Question for motorcycle riders (felony, law, safe) - Arizona (AZ) - City-Data Forum

JGatti · 07-29-2009, 02:02 PM

My thoughts were at one point if I were to move out to Arizona I don't think I would want to drive a car most of the time. I'd want a bike. I know they have the no helmet law but I'd keep wearing one anyway.
Anyway I'm wondering how hot it is riding a bike out there? Do you bake when you need to stop at lights? I know at times here it was terrible with the heat coming off the asphalt. How bad is it there? Do you guy's ride year round? Or take limit your riding time during the summer?
Also how safe are the street out there? Do a lot of bikers bite it? Here in Michigan people just don't seem to really pay as much attention to people on bikes as they should. That's why they put the loudest pipes they can find for their bikes no matter what brand. They might not always be seen but they are heard. Is it the same out there? Any info or stories you can provide would be great.

OurNextAdventure · 07-29-2009, 03:50 PM

It is HOT. But not too bad. If feels good. I ride in full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) no matter what and how far. Full face helmet, full jacket with back, elbow and shoulder pads, jeans, gloves and tall leather boots.

Last year I was driving up Bell rd on the way to see my little brother and meet his new baby boy for the first time. I was pulling a stop, still going about 8 mph. I had a cars length between me and the person in front of me. Some old black woman tried to cut 2 lanes over, and hit my front tire, then slammed into the back of the car in front of me. Knocked me down, my knee dented my tank, I bent my handle bar, scratched my turn signal, the side of my engine, the paint, and game me one hell of a bruise on my hip. But I was fine. The people around me were PISSED OFF at the lady. One guy got out and kicked her car. Lol. For some reason, I took off. STUPID STUPID STUPID. Lessons learned.

This happened last July. Bout 115 out. Very hot. All my PPE is black too (matches the bike.)

When you are riding, it feels good. You don't really feel the heat. I don't care how hot it is, it is always safer to wear the gear. If you don't wear it, you are not going to feel your skin baking in the sun until you stop. Then you are done.

JGatti · 07-29-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azbatman86

It is HOT. But not too bad. If feels good. I ride in full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) no matter what and how far. Full face helmet, full jacket with back, elbow and shoulder pads, jeans, gloves and tall leather boots.

Last year I was driving up Bell rd on the way to see my little brother and meet his new baby boy for the first time. I was pulling a stop, still going about 8 mph. I had a cars length between me and the person in front of me. Some old black woman tried to cut 2 lanes over, and hit my front tire, then slammed into the back of the car in front of me. Knocked me down, my knee dented my tank, I bent my handle bar, scratched my turn signal, the side of my engine, the paint, and game me one hell of a bruise on my hip. But I was fine. The people around me were PISSED OFF at the lady. One guy got out and kicked her car. Lol. For some reason, I took off. STUPID STUPID STUPID. Lessons learned.

This happened last July. Bout 115 out. Very hot. All my PPE is black too (matches the bike.)

When you are riding, it feels good. You don't really feel the heat. I don't care how hot it is, it is always safer to wear the gear. If you don't wear it, you are not going to feel your skin baking in the sun until you stop. Then you are done.

Maybe some tech genius will come out with some air conditioned gear that plugs into the bikes electrical system. lol Glad to hear you were ok. You sound like a smart rider. I see so many people around here in shorts and a wife beater zipping in and out of traffic on crotch rockets.

Greatday · 07-29-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JGatti

Maybe some tech genius will come out with some air conditioned gear that plugs into the bikes electrical system.

It's already out there.

Along with air bags for the bike.

JGatti · 07-29-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greatday

It's already out there.

Along with air bags for the bike.

I've seen the aribags on the Honda Goldwings. Seen a test video, pretty wild but I'd hate to have someone behind me and hit something.

OurNextAdventure · 07-29-2009, 05:32 PM

I am fixing on getting rid of mine when I get back from Iraq. It was fun at first, but after my first long ride, I hated the thing. It is still fun, but not practical. I am going to trade it in for a used harley sportster. I don't need a crotch rocket. Especially since I am moving back to the baron desert when I get out of the army. Too much open highway for me to do something stupid.

Rick Lee · 07-29-2009, 06:55 PM

I rode year round on the east coast and do it here too. Yesterday was kinda hot, today was ok. I wish using a cell phone while driving were a felony and vigorously enforced. Every single day I see countless people driving while texting or gabbing away and not paying attention. I was hit at hwy. speed on the 101 in March, but miraculously didn't fall down. I still got the idiot to pull over. Of course, two idiot teenage girls. One said I was in her blind spot. Yeah, I wear a flourescent yellow jacket, have HID headlights and foglights, this was in the middle of the afternoon. So hard to see.

Todd TCE · 07-29-2009, 09:27 PM

Helmet wearer but shorts also. City riding for the most part today for commute.

I don't find it really bad but the heat with a helmet on can get tiring about now. And your feet get hot if you do a lot of stop and go at rush hour. Moved here in 90 and consider it riding with a hair dryer blowing on your face!

Riding habit vary by rider. I try to be seen. Ride left lane to take advantage of the center turn when possible, avoid rush hour when I can and tend to favor the side surface streets with less traffic.