Rider mentality?

Question

why is it when 2 or more riders are together, they get reckless in the way they ride? i noticed that more and more speeding and quick lane changes and sudden stopping is the norm. is it the youthfulness of the riders or just mob mentality when they ride? is it really necessary to show off and endanger cars and other riders?

Answer 1

We're not all like that. It's nice to go fast occasionally but theres no excuse for riding like a k**b. Personally, I've only got one bike and I can't afford to break it so I tend to ride quite safely. It's bad enough avoiding all the other nutters on the road without behaving like one myself.

Answer 2

I would not know, stopped riding on the road years ago in favor of the track.

Answer 3

I think it depends on the type of riders. I ride with my family and I can honestly say that we ride quite safely. I have seen the kind of idiots that you talk about. People who think it is cool to act like an idiot. The thing that I hate the most is guys on sports bikes who think it is cool to "pop a wheelie" at a redlight. I always think they are overcompensating for something (if you get my drift)

Answer 4

Showing off for each other. Alone, there is no point 'actin' a fool' without an appreciative audience. In pairs or groups, squids need to show off for each other by driving like nuts.

Answer 5

Not for me. I always rode a lot crazier when I was alone. When paired up I always minded my part of the lane and was downright civilized, except for once. THAT time got on the 6:00o'clock news. I got in a race with a Japanese Honda Cb750.The ones from Japan were hotter than the ones you could buy here.We were averaging 120 and over down I-5 in rush traffic and using the median and sides of the freeway as well as the white line.That ticket cost 300.00. There was a helicopter and at least 6 CHP cars. we didn't even know each other and had not committed any crimes-just the racing.

Answer 6

you are only as strong as your willpower...

I don't show off, even if I'm riding with my friends. If they are splitting lanes, speeding, wheeling, etc. ahead of me I will stay back

Girl above me- 1000cc and 600cc inline sportbikes power-wheelie extremely easy in lower gears- I occasionally forget and the front end will rise up when I take off sometimes. and yes, ITS FUN.

Answer 7

I don't know about everyone else, but I seem to be more reckless when I am by myself that riding with others.  I do not show off to anyone but every once in a while I will have to take another bike off the line or show off to the mustang next to me.

  

LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES

Answer 8

Mostly i say the youthfullness of the riders but then again i am 38 and I bet my Ninja will blow your HD.. I will be down shifting at the next light before you get thru the first intersection...It,s my life to live and or loose.. thank god for the good ol USA...So any way... whats the problem did your HD get smoked by some squid ... More chrome won,t make your HD  faster sigh....lol.... my heart bleeds for you.....

Answer 9

I note the opposite, that when you have a group all are more safety conscious, whereas solo, they they don't have anyone else to look out for.

Answer 10

I have ridden in a lot of groups, most of the people that I ride with as partners are in tune with each other.  There are only a select few that I will ride side by side on a curvy road up in the mountains with.

We are old, so we don't show off. I have ridden with younger riders who are more adapt to take risks. We normally let them be road guards. LOL.

The novice riders we will put in the middle with only a few older riders to take up the back and push them along.

Answer 11

Youthfulness with the "I'm a better biker than you are " attitude. Usually out grown with age or accidents, which ever comes first.

Answer 12

The answer is here for sure. Notice that the mentality came through as one participant said his bike could out run a Harley? The only person that really cares is the one that feels he has to PROVE he has the biggest anatomical part. The rest of us go out there and ride like we want to live. (or the majority of us do) Guys on sport bikes that drive like idiots give all bikers a bad name. People see them running off with wheel in the air, lane splitting and speeding 100+mph everywhere. They think every biker does that c**p. Every time a sport bike cuts in front of a car he is causing the driver to panic. I usually laugh at them showing off because they have no idea what road rash feels like. They think it is like a bump on the shin or something. Removal of a lot on skin at one time hurts like h**l and the bruises and broken bones just add insult to injury. I know some wear protective gear but not all of them. I have seen the squids in Atlanta doing 125+ and wearing shorts and a shirt unbuttoned, DUMB A$$ES!!!!!

If they go down in THAT traffic they most likely are on a one way trip to the morgue.

Answer 13

Ego, plain and simple.

Ironic isn't it?  Sport bikes are actually, by design, the safest.  They accelerate quicker, and handle better.  Unfortunately, they also can foster a sense of false confidence.

Many a rider that has suffered a nasty get-off more than likely, put themselves and the bike in a bad position.