Whoa, careful with that brake pedal...!

[beergears]

A local CL ad for a 911 bi-turbo reads:

"... ceramic brakes (stops from 60 – 0 mph in 1 sec.) which cost me an extra $9k but I believe extra stopping capabilities is important..."


60-0 in one second... you better have good auto/health insurance!


Duh, stupidity is important too...

Other: I wonder how many people buy very fast cars like this one, and actually scare themselves out of driving them, quickly. That reminds me how, here, in the U.S., any neophyte rider can buy a brand-new, say, Haybusa (170 HP, 480 lbs), ride it off the showroom and put him/herself in great danger due to ignorance/lack of experience... Granted, this is an extreme example, but it happens all the time with lower power/weight ratio bikes...

 

[blacklab]

I hope he upgraded the seatbelts as well.

 

[beergears]

I now wonder if airbags would get to deploy, reading the deceleration as impact..?

 

[z987k]

that is some awesome stopping power. Did he also remove the windshield so he doesn't hit it on the way through?

Also I can totally relate to the bike thing. My roomate wants to get one now, and I was like ok, I'll help, but nothing over a twin 650cc.

 

[Professor Frink]

Did he forget to mention that he hit a brick wall? Then I can see 60-0 in 1 sec.

 

[Melana]

Some people have more money than brains.

 

[Sir Humpsalot]

I think it'd be pretty difficult to scare yourself silly with a car. Nowadays even incredibly fast cars are pretty sedate when driven sanely. Sure, you might get ham-footed on the throttle in the turn or something, but in general, I think that if you're buying an enthusiast car, you likely have enough knowledge and experience to handle it well enough, at least at and around the speed limits. A track, of course is a different matter. But, bottom line, I don't think people would scare themselves too frequently in a car, even a high-powered machine such as that.

But I know it does happen all of the time with motorcycles. I don't think it's so much the super capabilities of the bike as it is the fact that, contrary to what people want to think, riding a motorcycle is nothing like riding a bicycle. But, a cage is a cage. Honda Civic? Porsche Bi-Turbo? Pretty much the same except when you mash on the pedal or decide to show it off.

So, to make an equivalent example, I'd say Honda Civic to Porsche Bi-Turbo is kind of like bicycle to Moped. But that doesn't even begin to account for the leap you encounter when you get into supersport bikes. I mean, let's be realistic, an R1 is more like a Formula 1 car than a Porsche Bi-Turbo is (by that, I mean the R1 is a pure race machine, no frills, no radio, no airbags, no crumple zones, no crash protection, just the bare minimum lights, license plate bracket, and a horn that you need to be street legal, and that is it) and yet, there is no vehicle besides another motorcycle that can ever prepare you for handling an R1. You learn to drive a Dodge Omni, you'll know how to drive a Porsche. But riding a scooter, bicycle, etc does NOT teach you how to ride a motorcycle.

 

[NitrouStang96]

I don't care what kind of pads you have, the tires are what stop a car. 1sec? Hmm... 1-2sec isn't hard to believe if it's got some wide, sticky tires, though I don't know how heavy a 911 is.

 

[TwoHeadsBrewing]

Some people have more money than brains.

HAHA, so true! I worked as a wrench at the local Yamaha/Ducati shop while I was in college. It was great fun, and as a motorcycle rider myself it was great to test ride LOTS of different bikes. But man did I see every damn last idiot in there with a wad of money and nothing for brains. We saw so many new sportbikes go out the door, only to return a week or two later totally trashed. We used to joke amongst ourselves when we sold an R1/R6/996 that we give 'em two weeks. Usually if they made it past two weeks, they'd probably be all right...they would have scared themselves enough to be careful.

I remeber this one guy's mom bought him a Ducati 996 (sick bike BTW) for his 18th birthday. He made it exactly 1/2 of one block; he turned right and gunned it and promptly learned what kind of power the Ducati v-twins have. He disregarded our advice to take it easy the first few hundred miles on the new tires. That little spill caused over $3k worth of damage...and he was lucky it was a low speed turn. I felt bad for the kid, but at the same time pissed becuase he had the money for the bike but not the respect. I had the exact opposite problem...

There are too many stories to mention, but as a MC rider I have to say that most riders that make it past 25 yrs old are very capable and careful. Just like any piece of equipment, you have to know how to use it properly and respect it's power.

 

[SC_Ryan]

I want to see that sucker on an auto-x course

 

[z987k]

HAHA, so true! I worked as a wrench at the local Yamaha/Ducati shop while I was in college. It was great fun, and as a motorcycle rider myself it was great to test ride LOTS of different bikes. But man did I see every damn last idiot in there with a wad of money and nothing for brains. We saw so many new sportbikes go out the door, only to return a week or two later totally trashed. We used to joke amongst ourselves when we sold an R1/R6/996 that we give 'em two weeks. Usually if they made it past two weeks, they'd probably be all right...they would have scared themselves enough to be careful.

I remeber this one guy's mom bought him a Ducati 996 (sick bike BTW) for his 18th birthday. He made it exactly 1/2 of one block; he turned right and gunned it and promptly learned what kind of power the Ducati v-twins have. He disregarded our advice to take it easy the first few hundred miles on the new tires. That little spill caused over $3k worth of damage...and he was lucky it was a low speed turn. I felt bad for the kid, but at the same time pissed becuase he had the money for the bike but not the respect. I had the exact opposite problem...

There are too many stories to mention, but as a MC rider I have to say that most riders that make it past 25 yrs old are very capable and careful. Just like any piece of equipment, you have to know how to use it properly and respect it's power.

yeah I don't feel bad for riders that decide that all advice of very seasoned riders is dumb.

140+hp, well that's what you start on of course, cause my olds 88 has more than that!
Helmets, well their meant to be ornaments on the helmet lock. (riding 2 up with 2 helmets in the locks is even cooler!)
Learning to ride a bike, well I ride a bicycle, how different can they be?
Gloves? It's not snowing!
Jacket, that's not cool. Now a cutoff t-shirt, well thats cool. (so are skin graphs apparently.)
Pants... baH! Khaki shorts help keep you cooled off from the heat of the summer, after all it isn't nice enough to ride a bike unless it's 80+
And footwear, well you should always wear sandals.

Oh well these people usually weed themselves out of the gene pool fast enough. Money + no brains usually = serious injury or death... or a politician.

 

[quickerNu]

I don't care what kind of pads you have, the tires are what stop a car. 1sec? Hmm... 1-2sec isn't hard to believe if it's got some wide, sticky tires, though I don't know how heavy a 911 is.

I doubt there is a tire out there that lasts more than 250 miles that could handle 60-0 in 1 sec. I call shennanigans!
I sell lots of Harleys to young G.I.'s who scared themselves Sh^tless on crotch rockets. Maybe 5% of riders out there can even ride a 600cc sportbike to its full potential.

 

[NitrouStang96]

Heh, maybe so. 1sec is certainly a stretch, but I think most people don't know just how fast you can stop a car, especially if it's light and has some good rubber. Mine would be in the 1.xx range with stock brake pads instead of his "9k ceramics" if it weren't such a heavy pig Wide rubber and big discs make all the difference.

 

[kornkob]

yeah I don't feel bad for riders that decide that all advice of very seasoned riders is dumb.

140+hp, well that's what you start on of course, cause my olds 88 has more than that!
Helmets, well their meant to be ornaments on the helmet lock. (riding 2 up with 2 helmets in the locks is even cooler!)
Learning to ride a bike, well I ride a bicycle, how different can they be?
Gloves? It's not snowing!
Jacket, that's not cool. Now a cutoff t-shirt, well thats cool. (so are skin graphs apparently.)
Pants... baH! Khaki shorts help keep you cooled off from the heat of the summer, after all it isn't nice enough to ride a bike unless it's 80+
And footwear, well you should always wear sandals.

Oh well these people usually weed themselves out of the gene pool fast enough. Money + no brains usually = serious injury or death... or a politician.

Friend of mine has a mom who was a nurse for the local transplant team. They called non-helmet wearing biker's 'Donors' (typical death involves traumatic brain injury and little damage to internal organs) and 'Donors' who wore long pants, boots and jackets 'Donors for the burn ward' (apparently they can use the skin to help burn victims). She said that a significant number of their 'whole kit' donors were motorcyclists and many didn't even have a donor card filled out pre-mortem-- but the family was often happy to donate and the brain dead but otherwise healthy ******* was relatively easy to keep alive long enough to set up the harvest and transplants.



Thus, out of rational self interest, I strongly encourage all motorcyclists to not do drugs, make sure they eat a balanced diet and always ride wearing full leathers and no helmet.

And make sure you have your organ donor card on your person at all times as it makes the hospital's job easier.

Thank you.


: )

 

[beergears]

Thus, out of rational self interest, I strongly encourage all motorcyclists to not do drugs, make sure they eat a balanced diet and always ride wearing full leathers and no helmet.

I refuse to do any of that!
Stay healthy so that parts of my body goes to someone dumber than me, or mean (lots of 'em out there), or a nurse calling me names... I say no, thank you!

Seriously, I opted out of my original organ donor status because I now believe a majority of people actually suck in some way. I may be wrong on this... tough.

 

[kornkob]

I refuse to do any of that!
Stay healthy so that parts of my body goes to someone dumber than me, or mean (lots of 'em out there), or a nurse calling me names... I say no, thank you!

Seriously, I opted out of my original organ donor status because I now believe a majority of people actually suck in some way. I may be wrong on this... tough.

Selfish bastard.

 

[beergears]

Selfish bastard.

Yep , a painful fact, I wish I thought different. Odd stuff.


I am starting to think selfishness is the root of many unpleaseant things we have to deal with.

Too selfish to get an education, care for one's kids, not make greed as one's main motive...

EDIT: the other day, SWMBO and I watched a documentary on the Dalai Lama. I wrote down a quote: "understanding, compassion and tolerance".
In a world where these would be more commonplace, yes I would give lots, including body parts...

 

[SC_Ryan]

Heh, maybe so. 1sec is certainly a stretch, but I think most people don't know just how fast you can stop a car, especially if it's light and has some good rubber. Mine would be in the 1.xx range with stock brake pads instead of his "9k ceramics" if it weren't such a heavy pig Wide rubber and big discs make all the difference.

Most people haven't driven on r comps and have no idea what a tire can do.

 

[beergears]

Most people haven't driven on r comps and have no idea what a tire can do.

What about the human body (brains?) going from 60 to 0 in one second, give or take..??

 

[Lil' Sparky]

I think it'd be pretty difficult to scare yourself silly with a car. Nowadays even incredibly fast cars are pretty sedate when driven sanely. Sure, you might get ham-footed on the throttle in the turn or something, but in general, I think that if you're buying an enthusiast car, you likely have enough knowledge and experience to handle it well enough, at least at and around the speed limits. A track, of course is a different matter. But, bottom line, I don't think people would scare themselves too frequently in a car, even a high-powered machine such as that.

But I know it does happen all of the time with motorcycles. I don't think it's so much the super capabilities of the bike as it is the fact that, contrary to what people want to think, riding a motorcycle is nothing like riding a bicycle. But, a cage is a cage. Honda Civic? Porsche Bi-Turbo? Pretty much the same except when you mash on the pedal or decide to show it off.

So, to make an equivalent example, I'd say Honda Civic to Porsche Bi-Turbo is kind of like bicycle to Moped. But that doesn't even begin to account for the leap you encounter when you get into supersport bikes. I mean, let's be realistic, an R1 is more like a Formula 1 car than a Porsche Bi-Turbo is (by that, I mean the R1 is a pure race machine, no frills, no radio, no airbags, no crumple zones, no crash protection, just the bare minimum lights, license plate bracket, and a horn that you need to be street legal, and that is it) and yet, there is no vehicle besides another motorcycle that can ever prepare you for handling an R1. You learn to drive a Dodge Omni, you'll know how to drive a Porsche. But riding a scooter, bicycle, etc does NOT teach you how to ride a motorcycle.

Well said. And sadly, I've ridden with my share of guys who had no business on a bike, let alone a motorcycle!

 

[z987k]

Friend of mine has a mom who was a nurse for the local transplant team. They called non-helmet wearing biker's 'Donors' (typical death involves traumatic brain injury and little damage to internal organs) and 'Donors' who wore long pants, boots and jackets 'Donors for the burn ward' (apparently they can use the skin to help burn victims). She said that a significant number of their 'whole kit' donors were motorcyclists and many didn't even have a donor card filled out pre-mortem-- but the family was often happy to donate and the brain dead but otherwise healthy ******* was relatively easy to keep alive long enough to set up the harvest and transplants.



Thus, out of rational self interest, I strongly encourage all motorcyclists to not do drugs, make sure they eat a balanced diet and always ride wearing full leathers and no helmet.

And make sure you have your organ donor card on your person at all times as it makes the hospital's job easier.

Thank you.


: )

Well I always go full gear, so am I not a donor? Or is there a sub-category for those of us that not only live through the crash, but get up and ride home?

 

[TwoHeadsBrewing]

A bit off topic, but here's what I do on a motorcycle to make myself "statistically" invincible:

1. Don't drink and ride (not even one!). Most fatal accidents on car or motorcycle happen when the operator has been drinking.
2. Wear the appropriate riding gear (1.Helmet, 2.Leather or Heavy Pants/Jacket, 3.Gloves, 4.Boots)
3. Drive extra careful when close to your house
4. Just assume the driver of the car doesn't see you

Number 3 is really hard, because we all get used to the same street around our house (i call my route turns 1,2 and 3). We get comfortable, but it's other drivers we need to worry about. They don't give a rats ass how close you are to home...they're just idiot drivers. The last item in the list saves my ass at least once a week. It's either that people don't see motorcycles becuase they are much smaller than cars/trucks, or they can't judge the speed correctly. Small objects far away that accelerate incredibly fast do not get respect from retired people in cadillacs .

 

[z987k]

you forgot that in general people suck at driving, and it's not that they don't see you because your small. Rather they just didn't look.
And I think your #4 is the #1 rule. Assume everyone else on the road is out to kill you. It works really well when your in a cage as well.

 

[KEKO482]

I ride a hayabusa and the power of the bike is something you respect even the smaller sport bikes are the same way with the power to weight ratio. I hang around the hayabusa.org forums and you would not believe the amount of posts from 18 year old kids that want one for a first bike. Back to the topic the people that buy some of these high end cars etc that have expendable bank accounts usually buy them for the bling factor. Look at how many cars are wrecked form inexperienced drivers/riders.

http://www.wreckedexotics.com/

 

[Sir Humpsalot]

A bit off topic, but here's what I do on a motorcycle to make myself "statistically" invincible:

1. Don't drink and ride (not even one!). Most fatal accidents on car or motorcycle happen when the operator has been drinking.
2. Wear the appropriate riding gear (1.Helmet, 2.Leather or Heavy Pants/Jacket, 3.Gloves, 4.Boots)
3. Drive extra careful when close to your house
4. Just assume the driver of the car doesn't see you

Number 3 is really hard, because we all get used to the same street around our house (i call my route turns 1,2 and 3). We get comfortable, but it's other drivers we need to worry about. They don't give a rats ass how close you are to home...they're just idiot drivers. The last item in the list saves my ass at least once a week. It's either that people don't see motorcycles becuase they are much smaller than cars/trucks, or they can't judge the speed correctly. Small objects far away that accelerate incredibly fast do not get respect from retired people in cadillacs .

Number 1 is suspect. Statistically, ALL fatal accidents occur while the operator is breathing. But holding your breath doesn't make you safe. Plenty of empirical evidence has shown that 1 drink actually makes most people slightly better and smoother on a bike, with some bad traits starting to show while some good traits become extra-emphasized to a point that, at least it balances out. However, here's the problem- two drinks makes the rider slightly worse than being sober (which is not an acceptable way to be on two wheels) and three or more makes them a hazard to everyone. The problem isn't with having one. The problem is that having one makes you far more inclined to have a second one. But sure, for the masses who are irresponsible and can't control themselves, I can agree that just telling people "don't do it" is a fine policy.

As for number 2, my Aerostiched, back-padded, helmeted, booted, gloved, and face-shielded self agrees with you 100%.

Number 3, I would change to, "never assume you know the terrain/area; be equally careful near home as you are anywhere else". While it is true that a disproportionate number of accidents occur near your own home, I don't think being extra careful is really what's needed. What is needed is to be "equally careful" regardless of whether you know the area. For example, I know the right turn leaving my cul-de-sac like no other turn anywhere in the world. But sometimes there's gravel or grass clippings there and I should never assume otherwise.

And yes, as for number 4, I would go a little further. While I wouldn't assume they are out to kill you because that would cause me to be too cautious and slow (thereby causing people behind me to want to kill me), I would assume that they are completely indifferent as to whether I live or die. Besides being a good assumption, I also believe that is an accurate statement, at least in the moments preceding their awareness of a pending crash.

 

[SC_Ryan]

What about the human body (brains?) going from 60 to 0 in one second, give or take..??

Here is a (street legal) car that does 0-60 in one second. I immagine the G-force would be the same in reverse. The driver still appears to have a functioning brain.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/20/street-legal-red-victor-one-does-0-to-60-in-one-second/

 

[z987k]

your right indifference sounds better, but after they pull out in front of you enough times you start to think they actually want you to die

 

[z987k]

Here is a (street legal) car that does 0-60 in one second. I immagine the G-force would be the same in reverse. The driver still appears to have a functioning brain.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/20/street-legal-red-victor-one-does-0-to-60-in-one-second/

not unless he has a seat in front of him as well... that his is pressed against before touching the breaks. (it's not the g's that kill per say but the concentrated energy to smaller spots.)

 

[kornkob]

Well I always go full gear, so am I not a donor? Or is there a sub-category for those of us that not only live through the crash, but get up and ride home?

Dunno--- 'Patient' I suppose-- though she worked in the transplant ward-- if you walk away I imagine you don't need any transplants.

 

[Sir Humpsalot]

Let's not get carried away with exaggeration here. On Youtube there's a video of a SMART car crashing into a brick wall. A friend of mine asked me how the hell you survive that... so one day we did some math.

We figured the front end crushed about 3 feet inward and a seat belt with a tensioner could let you slide forward another foot under controlled deceleration. So, 60-0 in three and a half feet. You do the math and that works out to a deceleration of about, IIRC, 40G's. 40G's is what airline seats are designed to withstand. Why? Because this is the limit of what the 85th percentile human body can withstand without traumatic injury.

Yes, the above statements, at one time, were researched over the course of maybe 6 to 10 hours in my spare time. And yes, I am oversimplifying what I found. And yes, if pressed, I can't give you much more detail than this except to google it all again. However, the summary above is more or less accurate and I'll stand by it. If anyone else cares to do the math, you are more than welcome to do so.