Thank you mr.helmet

[CRAZY70MAN]

Went for a late night local ride with some of my square buddies on their quads. Unfamiliar with the trails, trying to stay fairly close to the leader. As we are coming through a field down a small brushhogged path about 30-40 mph......I go to weave around a slight leftturn and :(!! There was a big piece of steel beam that was protruding into the path and the rest was history. Absolutely stopped my 350 instantly catching the left rear tire and slamming me pretty violently to the ground. Needless to say it flattened my tire and bend the sh#$ out of my rim. Bent handlebars, front brake. The rear fenders went flying and are screwed up pretty good. Flipped er' back up and we stopped in to hammer the rim and jam 5 plugs in the sidewall to finish the ride. No broken bones....got me a giant bruise and lump on my right hip and neck and head is pretty sore. I posted this to say thanks to my helmet as I can recall the smashing sound of it hitting the ground thinking of what might have been if I had not had it on? No ride is too short to not wear a helmet. Never think that it can't happen to you or you are too good of a rider to wear one. By the way....looking for a new tire and rim for my 350 http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo321/andyatc70/th_P5150049.jpg (http://s388.photobucket.com/albums/oo321/andyatc70/?action=view&current=P5150049.jpg) Pretty foggy this morning...feels like I may have a slight concussion? Remember this story next time you go to ride off without you brain bucket on. It only takes a second and it can happen to anyone. Oh ya.....the damage is growing!! My outer right upper thigh and hip. http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo321/andyatc70/th_350bruise.jpg (http://s388.photobucket.com/albums/oo321/andyatc70/?action=view&current=350bruise.jpg)

[kzr800]

Thank god you had your helmet!

[trizilla]

glad to hear your ok Tom..... i lost a good friend in may that was riding without a helmet. really changed my way of thinking.....

[atc350xer]

Ouch! Crashing sucks... glad all you got was a bruise! See what happens when you hang around with quad guys? :lol: Actually, can you imagine what would have happened if you had been on a quad? That would have been a FRONT tire hitting that steel beam...

[Jason125m]

Glad you're okay, just goes to show you what can happen, and how fast it can happen... Glad you have brains and wore a helmet.. I don't know how people can argue why they don't need to wear a helmet.. anything can happen. I recall a thread on here where a 16 year old was trying to argue.. Can't remember who it was though...
Glad you're okay!

Jason

[fabiodriven]

Gotta wear the helmet every time. I'm glad to hear you're OK Andy. One of my buddies is always pissing and moaning about the helmet law here in Mass. Personally I think it's a good law to have. Whenever I go out of state and see those guys blasting down the highway at 80 with no helmet on it makes me cringe. No friggin' brains in their heads. I thought it was kinda sad when a guy died a couple of months ago while in an anti-helmet law protest ride in New York somewhere. He would have lived if he had been wearing his helmet. I hope each and every trailprotrailprotrailprotrailprotrailprotrailprotr ailpro on that ride felt stupid.

[dougspcs]

Gotta wear the helmet every time. I'm glad to hear you're OK Andy. One of my buddies is always pissing and moaning about the helmet law here in Mass. Personally I think it's a good law to have. Whenever I go out of state and see those guys blasting down the highway at 80 with no helmet on it makes me cringe. No friggin' brains in their heads. I thought it was kinda sad when a guy died a couple of months ago while in an anti-helmet law protest ride in New York somewhere. He would have lived if he had been wearing his helmet. I hope each and every trailprotrailprotrailprotrailprotrailprotrailprotr ailpro on that ride felt stupid.

The really sad part is that it takes a law to make people do what should be COMMON F#$%ING SENSE!!!

Glad you walked away 'crazy70man', sorry about your trike..

Live to ride and ride to live!!

[jbmatt]

I hate that it is a law. The Government shouldn't tell you what to do in regards to your personal safety as long as it doesn't affect others. That being said, a helmet saved my life on a street bike once and I ALWAYS wear a helmet!

[dougspcs]

I hate that it is a law. The Government shouldn't tell you what to do in regards to your personal safety as long as it doesn't affect others. That being said, a helmet saved my life on a street bike once and I ALWAYS wear a helmet!

The law is only there to tell the stupid what they should already know!
Since you aren't among the stupid, the law is irrelavent right??!

[Afrothunderkat]

i was coming home last night late and the wiring for my headlight went out on my trimoto so i couldn't see too well. i ended up bouncing off a rock and sliding off the trail down a 70ft drop and ofc, i have no brakes so it was 1st gear engine brake all the way down till i hit a big 3 foot rock and rolled the last 30 ft.

i hit my head hard, and im glad i had my helmet on. i almost didn't wear it because my buddi said we where going for a put. puts always turn into rips.

[CRAZY70MAN]

i was coming home last night late and the wiring for my headlight went out on my trimoto so i couldn't see too well. i ended up bouncing off a rock and sliding off the trail down a 70ft drop and ofc, i have no brakes so it was 1st gear engine brake all the way down till i hit a big 3 foot rock and rolled the last 30 ft.

i hit my head hard, and im glad i had my helmet on. i almost didn't wear it because my buddi said we where going for a put. puts always turn into rips.

You got it...its the little put ending up in big pain.

[dougspcs]

i was coming home last night late and the wiring for my headlight went out on my trimoto so i couldn't see too well. i ended up bouncing off a rock and sliding off the trail down a 70ft drop and ofc, i have no brakes so it was 1st gear engine brake all the way down till i hit a big 3 foot rock and rolled the last 30 ft.

i hit my head hard, and im glad i had my helmet on. i almost didn't wear it because my buddi said we where going for a put. puts always turn into rips.

So you wore your helmet..smart move.. 1 point!

But then you went for a 'rip' on a trike with no brakes .. -1 point!!

Not sure where that leaves you exactly? Oh yeah, luck to be alive maybe!!

Hint..brakes are not optional equipment!! Fix them!!

[fabiodriven]

Yeah, get on that before you show up for any of our rides. One of you guys collides with my R and there will be issues.

[fabiodriven]

...and functioning brakes. That means shoes that have friction material on them.

[dougspcs]

I hate to say this, but I am starting to agree with Fabio's quote of the week!!

[GeoD]

I hate that it is a law. The Government shouldn't tell you what to do in regards to your personal safety as long as it doesn't affect others.

Well, actually it does affect others. It increases insurance premiums, healthcare costs, ambulance fees. This comes out of all our pockets one way or another. I never think twice about wearing my helmet or buckling my seatbelt. It only takes a moment to do either and in a split second you just might thank your lucky stars you did. Im glad you are ok crazy70man. You can always replace a tire and wheel. It's a little harder to mend a cracked head.

.

[just ben]

he has 5 trikes and 2 bikes. only 2 trikes dont have brakes. my bike is nice, just needs a case seal.

and brakes. if anyone cant "afford" to maintain their machine they really cant afford to ride it

[code200k]

his rides are cherry,yet know brakes? even my t3 that has yet to run got em

[Tri-Z Pilot]

Yes!!! Always wear a helmet! Even when I am putting around my yard playing with idle or carb issues I wear a helmet, you never know if a bike is gonna go rogue and take off on you. And trust me when that does happen the killswitch does not work, it is exactly that.....A KILLSWITCH!
Here in PA Streetriders have the option to wear helmets, when I see one I think "O look at that R-Tard going", Look at how the great Indian Larry died.
What really irks me is these dicks on rockets that ride around in shorts, t-shirts, and SANDALS doin a buck down the road. I'm not saying you need a set of leathers, but at least wear boots(even sneakers) , jeans, and a jacket.
I have a friend who lost his leg on his Katana cause he was wearing sandals, leaned the bike too far, and the road grabbed his toes and drug his foot into the rear wheel. Now he has a prosthetic leg and walks with a kane.
Moral of the story, always wear appropriate riding gear, Crazy70 glad you are ok, and I hope your story changes some attitudes .

[motoman1012002]

glad to hear your ok bet that was a rough little ride

[Tri-Z Pilot]

Thunderkat, If you know how to drive a car you barely touch the brakes, but what happens if 16 year old "Suzie I don't know what to wear to school tomorrow cellphone-face" cuts you off while you are doing 45?
If you didn't need brakes the manufacturers would have not included them.
The only people who can run brake-less and get away with it are highly advanced BMX Flatlanders, hell even rollerblades have brakes.
I don't care how Advanced your riding skill is, you always need brakes. It's people like you that screw up the back of my trike on trail rides because you decide to use my axle as your "Brakes"

[Chazz of Blades]

Yep, my poor trike took the front end of a 300 Fourtrax today. Was pulling the guy down a dirt road with a tow rope, and he failed to mention he had no brakes. We were riding together and she shifter shaft stripped, leaving him stranded in fifth gear. He quickly overheated and fouled the plug out.

It bent my grab bar in some, and it was NOT a fast hit either, probably about 15 mph at best.

[Tri-Z Pilot]

Yeah Chazz, see what I mean, LOL, no really man that sucks.
What I really hate is when you are towing someone to pullstart them, and when they drop it into 2nd or 3rd they end up runnin right up into the back of you.
Use to happen all the time when I would pull my buddies 185s with my 250sx back in the day (he wasn't the best rider, lol)
What were you towin that behemoth with Chazz?

[Nevkilahonda3]

Rear brakes are really important but I never use the front ones so if I own a trike w/o front thats fine ever since I saw what happened to my buddy on his dirtbike. He went for the front brakes and some how something flung up and wedged its self in the brake and his rear end came up over his head dislocating his shoulder from the ground impact and bruisin his ribs from the bike. So I only use rear brakes or engine braking. Brakes are a must for racing oh yeah so is a helmet.

[CRAZY70MAN]

Never meant to start any arguments with this thread but sure am glad it got the whole helmet thing stirred up. Maybe this mishap will stick in just one persons mind to have them put there helmet on and possibly save a life or serious injury. I never really could understand any benefit of not wearing a helmet vs. wearing one other than a little hot on summer days. I'll take the heat vs. the other outcome. By the way....Got some deep gouges in my helmet from apparently some small rocks or just the hard ground! No cracks.....checked it over pretty good. Had that been my head it would have been no doubt stitch time.

[Tri-Z Pilot]

Yeah Crazy70, I was thinkin the same thing. If this thread makes at least one person rethink their whole helmet philosophy, that's at least one life you might of saved. And if only one person out of the many decides to start wearing one, I'd say mission accomplished!
This ones for you Crazy:beer

[ama009]

Glad to hear another successful head saving moment!!

I agree with this statement 100%

and brakes. if anyone cant "afford" to maintain their machine they really cant afford to ride it

[fabiodriven]

Rear brakes are really important but I never use the front ones so if I own a trike w/o front thats fine ever since I saw what happened to my buddy on his dirtbike. He went for the front brakes and some how something flung up and wedged its self in the brake and his rear end came up over his head dislocating his shoulder from the ground impact and bruisin his ribs from the bike. So I only use rear brakes or engine braking. Brakes are a must for racing oh yeah so is a helmet.

That is a ridiculous reason not to use front brakes.

[Tri-Z Pilot]

Yeah Fabio I was tryin to wrap my head around that one.
I think a stick or something wedged itself in the front brake lever and endoed the bike. If that were to happen to a trike or quad I just see the front end pushing.
Hell I use my front brake the most probably, you can manuever the rear tires around more for a tighter turn radius if you know to take the weight off the inside wheel.

[atctim]

Mandy, Good to hear you are OK - sounds pretty greasy to me..... - as for these people riding with no brakes - that is not responsible to do at all! You need brakes! Boy I read some dumb stuff from people on here sometimes. Riding without brakes is like racing without a tether switch - you are gonna get hurt, hurt someone else, and or just plain mangle up your machine. Fix your rags or at least don't ride them until the "BASICS" are in proper working order!

[atc350xer]

"Suzie I don't know what to wear to school tomorrow cellphone-face"

:lol: THAT is the funniest thing I've seen in a long time! Perfectly describes today's teenagers :lol:

[Chazz of Blades]

Yeah Chazz, see what I mean, LOL, no really man that sucks.
What I really hate is when you are towing someone to pullstart them, and when they drop it into 2nd or 3rd they end up runnin right up into the back of you.
Use to happen all the time when I would pull my buddies 185s with my 250sx back in the day (he wasn't the best rider, lol)
What were you towin that behemoth with Chazz?

Good ole 200S. Smoking enough that I won't have to worry about mosquitoes for a while too! I just scooted back and eased into traction, got it rolling pretty easy then it was smooth sailing from there on.

[dcreel]

My 2 cents.. Driving an atv with no brakes is just as stupid as driving a car with no brakes. If your atv doesn't have brakes, you save your money and fix them before you ride. As far as riding or tracking without brakes, that is just hilarious.. A good rider will be a lot faster with rear brakes and even faster still with front brakes. An experienced rider knows (especially on a track) you will use your front brakes as much or more than your rear brakes.

If you seriously think you can go faster without brakes, you aren't as experienced as you think.

[Senator]

The law is only there to tell the stupid what they should already know!
Since you aren't among the stupid, the law is irrelavent right??!


Nope, that does not make the law irrelavent, even to those of us not among the stupid. The law promotes the protection of a brain that is functioning so poorly it doesn't know enough to protect itself. In doing so, the law necessarily promotes the continuation of bad genes into future gene pools. Remeber this: Morons get a vote too, and theirs is exactly equal to yours and mine. If we protect too many morons they may one day outnumber us.

[Chazz of Blades]

Doug, an experienced rider can go SO much faster without brakes.



Just not for very far.

[atctim]

I want you to go as fast as you can across a flat field. Set up a line - and see how many feet it takes you to stop with that "awesome 4 stroke" engine brake. You got a jake brake on that thing or what? Give me a brake. Three wheelers have a bad enough reputation as is - it's guys like you that live up to the stereo type - and guys like you who we will read about in the paper! Dude - seriously - brake pads cost what???? $18?

[Tri-Z 250]

Crazy if your bell was rung, which a foggy morning indicates to me a slight cuncussion. Hang that helmet up! Go get a NEW one...These helmets today do a great job for small crashes and handelbar drops...but when it comes to BIG head slaps and the insides become even slightly impacted...their DONE. Yeah good for backup, but I still replace mine with any major head slaps. I also replace mine every 5yrs regardless do to the materials(foam) used becoming harder or breaking down. Now I don't buy the most expensive but I try and stay in the $100-150 range. Just a thought man.

[dougspcs]

Nope, that does not make the law irrelavent, even to those of us not among the stupid. The law promotes the protection of a brain that is functioning so poorly it doesn't know enough to protect itself. In doing so, the law necessarily promotes the continuation of bad genes into future gene pools. Remeber this: Morons get a vote too, and theirs is exactly equal to yours and mine. If we protect too many morons they may one day outnumber us.

You are talking about natural selection..

I like that in principal, but for the fact I got a buddy that isn't much a thinker..doesn't mean I want him in a box.

Boy stupid sure does get alot of air time in here..weird thing is some guys brag about it!!

[CRAZY70MAN]

Crazy if your bell was rung, which a foggy morning indicates to me a slight cuncussion. Hang that helmet up! Go get a NEW one...These helmets today do a great job for small crashes and handelbar drops...but when it comes to BIG head slaps and the insides become even slightly impacted...their DONE. Yeah good for backup, but I still replace mine with any major head slaps. I also replace mine every 5yrs regardless do to the materials(foam) used becoming harder or breaking down. Now I don't buy the most expensive but I try and stay in the $100-150 range. Just a thought man.

I never considered getting a new one until you just mentioned that? I think I will after hearing that smashing sound.....something obviously was damaged or distorted. Thanks for the advice...... As I examined the inside, the liner was ripped away from the foam..... I would have never thought to look at inside damage? I guess ya think these thinks are indestructible sometimes. Notice those 2 or 3 gouges. Thank my lucky stars....thanks for the suggestion. Never quit learning ya know. http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo321/andyatc70/th_P5160051.jpg (http://s388.photobucket.com/albums/oo321/andyatc70/?action=view&current=P5160051.jpg) Bring on the pain!! Here it comes........ http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo321/andyatc70/th_350bruise.jpg (http://s388.photobucket.com/albums/oo321/andyatc70/?action=view&current=350bruise.jpg) My right outer thigh hip area.

[atctim]

your leg looks kind of sexy in my opinion! Good advice on the new helmet - I have heard that before too!

[CRAZY70MAN]

your leg looks kind of sexy in my opinion! Good advice on the new helmet - I have heard that before too! lol........if ya look at the bruise upside down it kinda appears to be the shape of a hawk?? A Sh** Hawk!!lol.........they swooped in on me Tim.........they were flyin low....... damn....I got a Sh** Hawk bruise!!! Man it really does look like a hawk though??

[Nevkilahonda3]

Okay fabiodriven if thats a crazy reason for not using front brakes then fine everyone has their own opinion but last time I checked not all 3 wheelers were manufactured with front brakes so does that make the company just as bad as me not using them on a trike that has front brakes. I have never had a problem with just using rear brakes never hit anyone or anything but it probably doesn't matter what I say you'll still have a problem with how I ride.

[dougspcs]

Okay fabiodriven if thats a crazy reason for not using front brakes then fine everyone has their own opinion but last time I checked not all 3 wheelers were manufactured with front brakes so does that make the company just as bad as me not using them on a trike that has front brakes. I have never had a problem with just using rear brakes never hit anyone or anything but it probably doesn't matter what I say you'll still have a problem with how I ride.

It isn't how you ride..it's your thought process Fabio was referring to!!

Giving an example of a crazy, fluke incident that happened to your buddy as a reason not to use a piece of safety equipment is whacked!!

Problem is a lot of people have reasons.."I don't need brakes because..blah, blah", "I don't wear a helmet when I'm yadda, yadda.."

It's a malfunction is some riders mentality and it's gotta be changed!!

[GeoD]

I was going to chime in regarding the lack of brakes but as Larry the Cableguy says..."You can't fix STUPID!!". Just remember, it's this type of idiotic behavior that ultimately lead to the ban of three wheelers.

I wanted to post the following link to let everyone know what our government is trying to do to the ATV community. I might post this link in it's own thread because I feel it's a very important subject:


US Government Planning To Ban ATVs And SXSs From OHV Parks - ATVs And SxSs Banned In U.S

http://www.atvrideronline.com/features/1012_atvp_us_government_planning_to_ban_atvs_and_s xss_from_ohv_parks/yamahas_rhino.html

[Nevkilahonda3]

I was going to chime in regarding the lack of brakes but as Larry the Cableguy says..."You can't fix STUPID!!". Just remember, it's this type of idiotic behavior that ultimately lead to the ban of three wheelers.

I wanted to post the following link to let everyone know what our government is trying to do to the ATV community. I might post this link in it's own thread because I feel it's a very important subject:


US Government Planning To Ban ATVs And SXSs From OHV Parks - ATVs And SxSs Banned In U.S

http://www.atvrideronline.com/features/1012_atvp_us_government_planning_to_ban_atvs_and_s xss_from_ohv_parks/yamahas_rhino.html

I think the main reason the government is trying to ban atvs is because of stupid people who consume alcohol and then go out driving. If people would quit drinking and driving I bet this wouldn't even be brought up cause I'm sure their thinking about banning sleds too.Every accident I hear of in the newspaper has alcohol involved thats why the government is trying to force us to get every kind of insurance possible.

[GeoD]

Nevkilahonda3. I don't know if you read the complete article (3 pages) but the government is ultimately going to try to ban all outdoor activities in state parks starting first with ATVs and 4x4's then moving on to snowmobiles, mountain biking, camping, hiking, fishing, etc... Pretty freakin crazy and selfish if I say so myself!! I thought our tax dollars support those parks!? I will agree to the drinking and driving to a point. If that was the main concern then the government should also impose a ban on automobiles and motorcycles since DUIs run so rampant on our roadways. It's also because of idiots riding their ATVs with NO BRAKES, NO HELMETS, young riders on bikes too large for them to properly handle, riding too fast for the conditions, riding ATVs on roads and/or cement, and the list goes on and on. It's the responsiblity of each and every one of us to ride safe and respect the vehicles we choose to ride. If you get into an accident because you neglict to riding safe then it's your fault and you should not be allowed to open a frivilous lawsuit against the manufacturer. PERIOD!! But its those idiots that helped get the three wheeler banned. And it looks like UTV's are the next on the list followed by Quads.

Whew. Sorry for the ranting guys. But this subject really burns me up.

[DasUberKraut]

So I'm wondering why no one else picked up on this. In post #4 atc350xer said it was a good thing that it was the rear wheel and not the front. Am I the only one wondering how it didn't take out his leg completely? It had to have missed by just a couple inches. Just a thought.

Also, I was just thinking how guilty I really am of negligeance. I've been putzing around on my trike without a helmet or brakes. I'm thinking nature should have "selected" me ages ago. LOL. Don't get me wrong, I don't go ripping around or bombing down trails or anything. I just recently aquired my machine and am trying to get it running properly so I'm not gunning it down roads. But someone else's comment I forget who. About a machine going rogue on you kinda made me think. I will wear my helmet now when I'm just putting around the yard and driveway trying to figure out my small issues. And don't get me wrong. It's not that too cheap to buy brakes. The brake levers were stripped off the machine before I bought it. The one's I bought for it broke when I tried inserting the cables. Some of you probably read my thread asking what are good brake levers. And thankyou for the good info.

[just ben]

So I'm wondering why no one else picked up on this. In post #4 atc350xer said it was a good thing that it was the rear wheel and not the front. Am I the only one wondering how it didn't take out his leg completely? It had to have missed by just a couple inches. Just a thought.

Also, I was just thinking how guilty I really am of negligeance. I've been putzing around on my trike without a helmet or brakes. I'm thinking nature should have "selected" me ages ago. LOL. Don't get me wrong, I don't go ripping around or bombing down trails or anything. I just recently aquired my machine and am trying to get it running properly so I'm not gunning it down roads. But someone else's comment I forget who. About a machine going rogue on you kinda made me think. I will wear my helmet now when I'm just putting around the yard and driveway trying to figure out my small issues. And don't get me wrong. It's not that too cheap to buy brakes. The brake levers were stripped off the machine before I bought it. The one's I bought for it broke when I tried inserting the cables. Some of you probably read my thread asking what are good brake levers. And thankyou for the good info.

glad to hear you have come to your senses. helmets have saved me many times even just putn around the yard

[RID3R]

I can only imagine how some of you guys ride.

I wear a helmet and chest protector when I do ride. For these reasons - mechanical failure, another rider, or my own careless actions. Its not very hard NOT to wreck. Like another member once said, " riding trikes is not rocket science"... I agree.

I only use my front brakes when helping move weight forward to help kick loose the rear tires. Otherwise, I find it hard to control that lever and a twist at the same time, and back brakes are plenty. I wont go and say front brakes are useless but I don't find myself using them much at all.

The Government and banning atv's is like anything else, they want power and control... simple. The idiots however do give them a case, but I wouldn't say that is there reason for such ridiculous laws.

[Just-Tri-It]

Nope, that does not make the law irrelavent, even to those of us not among the stupid. The law promotes the protection of a brain that is functioning so poorly it doesn't know enough to protect itself. In doing so, the law necessarily promotes the continuation of bad genes into future gene pools. Remeber this: Morons get a vote too, and theirs is exactly equal to yours and mine. If we protect too many morons they may one day outnumber us.

LOLOLOL Say it ain't so!..........

[dcreel]

Just how big is a 4 stroke engine brake?

[Luigy83]

Kind of new to the site and have some questions for the mechanics around here, does anybody know what is the best crankcase oil for a stock 86 250r... thanks and currently working on some Lexus yellow fogs for to be put on to the ATC...

[dougspcs]

Kind of new to the site and have some questions for the mechanics around here, does anybody know what is the best crankcase oil for a stock 86 250r... thanks and currently working on some Lexus yellow fogs for to be put on to the ATC...

Wrong place, wrong discussion kid..

Fabio, you want field this one?

[dougspcs]

Just how big is a 4 stroke engine brake?

And will using 97 octane keep your engine brakes 'dryer'?

[Chazz of Blades]

No no, 97 octane makes the bike last SO much longer, even though it's way too high Octane content to run on a stock bike.



So how's the trailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro-Hawk coming along? It almost looked like the Honda Logo(the wing).

[CRAZY70MAN]

No no, 97 octane makes the bike last SO much longer, even though it's way too high Octane content to run on a stock bike.



So how's the trailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro-Hawk coming along? It almost looked like the Honda Logo(the wing).

Good. Turning mustard yellow and black now.

[just ben]

And will using 97 octane keep your engine brakes 'dryer'?

I thought engine brakes were a wet set up? or is that just on the hondas?

[dougspcs]

I thought engine brakes were a wet set up? or is that just on the hondas?

You are kidding right ben?? You do know engine brakes don't really exsist..it's just a term. The principal is that as you take your finger off the throttle then engine slows, the compression of the engine creates drag down to the wheels..thus slowing the machine down.

There is no real 'brake'...we were just fuking with the new guys!!

[just ben]

You are kidding right ben?? You do know engine brakes don't really exsist..it's just a term. The principal is that as you take your finger off the throttle then engine slows, the compression of the engine creates drag down to the wheels..thus slowing the machine down.

There is no real 'brake'...we were just fuking with the new guys!!

oh really? thats good to know because I thought my engine brake bearings were starting to go. LOL I guess I will check out the flycewinder LOL

[dougspcs]

'Afrothundercat' posted scolding us 'old men' and that we didn't deserve to own our machines, then started to rant defending his right to ride with semi-functional brakes.

He ended by saying 4strokes have bigger engine brakes than 2strokes do...RIIIIIGHT?!?!

Maybe we need a new thread..The 2 stroke/4stroke engine brake size debate!!

Oh yeah, Ben. While your are it don't forget to check your muffler bearing!!;)

[just ben]

well generally the 4 strokes are twice the size of two smokers but the two smokes power band is twice the size lol. us old guys must be stupid using brakes and helmets and stuff.

[dougspcs]

well generally the 4 strokes are twice the size of two smokers but the two smokes power band is twice the size lol. us old guys must be stupid using brakes and helmets and stuff.

According to 'afrothundercat' it's time for us to hang up our helmets and sell our machines..maybe to the young guys to rip the brakes off of and ride til they crash them!!

[just ben]

I have two for sale. maybe if were closer he could take one for a rip and see why a real machine needs brakes

[Tri-Z 250]

Crazy- good to hear your thinking of a replacement, mustard color that close to a bun....sounds like hotdog!, over that one.

[dcreel]

It's funny too, I've owned my Tecate longer than Afrocat has been alive... lol

[atctim]

This weekend I plan on taking the calipers off my 350X and installing a "jake brake". No more replacing brake pads for me!!!!! nana nana poo poo~!

[dcreel]

This weekend I plan on taking the calipers off my 350X and installing a "jake brake". No more replacing brake pads for me!!!!! nana nana poo poo~!

Hell yes, 6 inch straight pipe... hoooweee...

[atctim]

Dual stacks nonetheless!

Man-O-man-O-man-O-Mandy talk about a hi-jacked thread. How's your thigh? I like mine extra crispy with hot sauce!

[fabiodriven]

RID3R is one of the more intelligent people on this thread. ive been on the forms for 2 days and im getting nagged at buy a bunch of old men that ride once a month and think they know it all. i clearly stated that i have rear brakes. are they sufficient? yes, are they perfect? no. i own a mint low hour 2003 RM 250 and i am the 2nd owner. it is absolutely mint. 100% there, everythings tight, bearings, suspension, brakes you name it. its new. when i ride, i NEVER use brakes. i use my backs while going down a steep sand hill, or i brake on a track, but 99% of the time i dont use brakes. i might tap em quick to lock up here and there and thats it and 4 strokes have alot bigger engine brake than 2 strokes do.


i do not want to hear another thing about brakes. alot of you guys should sell your trikes for quads, you dont deserve them.

You say whatever it is you feel you need to, but you have no idea who you are talking to. Do not show up to any of our rides until you publicly apologize. You need to learn a little respect boy.

[dougspcs]

You say whatever it is you feel you need to, but you have no idea who you are talking to. Do not show up to any of our rides until you publicly apologize. You need to learn a little respect boy.

Was wondering when Fabio was going to show up at the party..you go boy!!

Someone needed to give this kid a talkin' to!!

[CRAZY70MAN]

Dual stacks nonetheless!

Man-O-man-O-man-O-Mandy talk about a hi-jacked thread. How's your thigh? I like mine extra crispy with hot sauce!

Highjacking is good......at least thread will stay atop the forum. Thigh is stadium mustard yellow and shi#hawk black. Healing.......slowly. Keep me posted on the next ride your way Tim.....See....highjacking my own thread once again.

[just ben]

get em fabio! and glad your leg is getting better(to stay on topic)

[Chazz of Blades]

Maybe next he's going to ask how he can install two more strokes to his engine to make it run on straight gas..................

[Bretmd94]

You say whatever it is you feel you need to, but you have no idea who you are talking to. Do not show up to any of our rides until you publicly apologize. You need to learn a little respect boy.

Well put fabiodriven. I never understood the people that run with no front brake. The front brake is great, I use mine all the time and at times it can definitly stop a collision from happening.

I ride fast. Helmets, working brakes, Boots, gloves; these are all needed. With out them you just look like a sh** apple. From the same sh** tree that caused 3 wheelers to get banned in the first place.

[Afrothunderkat]

I joined this site so i could ask questions and share my passion for trikes with other owners, not to get trolled and bicker

maybe you guys should tone it down a little and act like gentleman. my intentions where not insult or offend anyone. if i did, i apologize.

[Chazz of Blades]

Look at it this way, brake pads are a LOT cheaper than a new transmission, or clutch.

[ama009]

RID3R is one of the more intelligent people on this thread. ive been on the forms for 2 days and im getting nagged at buy a bunch of old men that ride once a month and think they know it all. i clearly stated that i have rear brakes. are they sufficient? yes, are they perfect? no. i own a mint low hour 2003 RM 250 and i am the 2nd owner. it is absolutely mint. 100% there, everythings tight, bearings, suspension, brakes you name it. its new. when i ride, i NEVER use brakes. i use my backs while going down a steep sand hill, or i brake on a track, but 99% of the time i dont use brakes. i might tap em quick to lock up here and there and thats it and 4 strokes have alot bigger engine brake than 2 strokes do.i do not want to hear another thing about brakes. alot of you guys should sell your trikes for quads, you dont deserve them.

Make up your mind buddy. Here you start saying that you never use your brakes. Then, you only use them down a steep hill. Then, on the track. Then, a quick lock up here and there. Well, what is it?? Do you use them or not? What about when someone shoots out in front of you? Do you use them then? You are talking yourself out of your own statement.


i have the ability to ride with out brakes, maybe you guys dont. or you dont find it acceptable. thats fine, your entitled to your opinion.

my intentions where not insult or offend anyone. if i did, i apologize.

Now you say that brakes are an ability? I guess I don't have the ability to push the brake lever down with my foot when I think I need it. Sounds like you are a much better rider than I am. I'm not that good anyway, so that doesn't really say much. Oh, by the way, Is that your public apology? What do you think Fabio? Is that gonna work?

[dougspcs]

i have the ability to ride with out brakes, maybe you guys dont. or you dont find it acceptable.

maybe you guys should tone it down a little, have a few less and act like gentleman. my intentions where not insult or offend anyone. if i did, i apologize.

So I guess you decided to take your trial by firing squad..I won't promise that some of these guys in here don't have the ability to shoot before asking questions especially at the new guys that shoot 1st. But then they have been around a long time..probably entitles them a little.

It's probably as decent an apology as any..welcome to the forum.

Now back to your other comment..NOBODY has the ability to ride without brakes. If you still feel like you are indestructible and the perfect rider..you are too young to be in control of a motorized machine.

If you are riding anywhere in proximity to other riders, you have to expect the unexpected. If you really think this way and therefore don't keep your machine properly maintained..I'll back Fabio in saying. 'We don't want you to come riding with us!!'

As you get older and see schit happen as it can, your opinion will change. I at 44 have seen enough things happen to know this is true..people die on these machines. Sometimes not just because they screwd up!!

Brakes and helmets keep people alive..to suggest you don't need one or the other is ignorant!! This isn't an opinion, it's fact..

Stay on your own property until you learn this!! OK?? After that time you will be welcomed to attend!!

[just ben]

See you guys take and twist things, which is fine. what ever makes you feel better. i joined this site so i could ask questions and share my passion for trikes with other owners, not to get trolled and bicker. but i see this site's members would rather act hostile than let something slide. i do not condone ridding with out brakes, nor do i like to. i have the ability to ride with out brakes, maybe you guys dont. or you dont find it acceptable. thats fine, your entitled to your opinion. sarcasm and hostility are not needed.

taking a legitimate statement such as 4 strokes have a larger engine brake than 2 strokes do, twisting and making it seem like a literal statement is immature and it seems you guys are board. 4 strokes, you let off you slow down. 2 strokes, not so much. thats all i ment by the statement.

maybe you guys should tone it down a little, have a few less and act like gentleman. my intentions where not insult or offend anyone. if i did, i apologize.

just having fun with ya bud and to try to put the sense into you that working brakes are a necessity not an option. I have the ability to ride without brakes I just dont have the ability to stop without them. as far as your statements about old guys that only ride once a month, your right I'm lucky to ride that much. you see, when you get all growed up this little thing called responsibility kicks in. I think your statements like that are what offend people and will get reactions like you have seen

[GeoD]

Ok guys. This is going to be a long one. I apologize in advance. But, it has to be done.

I agree 100% with the past few replies. AfroTK. Im not going to flame you. But, Im going to present you with most of your replies within this thread. Let's review:



i have no brakes so it was 1st gear engine brake all the way down till i hit a big 3 foot rock and rolled the last 30 ft.


the 350x i was riding with had no brakes either and he almost went off where i did. Brakes? well, if you push the foot pedal down all the way the rear will lock up. (metal on metal)

he has 5 trikes and 2 bikes. only 2 trikes dont have brakes. my bike is nice, just needs a case seal.

His nice rigs are cherry. he wont even ride his nice 350x. its so mint.

You didn't read, so ill have to explain it to you. his rigs are nice. he has several. 2, do not have brakes. he has not bothered to put brakes on because he has too many projects going on. we have been ridding for months with out issue. he used to take his 350s out and id ride the one with no brakes. we have even tracked them. ill say this in case you dont want to read. ALL HIS RIGS ARE NICE. HE JUST HASN'T GOTTEN AROUND TO SPENDING $300 FOR CALIPERS AND LINES. we are on budgets.

i own a mint low hour 2003 RM 250 and i am the 2nd owner. it is absolutely mint. 100% there, everythings tight, bearings, suspension, brakes you name it.

im getting nagged at buy a bunch of old men that ride once a month and think they know it all

i clearly stated that i have rear brakes. are they sufficient? yes, are they perfect? no. i own a mint low hour 2003 RM 250 and i am the 2nd owner.

So, as you see we are not talking about your mint 03 RM 250. We are referring to the two 350X's that your buddy owns. You mentioned he doesn't have $300 to replace them. That's ok. It doesn't take $300 to replace brakes on a 350X. You can get a brand new rear caliper with pads included from East Coast ATV for $107. Or, you can buy replacement pads for as little as $16.99. Here is a link to help your buddy out:

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/vehicleFilter.do?prevVehicleType=1&prevMake=4&prevModel=97&keyword=&vehicleTypeId=1&make=4&model=97&applyFilter=Change+Vehicle&year=1985&navTitle=Brakes&webCatId=15&navType=type&webTypeId=31&uri=%2FtypeDetail.do

I'm 40yrs old and I've ridden three wheelers since I was 12. So I think I have a few years on you in the experience dept. I have seen my share of bullshttp://www.cool-smileys.com/images/35.gif (http://www.cool-smileys.com/orange-smiley-censored)t over the years and I feel it's my duty to educate younger riders such as yourself so you can carry on the trike tradition properly. It's not a matter of if, but when you dump your bike. It's how you are prepared when it happens that counts. Helmets, riding gear, portable first aid kit, cell phone, GPS. These are all good things to have when out riding. I've owned my current 85 350X (it's still in near mint condition) for 21yrs now and it wasn't until three years ago I finally dumped it. It was a freak accident but I was prepared and I and the bike came out with minor injuries. Two years ago I was another weird accident. I was almost at a complete stop and I was just about to shift into neutral when my bike unexpectantly slid off a little ledge and I accidentally hit the gas and got tossed off the bike into a bunch of blueberry bushes. My knee, elbow, and head hit some big rocks. My knee and elbow hurt like hell but my head was fine. After that little dump I decided that riding gear only works if you are wearing it. So, I went out and purchase the AXO AirCage and knee pads. Now I feel MUCH safer when on the trails with a helmet, body armor, gloves, knee pads, and good boots.

Now, here is my "no brakes" story. When I was 19 (young and dumb and full of testosterone) I bought my first 85 350X and aside from having a strong engine the rest of the bike was a total POS. It needed rear brakes but a buddy wanted to go riding so I loaded it up and we went to our favorite coal hole. I was ripping up the main trail as I have done for years. I was flat out in 4th and I came around a bend leading to the main parking area. The state decided to reclaim the coal soot and was digging parts of the area. Well, that day I found out quickly that they took the main trail away. I was staring at a 40ft drop about 50ft in front from me. Remember, I had no back brakes. I downshifted and slammed on the front brakes and I got tossed off. I flew probably 25ft in the air head first. My head slammed into a pile of rocks about the size of volley balls. I rolled and my bike almost landed on me so I continued to roll on the jagged rocks. When all was said and done my helmet was split and my back was bloody. My bike was messed up and my bud and I rolled it back to the truck and left. The next day I was at the Honda shop buying brake pads and a new helmet. It took me 20min to change them. I was very thankful I still had my head in one piece to learn that lesson the hard way. $18 and 20min of my time would have prevented that accident.

Moral of the story...Speed doesn't kill, it's the sudden stop!

Please review your comments above and swallow the turd of humbleness and learn from what we are telling you. Our small three wheeler community has a bad enough rap. Please don't add to it by riding dumb. If anyone wants to ride dumb on their three wheeler I suggest you sell it and buy a quad and let the responsible riders continue on with the three wheeler tradition.


.

[dcreel]

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w182/dcreel/Riding%20pics/mikeycrash-2.jpg

This is a picture of my buddy Mike. We were riding around my yard at my daughters birthday party. He lost control on a YZ125 and hit a tree in 2nd gear. He had a helmet and riding gear on. The impact with the tree shattered the visor and cracked the helmet. The marks on his neck are from hitting the tree. He was ambulanced out to our local hospital where they found a brain bleed. He was airlifted to Joplin where he spent 2 days in ICU. His helmet made the trip along next to him. The ICU doctor said without the helmet he would have been dead at 20 years old.

There was a kid from my work at the same hospital. He was in a coma from test driving a streetbike with no helmet. Lost control and hit a telephone pole. He was in the ICU for months and had to relearn how to walk, speak, and eat. He was 21.

The moral to this story is to do the best that you can do to NOT set yourself up for failure. Helmet and working brakes are a huge part of the riding experience. Sh!t happens, just make sure you are ready for it.

[roostin atc]

I would just want to thank my helmet. Yesterday I went out for a small ride by myself. I was crusing along in third gear and came up to what I thought was a frozen puddle. I broke through with my front tire and over the bars I went. I also had a chest protector on landed on my shoulder and my head. Broke my viser off and.scratched it up good. But I'm still here it did its job. Riding without proper equipment whether it be your brakes or your gear is just crazy you never know what is gonna happen out there.

[CRAZY70MAN]

I would just want to thank my helmet. Yesterday I went out for a small ride by myself. I was crusing along in third gear and came up to what I thought was a frozen puddle. I broke through with my front tire and over the bars I went. I also had a chest protector on landed on my shoulder and my head. Broke my viser off and.scratched it up good. But I'm still here it did its job. Riding without proper equipment whether it be your brakes or your gear is just crazy you never know what is gonna happen out there.

Glad you are OK............like I said way back....you never know when shi* will hit the fan!! Keep up the good habits....I always do!! Wear your helmets.

[ChrisD]

I want to thank my helmet too. I was riding my CRF450R last year. We were making good time when I hit a rocky idem in some tall grass hat sent me flying over the handlebars with the bike landing on me. I flew med-evac to shock trauma. I had a contusion (bad concussion), stitches in my eyebrow, 3 broken ribs despite the chest protector, broken middle finger, dislocated pinky finger and bruises and road rash all over. The makes on the helmet show that I would have been dead.

I also want to thank some of the hijackers of this thread for the chuckle.

[Dirtcrasher]

Thats why taking me riding is like watching a girl get ready for a prom :lol:

I have knee and shin guards pants boots gloves goggles and a chest protector; The new boots are easier to get on too :D And of course, a nice new helmet......