Motorized bicycles like aircraft?

**Bikeguy Joe** · #1 05-24-2008, 07:37 AM

I am talking about the "check before each flight" thing.

I know I for one don't wear a helmet...Would I like being hurled headlong into a ditch because I didn't check the fenders/wheels/frame/ect. before each "flight"?

Most folks who build thier own aircraft do a general walk around before they get in, taxi off and fly. It's good practice and a way to get to know your vehicle intimately. If we did the same, we'd know at a glance if something was coming loose, leaking, or cracking.

Think about it, do it, it only takes 30 seconds.

Pablo · #2 05-24-2008, 09:30 AM

I agree, but it's also like a boat.....always throwing money at it...(not really but don't start a jackshaft project)

Venice Motor Bikes · #3 05-24-2008, 12:20 PM

I gotta get one of those jackshafts! But then I'll have to get another old Schwinn cruiser with 5 speeds to put it on!

Weren't we just talking about spending a lot of $$$ on another thread?

Also... I'm always checking the bike for loose nuts & bolts, & anything that isn't working perfect!

**Ilikeabikea** · #4 05-24-2008, 12:44 PM

You know it seems like I'm always finding things wrong with my airplane and they have to be fixed. So I just get on the bike and ride. I figure if the bike breaks I'll just call the wife to come get me and I'll fix it at the house. That strategy will probably bite me in the butt one of these days..................

daledoo · #5 02-07-2010, 01:19 AM

I agree. Check the main bolts first, front wheel, back wheel, chain tensioner for clear of spokes, engine bolts, chain, at least for a minimum. And always do a good weekend onceover for the next week comming up.

**BarelyAWake** · #6 02-07-2010, 04:33 AM

Ah yus - a "preflight" FTW

Good call joe

EnFlaMEd · #7 02-07-2010, 06:32 AM

Wear a helmet FFS. I don't understand what it is with Americans wanting to end their lives early by negating to use safety devices that are right there for them. By this I mainly mean seat belts and helmets.

Where I live it is the law to wear a helmet and it is policed. There are also hefty fines for drivers and passengers who do not wear a seat belt.

Think about it, do it, it takes less than 30 seconds to put on a helmet or buckle up.

**BarelyAWake** · #8 02-07-2010, 06:43 AM

o.o

Thank you for your concern... but be easy with your "advice" please... Various debates notwithstanding - wearing a helmet is a matter of personal choice (in this state anyway).

While suggesting a helmet is a good idea, telling someone to with abbreviated expletives then maligning a nationality could make some... displeased w/you

EnFlaMEd · #9 02-07-2010, 06:58 AM

Haha fair enough.

I just find it funny that people can be concerned with the safety aspects of their MBs yet fail to wear basic safety equipment that could have a major impact on how they fair in the event of an accident.

I don't mean to generalise American's either but when you see shows like "Cops" and those "wildest police chases" kind of shows it really does paint a negative picture (of American's attitudes to road safety).

Do most states over there enforce the wearing of seat belts?

**BarelyAWake** · #10 02-07-2010, 07:10 AM

You ofc realize that such shows hardly paint an accurate picture of the "average" American, that in fact they go out of their way to show only the worst possible scenarios, out of context, and even outright lie - all in the interest of ratings... right?

As for a "preflight" vs safety devices like a helmet - it's rationalized as a helmet helps in case of an accident, while makin' sure yer gear is up to par can help prevent an accident in the first place. *shrug* personal preference really and ofc both would naturally be best

While seat belt laws are in fact mandatory in all states (to the best of my knowledge it's federal, I could be wrong) and enforcement is... enthusiastic, they've been workin' on (and succeeding in some states like Maine) laws that allow officers to pull someone over under the "suspicion" they may not be wearing a seat belt. In effect this gives the officers a completely free hand to pull anyone over at any time - despite the fact they've broken no law at all. ...and they've been doing just that with abandon.

So while safety devices in and of themselves are wonderful things - laws pertaining to their usage are... perhaps not so wonderful. Targeting atypical vehicles and "undesirables" without true "just cause" is commonplace and just the tip of the iceberg. Stuff like that you'll never see on 'Cops' lol