hypothetical buyers list

[sanford]

If the experienced rider's were to go shopping for a new bike today.. safety wise what would be the things on your shopping list, ie brakes, tire type, etc.
thanks Sandford

[Midnightrider]

ABS brakes... air bag , seat belts & rear view camera...(just kidding on the last 3)

[Cool The Kid]

Definitely ABS. Maybe a linked brake system too. And a god damn summer jacket

[stantony1]

ABS. Fuel Injected. Watercooled. Super Light. Naked. Windshield. 250cc to 650cc. Centerstand.

I love my ER-6N but wish I had a centerstand, windshield, and ABS. Also if it was 50-100 pounds lighter...

I want to add that if I had 72 degrees and sunny all year round, I would be happy as a pig in sh*t.

[sanford]

I'm pretty sure ABS is on my wish list, I over press the brakes by instinct in panic situations, if have a second then would not lock brakes.. ABS may solve part of that concearn...

[Dodsfall]

Originally Posted by sanford

I over press the brakes by instinct in panic situations,

Practice at quick stops will help to gain the muscle memory to avoid doing that.

Have a friend with a whistle help you out in a parking lot. Ride normally at varying speeds and have them randomly blow the whistle and stop quickly when you hear it. For fun you can try some practice with swerves at the same time.

[Eye_m_no_angel]

I don't think there would be anything, safety wise, that could change my opinnion on the bike I'm looking at. I'd be more concerned about longevity and my ability to repair and maintain it.

ABS is a great addition to a bike, especialy if you're not a very skilfull rider, but they can be a real danger to work on yourself.

[bajakirch]

If I had limited funds to spend on one safety improvement for a bike, I'd put it into buying the best tires my money could get.

A racer friend said it best: "When it comes down to it, there are only 2 things connecting you (the moveable object) and the ground (the immoveable object) -- a couple of very small patches of rubber. Put everything you can into those 2 contact points and you'll never be sorry."

[Dodsfall]

Originally Posted by Eye_m_no_angel

ABS is a great addition to a bike, especialy if you're not a very skilfull rider, but they can be a real danger to work on yourself.

I've never owned or even ridden a motorcycle with ABS. I think I will definitely look for one next time around. (I'm a cautious rider, and I believe a safe rider, but I wouldn't go so far as to say skillful )

I've owned plenty of cars with ABS and liked how they work, especially in the snow and ice.

What is dangerous about working on these? The only thing I've ever had to do with ABS automotive brakes is change the pads and flush the fluid. Hopefully, there isn't much more to motorcycle ABS maintenance than that, or I might reconsider owning them.

[OldGuy]

Low saddle so I can plant both feet flat, ABS, liquid cooled
motor, 250CC for lightweight. I'm a conservative rider and I
don't ride on highways so 50MPH is about as fast I can go
on local roads. I don't buy "you'll outgrow a 250" theory. It
depends on what kind of riding you do.

[Eye_m_no_angel]

Originally Posted by Dodsfall

I've never owned or even ridden a motorcycle with ABS. I think I will definitely look for one next time around. (I'm a cautious rider, and I believe a safe rider, but I wouldn't go so far as to say skillful )

I've owned plenty of cars with ABS and liked how they work, especially in the snow and ice.

What is dangerous about working on these? The only thing I've ever had to do with ABS automotive brakes is change the pads and flush the fluid. Hopefully, there isn't much more to motorcycle ABS maintenance than that, or I might reconsider owning them.

I'm speaking of the HD ABS brakes, as I don't know anything about other brands. (And in fact, I'm not current any more on the HD system.)

In order to properly service the ABS brakes, (other then slip on a new pair of pads,) you have to have a DTII computer, which is available only at the dealership. So the owner can't really adjust the wheel sensors, bleed the lines, flush the system, clean the valves, or do anything else to the system.

The danger comes when people, some after reading opinnons of "experts" on line, will try to save a few bucks and do such maintenance at home anyway. I looked at the PHD for the ABS brakes, but did not take that course as I didn't need it, but it was very, very technical in nature and I am of the opinnion that if you are not experienced, trained, and very carefull, you may easily create a fatal mistake.

And that's not just my opinnion either. I don't know a single owner or technician at a reputable aftermarket shop that will work on the HD ABS brakes. They will all tell you to take it to the dealer.

Like I said, they're a great improvement, but in no way should they, or can they, replace training, practise, and skill in riding.

[Dodsfall]

That's good to know. I always have done my own maintenance, and if it requires scheduled maintenance by the dealership, I'll have to skip it.

Maybe a BMW can still be serviced at home.

[goalie]

If we are talking strictly bike and not gear, I am making sure there is an engine guard/crash guard or some sort of framework that saves your legs and your bike from serious damage.

[z9nine]

Brand new plastics for my Ninja, recover the seat.

[sanford]

Originally Posted by goalie

If we are talking strictly bike and not gear, I am making sure there is an engine guard/crash guard or some sort of framework that saves your legs and your bike from serious damage.

I read on another thread that a crash bar could trap your foot, not sure, but chances are probably slim?

[goalie]

Originally Posted by sanford

I read on another thread that a crash bar could trap your foot, not sure, but chances are probably slim?

I guess in theory, but I'd balance that against the probabilities that it would save your leg from being crushed.

[Cool The Kid]

Originally Posted by goalie

I guess in theory, but I'd balance that against the probabilities that it would save your leg from being crushed.

I am pretty sure most folks legs dont get crushed. Plus in any case that is just another place for body parts to get tangled in. When I went down my legs didn't get crushed and I have been down 3 times.

[goalie]

Originally Posted by Cool The Kid

I am pretty sure most folks legs dont get crushed. Plus in any case that is just another place for body parts to get tangled in. When I went down my legs didn't get crushed and I have been down 3 times.

Here's an interesting tidbit. Basically a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" for the safety. I guess I also like the fact the crash bar protects the bike from damage (I can speak from experience on that one).

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5394652...ect-rider.html

[WinterWarrior]

For safety's sake, I would consider good/adjustable suspension, tires, and a quality horn. I would also consider taking a 'ride like a pro' course, a friend of mine took it and it added what seemed like years to his experience level.

[sanford]

Originally Posted by WinterWarrior

For safety's sake, I would consider good/adjustable suspension, tires, and a quality horn. I would also consider taking a 'ride like a pro' course, a friend of mine took it and it added what seemed like years to his experience level.

goods tips everyone.. the riding courses in my area are slim and basic costs 800 plus,, if I could give any one a tip it would be "look ahead" . It becomes so much fun riding by just looking ahead, the bike will steer where we look automatically. Can't get much easier then that. subject to correction, just a old noob.

Today saw a young woman riding, btw with shorts, saw her turn a corner, she did not look ahead and made a very wide turn... it's so easy when we look ahead the bike goes where we look, just don't get fixated..