Helicopter pilots and motorcycles
Iconoclast
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: The home of Dudley Dooright-Where the lead dog is the only one that gets a change of scenery.
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Now, for the real thing.
If you guys are really into bikes then check out these sites:
http://www.orangecountychoppers.com/
http://www.westcoastchoppers.com/
http://www.indianlarry.com/
Not shown on Indian Larrys' site is his hubless rear wheel. There is no visible hub , no spokes nothing just air.
Good luck surfing. Hopefully you won't suffer from bike envy.
http://www.orangecountychoppers.com/
http://www.westcoastchoppers.com/
http://www.indianlarry.com/
Not shown on Indian Larrys' site is his hubless rear wheel. There is no visible hub , no spokes nothing just air.
Good luck surfing. Hopefully you won't suffer from bike envy.
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Australia
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exactly oposite on the tinny
sure throttle action is oposite handed on a bike, but try take'in the tinny (aluminium boat with outboard motor) out for a squirt now and it all comes floodin back!
Steve 76:
(Cool website, Steve. I'm a Kawasaki man through and through!)
You know, I've never understood the huge objection that some riders raise to the low power/displacement ratio of the Harley. It's as if there is some rule that decrees every engine must squeeze the maximum amount of horsepower out or it just ain't worth a ****e. Personally, I never held it against Harley that their engines weren't as thermodynamically efficient as they "ought" to be.
At 900 and 1000cc's respectively, my Z-1's do manage to eke out a few more ponies than my Sportster (not really that many). But the Harley transmits that lesser power to the rear wheel in a much more viscerally satisfying way. Then again, I prefer two-blade Bells to multi-blade Astars, and too the rumble of a radial piston engine to the pilot-ish whine of a turbine, so I'm probably just an anachronism like big ol' gay Lu.
It was in the 1970's that motorcycle magazine editors began demanding that all bikes adhere to the "Japanese standard." Bikes from the Orient were as smooth as sewing machines, and had controls that required virtually no effort. They had wonderful power/weight ratios, great brakes, and for the most part were very user-friendly. Harleys, on the other hand, were derided as "out of step with the times" and "horrendously old-fashioned." There were sarcastically referred to as "boat anchors" a phrase that many hot-dog non-Harley riders repeat with great relish. Trouble is, I don't like riding sewing machines.
Oddly, despite all of its so-called "faults," my Sportster has been the most fun bike I've ever owned. It's certainly not the best-performer. And I am single-handedly keeping G.E. in business with my ever-replenishing supply of head-, tail- and turn-signal light bulbs. But I have never once said, "Gee, I wish that clutch lever didn't take so much energy to pull," or "Gee, I wish that rear suspension had four inches of travel instead of three," or "Gee, I wish this Sportster was as fast as that there CBR600." In fact, I've never even said, "Gee, I wish this Harley didn't leak so much," because it does not.
When I go places on my bright red and chrome Harley, people come up and talk like they know me. That never has happened on any of my Japanese bikes. What my Sportster does is give me incredible motorcycling satisfaction every time I turn the key. That it is not the fastest or best-handling bike on the block is not important. If it was, I would buy the latest-and-greatest sportbike from Kawi.
And I may still yet!
Lu Z:
Ahh, no worries, Lu, I was just poking fun at ya. We've all done things when we're drunk that we regret. ...At least, I hope you were drunk... Hey, if you ever get out to the desert southwest, I'll buy you a beer and give you a ride on my Sportster. But I've got to warn you- *I* sit in the front and steer.
Ex- Z1 drivers rock! (even if you do have a bike that only manages to produce 60hp for a 883 cc engine.... )
Your days on the old 900 will offset that for a few years to come.
Your days on the old 900 will offset that for a few years to come.
You know, I've never understood the huge objection that some riders raise to the low power/displacement ratio of the Harley. It's as if there is some rule that decrees every engine must squeeze the maximum amount of horsepower out or it just ain't worth a ****e. Personally, I never held it against Harley that their engines weren't as thermodynamically efficient as they "ought" to be.
At 900 and 1000cc's respectively, my Z-1's do manage to eke out a few more ponies than my Sportster (not really that many). But the Harley transmits that lesser power to the rear wheel in a much more viscerally satisfying way. Then again, I prefer two-blade Bells to multi-blade Astars, and too the rumble of a radial piston engine to the pilot-ish whine of a turbine, so I'm probably just an anachronism like big ol' gay Lu.
It was in the 1970's that motorcycle magazine editors began demanding that all bikes adhere to the "Japanese standard." Bikes from the Orient were as smooth as sewing machines, and had controls that required virtually no effort. They had wonderful power/weight ratios, great brakes, and for the most part were very user-friendly. Harleys, on the other hand, were derided as "out of step with the times" and "horrendously old-fashioned." There were sarcastically referred to as "boat anchors" a phrase that many hot-dog non-Harley riders repeat with great relish. Trouble is, I don't like riding sewing machines.
Oddly, despite all of its so-called "faults," my Sportster has been the most fun bike I've ever owned. It's certainly not the best-performer. And I am single-handedly keeping G.E. in business with my ever-replenishing supply of head-, tail- and turn-signal light bulbs. But I have never once said, "Gee, I wish that clutch lever didn't take so much energy to pull," or "Gee, I wish that rear suspension had four inches of travel instead of three," or "Gee, I wish this Sportster was as fast as that there CBR600." In fact, I've never even said, "Gee, I wish this Harley didn't leak so much," because it does not.
When I go places on my bright red and chrome Harley, people come up and talk like they know me. That never has happened on any of my Japanese bikes. What my Sportster does is give me incredible motorcycling satisfaction every time I turn the key. That it is not the fastest or best-handling bike on the block is not important. If it was, I would buy the latest-and-greatest sportbike from Kawi.
And I may still yet!
Lu Z:
Me, gay? Sometimes you make me so angry if you were here right now I would hit you with my purse.
Join Date: Aug 2001
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Prune Fan #1 said:
*I* sit in the front and steer.
Perhaps we should start another thread on how many aviators would not sit on the pillion of a motorcycle. For whilst I can live with others driving the helicopter, there is NO-WAY that I would put faith in others riding skills!!
Perhaps we should start another thread on how many aviators would not sit on the pillion of a motorcycle. For whilst I can live with others driving the helicopter, there is NO-WAY that I would put faith in others riding skills!!
Hovering AND talking
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Propping up bars in the Lands of D H Lawrence and Bishop Bonner
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Tiger_mate,
Like helicopter pilots, motorcyclists realise that if they kill you they will probably kill themselves as well
Therefore, the vast majority of us do not do anything stupid since we don't tend to bounce too well.
I think you would thoroughly enjoy yourself riding pillion; I am very good with nervous pax
and you would realise how much more you can see of the countryside and the road.
If you trust the person as a pilot, why not as a motorcyclist? In my case, you would far better off with my 1,000s hours on a bike as opposed to just about 100 in helicopter
Like helicopter pilots, motorcyclists realise that if they kill you they will probably kill themselves as well
Therefore, the vast majority of us do not do anything stupid since we don't tend to bounce too well.
I think you would thoroughly enjoy yourself riding pillion; I am very good with nervous pax
and you would realise how much more you can see of the countryside and the road.If you trust the person as a pilot, why not as a motorcyclist? In my case, you would far better off with my 1,000s hours on a bike as opposed to just about 100 in helicopter
Some dirt bikes and racers,last on was a Yammi FZR 1000 excellent bike lots of torque and good handling,very fast and good for the open road (NO police helicopters in Iceland and the volvo they use are not so fast hehe) gonna get me a eduro bike next since Iceland is a haven for eduro and dirt riding 
Last edited by rotorrookie; 25th Jun 2005 at 22:28.
Crazy Scandihooligan
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Damn, some mountain goat is nibbling my ear ;-)
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Bikes and Helos
What you have to realise is that some people are better pax in a helo, and would be a nightmare on a bike.
You only need the pax to be leaning in the opposite direction when pax on a bike and the corner then turns into a straight.
When the pax leans the other way in a BH06 or an RH22,, funnily enough the helo doesnt have the possiblity for a crash (@ 2000amsl)
Pillions are unique...
you either have a good one, or a crap one. Pax is Pax, and will either vomit or praise the hell out of you...
Either way..take pax in a helo, not a bike. Pax on a bike= weight, (Unless it's a fit bird, and i'm not talking Bernard Mathews)...Get my Drift?
MD
You only need the pax to be leaning in the opposite direction when pax on a bike and the corner then turns into a straight.
When the pax leans the other way in a BH06 or an RH22,, funnily enough the helo doesnt have the possiblity for a crash (@ 2000amsl)
Pillions are unique...
you either have a good one, or a crap one. Pax is Pax, and will either vomit or praise the hell out of you... Either way..take pax in a helo, not a bike. Pax on a bike= weight, (Unless it's a fit bird, and i'm not talking Bernard Mathews)...Get my Drift?
MD
I just tell them it is like a dance.
You need to be one with me and the bike. Go with the flow and relax....I sit in the FRONT and lead the dance.
The only issue is when the rear passenger reaches over and winds on a whole lot of throttle ........ Squeek!
....freakin' nutter....
You blokes should see Squeek ride. Absolutely sensational. I need to spend more time following him just to watch and learn.
PS: "dancing" is a lot easier with a sheila.....
You need to be one with me and the bike. Go with the flow and relax....I sit in the FRONT and lead the dance.
The only issue is when the rear passenger reaches over and winds on a whole lot of throttle ........ Squeek!
....freakin' nutter....
You blokes should see Squeek ride. Absolutely sensational. I need to spend more time following him just to watch and learn.
PS: "dancing" is a lot easier with a sheila.....
Join Date: May 2002
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Ouch!!
Got knocked off my Africa twin last thurs. The bike's possibly the strongest on the road (or off, for a big trailie), damage to my bike 300 squid, the insurance company are considering writing off his (bless im, jus pass is tess) poxy likkle ford God knows wotnot.
I came off remarkably well considering, a bruised foot. Bless those heavily padded winter leathers, however HUGE shout of confidence and gratitiude to the makers of ALPINE STARS motorcross boots which basically saved my left foot from multiple breakage and agonising pain. 50mph through the bumper, grill, headlight and left wing of any car whilst still having a foot that can sing praises such as these deserves ultimate recognition. Suggest good footwear when you ride peeps. Wishing you many safe road and air journeys for the future.
I came off remarkably well considering, a bruised foot. Bless those heavily padded winter leathers, however HUGE shout of confidence and gratitiude to the makers of ALPINE STARS motorcross boots which basically saved my left foot from multiple breakage and agonising pain. 50mph through the bumper, grill, headlight and left wing of any car whilst still having a foot that can sing praises such as these deserves ultimate recognition. Suggest good footwear when you ride peeps. Wishing you many safe road and air journeys for the future.
Hovering AND talking
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MD900 - fair point, well made !!
Weight can be a problem especially if the pillion is heavier than me but normally, with appropriate safety briefing (i.e. put your hands round my waist, follow my body movements and if in doubt bl**dy well sit still and DO NOT put your feet down), I have not found it to be an issue. I ride a Bonne so speed is hardly my top priority.
Whilst I have taken women on the back of my bike that is because we are close friends not because they are... uhm... fit birds
However, strapping young men..... that's a different matter
Cheers
Whirlygig
Weight can be a problem especially if the pillion is heavier than me but normally, with appropriate safety briefing (i.e. put your hands round my waist, follow my body movements and if in doubt bl**dy well sit still and DO NOT put your feet down), I have not found it to be an issue. I ride a Bonne so speed is hardly my top priority.
Whilst I have taken women on the back of my bike that is because we are close friends not because they are... uhm... fit birds
However, strapping young men..... that's a different matter
Cheers
Whirlygig
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Classic sixties scooters for me. I have 2 x Lambrettas, a 1968 SX200 and a 1969 GP200. I reckon if you are going to kill yourself on two wheels, you might as well look good while you're doing it!
Pillions? I don't recall any problems from my "original" scooter days, but when I tried to take the missus for a spin last summer, we spent the whole time bashing lids together every time I braked. She decided gardening is more fun, so now I am back to solo riding. Nearly hit 70 mph once!
Pillions? I don't recall any problems from my "original" scooter days, but when I tried to take the missus for a spin last summer, we spent the whole time bashing lids together every time I braked. She decided gardening is more fun, so now I am back to solo riding. Nearly hit 70 mph once!
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MightyGem -
We're probably the only two I guess! Although I hardly ever see any other Lambos around on a daily basis, it's amazing how many are still out there.
Do you do any of the Northern Rallies / Runs (Gingers Egg Run?) or are you a strictly Sunday-lunchtime-cruise-around-in-the-sunshine kind of guy? I sort of sit in the middle - you know, go on the runs if it's not raining. And I'm not working. And if I can get the f@@@er to start of course.
ST
We're probably the only two I guess! Although I hardly ever see any other Lambos around on a daily basis, it's amazing how many are still out there.
Do you do any of the Northern Rallies / Runs (Gingers Egg Run?) or are you a strictly Sunday-lunchtime-cruise-around-in-the-sunshine kind of guy? I sort of sit in the middle - you know, go on the runs if it's not raining. And I'm not working. And if I can get the f@@@er to start of course.
ST
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Liverpool based Geordie, so calm down, calm down kidda!!
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PPrune Fan... You have hit the nail on the head. When I ride the Kawasaki 550, no-one looks twice. The Harley? Everyone looks and my ego becomes even worse. It vibrates, it is uncomfortable, it is a bitch to clean, the backfires are amazing when you start it hot...... But I love it!!
Mighty Gem, I need to see this classic scooter, bring it in to work on tuesday.
Tiger mate... You might talk to HD riders, but we ignore VFR riders!! J for...
Mighty Gem, I need to see this classic scooter, bring it in to work on tuesday.
Tiger mate... You might talk to HD riders, but we ignore VFR riders!! J for...
1975 - Yamaha DT175 paid for by my 21st birthday 50 quid spending money. Perfect way to get around post-invasion Cyprus (unit Pt 1 orders included "no motorcycling in shorts or flip-flops (thongs to you Ozzies...)
1976-78 Honda CB200 with the L-plates off when nipping up from Odiham to Valley to see the old course-mates sweating through training while I was already on a Sqn.
These days - nada, zilch, zip, rien, nothing. Well, you try marrying a nursing sister who used to run a trauma-orthopaedic ward and then say you're thinking about motorcycling! The only people she thinks rank lower in the pond-life scale than motorcyclists are parachutists (I haven't done that since 1975...
1976-78 Honda CB200 with the L-plates off when nipping up from Odiham to Valley to see the old course-mates sweating through training while I was already on a Sqn.
These days - nada, zilch, zip, rien, nothing. Well, you try marrying a nursing sister who used to run a trauma-orthopaedic ward and then say you're thinking about motorcycling! The only people she thinks rank lower in the pond-life scale than motorcyclists are parachutists (I haven't done that since 1975...
Oh dear oh dear!
I am afraid to tell you chaps that, as a seasoned Volvo Estate driver, it is my sworn duty to change lanes without indicating, never look before pulling out from a junction and absolutely never, never to 'Think Twice, Think Bike'.
If you do end up on the bonnet of my Swedish tank could you please have the consideration not to scratch the paint?
Worse still I know where you live and what you ride.
"Sorry Officer, I just didn't see him or his 1/2 million candlepower headlight."
"Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre? No Constable, can't say I'm familiar with that one"
I am afraid to tell you chaps that, as a seasoned Volvo Estate driver, it is my sworn duty to change lanes without indicating, never look before pulling out from a junction and absolutely never, never to 'Think Twice, Think Bike'.
If you do end up on the bonnet of my Swedish tank could you please have the consideration not to scratch the paint?
Worse still I know where you live and what you ride.
"Sorry Officer, I just didn't see him or his 1/2 million candlepower headlight."
"Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre? No Constable, can't say I'm familiar with that one"