Motorcycle Story
Paying attention to the task at hand – Riding

By Thomas Rossetti

Well, I took my bike in for its yearly check-up which usually means getting some cosmetic things done like chrome as well as the usual changing of fluids, tires, lead wires etc. Hot Rod did a descent job as they usually do.

Hot Rod is now renting Harley's which there definitely seems to be a market for. They are selling some good looking used bikes there as well. While I'm on the subject, don't forget to check out Wrangler's up on South Pattaya Road if you're in the market for a Harley as Mike is a wonderful guy who knows his stuff and always stocks good inventory in his shop. In addition, if there's something special you need, he can probably arrange it. Anyhow, now the bike is looking good and riding better albeit with a slight carb challenge, which I'll work out in the next few days.

In this month's column, I would like to discuss, riding and multi-tasking, which in actuality should only be exercised in terms of how it is relative to you and your machine. Let me explain. If you watch, especially the locals and how they ride, you will undoubtedly notice that it is quite common to see three Riders on a motorcycle, with the Driver talking on the phone while the Passengers are chatting away. Of course no one is wearing a helmet or if a helmet is to be found it is in the front basket of the bike. I can never understand any of that and especially the helmet in the basket.

Can you imagine if you were the Driver, were in an accident and one of your Passengers suffered a major head injury and all along you had a helmet in the basket? You would forever think you were one of the most stupid people on the planet. This is the actual reality of Pattaya. The thing about it is, you need complete concentration when riding in this town. Anyone riding a motorcycle (properly) is already multi-tasking to a large extent. Watching your mirrors, reading your gauges from time to time, watching traffic ahead, behind, watching road hazards etc etc etc.

There is simply no more time left to be doing other tasks like, listening to music or talking on the phone or girl watching while riding the motorcycle on the streets of Pattaya. Riding with a Passenger is another issue that needs to be addressed. The other day, I had a friend riding on the back and I forgot to do my "briefing" like I normally do. The girl was talking continually, putting her hands all over my body, first on the shoulders, then on my crotch, which I know you might be saying is a good thing, and squirming on the bike as well. Again, under different circumstances, not something you would complain about. I eventually pulled over off the side of the road and did my briefing. For example, I want her hands on my waist so I know where she is on the bike at all times.

I also told her to keep the conversation to a minimum. I explained to her it was for her safety and being that I have never been down on this bike, I didn't want to break that record anytime soon. Also do remember that, especially here in Thailand there are some real liability issues that come into play should you have a Passenger on your bike and an accident occurs. Even though I consider myself a good Rider all of the time, I ride differently when I have a Passenger on the back.

The point is, it always is best to stay focused and concentrate the multi-tasking to those things directly involved with operating your vehicle. Anything other than complete concentration can most likely be considered a distraction that can create a negative condition in this riding environment. Let's show the locals what real riding is about and set the right kind of example out there on the road.

Search, predict and act. Ride safe and enjoy.

Motorcycle StoryPaying attention to the task at hand – Riding

Motorcycle Story
Paying attention to the task at hand – Riding