Stories like this don't help...

http://www.cleveland.com/news/index.ssf?/news/pd/ca07mca.html

From the Monday edition of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

It's a copy of the article that was in our paper, except for the photos that showed an a-hole wheelieing for the camera in a tiger-fur and polished framed Gixxer on the highway.(complete with fuzzy tail hanging off near the rear wheel- duh..) There were also photos of firemen removing bodies from accident scenes.

Bad press all the way around... isn't it interesting to see how "they" perceive "us"?

'cane

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[This message has been edited by Hurricane (edited August 08, 2000).]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Aril, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by GreenNinja:
Sorry, but the story was not ENTIRELY unrealistic. It did balance the issue somewhat and we all know there ARE idiots on sportbikes and they do JUSt what the article said...We need to stop whining and be more responsible riders.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I disagree with you GreenBoy. I think the story was nothing more than sensationalism. I read the article and promptly fired-off a letter to Mr. Mike Tobin. I recommend that others do the same. I've pasted a copy of the letter below:

Dear Mike Tobin:

I recently read your article titled "High-speed bikers outrace authority in dangerous game." That has to be some of the most irresponsible journalism I've had the displeasure of reading in quite some time. "For them, the highway is a raceway." Please explain to me who "them" are? Why is it that people like yourself, simply want to "shock" the public with tales of crazed bikers on their "Ninja's?" You are stereotyping, and articles such as that do nothing more than perpetuate peoples stereotypical outlook toward the sportbike community.

I have been riding "Crotch Rockets" for twenty years, both on and off the track. You won't find a more responsible rider than myself. I have never, nor would I ever, ride in such a manner as to endanger someones life. The majority of sportbike enthusiasts whom I know personally (this number is in the thousands), are more cautious and careful than any "car driver." When was the last time you heard about a driver dying on the street because a motorcyclist claimed "I didn't see him!" and blindly turned left in front of the car? Why don't you run an article about that one percent of automobile drivers who run from the law and drive too fast? Allow me to quote a paragraph in your article.

"The next week, Alex Ocana was driving his 1995 Kawasaki
Ninja ZX7 motorcycle on Denison Ave. on Cleveland’s near
West Side. Witnesses said Ocana, 23, was popping wheelies
and traveling more than 80 mph when his bike slammed into a
turning car driven by a 17-year-old Cleveland girl."

I'm certain that Alex was speeding, but I also suspect that the 17-year-old girl did not yield and turned blindly into the path of the motorcycle. You just assume that it was the riders fault because it adheres well with the rest of your drivel. You go on to protect yourself by throwing-in an occasional remark regarding responsible riders. Who are you trying to fool. You know that after reading the content of that article, that no matter what you say, people are going to see nothing more than the crazed wheelie popping, 160 mph, running from the police crotch rockets that you so artfully described.

Perhaps you should have conversed with the ninety-nine percent of sportbike enthusiasts who do ride responsibly, and desperately try to edjucate people about the biking community. But that wouldn't sell very many papers, would it? You've done nothing more than effectively solidified the stereotype that so many people have regarding bike riders.

What I want to stress to you is that the group of riders which you represent with your article are a very small minority among sportike enthusiasts. It really is unfair that you generalize. I can only hope that continued effort on behalf of the sportbike community will change the publics perception that all bikers are irresponsible. Perhaps you could do your part by printing a counterpoint artcle discussing the other "ninety-nine percent."

Sincerely,

Paul H. Sisley




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-Paul
You ride like shit...

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Aril, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by hy_syde:
sounded like a an accurate article to me... heck, the POPO even admitted they won't chase a sportbike, so to me that's great news...just sounds like a bunch of clueless cagers complaining cuz they got passed on the freeway...nothin new...
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Well, you really can't dismiss it that easily. What happens when enough folks read this and some crazy law gets passed? I mean, what would happen if, God forbid, top speed was limited in some way?
Most of the people I know don't ride at all - the few that do ride Harleys or cruisers. But I have yet to come across any prejudice of sportbike riders in general. Unfortunately, articles like this can easily sway uninformed opinion, and you know, one "oh, shit" takes out quite a few "atta boy"'s.
My point? Don't pass off the article as meaningless/harmless. Take it for action to be the best representative of your sport that you can. I applaud Paul for his letter in our defense. Thanks, man, and well said.


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I wouldn't be so paranoid if you all weren't out to get me.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Aril, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by '00F4:
I'm not sure who 748_abuser is trying to convince more, himself or the editor. I know 10 sportbike riders, 2 of whom are very new and scared of their bikes, and the other eight who will do everything in their power to show that their bike is the fastest and that they are the coolest. To say that 90% of the riders out there are speed limit going, never raise hell, always drive responsibly riders, is ridiculous. One rider by himself my drive semi-sanely, two together are always going to compete a little, and a whole group is nothing more than a "check out what I can do on my bike" contest.
People that buy these bikes buy them because they can scream through corners and run at ballistic top speeds, and once they get them you expect anyone to believe that they aren't going to use it. I think that this article is mostly spot-on. I will also hate it when laws are passed limiting bikes, but I don't see how lying to ourselves, and each other, about how most people are riding (especially in groups) is going to help the situation. And frankly if I have to go out and putt around on my bike, like it was a 250, instead of using at least some of the available performance, who cares if they limit the bikes. I'm not using it anyway.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

'00F4,

It's obvious by your response that you fall into that "one percent" category. I ride in large groups on occasion and it is NEVER a contest to see who is the fastest, that's a good way to wad your bike. Not to mention you are endangering the lives of innocent people. That is typically settled at the track under controlled conditions. I don't ride to "prove" I'm faster than anyone. If that's your street mentality, you're in for an eye-opener.

If you honestly believe that story was "spot-on," it is you, and people like you who will always be a blemish amongst those riders who are responsible. You complain about top speed restrictions? Why do you think those are being enforced? It's a result of the actions of those riders who feel that the public streets are a place for "ballistic top speeds."


Convince me that you're not a Lemming...



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-Paul
You ride like shit...

Welcome home Boys(Ladies too)!
Now you know what Harley riders have been tagged with for years. You put a few "1%er's" in leather, add some chaines, some beer, and subtract some gray matter, and VOLLA!!!! you have . . . dare I say. . ."A BIKER! Grab the kids honey and lock the door!" Just because we would ride-in on a Harley.(with full regada of leather, boots, etc.)
My dad sold & rode Harley's in the late thirties and I grew-up getting rides on Police hogs. Now I are one...
You have the choice to see me as a "Biker" or you can see me as a "Biker". Either way my cheerios are still going to be as crunchy tomorrow morning.
From years of stereotype experience all I can tell you is the best response and education for the non-rider is to keep your head, keep cool, stay responsible. It WILL show through...and the "squids"? Well, they'll show there own colors. Be well friends. and remember you can not have responsibility for anybody else...just yourself. It does show!!!

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The freedom to choose, intelligently.

[This message has been edited by Reservoir Dave (edited August 10, 2000).]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Aril, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 748_abuser:
I disagree with you GreenBoy. I think the story was nothing more than sensationalism. I read the article and promptly fired-off a letter to Mr. Mike Tobin. I recommend that others do the same. I've pasted a copy of the letter below:

Dear Mike Tobin:

I recently read your article titled "High-speed bikers outrace authority in dangerous game." That has to be some of the most irresponsible journalism I've had the displeasure of reading in quite some time. "For them, the highway is a raceway." Please explain to me who "them" are? Why is it that people like yourself, simply want to "shock" the public with tales of crazed bikers on their "Ninja's?" You are stereotyping, and articles such as that do nothing more than perpetuate peoples stereotypical outlook toward the sportbike community.

I have been riding "Crotch Rockets" for twenty years, both on and off the track. You won't find a more responsible rider than myself. I have never, nor would I ever, ride in such a manner as to endanger someones life. The majority of sportbike enthusiasts whom I know personally (this number is in the thousands), are more cautious and careful than any "car driver." When was the last time you heard about a driver dying on the street because a motorcyclist claimed "I didn't see him!" and blindly turned left in front of the car? Why don't you run an article about that one percent of automobile drivers who run from the law and drive too fast? Allow me to quote a paragraph in your article.

"The next week, Alex Ocana was driving his 1995 Kawasaki
Ninja ZX7 motorcycle on Denison Ave. on Cleveland’s near
West Side. Witnesses said Ocana, 23, was popping wheelies
and traveling more than 80 mph when his bike slammed into a
turning car driven by a 17-year-old Cleveland girl."

I'm certain that Alex was speeding, but I also suspect that the 17-year-old girl did not yield and turned blindly into the path of the motorcycle. You just assume that it was the riders fault because it adheres well with the rest of your drivel. You go on to protect yourself by throwing-in an occasional remark regarding responsible riders. Who are you trying to fool. You know that after reading the content of that article, that no matter what you say, people are going to see nothing more than the crazed wheelie popping, 160 mph, running from the police crotch rockets that you so artfully described.

Perhaps you should have conversed with the ninety-nine percent of sportbike enthusiasts who do ride responsibly, and desperately try to edjucate people about the biking community. But that wouldn't sell very many papers, would it? You've done nothing more than effectively solidified the stereotype that so many people have regarding bike riders.

What I want to stress to you is that the group of riders which you represent with your article are a very small minority among sportike enthusiasts. It really is unfair that you generalize. I can only hope that continued effort on behalf of the sportbike community will change the publics perception that all bikers are irresponsible. Perhaps you could do your part by printing a counterpoint artcle discussing the other "ninety-nine percent."

Sincerely,

Paul H. Sisley


<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Good Letter:
"Nothing said. Nothing changed."


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The freedom to choose, intelligently.

I'm not sure who 748_abuser is trying to convince more, himself or the editor. I know 10 sportbike riders, 2 of whom are very new and scared of their bikes, and the other eight who will do everything in their power to show that their bike is the fastest and that they are the coolest. To say that 90% of the riders out there are speed limit going, never raise hell, always drive responsibly riders, is ridiculous. One rider by himself my drive semi-sanely, two together are always going to compete a little, and a whole group is nothing more than a "check out what I can do on my bike" contest.
People that buy these bikes buy them because they can scream through corners and run at ballistic top speeds, and once they get them you expect anyone to believe that they aren't going to use it. I think that this article is mostly spot-on. I will also hate it when laws are passed limiting bikes, but I don't see how lying to ourselves, and each other, about how most people are riding (especially in groups) is going to help the situation. And frankly if I have to go out and putt around on my bike, like it was a 250, instead of using at least some of the available performance, who cares if they limit the bikes. I'm not using it anyway.

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'00 F4

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Aril, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 748_abuser:
'00F4,
...I ride in large groups on occasion and it is NEVER a contest to see who is the fastest...If you honestly believe that story was "spot-on," it is you, and people like you who will always be a blemish amongst those riders who are responsible....<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!! WAKE UP!!

748, I dunno what kinda old ladies you ride around with, but everytime i have gone on a "friday night" ride here at the local hangout, i think the collective IQ never tops 13.

WE ARE LYING to ourselves. I would say from the riders i have seen (in the hundreds over the last 8 years) a good 65% or more of us ride like complete MORONS, out of control 65% of the time.

I myself am not the best rider, but i dont partake in many of the things the thoroughbred squids do. Maybe im not "good enough"...personally, i dont care. All i know is that i believe, along with 00f4, that the article was realistic and MORE OR LESS fair. Yes it painted a bad picture, but from anyones point of view, even those who like sportbikes but dont happen to own one, it was not far off the spot, if not right "on".

If you consider me a lemming, or a blemish than i am pretty sorry for ya bro. This is pretty sad.

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Fear Green.