SpyderMark
New member
Lamonster said:
Of course, I too feel bad for this man's family and friends -- it's always sad to lose a fellow rider. My original post was more terse than I had planned due to time constraints. Reading it after the fact, I see how many would interpret it as a snide and nasty retort based on another's tragedy -- for that I sincerely apologize to the members of this forum. Luckily, we have a good moderator in Lamonster...
That being said, if I'd had more time yesterday, what I might have said is a discussion of this accident as regards the relative stability of a traditional trike vs the Spyder might save some lives. I come from a military aviation background. Discussing an accident after the fact is one of the primary tools used to prevent future accidents. These discussions were frank, open and dispassionate dissections of tragic events. Members participated without bias or prejudice with only one goal -- to understand what happened to prevent it happening again.
While one may consider my original suggestion tactless and impolitic (especially in light of the timing), the fact remains training and educating riders is by far the MOST EFFECTIVE method to prevent accidents. To be effective, a rider's training and education must include an understanding of the limitations of the machine they are riding.
I will admit basing the discussion on a newspaper account of the accident is a bit careless -- to have real value, such discussions should be based on fact, not supposition. But even if the individual involved did not lose control after lifting a rear wheel in a turn (as suggested in the newspaper article) every traditional trike rider knows -- or should know -- this is a dangerous possibility even under ideal riding conditions. Throw in an emergency avoidance maneuver and things can get out of hand very quickly.
I would guess the majority of members on the Goldwing site understand the compromises required to modify a motorcycle for trike duty. However, a general discussion of the physics involved with mention of how the Spyder's configuration and electronic systems -- specifically the VSS -- can aid a rider in emergency situations might prove enlightening for those with open minds.
Based on my experience, however, no amount of logical discussion will persuade those who refuse to "live and learn." As one man said, "Against logic, there is no better shield than ignorance."
Again, I apologize if I offended any members on this forum. I enjoy reading and posting here.
Regards,
Mark
