Interesting responses to rothlisberger's accident

[pward76]

I posted this

"Unfortunately, the reports now indicate that he lost almost all his teeth, broke his jaw, and seriously injured both his knees, not to mention the head lacerations.

We forget that this guy is only 24, and probably feels (felt) invincible. It is one thing to "be careful" as he said that he was, but you cannot control what another driver may or may not do. The way I read the report was that the witness thought Ben "sailed" into the intersection, (not speeding) - I'm not sure who was at fault, I'm sure that will come out.

As a rider of a Suzuki Hayabusa, I can attest to their jaw-dropping power and arm-jerking acceleration - hence my full-face helmet, armored leather jacket, gloves, and boots - every time I get on it. I should also get leather/armored pants. These bikes are designed to go very, very fast, very quickly. I was not so careful as a kid (18 - 20) with my first bike. Winslow's GSXR750 is almost at the same performance level with the Hayabusa (1300 CC), and even the little 600 CC bikes are easily capable of 150 mph. I wonder how many NFL contracts are going to be re-negotiated with "no motorcycle" clauses...

Here's hoping Ben recovers quickly, and that this serves as an example to other young people to wear a helmet."



Some wannabe responds...

"the Hayabusa is a watered down version of what it once was in the late 90's and early this decade...it was a bad machine then"

Can't let THAT slide....

"Watered down?

A little history, if you will permit me. The Hayabusa debuted in 1999, and took the top speed crown from the Honda Blackbird. Top speed on the 'Busa was around 194 mph, depending on which test you care to cite.

In mid 2001, as a response to the European governments demand that the big 4 Japanese motorcycle companies restrict the top speed of their big bikes, or have it legislated for them, the companies agreed to cap the top speed at 186 mph (300 kph).

So, it lost 8 mph. If you want to call that "watering down" the Hayabusa, so be it. Don't think it's a "bad machine" still? Try 0-60 in 2.4 seconds - without shifting to 2nd gear. That kind of performance in a automobile will run you upwards of $200K. Any putz with around $10 grand can buy a new Hayabusa.

Also know that the speed is limited on a Hayabusa via the ECU getting a signal from the transmission to indicate which gear is selected. When the bike is in 6th gear, and 186 mph is reached, the ECU stops firing the #2 cylinder. The easiest way around this is to insert a different resistor in that wire to the ECU, which will indicate 5th gear to the ECU, regardless of the actual gear selected. Bingo - no more top end restriction.
Sorry to hijack - Just heard on ESPN that Ben's knees were not injured - Great news for him"

 

[gsferrari]

I think the Hayabusa should be more expensive. They should price the new one at $15000

That will put it beyond the reach of "squids" and casual barneys who are just looking for a cheap fix.

This is a bike that is so well behaved at low speeds that it can lull the rider into a sense of false security. All it takes is a slight weight transfer on the throttle hand before all hell breaks loose and you find yourself in the ER with half your body left on the road.

He was a dumbass for not wearing gear - simple. They should fire him and anyone else who cannot manage risk more efficiently when investors are putting their money in depending on them.

Ridiculous...a NO MOTORCYCLE clause in every contract should be on the scene pretty quick. I can hear lawyers re-negotiating as we speak...:O

 

[VaBusa]

Did anyone see on ESPN last night interviews with Ben from last July? He was going on about not wearing a helmet when riding a Harley; I thought I heard him say something along the lines of "it's not a sport bike, so I don't feel I need to wear a helmet, and I ride with a group because I think it's safer..."

...then, he crashes on a Hayabusa

Aside from his knees, every bit of damage he received could have been so easily avoided. I was hoping to see a light go off in the hubby's head while watching the news on Ben last night, but I just don't think he gets it...some guys just do feel invincible...not much changes that 'til it's too late

 

[Revolution]

things like this that make me keep myknee armor under my jeans and jacket on in summer. helmet always.

 

[CorrodedAlien]

Gear... Gear... Gear...

 

[pward76]

Did anyone see on ESPN last night interviews with Ben from last July?  He was going on about not wearing a helmet when riding a Harley; I thought I heard him say something along the lines of "it's not a sport bike, so I don't feel I need to wear a helmet, and I ride with a group because I think it's safer..."

...then, he crashes on a Hayabusa

 Aside from his knees, every bit of damage he received could have been so easily avoided.  I was hoping to see a light go off in the hubby's head while watching the news on Ben last night, but I just don't think he gets it...some guys just do feel invincible...not much changes that 'til it's too late

Yes, I saw the interview. It must have been before he got the busa (free from Suzuki America), because I thought I heard him say that he was "not riding a sportbike, going 200mph" or something like that. He said he felt safer riding a Harley or a chopper in a group so he didn't need a helmet.

yeah, then he crashes his sportbike, riding alone, with no helmet...

This is a sad thing, but it happens everyday somewhere, and Ben is going to remember this every day when he wakes up to his scarred and misshapen face, and puts in his false teeth.
He is going to have a lot of years of doing that, he is only 24.
On the other hand, he could simply be dead. I hope someone, somewhere goes out and buys a helmet because of this, but I am not holding out much hope.

There was a big article in our local paper on Monday, before the crash, about helmets for motorcycles, as Iowa is one of the 4 states with no helment law (very strong ABATE group here). I love the idiots who claim they restrict vision, hearing, etc. I'm betting that in the days, weeks, months, and for years to come, Ben Rothlisberger will wish he had had a helmet on.

To those who claim it's their right to decide, who espouse "personal freedom" and eschew "government interference", I say this.

Ok - I'll grant you your personal freedom - as soon as you prove that you have enough medical insurance to pay for your long term care in the veggie wing of the local hospital - or you have a living will (organ donor card optional). Your aversion to "government interference" better also include not expecting the government to pay one red cent for anything related to the consequences of your excersize of your "personal freedom". No Medicare, no long term physical therapy, no occupational re-training, no wheel chair, or prosthesis. You made that decision, you live (or not) with the consequences.

Sorry - I'm ranting....

 

[GSXTacy]

Maybe will this will turn into a Gary Busey type thing, and he will be come a helmet advocate.

 

[Icy1]

Last Wed I wrecked my Busa very nearly the same way Big Ben did - riding on city streets, a Miata decided to make a U-turn right in front of me - unfortunately for both of us, someone was simultaneously making a right-on-red into the lane the Miata wanted.  So the Miata stopped across the left lane - the right lane has Mr. right-on-red, and there's no room behind the Miata.

I hit both brakes HARD - went from 40MPH to probabaly 10-15 (sorry, I was not looking at the spedo at the time) at impact with the Miata front fender.

The witnesses said I rolled twice, and I remember rolling right arm-shoulder-back and stopping sitting on the pavement.  Full face helmet, armored mesh jacket & summer gloves.  Not a scratch on me, a small spot on the jacket, a spot on the back of my helmet where it hit my fairing (That would have HURT without the helmet.  Blue paint - the Miata was green, so it was my fairing) and some PAINFUL bruises (bike stops, you don't - hit the tank so hard there is a 4" dent). Walked away listening to the Miata driver insist it was my fault because "I hit her" - Fort Lauderdale police explained otherwise.

Bike is totalled - but I'm just sore (and have some very colorfully placed bruises). Wear the gear and save your skin & face!

 

[Wag]

-- snip --

I love the idiots who claim they restrict vision, hearing, etc.  

-- snip --

To those who claim it's their right to decide, who espouse "personal freedom" and eschew "government interference", I say this.

Ok - I'll grant you your personal freedom - as soon as you prove that you have enough medical insurance to pay for your long term care in the veggie wing of the local hospital - or you have a living will (organ donor card optional).  Your aversion to "government interference" better also include not expecting the government to pay one red cent for anything related to the consequences of your excersize of your "personal freedom".  No Medicare, no long term physical therapy, no occupational re-training, no wheel chair, or prosthesis.  You made that decision, you live (or not) with the consequences.

Sorry - I'm ranting....

You're ranting exactly what I'd like to rant.

Carry on . . . .

Oh, and I used to be one of those idiots. It is discussions like this which changed my tune. That and all the videos and photos you can find on the web. These discussions will do some good, no doubt about it.

--Wag--

 

[pward76]

-- snip --

I love the idiots who claim they restrict vision, hearing, etc.  

-- snip --

To those who claim it's their right to decide, who espouse "personal freedom" and eschew "government interference", I say this.

Ok - I'll grant you your personal freedom - as soon as you prove that you have enough medical insurance to pay for your long term care in the veggie wing of the local hospital - or you have a living will (organ donor card optional).  Your aversion to "government interference" better also include not expecting the government to pay one red cent for anything related to the consequences of your excersize of your "personal freedom".  No Medicare, no long term physical therapy, no occupational re-training, no wheel chair, or prosthesis.  You made that decision, you live (or not) with the consequences.

Sorry - I'm ranting....

You're ranting exactly what I'd like to rant.

Carry on . . . .

Oh, and I used to be one of those idiots.  It is discussions like this which changed my tune.  That and all the videos and photos you can find on the web.  These discussions will do some good, no doubt about it.

--Wag--

Thanks Wag.

People want personal freedom but will not take personal responsibility. It just grinds my valves...... ;-(

 

[race24x]

I know I will get flamed for this but please be objective. Wearing a helmet should be as much your choice as anything else in life. Although I do agree some on the insurance if you get hurt deal, I dont think it is much different from trying to take guns away or stop people from smoking or greasy food or 100 other things that kill and injure more people everyday. I believe you have a choice and should educate your children to make good choices. To make a law to force people to do something that is good for them is 100% anti freedom. If that where the case I would take the top 10 preventable killers in America I think smoking and heart disease are in there and tell people they cant smoke at all and foce them to eat vegetables and exercise cause we dont want to pay for stroke and lung disease victims anymore. Kind of sounds ridiculous huh? Because there are more smokers and unhealthy people out there than motorcycle riders that dont where helmets, they are the ones that laws are created against. I know there are others on the board that dont where helmets (they keep quiet so as not to get flamed) and I realize I live in a State that doesnt have a helmet law and is more rural so less accidents than most, but really forcing an adult US citizen to do the right thing for there own good really hurts me.
PS I do have a helmet and gloves jacket and where them maybe not 100% of the time but I have a 12 year old daughter to come home too so most of the time I do She also rides with me in full jacket helmet gloves etc.

 

[05 Busa LE]

I had a friend, who was riding a bicycle (with a helmet), run into a truck that pulled in front of him, much in the same way the accident happened to Rothlisberger. In a coma for over a month, with pretty serious injuries. He's recovered, but does suffer from some after-effects. Point is that it doesn't take much to injure yourself. Stay safe.

 

[VaBusa]

I know I will get flamed for this but please be objective. Wearing a helmet should be as much your choice as anything else in life. Although I do agree some on the insurance if you get hurt deal, I dont think it is much different from trying to take guns away or stop people from smoking or greasy food or 100 other things that kill and injure more people everyday. I believe you have a choice and should educate your children to make good choices. To make a law to force people to do something that is good for them is 100% anti freedom. If that where the case I would take the top 10 preventable killers in America I think smoking and heart disease are in there and tell people they cant smoke at all and foce them to eat vegetables and exercise cause we dont want to pay for stroke and lung disease victims anymore. Kind of sounds ridiculous huh? Because there are more smokers and unhealthy people out there than motorcycle riders that dont where helmets, they are the ones that laws are created against. I know there are others on the board that dont where helmets (they keep quiet so as not to get flamed)  and I realize I live in a State that doesnt have a helmet law and is more rural so less accidents than most, but really forcing an adult US citizen to do the right thing for there own good really hurts me.
PS I do have a helmet and gloves jacket and where them maybe not 100% of the time but I have a 12 year old daughter to come home too so most of the time I do  She also rides with me in full jacket helmet gloves etc.

I fully agree...I think it's just frustrating to hear the things he said about riding without a lid (the "I'll just be careful" comments) and as always, there will be tons of people waiting in the wings ready to say "see, I told you so!"

I just hope he's learned that a lid isn't a bad thing...it truly is a choice; I just wish more made the choice in favor of saving your head and face...

I'm married to a guy that can't wait to head to PA to rid without a lid, and the one he wears here in VA is illegal anyway...just hate knowing people won't take those steps to stay safe...very frustrating, yet I know we could debate the same way over just about everything in life...smoking, eating fast food, driving sports cars, drinking beer...the list would just go on and on...

 

[BigBSBusa]

Wearing a helmet should be as much your choice as anything else in life.

Agree with this statement, but believe it is a bad idea to not wear a helmet whether it is required or not.

 

[busa-rich]

Maybe will this will turn into a Gary Busey type thing, and he will be come a helmet advocate.

And he will make another $40 mil promoting that..

 

[Rongotti]

Being a member of this board, and a huge Steelers fan, you can imagine my suprise to get to work and find out two of my favorite things in life were involved in a shitstorm. I must admit at first I was suprised to hear Ben was on a Busa, then I thought common, game recognises game right? The quote about never riding alone was taken out of context, the question posed was about "joy riding" not "transportation". He said they always ride in groups when their joy riding, obviously it would be kind of hard to organize a group of people to escort you up the road and back. I also think it is kind of dumb to call him dumb for not wearing gear. He is a grown man, and if he preffers to ride without a helmet, who the hell are we to judge him?? The only thing I have a problem with is if he was riding with no liscence, the current story says he might have been riding with an expired learners permit. That to me is a much bigger issue than obeying the law riding with no helmet.

 

[buss05]

Here is an article from a brainless sports writer giving his input on the situation and how helmets should be mandatory in every state.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl....pe=lgns

I wear a helmet everytime I ride so don't take this wrong. But helmet laws do not need to be in place. If they are going to pass helmet laws then the they better be ready to mandate that the manufacturers provide helmets with every motorcycle purchase. Do you have to purchase a seatbelt from the dealership with your brand new car? It's a common sense issue here. Helmets save lives! Anybody who appreciates their own life will strap that thing on no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Ben should have known better but whatever it was that made him think that awareness prevents accidents he must have learned from his Harley buddies. No matter how careful you think you are when the guy next to you who realizes, O hey I think that's my turn...HARD LEFT!!!! Carefull will not prevent the accident, it merely prepares you for the sudden stop. Hope he recovers fully and he will make a great advocate if he can swallow his pride and shamefully admit that he underestimated the road. Life is too short to gamble with. It's possible that his career may be over or very very delayed for that matter. A small glimpse in the future and he could have weighed those options and said you know, I really should look out for my head, my job, my life. Trust me, this guy had the clout and the money for that matter to have any helmet he desired. The Cadillac of helmets but he chose cocky stupidity over safety. Best of luck Ben hope things turn out ok.



My .02 timer just ran out
Peace

 

[loboboy]

I know I will get flamed for this but please be objective. Wearing a helmet should be as much your choice as anything else in life. Although I do agree some on the insurance if you get hurt deal, I dont think it is much different from trying to take guns away or stop people from smoking or greasy food or 100 other things that kill and injure more people everyday. I believe you have a choice and should educate your children to make good choices. To make a law to force people to do something that is good for them is 100% anti freedom. If that where the case I would take the top 10 preventable killers in America I think smoking and heart disease are in there and tell people they cant smoke at all and foce them to eat vegetables and exercise cause we dont want to pay for stroke and lung disease victims anymore. Kind of sounds ridiculous huh? Because there are more smokers and unhealthy people out there than motorcycle riders that dont where helmets, they are the ones that laws are created against. I know there are others on the board that dont where helmets (they keep quiet so as not to get flamed)  and I realize I live in a State that doesnt have a helmet law and is more rural so less accidents than most, but really forcing an adult US citizen to do the right thing for there own good really hurts me.
PS I do have a helmet and gloves jacket and where them maybe not 100% of the time but I have a 12 year old daughter to come home too so most of the time I do  She also rides with me in full jacket helmet gloves etc.

very well put. Although I may occasionally ride without gear or a helmet, it is my God given right to practice this foolish act. The main point is it is my choice, not someone elses. I know and fully understand the chance I am taking but once again it is my choice as a US citizen to make these decisions for myself whether or not they are smart ones.

In response to Lawyers re-writing contracts for professional athletes it is wrong IMO but if the Player chooses to sign said contract then he is making that choice for him. Do I agree with it? NO but it is not my choice to decide, and if I was investing that much money into something I too would want to protect my investment.
Unfortunately the overpaid athletes in todays sports are owned by the team and the teams owner and if they want that money and prestige then they will have to play by the rules and reg's that are set forth by said team.

It is the same as me having to abide by my employers rules and standards for employment. If I deviate from their rules I will be fired,because that is the agreement I signed when I hired in.

 

[Fugly]

Did anyone see on ESPN last night interviews with Ben from last July?  He was going on about not wearing a helmet when riding a Harley; I thought I heard him say something along the lines of "it's not a sport bike, so I don't feel I need to wear a helmet, and I ride with a group because I think it's safer..."

...then, he crashes on a Hayabusa

 Aside from his knees, every bit of damage he received could have been so easily avoided.  I was hoping to see a light go off in the hubby's head while watching the news on Ben last night, but I just don't think he gets it...some guys just do feel invincible...not much changes that 'til it's too late

Michelle, I was hoping the same thing for my wife. She rides a cruiser and must ride to impress. My son and I wear leathers, gloves and a full face (we dress for the ride not the weather). I don't think she gets it either. Well hopefully someone learns from his mistake.

 

[psteen]

I know I will get flamed for this but please be objective. Wearing a helmet should be as much your choice as anything else in life. Although I do agree some on the insurance if you get hurt deal, I dont think it is much different from trying to take guns away or stop people from smoking or greasy food or 100 other things that kill and injure more people everyday. I believe you have a choice and should educate your children to make good choices. To make a law to force people to do something that is good for them is 100% anti freedom. If that where the case I would take the top 10 preventable killers in America I think smoking and heart disease are in there and tell people they cant smoke at all and foce them to eat vegetables and exercise cause we dont want to pay for stroke and lung disease victims anymore. Kind of sounds ridiculous huh? Because there are more smokers and unhealthy people out there than motorcycle riders that dont where helmets, they are the ones that laws are created against. I know there are others on the board that dont where helmets (they keep quiet so as not to get flamed) and I realize I live in a State that doesnt have a helmet law and is more rural so less accidents than most, but really forcing an adult US citizen to do the right thing for there own good really hurts me.
PS I do have a helmet and gloves jacket and where them maybe not 100% of the time but I have a 12 year old daughter to come home too so most of the time I do She also rides with me in full jacket helmet gloves etc.

I couldn't agree more! While I wear all the gear most of the time, I appreciate being able to ride without a helmet here in Texas. Freedom, personal expression, etc, isn't that a huge part of motorcycles in general? If we want to start legislating safety and practicality, we would immediately eliminate sport bikes, cruisers, full dressers, and we'd all be riding Vespas for the mileage only. By the way, we would also get rid of SUV's which might not be a bad thing

In this country one should be free to be as stupid and irresponsible as one likes. Provided it doesn't cost me too much money