Healthproblems amongst bikers and tips.

This is Dennis on his Kawasaki Ninja.

Because of his length, the bike is on the small side.

His knees do not join close to the fuelltank.

His knees close to the fuelltank, but in that way, the footpedals are not in the right place.

His legs fit perfectly in the model of the fuelltank and his "sit" is improved.

This would be a better bike for him.

Most complaints about pain in the back and neck are often caused by a wrong sit-"position". Because one leans more on the handlebar, also wristpain may occur.

Often complaints about problems with the bronchial tubes and tears running from the eyes.

Then there is the problem of hypothermia. This can be caused by different factors.
Such as:

• Bikersuit.
• Outside temperature.
• Traveling speed.

Signs of Hypothermia:

• Numbness in the hands, feet, fingers and toes.
• Impaired judgment, sleepiness, blurred vision.
• Loss of fine hand motion control.
• Sluggish coordination and poor grip strength.
• Beginning loss of feeling in the extremities.

Here is a link with lots to read about the subject of hypothermia. It is an American resume about all aspects about this subject. Interesting to know and to read.

Checklist for the biker.

Before we go on a tour or trip, we check fuell, oil and tyres. Sometimes we even take the trouble to check the lights, but even though the bike is in good order, question is, is the biker ok as well? I read an article of Jacky Vaughan. She thought of a line as an aid to memory: "I'm safe".

I = Illness
M = Medication
S = Stress
A = Alcohol
F = Fatigue
E = Emotion

Illness = Diarrhea, feever and headache have a negative effect on your concentration.
Medication = Some medication work longer then you would expect. Some are even not to combine with riding in traffic or operate machines. Drowsiness is the last thing you want on a bike.
Stress = Don't talk about a problem, before you go on the road. It will keep your mind occupied. Do it after you had a nice ride.
Alcohol = Bike should stay on the chain, when alcohol is used.
Fatigue = After a long day at work, take some time to let go, before you hit the road.
Emotion = Don't leave after a fight, it makes you ride agressive and you can also be effected when you are extremely happy. Take the time, to let go first.

Protective clothing also has another function.

It is not only from the cold, that you need a protective bikersuit. Nylon or leather, that does not matter. It is for: "just in case".

Imagine, you slip and fall. Protected or not, in both cases you can break one of your limbs. We agree on that. When properly protected, there won't be any open wounds. In case of an open wound, plaster cannot be applied, but you are sure that you need two operations. The first one, to put a pin in and the second one, to remove it again. Besides, it takes longer to heal. To say it bold, protective clothing is there to avoid scars. Now you may think, that it won't happen to you, but do the test. Press your finger on the tarmac and pull it towards you, over about 1 foot. When you crash with a bike the distance will be much longer and the damage larger.

Instructions for pillions.

A pillion is only allowed to mount or dismount a bike with the permission of the driver. You put your bike into "free", put the sidestand in the "up"-position and put both feet to the ground, before you say it is OK and nod with the head as well.

A pillion looks over your right shoulder when a curve to the right appears and over the left shoulder for a curve to the left. He/she follows the road with the eyes and does not sit backwards on the bike or makes unexpected moves.

He/she greets other bikers too.