| Author | Message | ||
     Kevinjgray88 |
Hey I am sure most everyone on here wears a helmet but for those who dont just think about it. My buddy that I just got off deployment with last november went head first into a building with no helmet. I am actually writing this from the hospital we have been here for a week already. He is either going to die or be a veggie brain dead forever. Dont think oh I know the road i dont need to wear a helmet because the street it happened on he grew up on his whole life. The thing that happened tho was he had some stupid throttle lock on his bike and it got stuck. I just wanted to post this just for awareness. Please no stupid or mean comments as this is still a very serious situation right now. I will post a pic of his bike to  | ||
| Nillaice |
i am sorry to hear of your loss. +1 for gear, and not JUST a helmet | ||
| Kc10_fe |
Dude Im very sorry for your buddy man. Are you guys on AD? The LOD will smack him for not having proper PPE on. Tricare should take care of the bills with no problems. (Message edited by kc10_fe on April 19, 2010) | ||
| Hogzilla |
Man, so sorry to hear this. You're absolutely right though. Get a good lid on no matter how far or where you're going. It may not save you all the time, but you stand a much better chance. | ||
| Ratsmc |
Really sorry to hear that man. It is a terrible thing to learn the value of a helmet after the fact. Looking at the damage to several helmets I own, I know for certain they have saved my life and I have never been in an accident doing more than 30MPH. Early in my riding experience, I was crossing the Bay Bridge and came across a cruiser down. Once I had traffic stopped, I went to check on the rider. He was laying face-down but I could tell he was still conscious through barely. After talking to him for a minute while we waited for police and EMT, the guy rolled over and I could see his face was a bloody mess. He was on his way to the hospital and into surgery. And the guy was wearing a helmet but since he was on a cruiser he went for style over function and it was just a half-helmet. Looking at the bike and the road, it clear the bike went down on its own at about 30 MPH (there was traffic). If I had gone down in the same way, I would have gotten up and ridden home, chalked it up to a learning experience. This guy will live with a minor accident for the rest of his life. I'm praying for the best for your friend. | ||
| Jdugger |
Even if helmets provided NO safety factor at all, I'd still wear one. How do you ride a sportbike without one? Bugs, wind, etc., are all hugely uncomfortable realities of not wearing a helmet. | ||
| Kidder |
I would recommend posting this in the General Forum, as well. Sorry to hear about your friend. | ||
| Prowler |
Really sad to read this. Looks like a Vista Cruise throttle lock. Something like this happens (throttle sticking) and momentary panic sets in (new riders in particular) and reaction time takes just a micro second or two longer. The possible results are scary. The obvious response is why not just pull in the clutch? Sure, easy to say when it's not you in the situation. Anyway, hate to read about this stuff. My son's in the Air Force and he tells me they are clamping down on bike riding 'cause so many service guys are getting seriously injured or killed on shiny new superbikes. | ||
| Kc10_fe |
My son's in the Air Force and he tells me they are clamping down on bike riding 'cause so many service guys are getting seriously injured or killed on shiny new superbikes. AF Safety article: Across the services, motorcycle fatalities increased from 71 in 2002 to 124 in 2008. During fiscal 2008, motorcycle accidents killed 19 airmen, according to Air Force Safety Center. All were off-duty and off base when the accidents occurred; all but one were enlisted airmen. Of the accidents about which the Air Force had motorcycle model information, 10 involved high-performance sports cycles. Five others were cruisers. Bikes are in the crosshairs of the brass. Smoking on base will be banned soon enough and I hate to see the same happen with bikes. Ive been in the AF for 16 years and riding for the past 10. The rules are continually being racheted up because we are not doing it right. There has been a few simple rules helmets, gloves,long sleeves, over the ankle protection. Now the regs have you wearing dayglo vests in addition. (Message edited by kc10_fe on April 19, 2010) | ||
| Syonyk |
I know the Navy has developed a special version of the MSF course specifically tailored for sportbike riders, due to the issue of them losing more sailors to motorcycles than to combat. It wouldn't surprise me if the AF is looking at doing something similar as well. But, really, helmets. I'd say 85+% of the motorcyclists I see in Albuquerque don't have helmets on their heads. I see a few "helmets strapped to the back of the bike," which makes no sense to me. In what I strongly suspect is related news, Albuquerque has a lot of motorcycle deaths annually. | ||
| Dirty_john |
Sorry to hear of the accident, hope your mate does make a recovery. In the UK we have 100% helmet laws and even if not I would never ride a bike without a decent helmet, out roads are generally twister with stone walls, sheep and more congested on average. Too many cars pulling caravans, at least RVs are that popular yet. It scares me seeing people riding without good gloves and boots as well. (Message edited by Dirty_john on April 19, 2010) | ||
| Jrfitzny |
Prayers for the fallen rider. | ||
| Melsik |
I agree 100% about riding gear. My Commander strongly encouraged of of us sport bike riders to attend not only the Air Force sport bike course, but also the MSF Military sport bike course at the Naval Weapons Station. While I agree with the smoking ban on base, I do not agree with the idea of banning motorcycles on base. First of all, there are very many riders that do follow the rules that would be punished for those who acted like idiots and passed on. Second, motorcycles are a very practical alternative to cars because of the great fuel economy and lower cost of mx and insurance compared to cars. How can you punish those who follow the rules? It is apparent that the people not acting within personal limits and road laws are being weeded out every day, that is according to Darwin's Theory right? I can't believe AF officials have the Gaul to consider telling me I can't ride on base if it is completely legal to ride off base. The AF motorcycle safety program has went to pretty considerable lengths to train Airmen how to ride properly and inform them of possible consequences . What ever happened to personal accountability? | ||
| Stirz007 |
My personal belief is that a helmet is the difference between open and closed casket once you get over about 70 if you were to hit anything solid. Nonetheless - after putting my (unhelmeted) head through the back of a Ford Explorer a few years back, I started wearing a lid for in-town travel. Hope your guy pulls through OK.  | ||
| Jandj_davis |
Right now is actually a really good time to get deals on helmets. The "new year models" are showing up in shops and at distributors warehouses, and the old stuff has be gone. | ||
| Milt |
Is the Navy course available to civilians if there are unfilled seats? | ||
| Melsik |
"Personnel eligible for Naval Weapons Station sponsored training are active duty military, DoD civilians, military retirees, dependents, and reservist. Active duty military and DoD civilians stationed at Weapons Station Charleston have priority." -This is for the Charleston area, I'm not sure about other installations around the U.S. Class sizes are usually 12 people and the wait list is 6. www.navymotorcyclerider.com | ||
| Hogzilla |
The Shoei RF-1100 is the most comfortable helmet I've worn. Highly recommend it. | ||
| Endoman33 |
Hogzilla, I've been running the RF=1000 for about 3 years now, been thinking of moving up to the RF-1100. So my question is did you run a RF-1000 prior to the RF-1100, if so what kind of wind noix=se differnce did you notice? | ||
| Jonesz0003 |
SYONYK, im in the air force and they havent done anything special for sport bike riders, they just use the beginners and advance course that the MSF organization offer and yes the AF is very serious about riding bikes and you lose your riding privilages if you get caught riding without your proper PPE and if you wreck and dont have them on there then tricare doesnt cover anything. | ||
| Mr_incognito |
Im really sorry to hear about your story. Its so sad that a person can avoid such big problems with the simple strap of a helmet. I get a sick feeling in my stomach when I see people riding with nothing on their dome...its the simplest thing and people find any reason they can to not put one on. You stand basically no chance if you go down without one on. Many prayers to you and his family and other friends that are having to watch him. Ill continue helping you spread the word on helmet safety. | ||
| Zac4mac |
I have missing teeth from a ride down Mt Palomar 3 days after returning from a WesPac. 30 years ago. My wife and I almost died. Servicemen/women - be slow the first month or so after you get home, you forget a lot. I am VERY sorry for what you and your friends have to deal with. Zack | ||
| Hogzilla |
Endoman33, I used an HJC before the RF-1100 so don't have any point of reference. I've been riding with it for about 6 weeks now and really haven't noticed the noise to be all that much of a problem. I have run it with all vents open. | ||
| Kevinjgray88 |
Thanks for all the kind and heartfull comments. he hit the building head first going about 70 mph and is still somehow hangin in there | ||
| Afhans |
Now the regs have you wearing dayglo vests in addition. KC10_fe- Please reference that reg. | ||
| Afhans |
Oh sorry Kevin. I did not mean to hijack the thread. | ||
| Kevinjgray88 |
its cool afhans no big deal. | ||
| Kc10_fe |
Afhans heres the reg: AFI 91-207 3.4.2.4. Personal Protection Equipment: 3.4.2.4.1. Head Protection. A helmet designed to meet or exceed Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, shall be worn and properly fastened under the chin. Host nation equivalent is acceptable if it meets or exceeds the DOT standard. Commanders may authorize use of tactical helmets in appropriate off-road training or operating environments after completing an ORM evaluation. 3.4.2.4.2. Eye Protection. Goggles, wrap around glasses, or a full-face shield (properly attached to helmet) designed to meet or exceed American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z87.1 for impact and shatter resistance will be worn. A windshield does not constitute proper eye protection. Host nation equivalent is acceptable if it meets or exceeds ANSI Standard Z87.1 for impact and shatter resistance. 3.4.2.4.3. Protective Clothing. Wear of long sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full-fingered gloves are required. Gloves should be sturdy, non-slip type to permit a firm grip on the controls. Wear of a motorcycle jacket and pants constructed of abrasion resistant materials such as leather, KevlarŽ, and/or CorduraŽ containing impact absorbing padding are strongly encouraged. 3.4.2.4.4. Foot Protection. Riders will wear sturdy over the ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles (durable athletic shoes that cover the ankles may be worn). Sandals, low quarter sneakers, and similar footwear will not be used. 3.4.2.4.5. Garment and Motorcycle Visibility. Motorcycle riders will wear a brightly colored outer upper garment during the day and a reflective upper garment during the night. Outer upper garment shall be visible and not covered. Wearing a backpack is authorized if it has brightly colored/reflective properties. | ||
| Theeman23_69 |
Sailor here as well. Last month, during a Military sportbike riding course, a rider was killed 50 yards outside of the main gate on Jacksonville. The police estimate his speed at 80+ mph. The Navy really cares about its sailors, it really does. This accident may be a result reckless driving, but more likely a result of a sailor not caring about the Navy. There isn't anything you can tell these kids. They think they are invincible. Now I am not saying they are beyond hope, I am saying that these accidents need to be documented and plastered everywhere for the rest of the invincible to see. In order to ride as a sailor, you must wear a helmet, something that is reflective or bright, full leather shoes, pants, long sleeved shirt or coat, and gloves. Not everyone rider this way, but I cant remember the last time I got on mine without the minimum. I almost always wear my leather jacket or armored jacket. This weekend we had another sailor that went down on his bike. Now he was wearing all the gear, but he was still hurt. Makes me think about getting some armored pants. +1 to not just a helmet. (Not a poke at my fellow sailors, marines, soldiers, or airmen. And not meant to be disrespectful in regards to those that have fallen. I just wish so many servicemen wouldn't get killed when many of the accidents are preventable.) I have presented a proposal to my Skipper for a possible solution. The proposal includes the MWR department subsidizing track time for motorcycle riders. This is not an end all, but it may encourage riders to reconsider reckless riding on the street when you can take to the track. A good deal if each command on NAS Jacksonville will support it. | ||
| Geforce |
"I have presented a proposal to my Skipper for a possible solution. The proposal includes the MWR department subsidizing track time for motorcycle riders. This is not an end all, but it may encourage riders to reconsider reckless riding on the street when you can take to the track. A good deal if each command on NAS Jacksonville will support it." We here at FT Leonard Wood have been trying to do the same thing for the last year. The Safety office is behind us 100% but the big hurdles are the safety equipment and risk assessments. The track can be built by the military *Army Engineers can lay pavement as well as AirForce Engineers* and we have our own rock crusher and quarry on post. The mitigation to all this seems to be designing a track where WOT speeds 100+ MPH are not obtainable but the chance to really flog the bike would be obtainable. If you come up with anything let me know because several of the riders here are seriously trying to get this going, most of us all attend track days together throughout the year and the MSF coaches like to go with us.  |
