[98G]

Sad.

Sad is most of what I felt when I saw him.

Resplendantly adorned in his custom Shoei helmet that perfectly matched the silver and blue of his 4 day old Hayabusa, he came to an unsteady stop at the light next to me, his bare hands firmly strangling the bars, two fingers pulling the clutch lever back, front brake neglected entirely. Both sneaker wearing feet left the pegs, and thus the only brake he had been using, to take up momentum as he stopped. The speed hump (that tumor looking mostrosity that takes the place of the back seat on the 'Busa) was in place, providing that little extra oomph of aerodynamics he most certainly needed. Unfortunately any gains in aerodynamics given by the hump were negated by the second matching custom Shoei helmet hanging from the helmet hook, desperately trying to beat itself to death against the side of the bike. The light changed, and my left turning lane was given a green arrow, and it was with considerable regret that I pulled away in my deisel pickup as he was fumbling to find first, or maybe neutral, while waiting for his light to change.

Had I been on my motorcycle, I would have breached custom, split traffic and flagged him down to politely and as tactfully as possible explain to him the errors of his ways and invite him to ride with me.

Sad. His first panic stop will be rear brake only. I'm sure of it. I wonder if I'll have him as a patient, or if he will be even fortunate enough to make it to our ICU.

Live and learn. Learn, or you won't live long.

98G

 

[bat4255]

Had one here, out in the country, Not sure what Sport bike, Honda I think, shorts, sandles, no shirt, no helmet, going about 80 on twisties.

My son saw him about a week later, and couldn't figure out how he lived that long. I would think at least his big toe would hurt.

 

[charleym3]

Okay, I'll byte. What's a squid? My guess is someone that goes starfish on the pavement from a moving bike.

 

[SuzukiGirl1]

I think I saw this question answered in another post recently. I believe Uncle Bob defined it as someone who rides "squirrely" plus something else...I can't remember...was it "kid"? :?

Basically...it's those guys you see riding around w/ flip-flops, backwards upsidedown visors, tank tops, shorts, either going 10 mph around the lakes making sure any and all girls see them...or going 110 cutting through cars doing wheelies...w a girl in a bikini on the back.

You don't want to be a squid! :roll:

 

[charleym3]

Certainly not. I just don't want to get hurt trying to get my riding skills back.

 

[bat4255]

I always thought it was a Squirley, Hormone'd up Kid

 

[RookWV]

What's a squid?

Typically a dumbass with a short life span....or lots of beef jerky looking skin!

Check this out: http://www.svrider.com/articles/2000jun_squid.htm[/url]

 

[Clint]

A squid shoots off in one direction, stops, and shoots off again. Much like a kid on a too-powerful bike with no skills.

 

[jaydog19833]

I said this before in another post.

A squid is that kid you see wearing shorts and a tee shirt, going 45 in a school zone in first gear when he should be in third or fourth gear.

Also I was wondering; am I a squid because I have a blue bike, a blue HJC helmet, a blue Joe Rocket Blaster leather coat, and blue gloves? I drive with the utmost respect for everyone around me because the day I bought my first bike, my girlfriend crashed on the back of my friends bike at 60 so I drive carefully and safely. But my girlfriend says I look like the blue power ranger "Billy" when I'm suited up for the track. Do I look rediculous or smart?

 

[RookWV]

I said this before in another post.

A squid is that kid you see wearing shorts and a tee shirt, going 45 in a school zone in first gear when he should be in third or fourth gear.

Ummmm, you shouldn't be doing 45 in a school zone in any gear.....but I know what you meant, just bustin your chops :lol:

Also I was wondering; am I a squid because I have a blue bike, a blue HJC helmet, a blue Joe Rocket Blaster leather coat, and blue gloves? I drive with the utmost respect for everyone around me because the day I bought my first bike, my girlfriend crashed on the back of my friends bike at 60 so I drive carefully and safely. But my girlfriend says I look like the blue power ranger "Billy" when I'm suited up for the track. Do I look rediculous or smart?

Smart to those who are smart riders themselves....and you'll catch a lot of grief from those who aren't. I wear JR Highside suit when I'm out for a long ride with friends and none of them say anything negative...they may joke with me but they all understand the danger of riding a motorcycle.

I'm glad to see other wearing gear...and can only shake my head at those who choose wifebeaters, shorts and flip flops.

Now before I got into riding I would kinda laugh at someone who had on all kinds of gear....simply because I had NO idea of the dangers and risks.

If anyone ever gives you grief over your gear, tell them it's much cheaper than a skin graft or a hospital stay.

 

[87gsxrnut]

Do I look ridiculous or smart?

Who cares what you look like?

- Nut

 

[98G]

Do I look ridiculous or smart?

Who cares what you look like?

- Nut

//Intact skin always looks better than abrasions....

98G

 

[Hoomgar]

Do I look rediculous or smart?

Radically cool dood. It only matters that the outfit pleases the one you bought it for.

When I suit up I'm in all black on a dark burgundy and black vintage super bike. I feel like Darth Vader at times

Rock on!

 

[usdm420]

i ahrdly define a squid by what he's wearing like most.....i ride in shorts/t-shirt all the time, but ALWAYS wear my helmet/gloves (actually in cali you HAVE to wear a helmet, but i'd wear it regardless). some of us actually like to just cruise around town without sweating our blls off or doing 60+mph thru traffic. just cuz i'm not in full leathers doesnt mean i'm some irresponsible jackass on a death mission. my definition of a "squid" is a complete dumbass on a bike.

its like this equation:

bike + dumbass = squid

squid - bike = dumbass

so just watch out for the dumbasses, you'll know who they are. they've had the bike 2 weeks and wanna try and do a canyon run

 

[RookWV]

i ahrdly define a squid by what he's wearing like most.....i ride in shorts/t-shirt all the time, but ALWAYS wear my helmet/gloves

I would classify you as a squid.

Beef jerky skin is not very attractive

Why even take the chance of getting an overload of road rash?

http://www.mattsrcstuff.com/bikes/weargear.htm

 

[Guest]

i dont define him as a squid. to me, a squid is someone who thinks he is untouchable by the law, the ground, and will never wreck. at least he wears his helmet. because sometimes, when you need to go from point a to point b, you wouldnt want to wear leathers. not because its to hasslesome to put them on, but because you have nowhere to put your leathers when you get to point b.

 

[RookWV]

i dont define him as a squid. to me, a squid is someone who thinks he is untouchable by the law, the ground, and will never wreck. at least he wears his helmet. because sometimes, when you need to go from point a to point b, you wouldnt want to wear leathers. not because its to hasslesome to put them on, but because you have nowhere to put your leathers when you get to point b.

You don't have to wear leathers all the time...putting on a jacket and at the VERY least a pair of jeans isn't anymore difficult that putting on your helmet and gloves.

Maybe squid would be too harsh since I've never seen him ride....maybe "not real safe of a rider" would fit better.

 

[98G]

i ahrdly define a squid by what he's wearing like most.....i ride in shorts/t-shirt all the time, but ALWAYS wear my helmet/gloves (actually in cali you HAVE to wear a helmet, but i'd wear it regardless). some of us actually like to just cruise around town without sweating our blls off or doing 60+mph thru traffic. just cuz i'm not in full leathers doesnt mean i'm some irresponsible jackass on a death mission. my definition of a "squid" is a complete dumbass on a bike.

its like this equation:

bike + dumbass = squid

squid - bike = dumbass

so just watch out for the dumbasses, you'll know who they are. they've had the bike 2 weeks and wanna try and do a canyon run

///Gear is only part of the equation. Riding skills a bigger part.

///Let those who have ridden in socal with leathers cast the first stone at you for going without. I've ridden there. I did pretty much what you do.

///Recently I got a JR Phoenix jacket and pants. I highly recommend them. Cooler than jeans and a t-shirt. Far more protection than denim. Total cost around $250. Give it some thought.

98G

 

[Uncle Bob]

i ride in shorts/t-shirt all the time, but ALWAYS wear my helmet/gloves (actually in cali you HAVE to wear a helmet, but i'd wear it regardless). some of us actually like to just cruise around town without sweating our blls off or doing 60+mph thru traffic. just cuz i'm not in full leathers doesnt mean i'm some irresponsible jackass on a death mission. my definition of a "squid" is a complete dumbass on a bike.

Squids ( squirrily riding kid originaly ) can mean different things to different people, to me that sounds about right, they are a danger to themselves and others.

You on the other hand I would not qualify as a squid because you don't gear up. On the other hand I wouldn't refer to you as responsable, shorts and a T will give you absolutly no protection in a fall, helmets do save lives but the pain of severe road rash may make you wish you were dead.

There is now so much gear out there with new materials that'll actually make you more comfortable on your bike that all that exposed skin. Check out the mesh gear available, I have a JR mesh jacket and pant combo that makes your body feel as if you are always in the shade protecting from the sun's rays yet air flow is like you have nothing on.

 

[jaydog19833]

I almost ALWAYS ride covering all my skin, but twice exactly this year it was 95 degrees and obnoxiously humid and I drove the 3 miles to my work in shorts and Tee-shirt( helmet and gloves were on). I knew the risk.

My friend bought an 04 CBR 600RR and turned at 15 mph and slid out( he drove through a small fire hydrant puddle). He broke his wrist and rashed his arm up pretty good and f'd up a lot on his bike. But it goes to show you that low speeds near home s*it can happen.....