Unfortunate...

[Asphalt Surfer]

Some are in such a hurry to get on that bike without proper training.

Not to bash the guy because, well, he isn't here any more to defend himself, but we see this all too often. 23 years of built up testosterone and gasoline don't mix. Just remember he was someone's son.
RIP sweetheart. I feel like crying right now.

A Keizer-area man died Sunday afternoon when he failed to negotiate a curve on his motorcycle on Highway 214 about five miles west of Silver Falls State Park and crashed into the front of a Jeep Wrangler. Preliminary investigation by Oregon State Police (OSP) indicates speed was a contributing factor.

On April 1, 2007 at approximately 2:45 p.m., a 2005 Suzuki motorcycle operated by CHRISTOPHER M. HINRICHSEN, age 23, from Keizer, was southbound on Highway 214 entering a right hand curve when it crossed the centerline and crashed into the front of a northbound 1995 Jeep Wrangler.

HINRICHSEN was wearing a protective helmet and was pronounced deceased at the scene. According to DMV records, he did not have a motorcycle endorsement.

The two occupants of the Jeep were not injured. They are identified as driver ERIC PRATT, age 23, from Turner, and passenger AMANDA RAYMOND, age 21, from Salem. Both were using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from the Salem Area Command office are completing the investigation. Keizer Police Department, ODOT and local emergency responders assisted at the scene.

http://www.craigwalker.net/images/news/040107.fatal.hwy214mp20.1.jpg
Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP (http://www.oregon.gov/OSP) ###

[Jane Honda]

RIP.

[Kadbugg]

My condolences

["b"]

very sad..

[Spy007]

RIP.... right in my own backyard. Makes me wonder if I had seen him around. Day after day with the sun out I see people on bikes in Salem... moreso than last year. The unfortunate part is that the only piece of gear they have is a helmet. Its not like the training and information isnt readily available, and cheap... but whos responsability is it to "push" buyers?! Should the dealerships take a more aggressive approach to pushing the gear/training that every rider needs? Maybe if whoever sold this young man his bike had really instilled the need for BRT or something, he would be here today. Honestly... the cost of BRT/IRT and the other advanced courses are not very much. Why couldnt a dealership take the approach that each live customer is a possible repeat customer and give away the courses with each motorcycle purchase? Heck, get involved with the colleges that provide the courses and offer more teachers, equipment and so forth so that the course isnt booked full for 6 months and the kids/newbies decide to just risk it till they can get in.

/rant off

[cbrgirl]

Word!! I know I took the course through PCC, before I ever touched a bike. And havin gone that route, I recommend it to every new and potential rider I come across. It's WELL worth the money. maybe you don't follow the rules that they teach, BUT at least you're aware of them. In the end it's still up to the rider how he wants to ride and what to wear. But at least with knowledge you hopefully have a few more repeat customers at those dealerships. :)

[Asphalt Surfer]

Heck, get involved with the colleges that provide the courses and offer more teachers, equipment and so forth so that the course isnt booked full for 6 months and the kids/newbies decide to just risk it till they can get in.

/rant off
That is an excellent idea. I think the big change should be "you can't purchase a motorcycle in your name unless you are endorsed". Endorsement guarantees a SMALL degree of intelligence and responsiblity.

[Spy007]

Only problem is the amount of people who have friends/family buy it for them....

Lenders should step in at that point. Require proof of endorsement and BRT training. I dont care if you have ridden for the last 18 years but are just now getting an endorsement, BRT/IRT should be manditory!

[Spy007]

Another suggestion...

Anyone who purchases the bike... can do so, but they cannot recieve it from the dealer until proof of endorsement/brt/irt class is completed. If its a loan, the loan wont start charging interest or monthly payments until it is taken from the dealership. Sign away your life with a contract stating you are not purchasing it for an un-endorsed rider and you assume FULL responsability for their actions.

[Xusia]

Very sad situation. Unfortunately, at least from what I see, riding w/o an endorsement and/or buying too much bike early on is all too common. More so among young males (Testosterone? Ego? Need I go on??).

I like the suggestions about requiring proof of proper endorsement. Unless this is a law, however, stealerships can't be held to it. Competition will prevent them from self enforcement, and would-be riders will just go to the next stealership.

Another idea I had to address the purchasing of too much bike is a provisional endorsement. The idea is that new riders would be prohibited from owning/operating the more powerful bikes for their first 2 years. The criteria could any or all of displacement > x, HP > y, torque > z, etc., possibly with specific allowances for beginner friendly bikes that don't meet the criteria. Obviously, people could just ride w/o an endorsement, but the great suggestions from others could help curve that problem.

[Skipbo]

RIP....

I am amazed myself that I made it past 21.

[cbrgirl]

Another idea I had to address the purchasing of too much bike is a provisional endorsement. The idea is that new riders would be prohibited from owning/operating the more powerful bikes for their first 2 years. The criteria could any or all of displacement > x, HP > y, torque > z, etc., possibly with specific allowances for beginner friendly bikes that don't meet the criteria. Obviously, people could just ride w/o an endorsement, but the great suggestions from others could help curve that problem.

Funny, I think most of the western European countries have been doing this for years. First year you have so many cc's. Next you move up and so on. I think that's a great way to go about it. Of course my butt wouldn't have been on my bike till I was past 30. he he

[Spy007]

Im not one to vote for limiting CC's... god knows why! :-)

However just enforcing the proper training should go a long way in helping people stay alive and ride for many years to come.

[Xusia]

I understand what you mean. I didn't do it the "right way" myself, and started out with a 750,so I am at least somewhat sympathetic. I have come to realize how lucky I was not to end up a statistic, and how foolish I now believe I was for doing that. The bottom line is that it's easier to learn on a more forgiving bike, and most riders - even those who now ride 600's and 1000's - don't have enough skill to use even 80% of their bike's potential, so there really is no "downside" to placing limits.

[cbrgirl]

That's why I'm happy with my 600. Even the older one that it is. I have a LOT to learn, and hopefully she won't kick me off while doing so. I know the bike can do WAYYYYY more than I'm capable of, but I look fwd to growing up on it and learning along the way. Like I said, hopefully she won't fling me off in the process. ha ha

[Spy007]

Yeah, i started on my R1.... but my thing is that no one should be able to tell me what kind of bike i *can* get... just ensure that I know what im doing. Give me the fundamentals and some advanced training and let my common sense guide me to the bike/decision. Had I felt that the R1 was going to be more than I could handle, I would have gotten something smaller. Then again, thats because its up to me knowing what my potential/abilities are.

Training and common sense makes the difference.... you can die just as easily on a 250 as you can a 1400.

[cbrgirl]

Training and common sense makes the difference.... you can die just as easily on a 250 as you can a 1400.


All depends how fast that tree comes at ya. DAMN them and how they pop outta no where. :thinking: But you're right, doesn't matter the cc's, just the common sense and sometimes a LOT of luck. :thumbup:

[FJMam]

I think the idea of the dealers offering the training in itself is a great idea. No threat of withholding the machine or being penalized. I'd feel greatful to the dealer for getting the training lined up for me since it would be a hassle or easily put off. I'd return to a shop that showed it cared that I returned to purchase again and in 1 peice.

:2cents:

Europe has a lot of sensible approaches to vehicle operation and ownership. Trouble is us Americans are spoiled and feel it's our right instead of a privaledge to own and operate any vehicle we want.

More bureaucracy is not a happy thought either. Lord knows they have thier fingers in every pie now!

[Xusia]

Trouble is us Americans are spoiled and feel it's our right instead of a privaledge to own and operate any vehicle we want.

I think this is exactly to Spy's point. In general, it's a point I agree with. This is a free country, and you should be allowed to be stupid if that's your thing. I hate government protecting people from their own idiocy. For that reason I'm agianst helmet & seatbelt laws - even though they are good ideas and I would choose to use them - so I can't really explain why I feel differently on this subject, but for some reason I do.

Oh, and while you can certainly die on any bike regardless of CC's, it's flawed logic to assert that therefore the risk is the same. It is far easier to get into trouble, and/or make a mistake on a larger bike - for a variety of reasons. This means the risk is actually greater...

[Skipbo]

. Trouble is us Americans are spoiled and feel it's our right instead of a privaledge to own and operate any vehicle we want.

I'm spoiled and think we should be able to buy real cars too!
This is the Porsche I would like. Of course I would only commute with it. :yes:

http://www.teamcyberspeed.com/gallery/albums/ajr_06revere/062906_Daytona_U5U8516f_web.jpg (http://www.oregonsportbike.com/forum/)

[Skipbo]

Yeah, i started on my R1.... but my thing is that no one should be able to tell me what kind of bike i *can* get... just ensure that I know what im doing. Give me the fundamentals and some advanced training and let my common sense guide me to the bike/decision. Had I felt that the R1 was going to be more than I could handle, I would have gotten something smaller. Then again, thats because its up to me knowing what my potential/abilities are.



Back in the late 80's, Senator Danforth (GRRR!!!!) scared the heck outta the US superbike market
by trying to introduce a federal bill for limiting the maximum CC's for motorcycles sold in the US.

It was in response to guys crashing those high powered Ninja's. Luckily the AMA fought it
with a vengence and the bill never went to the US Senate floor for a vote.

I could see a senator in the future trying something like requiring a racing
license to buy a street legal "superbike" from dealerships.

[Spy007]

Oh, and while you can certainly die on any bike regardless of CC's, it's flawed logic to assert that therefore the risk is the same. It is far easier to get into trouble, and/or make a mistake on a larger bike - for a variety of reasons. This means the risk is actually greater...

I dunno if its entirely flawed, but eh.... I figure its on the same wavelength as guns. The bike isnt what kills the person... its the persons own actions and reactions. A 250 can get up to atleast 80 miles an hour. Head on into a wall will kill anyone at that speed. Sure a bigger bike can get you there faster and do it faster, but its still the same result. Its the person riding that needs to not twist the throttle (or pull the trigger). If that person has the self control, he can ride anything.... but if they dont, they are gonna just work harder to do it.

[xqsme]

RIP..

When I was selling my bike, a young guy came to look at it and was so eager to get the bike. Well, I found out that he doesn't have any endorsement and have little experience with motorocycles. I didn't sell him the bike and told him that that I will only sell the bike to those people who are endorsed. Sad, but I think I made the right choice.

[Spy007]

You very well could have saved a life. Good for you! Its not often people look past the green to save the red.

[Jane Honda]

RIP..

When I was selling my bike, a young guy came to look at it and was so eager to get the bike. Well, I found out that he doesn't have any endorsement and have little experience with motorocycles. I didn't sell him the bike and told him that that I will only sell the bike to those people who are endorsed. Sad, but I think I made the right choice.



Yeah, there was no way I would sell the R1 to a newb...

[MarineHawk]

Here's another thing. They already require training (in Oregon) to be able to legally drive a car. Either 50 hours of driver's ed or 100 hours "supervised" by an already licensed person and then your test. I completely agree with everyone saying that people should be required to have MSF/Team Oregon/whatever training before being allowed to get their endorsement, but limiting what sort of bike we can purchase? Why? If money was no consideration, I could as easily purchase a Ford Focus or a Ferarri Enzo. It doesn't have anything to do with what I feel I "deserve" as an American, it's simply a matter of choice and status quo. If you're going to limit motorcycles, why not cars too? People die driving beyond their limits in those everyday. And yes, I know there are more people driving cars than bikes, and per capita the death rate in bikes is probably higher (I have no solid stats for that however), but the point remains. Same reason the cell phone companies are pissed about the proposed anti-texting/talking laws that are coming out. More than just cell phones cause accidents, why not make other offenses ticketable? Same application to this whole 'lets limit ccs/hp/torque/etc on bike' argument.

[Nicegy525]

RIP man. Its a sad thing to watch or hear about.

+1 for increased safety awareness We have the right to choose, and the responsibility to make the right one.

[RockstEdy]

RIP.

[importsdigest]

hate to hear stories like that. it makes me look at myself. my first accident i was also 23. it had only been 8 days after i had bought my brand new suzuki. having absolutely no riding experience and out on a windy road trying to learn how to lean.

[Cornholio]

Looks like it was an SV-650, usually a good choice for a beginner. Just goes to show you can get killed riding anything. RIP.

http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_040207_news_motorcycle_crash.26102b4d.html

edit - just noticed the left pipe, might be a 1000.