Any motorcyclists on this forum?

[pseudoid]

@EJ3, I will try to bring back our diversion back to speed-on-wheels but slowly:

What exactly is the Kiwi-fascination with sailing, anyways?

 

[pseudoid]

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has got to be the most bureaucratic and arcane institution in any state.
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*For example, a state-identification card (run by DMV) needs to be renewed every 10 years, because the owner may decide to deflect to Mars[?] w/o letting DMV know.
*I was 'allowed' to retake the written-exams for both my driver-license (C), as well as my motorcycle (M1) endorsement. This meant, I had to read through both driver handbooks (about 200 pages total).... possibly written as a High School project by multiple groups.
*I had to make sure to learn at what age a young person can apply for a license, and what BAC is legal, and the consequences of DUIs. I also had to learn about baby-seats, baby ages and baby weight limits and all that stuff. Yet, I don't drink, I don't have children to transport or put through drivers-Ed.
*Motorcycle written exam had this question: Which part of the road surface accumulates the most debris?(A)Left tire track, (B)Center of lane, (C) Right tire track, (D)Road side. Duh! I selected (E)Martian surface.
*Later in the m/c handbook, they tell rider to stay in the center of lane to be visible to the car in front' rearview mirror, but also warn rider that only a few inches ['very center of center'] is where oil-leaks maybe present.
*This handbook also states that before taking the skills (riding) test, the rider will be asked where the basic m/c controls are: The first one on the list is the "Starter" switch location: Perhaps DMV got sued by someone who did not know where the Starter switch was and failed the test because of it. I just don't know...
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According to the California DMV, a motorcycle license is NOT required for a three-wheel motorcycle or if a side car is attached to a motorcycle.
Apparently there are many more classes of vehicles that have less than 4-wheels
1. Motorcycle (w/seat+saddle, <4wheels),
2. Motor-driven cycle (<150cc),
3. Motorized bicycle (Moped (<30mph, pedals, <4bhp, auto-tranny)),
4. Electric bicycle (pedals, <750Watts, Class1/2 <20mph, Class3 <28mph),
5. Motorized scooter (2wheel, e-motor, floorboard, stand-up).
The top two (#1/#2) require an M1 license.
A provisional "M2" license allows operation of #3 and #5.
The only one NOT requiring any sort of a 'license' is an e-bicycle (#4).
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Fortunately for California motorcyclists; it is the FIRST and ONLY state that allows "lane splitting".
Before any riders here get upset about that statement; let me clarify it:

While the terms lane-splitting and lane-filtering are used interchangeably, there is a difference between these two riding techniques. Splitting-lanes allow a rider to share lanes with vehicles traveling at normal speeds, while lane-filtering is done in slow-moving traffic, such as stop-and-go traffic.

Four other states (Utah, Arizona, Montana and Hawaii) allow lane-filtering only.
Eleven states (e.g. Texas/NewJersey) do not have laws prohibiting lane-splitting, which technically means the practice isn’t illegal... but can be cited.
Thirty-four states prohibit two vehicles in a single lane (e.g. Florida/NewYork) but eight of these states (e.g. Texas/Massachusetts) are considering legalizing 'lane-sharing'.

 

[pablolie]

...

The DMV is terrible. But CA is a pretty motorcycle friendly state, which I don't mind. My take on lane-splitting is that, like many things (and should we include gun laws?), it is up to YOU to use your freedom responsibly. Just because you can lane split, doesn't mean you have to do it suicidally at high speeds and upset car drivers (which I also am, of course).

It's when people are stupid in leveraging laws that provide some leeway that the government clamps down and enforces laws restricting stuff - but don't blame the government, blame the idiots that don't know how to responsibly embrace the leeway freedom grants us all.

I seldom lane split unless traffic is a very slow stop and go, and even that I do that at speeds that easily allow me to stop when car drivers understandably "lane hunt" last secnd for a faster lane. I have often driven my car and cursed some motorcycle riders that ultimately give us all a bad name. But that is not the CA DMV's fault.

 

[EJ3]

@EJ3, I will try to bring back our diversion back to speed-on-wheels but slowly:
View attachment 330122
What exactly is the Kiwi-fascination with sailing, anyways?

Back in the early to mid 70's, we were doing this (beach sailing three wheeled thing, don't remember what we called it), also. (On the Isle of Palms & Sullivan's Island beaches in the state of South Carolina, USA, anyway). I never saw anyone doing it on Folly Beach, about 10-12 miles away from the other 2, most likely because the beach generally was narrower. But Folly had/has the best surfing of the there.
I don't know anything about the Kiwi folks, not until I visited Perth/Fremantle in Dec of 2024.

 

[pseudoid]

I don't know anything about the Kiwi folks, not until I visited Perth/Fremantle in Dec of 2024.

Ummm... Using the past-tense for future events may cause vertigo for some readers!

 

[EJ3]

Ummm... Using the past-tense for future events may cause vertigo for some readers!

Me too, that happens when the Dr's bounce you around & around for appointments at far flung locations. One can become dis-orientated & then communicate that way too.

Meant to be "I didn't"

But the water swirls bassackwards there and one drives on the other side of the road there (while dong it from the opposite side of the car) and of course, all this is happening while one is upside down.
No wonder it's all so disorienting.

 

[pseudoid]

Meant to be "I didn't"

"I didn't... visited Perth/Fremantle in Dec of 2024" sounds even worse!

 

[EJ3]

"I didn't... visited Perth/Fremantle in Dec of 2024" sounds even worse!

how'bout I don't try to type when zoned out by Dr.s who travel & are not in there same locations every time that you are supposed to see them.
I think that I will blame them again: They should have corrected me to the date of 2004

 

[Chr1]

Two wheeled winter madness.

200hp Hayabusa with a paddle tire.
Yowsa.
As you... don't.

WTF. Gotta love youthful exuberance/enthusiasm plus lack of mortal fear.
And 200hp on dunes.
F'n A

Big air and wheelies on the dunes.

 

[TimF]

I just saw the new Triumph 400

The new Triumph 400 motorcycle is to be manufactured in Thailand, India and Brazil. Triumph must have big expectations. It is a single cylinder 400 cc engine, and it is relatively heavy for a 400 cc bike. There isn't anything special about it except the Triumph nameplate. In the USA it will sell for $6,000. That is a high price for a 400. As a single its performance will likely be nothing special. It weights around 400 lbs. and feels heavy like the 350 and 400 cc Royal Enfields do. Actually the Royal Enfields are better looking.

I imagine the bike is an attempt by Triumph to introduce its brand to younger people and to women. The seat height is not tall. It will sell in the USA, but will it sell well? If the engine is just so so, or lackluster, it may sell but may not achieve its goal of bringing many new riders to the Triumph brand. Will Triumph hold to the $6,000 price?

There are other Chinese motorcycles showing up across the USA and they have better offerings at less cost. Also, it would be very easy for Kawasaki or Yamaha to quickly bring in similar standard or retro 400 cc motorcycles at a lower price and thereby scavenge whatever market Triumph is aiming at. In fact, after seeing the new Triumph I would be inclined to instead look for a Japanese 400 to 500 cc bike which would likely be lighter weight and have better performance. The Japanese are masters of motorcycles in the 150 - 500 cc range, and we trust their quality. I wanted to like this bike. Let us hope the six speed transmission is good. The transmissions in the Japanese bikes are all first rate these days.

Yet I think Triumph is right in introducing this model because without new riders and younger riders they are going nowhere. I much doubt the new Triumph 400 makes the power the company is claiming.

In any event, the real world market for motorcycles is in the lesser developed countries and in the 100 to 250 cc range. That is where the big market is.

 

[Jmsent]

I just saw the new Triumph 400

The new Triumph 400 motorcycle is to be manufactured in Thailand, India and Brazil. Triumph must have big expectations. It is a single cylinder 400 cc engine, and it is relatively heavy for a 400 cc bike. There isn't anything special about it except the Triumph nameplate. In the USA it will sell for $6,000. That is a high price for a 400. As a single its performance will likely be nothing special. It weights around 400 lbs. and feels heavy like the 350 and 400 cc Royal Enfields do. Actually the Royal Enfields are better looking.

I imagine the bike is an attempt by Triumph to introduce its brand to younger people and to women. The seat height is not tall. It will sell in the USA, but will it sell well? If the engine is just so so, or lackluster, it may sell but may not achieve its goal of bringing many new riders to the Triumph brand. Will Triumph hold to the $6,000 price?

There are other Chinese motorcycles showing up across the USA and they have better offerings at less cost. Also, it would be very easy for Kawasaki or Yamaha to quickly bring in similar standard or retro 400 cc motorcycles at a lower price and thereby scavenge whatever market Triumph is aiming at. In fact, after seeing the new Triumph I would be inclined to instead look for a Japanese 400 to 500 cc bike which would likely be lighter weight and have better performance. The Japanese are masters of motorcycles in the 150 - 500 cc range, and we trust their quality. I wanted to like this bike. Let us hope the six speed transmission is good. The transmissions in the Japanese bikes are all first rate these days.

Yet I think Triumph is right in introducing this model because without new riders and younger riders they are going nowhere. I much doubt the new Triumph 400 makes the power the company is claiming.

In any event, the real world market for motorcycles is in the lesser developed countries and in the 100 to 250 cc range. That is where the big market is.

The price of the Speed 400 is $5000 not $6000. I know this, because I just put a deposit on one. At that price, it is more than competitive in the marketplace. I'm trying to understand where your strong negative bias against this machine is coming from. It's gotten rave reviews by just about everyone who's ridden it.' Tell me what other machine at $5000 US offers this level of fit and finish and overall performance. The closest one I know of is the Honda CB300R, which is more expensive, has 100cc less displacement, and 10 less horsepower. As for your doubts about its power, where does that come from? It has a modern liquid cooled engine with double overhead cams and fuel injection. I haven't heard anybody else bring this up, and the bike's acceleration and top speed seem to support that figure. As for weight, it's about 370lb. Everyone that rides it finds it very light and flickable. A Royal Enfield 350 is 430lb. A Kawasaki KZ400 is 386lb. A KTM Duke is lighter, but only by a few pounds. It is also a heavily sport oriented machine that compromises overall comfort for performance. Production has been moved to China, and there are reports concerning quality issues in later machines.

 

[anotherhobby]

I know this, because I just put a deposit on one.

Awesome! You must be pretty excited. When do they expect them to start coming in?

If Triumph keeps up their love affair with dirt, I think that 400 would be a pretty sweet power plant for a future dual sport.

 

[Sal1950]

Hope they've designed in some good vibration control.
Big bore thumpers used to be fairly brutal with the power pulse.

 

[wandulus]

Being a motorcyclist since I was 9 years old.
Almost hardcore for a lot of time, now riding an urban BMW C400GT, but aiming to return to a medium size naked, around 100 HP, that for my level and likeness, it's the sweet spot of bikes.
Just ad a track picture, a couple of years ago on a Kawi 636.

 

[Jmsent]

Hope they've designed in some good vibration control.
Big bore thumpers used to be fairly brutal with the power pulse.

It's got a balance shaft, so pretty smooth until you get to the higher revs...then some vibes. But nothing like the old days. I sure do remember those old British singles. They didn't call 'em thumpers for nothing. But even the old British parallel twins were pretty bad shakers. I had a BSA Lightning that would give me double vision from all the vibrations that engine put off. They've come a long way since those days.

 

[Jmsent]

Awesome! You must be pretty excited. When do they expect them to start coming in?

If Triumph keeps up their love affair with dirt, I think that 400 would be a pretty sweet power plant for a future dual sport.

Dealer said around mid Feb, give or take. They do have a scrambler version called the 400x.

 

[nebunebu]

Biker here, been riding for 12 years. first 6 years with a Yamaha R6 2000 model - boy that bike ran well, 0 - 130 km/h in first gear!
Since then i've been riding a BMW R nine T 2014 model, totally different type of bike. But I like it, both the style, engine, service and spare part cost is similar to the Yamaha.

Only problem exist, putting on helmet with earplugs, it always nudges them out of position

 

[harleydave]

My dad got me into dirt bike racing when I was 7. Have ridden and owned motorcycles ever since, (now 61.) I've owned Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and last 4 bikes have been Harley. My wife last year decided she wanted her own ride but not 2 wheels. We bought a new CanAm Ryker. She loves it.

 

[harleydave]

...

The DMV is terrible. But CA is a pretty motorcycle friendly state, which I don't mind. My take on lane-splitting is that, like many things (and should we include gun laws?), it is up to YOU to use your freedom responsibly. Just because you can lane split, doesn't mean you have to do it suicidally at high speeds and upset car drivers (which I also am, of course).

It's when people are stupid in leveraging laws that provide some leeway that the government clamps down and enforces laws restricting stuff - but don't blame the government, blame the idiots that don't know how to responsibly embrace the leeway freedom grants us all.

I seldom lane split unless traffic is a very slow stop and go, and even that I do that at speeds that easily allow me to stop when car drivers understandably "lane hunt" last secnd for a faster lane. I have often driven my car and cursed some motorcycle riders that ultimately give us all a bad name. But that is not the CA DMV's fault.

NY a year ago legalized lane splitting. Unfortunately most of the people I've seen do it here are down right reckless, and not just the crotch rocket crowd either. I was in my jeep on the highway, and this guy on a Harley street bob had to be doing close to 100 when he was lane splitting. A truck in passing lane was moving to middle lane, saw the guy and quick reacted back to passing lane and almost hit median. Bottom line is whatever your driving, be conscience of not only your safety, but those around you. And, don't drive like an idiot.

 

[pablolie]

NY a year ago legalized lane splitting. Unfortunately most of the people I've seen do it here are down right reckless, and not just the crotch rocket crowd either. I was in my jeep on the highway, and this guy on a Harley street bob had to be doing close to 100 when he was lane splitting. A truck in passing lane was moving to middle lane, saw the guy and quick reacted back to passing lane and almost hit median. Bottom line is whatever your driving, be conscience of not only your safety, but those around you. And, don't drive like an idiot.

Agreed entirely. Motorcycles are intoxicatingly exciting, but to be seduced by speed and power is a sure recipe for disaster mid-term. I see many ride as if it's a video game - but we don't get extra lives. I love riding and I can ride fast (I go on track days regularly), but I have also lost dear people around me. Last one was particularly sad - 30 years old, about to get married... and I think he got his motorcycle because he thought mine was cool and heard about my weekend trip adventures... but even though I told him to take a motorcycle safety training, he got reckless and got killed a month into motorcycle ownership last April... :-(