No Street Bike

[TimmyB]

As much as I love the track (which is a LOT as you all know), I don't see myself giving up street riding any time soon. There's just way too much out there to discover.

I really wanted to do some longer distance riding this year but it just didn't happen... Though I suppose the season isn't over yet!

you should head up my way.

[CEO]

IMO there are way too many (mostly new) track riders who drop street riding under the auspices of safety. I understand that newfound love for the track and how everything else seems boring, but don't forget the other side of motorcycling that is just plain FUN cruising and relaxing... I still have a blast riding on the street, go on 2up rides, go for a cruise in the nice weather, stop for ice cream, go by a scenic area. You can't beat that.

The common argument is about safety... but the street isn't unsafe if you keep your wits about you. Track riding is dangerous too, there are idiots there as well, people riding over their head, etc.

I see it as riding track days and racing has made me such a better rider that my street riding feels so slow it's just relaxing and clears my head. There is an infinitely small chance I'm going to crash on the street of my own accord now, and I like that. I'm not being cocky, I honestly think that's the case. It's as easy as riding around in novice TD group... just taking in the scenery and enjoying the bike. Something that USED to require a lot of my attention and effort and now doesn't.

Honestly unless someone comes out of absolutely nowhere and tbones me so bad that it was like they meant to, I don't see the huge risk. There are idiots on the road, everyone knows this, so you pay attention on the roads with traffic, and don't ride like a retard. Anyways, these are the roads you ride on the way to the non-crowded roads where you can really have that zen/chill experience.

I've seen a lot of riders on the street riding aggressively and going around turning cars, making aggressive moves/turns to beat a light, and then get upset and flick off a driver... guess what, they're not the problem... you're not on a racetrack. Ride at the pace of traffic and you won't have any problems. Then you get some clear road, then you can do your little wheelie and rip a few nice turns.

Anyways, not really a rant... but I still love riding every time and every WHERE as well, no matter the pace or purpose.

[csmutty]

IMO there are way too many (mostly new) track riders who drop street riding under the auspices of safety. I understand that newfound love for the track and how everything else seems boring, but don't forget the other side of motorcycling that is just plain FUN cruising and relaxing... I still have a blast riding on the street, go on 2up rides, go for a cruise in the nice weather, stop for ice cream, go by a scenic area. You can't beat that.

The common argument is about safety... but the street isn't unsafe if you keep your wits about you. Track riding is dangerous too, there are idiots there as well, people riding over their head, etc.

I see it as riding track days and racing has made me such a better rider that my street riding feels so slow it's just relaxing and clears my head. There is an infinitely small chance I'm going to crash on the street of my own accord now, and I like that. I'm not being cocky, I honestly think that's the case. It's as easy as riding around in novice TD group... just taking in the scenery and enjoying the bike. Something that USED to require a lot of my attention and effort and now doesn't.

Honestly unless someone comes out of absolutely nowhere and tbones me so bad that it was like they meant to, I don't see the huge risk. There are idiots on the road, everyone knows this, so you pay attention on the roads with traffic, and don't ride like a retard. Anyways, these are the roads you ride on the way to the non-crowded roads where you can really have that zen/chill experience.

I've seen a lot of riders on the street riding aggressively and going around turning cars, making aggressive moves/turns to beat a light, and then get upset and flick off a driver... guess what, they're not the problem... you're not on a racetrack. Ride at the pace of traffic and you won't have any problems. Then you get some clear road, then you can do your little wheelie and rip a few nice turns.

Anyways, not really a rant... but I still love riding every time and every WHERE as well, no matter the pace or purpose.

I physically can't go for a street ride without going at least double the speed limit. Trust me...it is for safety. I have had too many oh shit moments because I was pushing too hard.

[Pittenger5]

I liked riding on the street, but it was mostly a social thing. Ride to Newbury to hang out with friends, ride to motomarket just to get away. But since I moved the roads all sucked and theres no where to go. I dont miss the riding the bike on the street. I miss the track lots, and I miss the newbury times, but not the riding part. In fact, Im bringing the bike in the house and leaving it there.

[Chippertheripper]

Your urge to ride like an asshat on the street will pass with puberty.

[OreoGaborio]

I liked riding on the street, but it was mostly a social thing. Ride to Newbury to hang out with friends, ride to motomarket just to get away. But since I moved the roads all sucked and theres no where to go. I dont miss the riding the bike on the street. I miss the track lots, and I miss the newbury times, but not the riding part. In fact, Im bringing the bike in the house and leaving it there.

Yup, that's kinda what my street riding has mostly consisted of this year... Chinese, Lowell, Hooters, etc.... but only cuz I haven't really set aside the time to get out and ride. I don't even think I've done 1000 miles this year and I only did one all day group ride.

Maybe I'll head out & rack up some miles this weekend.

[CEO]

I liked riding on the street, but it was mostly a social thing. Ride to Newbury to hang out with friends, ride to motomarket just to get away. But since I moved the roads all sucked and theres no where to go. I dont miss the riding the bike on the street. I miss the track lots, and I miss the newbury times, but not the riding part. In fact, Im bringing the bike in the house and leaving it there.

That too... short ride and meet up for newbury chill or a burger, then a little rip on the way home... that's what it's all about

[Ducrappy]

As much as I love the track (which is a LOT as you all know), I don't see myself giving up street riding any time soon. There's just way too much out there to discover.

I really wanted to do some longer distance riding this year but it just didn't happen... Though I suppose the season isn't over yet!

hit me up on facebook sometime Pete. There's still plenty of street riding time left before the snow starts falling.

[seth399]

That too... short ride and meet up for newbury chill or a burger, then a little rip on the way home... that's what it's all about

word on that...def. fun

[Pittenger5]

before the snow starts falling.

HAHAHAHAHHA SUCKAS!

[Ducrappy]

since I moved the roads all sucked and theres no where to go.

HAHAHAHAHHA SUCKA

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

IMO there are way too many (mostly new) track riders who drop street riding under the auspices of safety. I understand that newfound love for the track and how everything else seems boring, but don't forget the other side of motorcycling that is just plain FUN cruising and relaxing... I still have a blast riding on the street, go on 2up rides, go for a cruise in the nice weather, stop for ice cream, go by a scenic area. You can't beat that.

The common argument is about safety... but the street isn't unsafe if you keep your wits about you. Track riding is dangerous too, there are idiots there as well, people riding over their head, etc.

I see it as riding track days and racing has made me such a better rider that my street riding feels so slow it's just relaxing and clears my head. There is an infinitely small chance I'm going to crash on the street of my own accord now, and I like that. I'm not being cocky, I honestly think that's the case. It's as easy as riding around in novice TD group... just taking in the scenery and enjoying the bike. Something that USED to require a lot of my attention and effort and now doesn't.

Honestly unless someone comes out of absolutely nowhere and tbones me so bad that it was like they meant to, I don't see the huge risk. There are idiots on the road, everyone knows this, so you pay attention on the roads with traffic, and don't ride like a retard. Anyways, these are the roads you ride on the way to the non-crowded roads where you can really have that zen/chill experience.

I've seen a lot of riders on the street riding aggressively and going around turning cars, making aggressive moves/turns to beat a light, and then get upset and flick off a driver... guess what, they're not the problem... you're not on a racetrack. Ride at the pace of traffic and you won't have any problems. Then you get some clear road, then you can do your little wheelie and rip a few nice turns.

Anyways, not really a rant... but I still love riding every time and every WHERE as well, no matter the pace or purpose.

Its funny You seem to be the one of the few that mentioned safety?

For me I just got bored of it and found I like other things better. I put less then 100 miles on my streetbike from march to july

[ZX-12R]

There are A LOT of tracks around the northeast right now. Plenty of changing scenery.

I really do enjoy the track (both road courses and drag strips) but it's simply too constraining. We are fortunate to live in an area that is surrounded by all sorts of interesting locations interconnected by countless highways, byways, roads, streets, trails, and cow paths and your 2 wheel vehicle of choice is a perfect way to explore them. Cutting out street riding eliminates the largest part of the motorcycling experience.

If I were forced to make a one or the other decision between street and track riding, I'd take street without a second thought.

[MysteriousR1]

I really do enjoy the track (both road courses and drag strips) but it's simply too constraining. We are fortunate to live in an area that is surrounded by all sorts of interesting locations interconnected by countless highways, byways, roads, streets, trails, and cow paths and your 2 wheel vehicle of choice is a perfect way to explore them. Cutting out street riding eliminates the largest part of the motorcycling experience.

If I were forced to make a one or the other decision between street and track riding, I'd take street without a second thought.

Agreed. I could never just ride the track, not nearly enough riding for me.

[The Crashing Tomato]

I have taken a vow of celibacy. sold my street bike, sold my dirt bike, and thinking of selling my track / race bike.

that said ... I am always mentioning to the wifey and unborn future racer that I long for a great street ride up to the mountains to get back that loving feeling.

as far as my dirty side ... I could take it or leave it ... mostly cuz I am fat and out of condition that I need to be in to make dirty riding FUN. I will dirt again when the boy is 4 or 5 years old.

like most of us here ... that ride on the track, there are tons of tracks that I still want to ride.

I want to travel to countries that I would love to tour on 2 wheels.

My decisions are purely temporary.

[CEO]

Its funny You seem to be the one of the few that mentioned safety?

well you didn't, but almost everyone I have heard says something like "oh the street is just too dangerous and people don't pay attention, and I am addicted to track riding now"

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

well you didn't, but almost everyone I have heard says something like "oh the street is just too dangerous and people don't pay attention, and I am addicted to track riding now"

You're short

[CEO]

You're short

You're a little roly poly squirrel

[oVTo]

As much as I love track days, I can't imagine being without a street bike.

I like to ride every day I possibly can, not just when I can get to the track. Car keys sit in a drawer for weeks at a time, and very few weeks go by without at least one ride.

For me, street riding is casual riding, sometimes with my wife or a kid on back, relaxing, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of everything around us. On a bike you can watch a river snake through the countryside parallel to Route 2 and you can smell burgers on backyard grills reminding you it might be time to feed your passenger at the next diner somewhere in the middle of NH. With rare exceptions, I don't need anything over 6/10ths pace on the street.

I bought a set of communicators this spring, and now riding includes nice long chats about nothing and everything while the world rolls by at our feet. Street riding is simply awesome.

Dirt biking is awesome, but I have only been once in the last two years. That sucks, but I don't know of any place legal within an hour's drive. And riding legally is important because I want to set a good example for my kids.

[OreoGaborio]

hit me up on facebook sometime Pete. There's still plenty of street riding time left before the snow starts falling.

You think i wanna be seen with you & your big lime head??? Hit me up next time you go for a day ride.

HAHAHAHAHHA SUCKA

[Pittenger5]

Shut up Pete.

Ill be sure to take pictures of South Beach when you assholes get the first snowstorm

[breakdirt916]

how and where do you pick up chicks with a track or dirt bike?

suckaz

I'd like to add more questions to the mix:

1.) how long were you riding on the street before going to track or dirt?

2.) where are all the commuter riders that don't do track days?

3.) wouldn't some guys be dirt guys if they had a place to ride it?

imho: I've done all 3 (street/track/dirt), and have recently been riding more dirt than street for those full-throttle fun runs. But you just can't beat the freedom and integration w' society (newbury, 2-up, ice cream, destination riding, etc.) of a street bike.

[OreoGaborio]

Shut up Pete.

Ill be sure to take pictures of South Beach when you assholes get the first snowstorm

Ya know, it's been a long time since I've gotten a piece of ass.... There are pics of other things that would make me much more jealous

[csmutty]

how and where do you pick up chicks with a track or dirt bike?

suckaz

Some of us don't have to pretend our penis is bigger than it really is..

[bhd1223]

Hmmm. I've thought about it. I doubt I'll ever do it though. I was seriously thinking about it when I felt uncomfortable and bored as hell on my street EX. Yes, an EX. I can't push the bike to it's limit on the track but I found myself extremely bored with it on the street. I kept wanting to push it and ride it harder. I decided for safety reasons to get myself a cruiser. Far more comfortable. Easier to lug around stuff. Don't ride as fast. About the same mpgs. Now I'm thinking of getting a dualsport next summer to get into dirt riding and have a "backup" streetbike when I'm doing maintenance or whatever with the vulcan.