For me DC and Ian sum it up. Compared with Spain and France there are just too many vehicles on the roads of most of Britain and I don't know if it's because the French and Spanish are more laid back about life - they certainly drink and smoke like there's no tomorrow - but the type of 'nanny state' we endure just wouldn't be tolerated in those countries.

So is that why we think that our antics on the roads are disapproved of by other motorists or is it because we are so visible? In France a few weeks ago I was able to ride very fast and really use the performance of my bike - the only difference ... very few other motorists were around to see me. Perhaps that helps the attitude.

One thing I have noticed is that more and more motorists will get out of my way in Britian now - they seem more aware of bikes and don't seem so upset that we can ride faster and get to the head of traffic queues. Perhaps we are becoming more accepted with the exception of when we 'misbehave' in the publc gaze.

Interesting post....

For my twopence worth I fully agree with Ian and Henners.

I also believe that part of the mentality we have to suffer in this country (as against the continent) is that motorcycling is no longer regarded as an 'essential' means of transport any more - how many people really have a bike as a sole means of travel?

In the continent, where bikes are used every day - much nicer weather plays its part I guess - bikes are an accepted part of life. Whereas in the UK I think the perception is that they are 'Just a Hobby' ???

Sue & I to name two. We both have a "best bike" and a " work bike" Neither of us drives. People like us may be in a minority be do exist

i currently have only my bike as my sole means of travel, but only after i binned and wrote off my new M3 convertible a few weeks back:sniff:

Although i wouldn't normally recommend 'commuting' on 999R i actually enjoy it! but as soon as i see salt on the road then the crf is coming out!


back to lilys point about riding......

i consider myself someone who exceeds the limit occasionally:smug: and will contiue to do so. We all know the risks and as long as you take that into consideration you can enjoy doing what you do.
Although i am guilty of riding at inapropiate speeds in the wrong places in my yoof i do now make a conscious effort to respect the law/limits when they are clearly there for other peoples safety. Cant get it right all the time but i do try!
The open road in the middle of nowhere is a different matter though.:burn::frog:

im sure none of us would condone drink driving ?, But the governments idea to make us consider speeding on a par with it will never work, we all despise the sneaky tactics used by gatso's and mobile units across the country,
Im sure many of us exceed the limit at some point or another, but where we draw the line is quite difficult.
I like others above don't treat the road like a race track but I like to try and pull the odd tiny wheelie and top the old ton mark on occasions [well every time I ride my bike actually]
but I still bare in mind that the road is a very dangerous place, people don't pay enough attention when behind the wheel and there are always going to be accidents, I just keep my eyes pealed and take care where it makes sense to i.e. towns, 30's and junctions .

i doubt there are many of us who own bikes that dont break the law pretty much everytime we ride in terms of speeding and i personally dont worry about doing it if am am not harming anyone else. 30's and 40's i stick to but otherwise im easy. wheelies stoppies etc on public roads when the general public is around is wrong imho. if its a 'meet' where most of the people are there to see that kind of thing then fair enough.

without getting on my soapbox, there is plenty to sort out with real criminals first before we worry about speeding bikers with number plates smaller than they should be going a bit faster than the limit here and there.

doh! i did get on it, sorry. :o

I think everyone of us breaks the law everyday in some way now, it's probably impossible, danger not too!

I bet everyone of us has broke the speed limit today if only by a few mph.

I find it impossible to judge how fast I am going on my bike, the whole engine characteristic of a Duke, or a twin makes me feel like I am barely moving, and when I look down at the clocks I'm already heading towards 3 figures.

But in 30's/40's etc I keep bang on the limits, I haven't got a clue how to pop the front up, and aren't really bothered one way or the other. It's just another way of attracting attention, exactly what I am trying to avoid, so little things like the small plate has gone too, I don't want to give the feds any reason whatsoever to spoil my day, just on the off chance that I look a bit suspect.

"theres a time and place"

i love doing wheelies,only when im with a few mates in the middle of no where,not in the middle of town.

but seeing a biker on a R6 trying to pull a wheelie going into town,i thought "what a ****er",now all the public will think sports bike riders are total TW@s.
also i went for a rideout with sum peeps off of 400GB webiste and just as peeps were leaving,mr.im a kool guy decided to do a burnout at the motorway services. Then ever more stupid,i heard about some numpty doing a burnout whilst all the bikers were getting petrol.
:puzzled: why o why?????



ps.......swiss banker???????i said "total w.a.n.k.e.r"

[Edited on 3-11-2004 by Jewell]

The speeding debate could well become history when GPS limiters are fitted. There are trials going on NOW and hove been for a while. For sure there may be ways round this though.

Speeding is Ok as long as you don't get caught, crash or cause anyone else "inconvenience" but who can forsee getting caught, crashing or causing "inconvenience"

Is this Country it do as I say not as I do, I'm alright Jack (or Jill)

It's about taking risks, to some thats what make them feel alive. Some people are very risk averse and just can't understand the other side of the argument.

Other Countries that have a more positive attitude to bikes have a different outlook on life generally, life is for living.

Try asking the risk averse about the risks of climbing into bed every night?? They probably don't give it second thought, But........


They ought to be shaking like a leaf when they climb in 'cos thats where most people die!!



Ray.

Hmmm...GPS Speed limiters eh?

Must've had my head in the sand because I hadn't heard of THIS before. Although I had already thought it could be done quite easily from a tecnical point of view, I didn't realise it was actually happening.

Safer because it saves people having to monitor their speed and giving them the chance to concentrate on their driving? More like one less thing to worry about so that dozy drivers can make more mobile calls, pick their nose, check their teeth for spinach, do their hair

Now, all we need is mandatory automatic bum wipers fitted to all toilet seats so that we won't even have to take responsibility for wiping our own...