A couple days ago I bought a new toy, a Honda 250CC medium-sized racing style bike. If I was in America, I don't know if you'd see me make the same purchase. Speed limits exceeding 70 mph, automobile drivers' carelessness and affordable gas may have kept me content on four wheels stateside. But, as petrol prices in Japan now average 4.93 USD a gallon, my Camry's fuel efficiency just wasn't giving me enough bang for my buck. I pondered over it for a bit, and decided I would join the thousands of Oba-sans (old women) already on the streets and opt for riding on two wheels.
A slower speed limit (average 35 mph) and car drivers attentitiveness to bikers sealed the deal. The warm climate, endless sunshine, cool silver helmet and bad-ass biker chick image had nothing to do with the decision. This recent purchase coincided two days after the Steeler's young quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, was thrown helmetless from his large-sized racing style bike, crashing into a windshield and then subsequently face-planting into the pavement, blood pooling around him. If this doesn't deter consumer confidence, I don't know what will.
Roethlisberger, caught frequently without his familiar football headgear neccessity, may have spurned the helmet debate in Pennsylvania, but for those of us who don't need to be coaxed to protect our pretty faces when travelling at high speeds, what other precautions can we take to ensure rider safety?
"The key is to be aware of your physical and mental condition," the Web site AA reports. They also recommend
1. A helmet
2 A long sleeved shirt or jacket, which fits closely around the wrists.
3. Long pants to provide protection from the hottest parts of the bike
4. Full fingered gloves to protect against abrasion and help maintain control of the motor bike
5. A visor or goggles to ensure good visibility is maintained and to protect the eyes from dust, wind and debris
6. Robust footwear for maximum grip, preferably covering the ankles, with no laces as these can be dangerous if they become tangled in the pedals.
Check, check and check. So loved ones, breathe easy, With safety, awareness and precaution at the helm, riding can be relaxing and worry-free
4 comments:
You're new bike is so cute!
I'm jealous!!
Does this mean you'll actually get a Japanese driver's license now?!? =)
SOLD!
WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO TAKE DELIVERY OF MY NEW TWO WHEELER WITH THE CAT IN THE BASKET AND A DOG TIED TO THE FENDER?
Danielle! This is so awesome!! I love your bike. I'm thinking about taking a class to get my license and then I want to buy a Harley so I can keep up with my hubby. Definitely want to get a cruiser bike for weekend rides, but I LOVE how sporty your bike is!!
Your picture is lacking all the necessities described below by the AA.....? I see you have only followed the first recommendation! I am no longer able to breathe easy.
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