There goes our demographics.....

[97ValkSteve]

honda valkyrie	powered by Aeva

Could be Mexico though....   

[OverdueBill]

He's a little critter, ain't he?  I haven't been able to fold my knees like that for a while now. 

[sandy]

I don't care about the nitwit on the bike, but he shouldn't put such a fine cruiser in jeapardy like that. Doesn't the dummy know they don't make them anymore?

[Lyn-Del]

On the other hand he was smart enough to choose a smooth, steady, reliable bike to do his stunts on.

I, too, am marveling at the flexibility of the youngster.  My knees hurt at the thought of bending like that.

[Tundra]

I heard him do the "I'm in 5th gear, but I need another gear" shift.

[Willow]

I don't care about the nitwit on the bike, but he shouldn't put such a fine cruiser in jeapardy like that. Doesn't the dummy know they don't make them anymore?

I wouldn't do the things he did.  I won't say I couldn't, but it's a distinct possibility. 

I've two observations and I make these applying not just to one but to all of us.  Us including myself from time to time.

First, what seems most obvious is not always reality.  Truly one's first impression is that a stunt rider's antics, whether on a Valkyrie or a sport bike are dangerous.  In actuality, we see myriads of riders out there who haven't bothered to hone their skills and the risk of mishap with them under normal riding conditions, I believe, far surpasses the risk of a skilled rider performing stunts that you and I choose not to do.

Secondly, I'm reminded of the old saw about anyone going slower than I and anyone going faster than I.  When you or I start defining others as nitwits and dummies it is quite likely the colorful terms more accurately define our own minds.  I'm pretty sure of this.  My optimistic hope is that in our cases the status is temporary.

Well, three.  Did it occur to you when you posted that diatribe about his putting the bike in "jeapardy" that he might be perusing this board as a guest and contemplating becoming a part of this extensive community?      

[Lyn-Del]

I heard him do the "I'm in 5th gear, but I need another gear" shift.

Someone asked me once how many gears I think a bike should have, five or six.  I replied "One more than it comes with!  If you have five you want six, if you had 22, you'd be shifting and looking for 23"

[Walküre]

Well, three.  Did it occur to you when you posted that diatribe about his putting the bike in "jeapardy" that he might be perusing this board as a guest and contemplating becoming a part of this extensive community?      [/i]

Or already here, as I thought about it. Then I thought, "man, someone's pop is gonna be mad, when he sees his kid stole his bike, and did this!!". Yeah, I did crazy sh....stuff at a younger age, and although dad would have been (and was on occasion) mad at some of my antics, in his later years, we had a lot of good laughs about some of the crazy. Of course, he opened up to me, about some of HIS crazy, as well!

I believe, if you don't stretch the limits, the limits will never be stretched!

Roger

[sandy]

I don't care about the nitwit on the bike, but he shouldn't put such a fine cruiser in jeapardy like that. Doesn't the dummy know they don't make them anymore?

I wouldn't do the things he did.  I won't say I couldn't, but it's a distinct possibility. 

I've two observations and I make these applying not just to one but to all of us.  Us including myself from time to time.

First, what seems most obvious is not always reality.  Truly one's first impression is that a stunt rider's antics, whether on a Valkyrie or a sport bike are dangerous.  In actuality, we see myriads of riders out there who haven't bothered to hone their skills and the risk of mishap with them under normal riding conditions, I believe, far surpasses the risk of a skilled rider performing stunts that you and I choose not to do.

Secondly, I'm reminded of the old saw about anyone going slower than I and anyone going faster than I.  When you or I start defining others as nitwits and dummies it is quite likely the colorful terms more accurately define our own minds.  I'm pretty sure of this.  My optimistic hope is that in our cases the status is temporary.

Well, three.  Did it occur to you when you posted that diatribe about his putting the bike in "jeapardy" that he might be perusing this board as a guest and contemplating becoming a part of this extensive community?      

Yes Willow I did consider that. Typed it anyway. He needs to be told how foolish he is. My job and my mindset is all about safety. (Schoool bus driver)

[musclehead]

I don't care about the nitwit on the bike, but he shouldn't put such a fine cruiser in jeapardy like that. Doesn't the dummy know they don't make them anymore?

I wouldn't do the things he did.  I won't say I couldn't, but it's a distinct possibility. 

I've two observations and I make these applying not just to one but to all of us.  Us including myself from time to time.

First, what seems most obvious is not always reality.  Truly one's first impression is that a stunt rider's antics, whether on a Valkyrie or a sport bike are dangerous.  In actuality, we see myriads of riders out there who haven't bothered to hone their skills and the risk of mishap with them under normal riding conditions, I believe, far surpasses the risk of a skilled rider performing stunts that you and I choose not to do.

Secondly, I'm reminded of the old saw about anyone going slower than I and anyone going faster than I.  When you or I start defining others as nitwits and dummies it is quite likely the colorful terms more accurately define our own minds.  I'm pretty sure of this.  My optimistic hope is that in our cases the status is temporary.

Well, three.  Did it occur to you when you posted that diatribe about his putting the bike in "jeapardy" that he might be perusing this board as a guest and contemplating becoming a part of this extensive community?      

even the most skilled can uber fail (slipping into the vernacular of the youth) remember Indian Larry....

[bigguy]

I don't care about the nitwit on the bike, but he shouldn't put such a fine cruiser in jeapardy like that. Doesn't the dummy know they don't make them anymore?

True dat. (apologies to phrase police) I guess if an idiot squid is determined to splatter his innards all over the road, there's not much we can do about it. Hate to lose a good Valk in the process though. Also hate to be associated, by ride, with that sort of rider.

[Psychotic Bovine]

Anyone else notice just how beautiful a Valkyrie is just cruising along the road, no matter who is riding it?
The look, the effortless sound of the engine, the smoothness... nothing else can match that.

[sandy]

Not a big fan of Hillary but she said one thing that I quote now and again. "It takes a village". She made that one referring to raising of children. We as humans must police ourselves and not worry so much about being politically correct. If that rider is here and his feelings are hurt, so be it. "What if" he fell off and the bike kept on going? We've heard stories of Valks being so well balanced that they keep going without a rider. Now imagine the riderless bike enters an intersection. Inocent lives are now in danger. It's our responsibility to keep our equipment (car, truck, boat, etc) under the best control at all times. Take chances for fun when no one else is around if you have to. The "FUN" expression of "Ride it like ya stole it" is just a joke, not a lifestyle.

[The Anvil]

Oh Sandy, quoting Hillary? I hope you have asbestos underoos. 

Seriously though, I don't see one whole heck of a lot wrong with what the rider is doing. I don't care for that kind of behavior on crowded streets, but wherever the hell that guy was (Juarez or some s**t???) looked to be pretty deserted and it's his bike and safety mostly at risk.

[Big IV]

These bikes were made to ride. I won't tell someone else how to ride their ride, and I don't want anyone else to tell me what to do with mine.

[musclehead]

Oh Sandy, quoting Hillary? I hope you have asbestos underoos. 

Seriously though, I don't see one whole heck of a lot wrong with what the rider is doing. I don't care for that kind of behavior on crowded streets, but wherever the hell that guy was (Juarez or some s**t???) looked to be pretty deserted and it's his bike and safety mostly at risk.

I'm thinking Texas, but who knows for sure.

[Fudd]

  In actuality, we see myriads of riders out there who haven't bothered to hone their skills and the risk of mishap with them under normal riding conditions, I believe, far surpasses the risk of a skilled rider performing stunts       

I had to watch the video twice to rule-out it being my son riding that Valk.  Although it stresses me as a father, my son has been a daredevil all his life.  He has worked as a stuntman in movies and he takes a "mature attitude" about preforming dangerous stunts.  He fully understands the risks and chooses to live with the potential consequences.


On the other hand, today I rode with a group that one of their members had crashed twice in the last past 6 weeks.  Today, he showed up with a passenger that had never been on a bike and crashed a 3rd time, putting himself and his passenger in the hospital.  That's 3 wrecked bikes in 6 weeks.  Some people lack the basic skills, but still bring passengers.  That's what scares me.

[Paxton]

I thought it was hilarious!

My computer speakers went out a while ago (1963?). So I had to enjoy it w/o sound. Bummer.

I kept thinkin' that the aftermarket-seat-manufacturer has commissioned the guy to test for alternative comfort and seating positions.

I have no death wish but if I choke on a chicken bone and die, no self-respected Valkyrie rider would show up for the funeral motorcade.
In fact, I'd be embarrassed to have my family confess to my cause of death! ???

RIDE err... SAFE!

[rmrc51]

All I see is an accident waiting to happen. And if it does, I just hope he doesn't take anyone else out!

[Fudd]

That's the risk someone has to accept doing stunts on the ASPHALT.  If something screws up, it's your A$$ and your PHALT.  Just don't endanger others.

[Momz]

I'm 58 and I sure wish I was as "fexible" as that young Valk rider. Last week I dropped my 97 twice, (Thursday afternoon and Saturday evening) and I can truely say that I'm nowhere near as strong or have the reflexes as when I was 18.

With that said,...there is a time and place to show off and the public roads are not that venue.

[Willow]

All I see is an accident waiting to happen. And if it does, I just hope he doesn't take anyone else out!

And that is exactly what a lot of cagers see everytime you or I on two wheels comes into their view.  

That's the risk someone has to accept doing stunts on the ASPHALT.  If something screws up, it's your A$$ and your PHALT.  Just don't endanger others.

True of each of us anytime we wheel out onto the asphalt to one degree or another.  My observation is that the perceived degree of risk is more tightly tied to what we're willing to do than to reality.

He does seem to be having a good time, doesn't he?  

[Trynt]

I read the comments before watching the video (I have slow internet service). I was underwhelmed. I had expected much worse. That said, I won't be reenacting it.

[rmrc51]

I'm 58 and I sure wish I was as "fexible" as that young Valk rider. Last week I dropped my 97 twice, (Thursday afternoon and Saturday evening) and I can truely say that I'm nowhere near as strong or have the reflexes as when I was 18.

With that said,...there is a time and place to show off and the public roads are not that venue.

That's one of the reasons I went to a trike.

[old2soon]

after 15 years working the streets as a cop, all i can say is once you have cleaned up the mess they make when they scatter their bodies across the highway doing stuff like that, you take on a different attitude about it. if i had seen him do it, he would have had to die of old age to quit paying fines, and would have had to hire indiana jones to find which impound lot that valk was living in.

not to make anyone squeemish, but you gotta hold one's hand as they take their last breath to have an appreciation on how "stupid" that sort of thing is.

   Drove an ambulance in East Texas for a couple of years. I know EXACTLY what your talking about. When i post RIDE SAFE-i mean it.

[The Anvil]

To echo an already made point; danger is relative. I know some very cautious, conservative riders. You know what? Some of them are every bit as dangerous as that guy. Many people take to the road on two wheels (and four for that matter) without having the appropriate skillset. The guy doing those stunts may very well be in more control of the situation as some inexperienced rider putting along at the speed limit.

I also think that there's probably a healthy dose of hypocrisy here. I'm willing to bet that there are NONE among us (even those critical of the behavior) who constantly obey posted speed limits and absolutely NEVER roll through Stop signs or flashing reds or speed up a lil' bit when they see the green go yellow.

[Serk]

To echo an already made point; danger is relative. I know some very cautious, conservative riders. You know what? Some of them are every bit as dangerous as that guy. Many people take to the road on two wheels (and four for that matter) without having the appropriate skillset. The guy doing those stunts may very well be in more control of the situation as some inexperienced rider putting along at the speed limit.

I also think that there's probably a healthy dose of hypocrisy here. I'm willing to bet that there are NONE among us (even those critical of the behavior) who constantly obey posted speed limits and absolutely NEVER roll through Stop signs or flashing reds or speed up a lil' bit when they see the green go yellow.

As much as it pains me to type this... +1 What Anvil said...

[Chillerman]

Can anyone tell me that this rider is safer riding the way he is as opposed to riding with two hands on the bar and his butt in the seat? If not I don't care what his skill level is, he is putting himself and others in greater danger than if he were riding normally. Can you tell me for certain that a skilled rider performing stunts on a PUBLIC ROAD is safer than a novice sitting down and riding normally on a PUBLIC ROAD? I personally can't stand asshats like this and have seen, on more than one occasion, where this has ended badly for more than just the rider.

[Serk]

Can anyone tell me that this rider is safer riding the as opposed to riding in a car with a seatbelt on? If not I don't care what his skill level is, he is putting himself and others in greater danger than if he were riding normally in a car.

Do you see where we're coming from? Getting out of bed is dangerous. Everything else is just degrees... Different people have different comfort levels as to what level of risk they're comfortable with. I don't want someone else telling me that I can't ride a motorcycle since riding in a car is safer. (Or, riding in a public transportation bus with a professional driver is even safer, where do ya' draw the line?). And on the same line, I'm not comfortable telling someone else what level of risk is acceptable for their life either.

[Willow]

Can anyone tell me that this rider is safer riding the way he is as opposed to riding with two hands on the bar and his butt in the seat? If not I don't care what his skill level is, he is putting himself and others in greater danger than if he were riding normally. Can you tell me for certain that a skilled rider performing stunts on a PUBLIC ROAD is safer than a novice sitting down and riding normally on a PUBLIC ROAD? I personally can't stand asshats like this and have seen, on more than one occasion, where this has ended badly for more than just the rider.

Obviously no one can tell you or me anything we don't truly want to hear.

Methinks the asshattery is spread a bit wider than was initially imagined.      

[Big IV]

Can anyone tell me that this rider is safer riding the as opposed to riding in a car with a seatbelt on? If not I don't care what his skill level is, he is putting himself and others in greater danger than if he were riding normally in a car.

I'm betting he's paying more attention  to his run than many zoned out riders who "appear" to be paying attention as they ride. Just because their hands on the handle bars and their buts on the seat doesn't mean their mind is on the bike with them.

Are cars safe? More people die in car crashes than plane crashes in this country. The number of people killed by walking on the wings of planes is even smaller. Just saying. Statistically he's probably okay.

Obviously no one can tell you or me anything we don't truly want to hear.

What did you say?

[The Anvil]

Can you tell me for certain that a skilled rider performing stunts on a PUBLIC ROAD is safer than a novice sitting down and riding normally on a PUBLIC ROAD? I personally can't stand asshats like this and have seen, on more than one occasion, where this has ended badly for more than just the rider.

Please make a list of things in this world that ARE certain and you are not allowed to include death and taxes.

So, what are YOUR acceptable limits of throwing caution to the wind?

[Clark]

he didnt do anything I havent done or even anything I wouldnt do at age 59.. geeeez all he did was lay down on the seat and ride side saddle.. WHATS THE BIG DEAL???  now if ya wanted to see some CRAZY stuff ya should have been ant the Big Nasty hillclimb this weekend.. something about 450-750CC's on nitro methane goin straight up the face of a mountain.. they also had a half dozen stunt riders from somewhere in Cali.. NOW THOSE GUYZ DID SOME CRAZZZZY $H IT

[Chillerman]

or the moron that passed me on I-70 on a crotch rocket doing 90+ on the back wheel.

According to some what he was doing is perfectly acceptable! 

[Chillerman]

Can you tell me for certain that a skilled rider performing stunts on a PUBLIC ROAD is safer than a novice sitting down and riding normally on a PUBLIC ROAD? I personally can't stand asshats like this and have seen, on more than one occasion, where this has ended badly for more than just the rider.

Please make a list of things in this world that ARE certain and you are not allowed to include death and taxes.

So, what are YOUR acceptable limits of throwing caution to the wind?

It's pretty simple for me really. When you're are putting other peoples' lives in undue danger.

[The Anvil]

gosh, a bullet is faster, less painfull and cheaper

I used to do 90mph standup wheelies quite regularly. Got a few friends who did too. In fact, some of them are professional stunters. I've only lost on friend to motorcycles over the years and ironically it was in an accident going less than 20 mph. Hit a left turning cage pulling away from a stoplight. No helmet, no life.

I'm not saying it's "safe" or smart, but it's not a death sentence either.

[The Anvil]

Can you tell me for certain that a skilled rider performing stunts on a PUBLIC ROAD is safer than a novice sitting down and riding normally on a PUBLIC ROAD? I personally can't stand asshats like this and have seen, on more than one occasion, where this has ended badly for more than just the rider.

Please make a list of things in this world that ARE certain and you are not allowed to include death and taxes.

So, what are YOUR acceptable limits of throwing caution to the wind?

It's pretty simple for me really. When you're are putting other peoples' lives in undue danger.

Ever ride with a passenger?

[Chillerman]

What I gather here is, driving a car while texting or on the phone is abhorrent behavior and should not be tolerated!    But...being irresponsible on a motorcycle is just fine and we should let people ride the way they want to ride   

[Chillerman]

Can you tell me for certain that a skilled rider performing stunts on a PUBLIC ROAD is safer than a novice sitting down and riding normally on a PUBLIC ROAD? I personally can't stand asshats like this and have seen, on more than one occasion, where this has ended badly for more than just the rider.

Please make a list of things in this world that ARE certain and you are not allowed to include death and taxes.

So, what are YOUR acceptable limits of throwing caution to the wind?

Yes, and my passenger knows the inherent danger of riding a motorcycle. What's your point?

It's pretty simple for me really. When you're are putting other peoples' lives in undue danger.

Ever ride with a passenger?

[Clark]

a guy with 2 board like things somehow attached to his feet and he was being pulled across the top of a lake by a rope attached to a dam boat.. NOW THAT THERE IS INSANE.. he should have been semi safe in the boat like the rest of the people.. SCARY.. WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE THOSE KINDS OF STUPID RISKS??