croth rockets

[drewation]

hi,

i am gettin into the motorcycle world and am going for my license i was wondering your views on how dangereus motorcycles are and what bikes you would suggest the best or most reliable. i am looking at a 1988 Suzuki GSXR Katana 600 (see attchement) this isint the bike im looking at but the same as it.

thanks

Andrew :)

[drewation]

oh ya sorry its for 2500$ Can

[juggle508]

As long as you don't quit unicycling. LOL.

[UniTyler]

My dad has a '91 Suzuki Katana 750 that we ride a lot. He loves it!

[drewation]

Originally posted by tylercox
My dad has a '91 Suzuki Katana 750 that we ride a lot. He loves it!

whoa sweet can you post a pic? :confused:

[munipsycho]

Originally posted by drewation
...i was wondering your views on how dangereus motorcycles are...

They're really not so dangerous

If you don't mind a little death now and again.

Well, only once really.

But really quite nice, other than that.

Enjoy. ;)

But always be careful.

What is a croth, anyway? Sounds like some terrifying beast from Lord of the Rings. <grin>

p.s. I like them a lot, but no longer ride. Something about an incident after a party. Just a bit of advice: never vomit while wearing a full-face helmet.

[Denali]

Its safe as long as you know your limit...Don't go too fast or ride when your drunk...Be careful when the road is slippery....Just had a fellow unicyclist break his wrist after slipping while negotialting a turn in the rain....

[UniTyler]

Originally posted by drewation
whoa sweet can you post a pic? :confused:

This is the only pic I have, I'm really little in it, though.

[drewation]

very cool and asome :)

[drewation]

Originally posted by munipsycho
What is a croth, anyway? Sounds like some terrifying beast from Lord of the Rings. <grin>.

ah i think what they mean by croth rocket is that you stradle it and your low and it goes as fast as a rocket and plus it rhymes :D

[tomblackwood]

Originally posted by drewation
I was wondering your views on how dangereus motorcycles are.
It's an old saw, but it bears repeating.

There are only three categories of motorcycle riders:

1) Those that have crashed

2) Those that will crash

3) Those that have crashed and will crash

After 50,000+ miles between two different road bikes, I was still a Category 2 rider. That's when I decided to hang it up while I was still ahead of the odds.

[dubmuni2004]

Andrew Carter got a SRX-6. And there was a thread all about the safety and what not. If you search for Andrew's SRX-6, theres alot of stuff to know in there.( SRX-6 is a Yamaha by the way)

[dubmuni2004]

Originally posted by drewation
ah i think what they mean by croth rocket is that you stradle it and your low and it goes as fast as a rocket and plus it rhymes :D

croth is spelled crotch by the way.

[caw89]

My parents would turn in there grave before they let me get a street bike(my whole family dirt bikes). I feel it would be safer for me cause I tend to pay more attention on dirt bikes and have better control and view, as where in a car, i cant see shit and doesnt handle fo crap(most cars ive drivin are large trucks and vans...)

[andrew_carter]

For the past 3 months I've been riding an '84 Yamaha SRX-250. It's a single cylinder bike, and very easy to work on. I bought it for $1950 (AUD) and it's red. :)

It's funny, all of my life I've been positive that I'd never ride a motorbike. Because of what society generally thinks, I got the impression that motorbikes were really dangerous and that motorcyclists were idiots...but now I am one (a motorcyclist, that is ;)).

Here's the thread that was mentioned - http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=36520&highlight=motorbike

My bike is all I need for now. I bought it in a rush to get my own transport before starting work as a labourer, and didn't have much money. I think I'll probably upgrade in a year or so, but for now anyway I have to stick to 250cc or less in accordance with Australian law (after a year with my license I can qualify for an open license). My 250cc bike goes fast enough for me. I've gone 125km/hr on it, but I think it could handle 135km/hr easily for short periods of time. The highest speed limit you'll get in this state is 110km/hr anyway so I'm never going to need/want to go much faster. I've heard that the speed limits of highways in America are much higher than here...is this true?

I think when I do upgrade it will be to something like one of those old classic-looking 80's Kawasaki 400's or 600's. I love singles though, and what I really want is a 400 single. I also love the look of those BMW's with the horizontal twin cylinders, but I think they're a little out of my budget. :)

As for safety, I've been riding for about 3 months and have had somebody pull out in front of me once. I had to swerve onto the other side of the road. I think they're really not all that dangerous as long as you control your urges and always have really good perception. I've noticed that since riding a bike I'm looking waaay ahead on the road and am generally much more aware of what's going on...because you have to be. I know people who have been riding for a year and have already come off three or four times though!

And yes, as mentioned it's 'crotch rocket' which makes a little more sence. I guess mine's not a purebred crotch rocket. Here she is...I'd like to paint it black, but the frame unfortunately isn't black and for now I'm not so keen on stripping it down.

Andrew

[Klaas Bil]

Originally posted by tomblackwood
It's an old saw, but it bears repeating.

There are only three categories of motorcycle riders:

1) Those that have crashed

2) Those that will crash

3) Those that have crashed and will crash

After 50,000+ miles between two different road bikes, I was still a Category 2 rider. That's when I decided to hang it up while I was still ahead of the odds.
So, are you sure you were a category 2 rider? :-)

[yoopers]

Freedom is a wonderful thing and allows us to delve into many fun and fancy things. But there is a reason that nurses in the emergency room call them murdercycles. I'd like to see the statistics on motorcycle accidents especially according to age, but I don't have time for research this morning. The work day calls...

I used to ride during my military days at the Pentagon. My bike was my year round transportation, winter as well. I had the ski suits, hippo hands, etc. for cold weather riding. Motorcycles are a whole lot of fun with a great sense of freedom and adventure. I absolutely loved riding and would often take the long way home just for the chance to ride additional miles. I had a '82 Honda GL500 Silverwing tour bike. I used to get 50 cent Washington Capitals hockey tickets from the USO and Mary and I would take the bike downtown D.C. to the Metrocenter. It was a grand time.

But these days, I've given up motorcycles and don't want them around while my boys are growing up. I was just reading an article the other day about the teenage mind and how it doesn't fully develop in it's decision-making abilities until into the early twenties. According to the article teens tend to take more dangerous risks because they don't have the full cognitive ability yet to deduce degrees of acceptable risk. I did give each of the boys a ride once on a friend's Harley.

As I kind of have a hankerin' for my boys to be around for a few years yet, I think we'll concentrate on other things.

Bruce

[evil-nick]

I don't think the safety thing is so much the individuals ability to ride safely (although of course that is a big factor) but more on everyone else. If someone hits you, you're not surrounded by severeal thousand pounds of steel etc. Also, bikes are smaller and can be harder to see (Generalization, but as someone who has missed seeing a BUS I can imagine not seeing a bike).

Not to say that they are super undangerous, just that they can be...

Having said that, someday... I want! :D

[maroastedpeanuts]

Crotch rockets are way cool, but can be limiting. I just bought a bike and seriously looked at all of the options first....what kind of person are you? What do you want to do with the bike? How long are you going to have it for? Ask yourself all of these things.

I don’t own a car so this is my primary mode of trans…also, every time I drive down the road and see a trail so some fire roads I dream of what may be down them…I also love long trips to places I’ve never been…..

I picked up a KLR650 which is a simple, all around great bike…not the fastest, or a great dirt bike…but a dependable and solid performer (esp for the price). I had a bud that was killed on a sport bike…and I know I love speed and goofing off….so this think keeps me in check….it does move out though…and the single cylinger 650cc roars once you wind it up J. Look into a dualsport!!! They rock!

[zod]

The problem with motorcycles is that you are not the only person on the road. Accidents happen and if you are on a bike and happen to be involved in one then you will more than likely die. I don't ride for that very reason. That being said each person has to make that decesion for themselves.

[johnfoss]

Originally posted by evil-nick
I don't think the safety thing is so much the individuals ability to ride safely (although of course that is a big factor) but more on everyone else. If someone hits you, you're not surrounded by severeal thousand pounds of steel etc. Also, bikes are smaller and can be harder to see These were the words I was waiting to see if anyone had posted. The danger of riding a motorcycle is *CARS*. Riding a dirt bike is much safer because you aren't around cars.

The danger level is probably in the rough order of at least 25x more than driving a car. I base this on the 25x liklihood of being killed in a car accident if you are thrown from the vehicle. On a motorcycle you are going to be thrown from the vehicle in almost any traffic accident. So the actual anser is probably much more than 25x as dangerous than driving a car.

But it's sure fun.

As for Tom Blackwood's 3 categories, I'm in #2 as well. But we used a different metric at Nassau Motorcycle School. Replace "crash" with "drop" and you eliminate almost everybody from category 2. I dropped one of our teaching bikes when I was trying to push-start it (bent crankshaft and not enough oomph in the electric starter).

Superbikes:
Ever notice you never see anyone older riding one of those? Why is that?

So ride as defensively as you can, and you should last a long time.

[harper]

Motorcycles are great fun as long as you follow the 1,2,3 rule.

Always wear ONE less helmet than required by law.
Always go TWO times the speed allowed by law.
Always have a blood alcohol level THREE times that allowed by law.

[UniBrier]

Originally posted by yoopers
But there is a reason that nurses in the emergency room call them murdercycles.My wife is an ICU nurse. She calls them Donor-Cycles. Got to like young, healthy, organs.

I had a Honda 350 twin through college and also rode my brother's Triumph 750. The advice I got is "not if you go down but when you go down". I would be in category two. I didn't "crash" but I did go down once on ice and once on an area of road with sand over the asphalt.

I've kept my MC endorsement all these years. Last time I renewed they asked if I wanted to be endorsed for Trike and Side-Car. I told them I probably would never need it. He went on to explain that I could get the "free upgrade" now but if I ever wanted it in the future I would have to test. So, now I am also endorsed for Trike and Side-Car with absolutely no training or qualification.

[dubmuni2004]

Originally posted by maroastedpeanuts
Crotch rockets are way cool, but can be limiting. I just bought a bike and seriously looked at all of the options first....what kind of person are you? What do you want to do with the bike? How long are you going to have it for? Ask yourself all of these things.

I don’t own a car so this is my primary mode of trans…also, every time I drive down the road and see a trail so some fire roads I dream of what may be down them…I also love long trips to places I’ve never been…..

I picked up a KLR650 which is a simple, all around great bike…not the fastest, or a great dirt bike…but a dependable and solid performer (esp for the price). I had a bud that was killed on a sport bike…and I know I love speed and goofing off….so this think keeps me in check….it does move out though…and the single cylinger 650cc roars once you wind it up J. Look into a dualsport!!! They rock!

Thats a great bike you have, my dad owns the same one. Dual-sports are the way to go totally. They are more comfortable to ride and if you want to go off-road, you can. What would be cool is to street legalize a supermotard bike. That would definently start a new streetbike scene. And for those of you who dont know what supermotard is....google it, cause' I dont feel like explaining it.

[dubmuni2004]

Originally posted by harper
Motorcycles are great fun as long as you follow the 1,2,3 rule.

Always wear ONE less helmet than required by law.
Always go TWO times the speed allowed by law.
Always have a blood alcohol level THREE times that allowed by law.

Thats doesnt sound very safe Harper. :rolleyes:

[tomblackwood]

Originally posted by UniBrier
I've kept my MC endorsement all these years. Last time I renewed they asked if I wanted to be endorsed for Trike and Side-Car. So, now I am also endorsed for Trike and Side-Car with absolutely no training or qualification.
I've also kept my endorsement, even though I haven't owned a bike since 1986. I don't use it much, but a couple times over the last 10 years when a co-worker has had a cool ride, I've been happy to get back in the saddle for a short trip. I'm pissed that State of WA didn't make me the same offer they made you the last time I renewed. I'd love to have a side-car endorsement with no training or qualification.

Klass, it's that lack of full commitment that keeps me in Category 2.

To the point made by John Foss and others, I couldn't agree more. While I stayed in Category 2, it wasn't without some VERY close calls. Out of the 5 or so I had, four were caused by idiots or blind people in cars. The fifth was from riding into a good-sized dust devil in Wyoming. Would have been a pants-soiling experience if it hadn't been over so quickly.

[UniBrier]

Originally posted by dubmuni2004
croth is spelled crotch by the way. Looks like a very common typing error (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=croth+rocket). Just like unicyle.:)


Tom, If you want a real thrill ride I'll let you ride in my side car.:eek:

[maestro8]

I rode a road bike for a couple years before getting my first (and only) moto. This trained me to be very, very weary of cars and pedestrians. The best advice I could give is to ride as if *EVERY* person on the road is trying to push you out of your lane, knock you off your bike, run you over and kill you. And I'm not exaggerating.

Be paranoid or be dead. Keep lots of space around you and ride as if you're riding on ice... keep in mind you don't have a lot of rubber-road contact... only two patches of rubber, about the size of business card. Sure it's fun to lay it down into a turn but all it takes is a little sand or oil on the pavement and you're gonna be wearing dirt.

Oh, and plan on crashing, even if you won't. Never, never ride without full gear on, head to toe. None of this stupid riding in flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt stuff you see kids doing on a hot summer day. You go down and you'll end up looking like uncooked hamburger for the rest of your life.

My moto's a pinner yamaha dual-sport, but as a firstie I believe it's best to go with a small engine... as a beginner, you've got no business playing with a lot of power. If you can't use it properly and responsibly, it *will* throw you, and you don't ever want to find yourself on the ground in the middle of a road with oncoming traffic. Most likely the next car that comes will be some dork talking on their cellphone, sipping their latte, not paying attention to the fact that you just dumped, and you'll just be another speed bump.

Bikes are cheap and if you take care of 'em you can turn 'em back into cash pretty easily. Why not start with a dual-sport or a small cruiser before you get on a "rocket"? It doesn't matter what you've got between your legs, you'll still get that same wonderful feeling of freedom, and you can still park anywhere you want any time you want :)

[andrew_carter]

I'm glad I got my 250cc to learn on. I know this way I'll feel much more comfortable and be much more capable when I decide to upgrade. The first week I had the bike (which was also the first week of having a license and any experience) I dropped it trying to park it on my driveway. I stopped at the point where the driveway goes from flat to steep and put the side stand down, but since I had one wheel up higher than the other there was a lot more clearance under the stand. I hopped off to close the gate, and as I turned around I heard that horrible sound of it hitting the ground. Luckily very little damage was done, but now I'm extra cautious...and I've put the center stand on there. :)

Has anyone else here read "Zen And The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance"? It's one of my all time favourites. More about philosophy than motorcycling, but still has plenty of related stuff in there. I love what he says about how when you're on a bike you don't have that windscreen and frame of the car to isolate you from the outside world, how you're part of the scenery and not just looking at it every now and then.

Andrew

[UniTyler]

Speaking of crotch rockets, my dad and I are going to ride our cycle in a big rally thing called the "Governor's Run" tomorrow. It's around 150 miles. Check it out at www.governorsrun.net Most people ride Goldwings and Harleys in it, but we're one of like 20 or 30 people who actually ride rice burners. There's usually WELL over 150 people there if not way more.

[tomblackwood]

Originally posted by tylercox
Most people ride Goldwings and Harleys in it, but we're one of like 20 or 30 people who actually ride rice burners.
Not to be too picky, but a Goldwing IS a rice burner. The term rice burner isn't related to the size or style of the motorcycle, but rather its country of origin. It's basically a term riders of US-made bikes like Harleys use to deride bikes made in Japan.

Maybe you meant to say you're one of like 20 or 30 people who actually ride croth rockets? :p

[UniTyler]

Picky picky picky.....

Fine, CROTH ROCKETS!!!

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: ;)

[theamazingmolio]

Steve, What bike have you got the chair on? A sidecar is proper motorcycling fun :p

[mucRider]

Originally posted by drewation
hi,

i am gettin into the motorcycle world and am going for my license i was wondering your views on how dangereus motorcycles are and what bikes you would suggest the best or most reliable. i am looking at a 1988 Suzuki GSXR Katana 600 (see attchement) this isint the bike im looking at but the same as it.

thanks

Andrew :)
I know a number of people who used to ride motorcycles. They all quit after their first wreck.

[gbarnes]

Originally posted by drewation
hi,

i am gettin into the motorcycle world and am going for my license i was wondering your views on how dangereus motorcycles are and what bikes you would suggest the best or most reliable. i am looking at a 1988 Suzuki GSXR Katana 600 (see attchement) this isint the bike im looking at but the same as it.

thanks

Andrew :)

A few thoughts from someone with enough insight/experience to comment intelligently...

Make sure you have more power between your ears than you have between your legs.

Take a MSF course! You'll learn something, and your insurance will be cheaper.

Wear clothes... don't ride without a helmet, padded jacket, and gloves. Laugh at the asshats who ride around campus towns in flip flops and wife beaters.

Start in the dirt. You can crash *a lot* and walk away from it. Good riders in the dirt are better riders on the street.



George Barnes IV
Iron Butt Association Member since 06/19/03
http://www.ironbutt.com/

[tomblackwood]

Originally posted by gbarnes
Start in the dirt. You can crash *a lot* and walk away from it. Good riders in the dirt are better riders on the street.
GB4 speaks truth. The other advantage of starting in the dirt is you can actually do some experimenting with things you hope you NEVER have to do on a bike but one day might, such as locking the rear brake and throwing it competely sideways. I've had to do this on the road, and I made it w/o crashing, missed the a-hole that pulled out in front of me, and lived to talk about it. I think the reason I was able to control the slide was I had spent a lot of time on enduros as a teenager, and had practiced it. You can also practice getting the rear end out under power, which is something else you hope you never have to do on the road, but it pays to know how if the time ever comes.

[drewation]

i dont quite understand what you mean by dirt? :confused:

[tomblackwood]

Originally posted by drewation
i dont quite understand what you mean by dirt? :confused:
At the most basic level, there are two classifications of motorcycle: road bikes and dirt bikes. Within those broad classes there are sub-classes. Dirt Bikes are meant to be ridden primarily on dirt, i.e. dirt trails, dirt tracks, beaches, etc. Think "muni" of the motorcycling world. Dirt Bikes include motocross bikes (hard core), enduros (can be ridden street or dirt, but are more dirt-friendly), trials bikes (obstacles), and custom machines such as dirt flat-track racers. Road Bikes include croth rockets, touring bikes, cruisers, etc.

Sorry that's not great detail, but it's all I can do at 5 minutes before bedtime.

[TylerHeartless]

why does everyone keep saying "croth" rocket?! It's crotch rocket!

[UniBrier]

Originally posted by TylerHeartless
why does everyone keep saying "croth" rocket?! It's crotch rocket! Re-read the thread and you'll find the answer.

I wonder what Google has to say about croth ith.

[drewation]

Originally posted by TylerHeartless
why does everyone keep saying "croth" rocket?! It's crotch rocket!

i doint know about you but usualy when people are typing on this forum the type rather quickly and dont check for spelling errors or what not i might miss the T when im typing crotch rocket but you know what we mean so ya dont expect pretine spelling

[TylerHeartless]

people keep saying it over and over. I understand if it's a typo no big deal just wondering why everyone keeps doing it.

[john_childs]

Originally posted by TylerHeartless
people keep saying it over and over. I understand if it's a typo no big deal just wondering why everyone keeps doing it.
Because it's fun to make fun of drewnation's lisp and speech impediment. And it's pay back for all his attacks on Tyler. Paybacks can be a bith.

[TylerHeartless]

hahaha

[Ducttape]

ah i think what they mean by croth rocket is that you stradle it and your low and it goes as fast as a rocket and plus it rhymes :D
I think you mean Crotch rocket

[BillyTheMountain]

Do you need a locense to drive that motorized Monocycle?

Ha ha, I said locense!!! then I bumped my croth. Outh!!