The Thought Crossed My Mind...

[HotRodZilla]

Yeah Howie...It's your fault. WTF are you doing driving on their roads? ******!

If you're referring to my post, that's not what I said. All I suggested is that he consider what he may have done differently. There's nothing we can do about the Oscar Gropes of the world other than avoid them. I know that when I have a close call I can usually figure out a way to avoid the situation in the future. I've done this for 48 years and learning from my own mistakes has been key to staying alive and unhurt. Well, OK -- hurt a few times but still alive

I really wasn't, but I kinda was. I knew what you were saying. It's what we're all saying. I was just screwing off and giving Howie a hard time. That's all!!

 

[Warpdrv]

We all feel your pain Howie......

On multiple occasions I have been lucky - everytime I get cut off by someone on the phone, I make it a huge point to make big waving arm jestures at the bad driver and then make the shape of a phone with my left hand - put it up to my helmet then slam it down like your hanging up the phone. A couple of instances that action of mine got those bad drivers pulled over by police that were observing the infraction...... Hopefully with a ticket !!!! I never stick around.

I always make it a point if possible to never be in the blind spot or even on the side of a vehicle - either in front or behind..... My GF when we first started dating as a pillion thought I was a goofy ******* for all the times I'm honking my horn at to her seemingly no reason whatsoever - cars at intersections,, driveways getting ready to pull out - watching intently to see if they are even looking in my direction - watching them in their mirrors to see their body language and when they are getting ready to change lanes whatever the case - They get the ******* horn - and are aware of my presence..... it gets pretty easy to notice those stupid ***** that don't pay attention and I'm on the horn.... Now she gets exactly why....

I do like the HUGE FREAKIN lights - they just don't appeal to my sense of taste / looks, maybe someday I'll be sorry for my choice.

Stay Frosty bro...

 

[Old Guy]

Yeah Howie...It's your fault. WTF are you doing driving on their roads? ******!

If you're referring to my post, that's not what I said. All I suggested is that he consider what he may have done differently. There's nothing we can do about the Oscar Gropes of the world other than avoid them. I know that when I have a close call I can usually figure out a way to avoid the situation in the future. I've done this for 48 years and learning from my own mistakes has been key to staying alive and unhurt. Well, OK -- hurt a few times but still alive

I really wasn't, but I kinda was. I knew what you were saying. It's what we're all saying. I was just screwing off and giving Howie a hard time. That's all!!

 

[NightShine]

Unfortunately, no one gets out alive.
So pick yer poison, and enjoy the ride.

Exactly. I can still hear my Dad saying, "You gotta die of something!"

And, hey, it worked for him.

 

[beemerdons]

Yeah Howie...It's your fault. WTF are you doing driving on their roads? ******!

If you're referring to my post, that's not what I said. All I suggested is that he consider what he may have done differently. There's nothing we can do about the Oscar Gropes of the world other than avoid them. I know that when I have a close call I can usually figure out a way to avoid the situation in the future. I've done this for 48 years and learning from my own mistakes has been key to staying alive and unhurt. Well, OK -- hurt a few times but still alive

I really wasn't, but I kinda was. I knew what you were saying. It's what we're all saying. I was just screwing off and giving Howie a hard time. That's all!!

Have all you Fine FJR Forum Friends ever noticed how many times HotRodZilla uses the word "screwing" and "hard" in reference to Radio Howie??? jes' sayin' and nuff said!

 

[wheatonFJR]

Have all you Fine FJR Forum Friends ever noticed how many times HotRodZilla uses the word "screwing" and "hard" in reference to Radio Howie??? jes' sayin' and nuff said!

No. You got your "eye" on him?

 

[beemerdons]

Have all you Fine FJR Forum Friends ever noticed how many times HotRodZilla uses the word "screwing" and "hard" in reference to Radio Howie??? jes' sayin' and nuff said!

No. You got your "eye" on him?

Wheatie: Been there, done that and have got the T-shirt!

 

[bgross]

Sorry for your dilemma. It took me a couple months to recover (mentally) after I crawled from under a lady's pickup. It was a journey from scared to pissed to joy again.

Hang in there

 

[Yroundrdn]

I commute everyday as well, 45 minutes and have to cut down the right side of traffic in two sections. But for me it's the only way to get to work without some crazy long *** commute. I found the HID's helped a lot. My next purchase will be an LED array in the front. They are down to less than $100 now, look good and work great. I notice on rides with other guys the lighting really helps you stand out.

After 40 yrs your riding skills and ***** sensor are well tuned. Sounds like that's what has kept you alive thus far.

 

[fjRaven]

I've been on my own little crusade trying to convince MADD if they really want to save more lives, to add another D to their name, mothers against drunk and distracted drivers. Sent them links to distracted driving death stats, but they never respond, guessing most of the hypocrit moms there drive distracted and that would crimp their style. They got the perfect platform and name to help reduce driving while talking an texting deaths, but choose not to.

 

[FJR Bill]

So Howie, How much to you wanna sell the ZRX? LOL

Not sure what FJR vintage you own but with my 09 with ABS I never lock up the wheels, cause flat spots on tires, or fear highsides. You think you got it bad in "rural" Winter Haven, you should try commuting in Tampa. I feel like I'm a target in a shooting gallery. While I don't like it, I think my defensive measures/reflexes keep me out of harms way, at least so far.

Based on your posts I've always thought of you as an old guy. Geeze at 61 you are a youngster and have many years of riding in front of you. Personally I don't like my FJR for commuting in heavy traffic. I'd think your ZRX to be more nimble and better choice.

I sometimes commute on my FJR but my favorite commuter is my little 250 Ninjette. I can handle this little beauty like a pro and can easily dodge or brake my may out of dangerous situations. The FJR is better at accelerating out of encounters. But the little bike works better for me on commutes.

Bill

 

[supertankerm60a3]

I haven't read the entire thread, post for post however, It seems to boil down to

OP: "I have too many close calls for comfort."

Forum: "Add more lights, you get more attention." A reasonable solution.

OP: "I don't like the way extra lights look." A reasonable opinion.

Me: "Try leaving the high beams on as the default. Low beam in hours where the high ones are a problem for other motorists. (high beams in broad daylight only annoy only thin skinned twits.) This makes you more visible, and equalizes the time between filaments and does not affect the FJR's looks. I run 60/55 plain clear bulbs, bulbs of slightly higher wattage might be available and help also.

That's my .02 anyway.

 

[wheatonFJR]

...high beams in broad daylight only annoy only thin skinned twits...

I suggest you spend an hour commute with someone with their high beams on blazing away behind you before making that judgement.
Could ignite road rage.

As far as bikes being nimble and getting away from traffic:

What do you do with tail gators?...If everybody tail gates...it ain't no good.

I got to the point that to get away from hazards when commuting, I had to break certain traffic ordinances dramatically to get to space. Worrying about maiming by cars, or suspension of license is not a good way to arrive at work.

Oh, I love the aggressive getting to space, don't get me wrong...but I doubt the local cops would see it in the same light.

I commute in the cage, I vacation on the bike.

 

[bluesdog]

Read this a while back:

https://distracteddriveraccidents.com/day-dreaming-distracted-driving/

And you thought texting was bad.

This year I added more lights, (amber glendas & ericas), and immediately noticed I was more, well, noticed on the road. I keep the glendas at @ 1/2, and the ericas on as low as they go. I added hyperlites at the rear, and have reflective decals on the bags. I'm planning on adding some matching reflective decals to the fairing sides. Typically I wear ATGATT with reflective hi-viz bits, although I just cannot bring myself to wear an orange vest!

I'm grateful I don't have to commute, and also live in a rural area. However, during the summer riding months, the tourist traffic can be fairly intense. And then there's those logging trucks, just to add a frisson of potential lethality. I keep my distance, practice evasive maneuvers, and despite the enhanced visibility of my bike, generally assume I'm invisible to 90% of the cagers -- the other 10% are actively trying to kill me!

Motorcycling is an inherently dangerous activity. I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[LgFJR]

Howie you've lasted a long time so you have to be doing a lotta things right..........you know you're a lifer...................

 

[Bearly Flying]

Howie; Your the only person that can decide what is worth the risk, and you have been doing that since Day 1. Ya, it sucks, the Drivers these days, but what in the Hell are you going to do...... Buy an Old Goldwing... Hang up your ******.... and go Sheep Peeping?

 

[beemerdons]

Howie; Your the only person that can decide what is worth the risk, and you have been doing that since Day 1. Ya, it sucks, the Drivers these days, but what in the Hell are you going to do...... Buy an Old Goldwing... Hang up your ******…. and go Sheep Peeping or Manatee Molesting?

Brother Don I sincerely hope you don't mind I had to "fix" your post, but you'd inadvertently left out Manatee Molesting: RadioHowie's favorite activity!

 

[BkerChuck]

After reading all the posts and thinking on the subject, I think it really will just come down to how important is riding to you. Lots of folks commute to work and probably an equal number ride strictly for pleasure. I'm in the camp that does both. My commute is relatively short, about 9 miles, 6 of which are on an interstate. Living in PA at this time of year my biggest worry is deer. I counted 4 splattered on the highway this morning coming in. I personally hit one over 10 years ago. Only you can decide when it's time to quit riding. I don't think any less of someone who finally gives it up than I would of someone who finally quits drinking. We each weigh our own risks and balnce them against our rewards. I would however caution against making a hasty decision based on one bad day.

If the time ever comes that I have to quit riding. Hell, I can't even finish that sentence.

Sorry you had a bad day. In your years on this planet I doubt it was the first.

Ride safe, they really are out to get you.

 

[FJRMGM]

Fook the other night I about hit a forest rat. And I was only 200 yards from my driveway.

 

[BkerChuck]

FWIW, on the day I hit mine, I was on my way home from a doctor's appointment. Found out I really did have a hernia. Less than 300 yards from my house, WHAM!