights.

[edfr]

Yea your right there are quite a few more, but the ones that are I think are the most dangerious are the 50s on the main drags. They are trying to keep up with traffic and cars are going around them. They are short framed with small wheels and any bump can make them fly off the seat and loose control. Also small holes in the pavement they will loose control before they know it.
Lefty

[mike6736]

I do not even honk the horn...If no one close behind I slow fast, I change lanes but not take the time from wy window to take action for my safety...

MIke

[skuttadawg]

My Echarm has a real loud horn . My TaoTao was a wimpy buzz. You can get an airhorn if you have the room . I have seen a bumper sticker that said " Horn broke , watch for finger " lol

[trailheadmike]

I have put on a number of extra lights to increase my visibility - I put two pc rated amber lights into the sides of the front faring, and replaced my two rear side reflectors with pc rated 180 degree truck marker lights (all leds). I also installed a wolo bad boy knockoff extremely loud horn. While I "feel" safer, it didn't seem to impress the deer I hit a few months ago.

[BaronScooter]

Safety, when talking in a scooter or motorcylist forum is basically an "elephant in the room" deal, most who "buy in" to the 2-wheeled experience have already checked in with the "acceptance of risk" mantra if they seriously slammed their money down and stay with the PTW experience...

Yeah, we all take steps to find our safety-personal protection equipment as part of the recreational sports activity it is. So much for the reason why...now if you do come across something that improves safety or comfort (an alert rider is a safer rider too)...by all means post up, and this includes newbies...as many times having a fresh pair of eyes and riding skills that match their safety/comfort zone is a good thing. Look how much safety equipment is available for off road dirt biking in a motorcycle retailer store...the street cycling has a much smaller product offering, yet the speeds are higher and many more variables make it just as hazardous...but fewer manufactures are available to fill the void.

[imnts2]

This forum is filled with newbees wanting to find ways to get there 50's running at speeds of 100's or more and 150's doing interstate speeds or as Lefty pointed out trying to get 50's to keep up with boulivard traffic when they really can't. Partly because not only do they not have enough engine to do so, they really do not have the engineering needed to run those kinds of speeds safely on typical city streets. So agreed safety should be part of all our responces. I just saw a post by a 15year old female newbe about finding a good deal. Not one thought of her safety. Lefty is right - some people are trying to run 50's onder some farn dangerous situations. I agree a lot of inattentive drivers need to have their Ars--- kicked. The problem is that if I get hit by one, it me that looses almost certainly. Against even the smallest car, no scoot will come out the winner. To get a liscence in Florida you have to go through a pretty decent training program focused on defensive riding. But most any kid over 9maybe 15?) can hop on a 50 and get into busy traffic and dream about making it a "hot" 80 - with parents who really do not know much about it all to guide them. I think we all could contribute a little to making their world a little safer. But I also have questions and notions. I have learned the 10" wheels are not for me on my next scoot. I have also learned my 150 is pretty dicey about 50MPH on any but a very smooth highway. And is sure is far scary to corner than any of the small motorcyles I have ever ridden. The slightest bit of sand and it moves in ways no motorcycle does.
Turning for just a moment I would like to hear from trailheadmike about the deer. I recall someone complaining about a deer whistle not working on a scoot.
I think the post is worth starting and restarting again now and then.
I know a lot will ignor it. I know some will even make fun of it. That'sOK. Let them. At times I probably will not pay the attention I should, but I know I am rethinking the risks over and over. And so far, have some thoughts about my next scoot that include safety. Color, wheels, lights, clothing, shoes, emergency supplies are a few.
thanks for giving it a bit of focus.
Lefty. Good to be on the same thread with you
lefty2

[larry001964]

At that age we are all immortal LOL, remember those days ? I have to agree safety is the biggest concern, 10 inch tires are very dangerous, adding speed increases that danger, adding inexperience also increases it, none the less even being experienced we still make mistakes. Often I have considered a 12 inch tire ( the largest I can go ) on the front of my scooter just for the sake of pot holes, and the speeds I'm driving. And with this recent rebuild i still may do that, I will drive it first and see how it feels, but I'm pretty sure ill be needing a bigger tire, at least up front.

Having really good tires helps too, the Chinese tires these scoots come with really are not designed for much over 35, and add to the squirrelyness of the scoot at higher speeds.. Pot holes, speed, and small tires i agree create safety concerns for those of us that have driven a lot and experienced the risk first hand..

[buglite]

Nov 27, 2011 2:51:44 GMT -5 edfr said:

Well got to tell you "INUYASHA", around here I see them all the time and I see the trouble they can cause. I knew I was being baited with a newbie just coming on and quoteing ONE OF MY OLD CALL SIGN ALLEYOOP and a very old thread at that..LOL

I was not baiting anyone. Your post was on the second page of the safety forum and said in a nutshell "not much to say about scooter safety" Not that safety isn't important but there's just a few tired old one liners to say about it. I couldn't in good conscience let that go. Doesn't matter how old. I found it so could anyone.

Lot's of new people read forums for info and never register. Thing is people (not you of course) are under the false belief safety isn't that much an issue on scooters. Pretty common belief on how motorcycles are more dangerous by new or non riders. I was surprised myself when I found out most accidents don't happen on the highway but in fact 30mph avg speed in intersections. I see maybe 20% of scooter riders out there with a helmet.

I believe scooter safety to be the most important topic of all with many areas to discuss. Anyone who says otherwise, may be indirectly causing deaths. I cannot let that go, no matter that you may be a forum old guard and I'm a forum noob.

[larry001964]

I did notice that coming back here again, many of the older posters are MIA, I don't know why... I was just guessing they are busy with life..

[Silver Streak]

I think one of the most important safety factors is having enough machine to be able to flow with the traffic. If u are going the same speed as the traffic around u very few cars will be passing u. Therefore much safer in my opinion. The more cars passing u the more at risk u are. My 50cc scoots are safe on 25mph roads and not safe on 45mph roads. My 200cc scoots are safe on 55-60mph roads and not safe on the interstate highway. Don't ride on roads u shouldn't be on. Something bad could happen to u and it probably will not be your fault.

[sesshomaru]

[/quote] Then I responded to him I SHOULD OF QUOTED his entry because as you can see He has deleted it and EVEN the VIDEO of him riding down his street just the other day in the 50mph thread.
[/quote]
This video
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTd91JhVGz0
Check the profile of the person that posted this puma video theres no way its the old member Hank /inuyasha
Different location different town different state
Infact heres another one of his videos of his new 150 cc Puma
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFebJ_U3Ykk&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
You always jump to your own conclusions no matter the facts your always right and who ever disagrees with you is wrong you insult others but when they so do back in return you complain and whine read his most recent posts people and make your own decisions but until then lets just all listen to him and do as he says as he knows far more then any one of rest of us and are opinions skill and knowledge mean nothing as far as he is concerned

[edfr]

Hey Welcome back,
Check the profile!! Profiles can be changed I can chanage mine right now and it would not match the previous profile. You can sign in as a different person with completely different settings. All the sign on wants to trap is your ID, PASSWORD and your IP address in case they ban you or suspend you. So using the same IP address you can logon and use different name and password.

Now answer me this WHY did you delete and modify your entry. I may not know it all but I sure know quite a bit.

And the Video showed the SPEEDO tops out at 40mph, which is correct for that 50 scoot. And also the speedos are not accurate and register higher than your really moving.
But anyway welcome back.
And ride safe
Lefty

[sesshomaru]

I meant the youtube profile not the one here there ya go assuming and in the videos you can see a plate that is not a CT one so why keep arguing its Inuyasha/ hank Why dont you just let it go and find some one else to torment your not winning any friends with this behavior and in the future as you have said to others many times before when you didnt like them or their views just dont reply to me as we have nothing in common and nothing to be shared and your insults to any who differ from your views are not welcome

[sesshomaru]

Nov 27, 2011 22:10:38 GMT -5 edfr said:

A scooter rider is hard to see because you are a single silhouette and people are looking for a big object in front of them they are not looking for a little scoot in front of them and usually they are riding on the side of the road and not in the middle of the lane. Accidents happend because the people driving are not paying attention to everything around them. They are talking on the phone or texting or just talking or looking around and before you know it they ran into a scooter.
Lefty

I totally agree, sage advice, besides wearing your full face helmet and riding gear thats armored and also highly visible no matter how short the distance your going to travel using something like this beacon or something similar on your ride be it scoot or motorcycle could help save your life
www.citypet.com/led-safety-blinker.html

[warriorboxerdog]

I think there is no equipment that can replace experience, being alert, and good defensive driving skills. I think it would be good for even scooter rider to take a motorcycle safety course instead of learning the hard way. When I ride a scooter or motorcycle I'm scanning all the time. Anytime I see a car up a head I think to myself: what am I going to do if he pulls out in front of me? That way if something does happen I have a plan ready to go. Although you cant run every possibility through your head in a few seconds it still helps. There is a lot better equipment out now then there used to be. I wear a full face helmet leather gloves and probably going to get a armored jacket and pants. I don't plan on anything happening just in case. I'm also going to get some insurance in case I get hit by a uninsured driver or hit and run. My state doesn't require it but for 200.00 a year it's worth it to me.

[mack2]

Scooter riders must be very vigilante more so than when in a car.