Hal Licino hates superbikes
71Can't answer
Hal Licino posted a hub about his hate for superbikes and selectively decided to post only the replies from those who mostly agree with him. He even answers for those who he blocks, so to be fair and democratic, here are my and other hubbies comments to this interesting topic.
Exctracts from the original hub:
Why the VMX17, Hayabusa And Similar Bikes Should Be Off The Streets
90
By Hal Licino
When I was editor of several national monthly motorcycle print magazines I had a great working relationship with the nice people at Yamaha. They're a class act. However, the VMX17 is a motorcycle that should not have been placed on the market at this time, whether in quantities of 2,500, 25 or 250,000. A similar observation can be made for:
· Buell 1125R
· Ducati 1098
· Honda CBR1000RR
· Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14
· Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
· Kawasaki Z1000
· Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300RK
· Suzuki GSX-R1000
· Yamaha FJR1300A
· Yamaha YZF-R1
· Yamaha FZ1
...and many others. No, just because I'm an (ex)-Harley rider I'm not sparing cruisers from condemnation at all. In light of the current socio-economic and ecological situation in North America, I believe that any motorcycle which is set up to carry two passengers without a sidecar or trailer has no real valid reason to exceed 500cc.
The very essence of these one litre plus plus plus motorcycles flies in the face of the predominant sensibility of these times which is green and conserving. We have trampled on this Earth far too long and far too hard, and although I am not trying to compare the ecological impact of a VMX17 or Hayabusa to stripmining or clearcutting or even a Hummer H1, these bikes an embodiment of a long-gone age of excessive consumption and egotistical thrill-seeking which encourages, aids and abets endangering innocent families driving to school, to dinner, or to Grandma's.
On another Hub I shared my experience of witnessing a large displacement sports bike smash into a Fiat Uno on a European highway at nearly full-out speed. The bike ended up fully within the passenger compartment of the car. Not only did the rider die immediately, but an entire family was instantly snuffed out. If that rider had been aboard a 250 single he might have smashed into the same Fiat and he might have died as well, but I can pretty well assure you that the injuries to the automobile passengers would not have been anywhere near as grievious. Yes, I know... The same argument can apply to a V10 Viper or a Ferrari Enzo. However, the price of those cars is outside the reach of most young, immature banzai motorists... but any 16 year old kid with a burger-flipping job can scrape up enough down payment and credit to buy a 1 litre+ superbike which can propel them along a public highway at 170 mph or more.
These neophyte speed-infatuated riders act just as stupidly as promising National Hockey League star Luc Bourdon who a couple of months ago slammed the Suzuki GSX-R1000 he had purchased just days previously into a transport truck. The RCMP stated that Bourdon's inexperience with motorcycles was a factor in the crash. He had ridden his father's motorcycle for a couple of days and figured that it was enough training to take on a superbike that can attain 192 mph on a public road. Yes, his death was a tragedy, but it was one that could have been mitigated by proper riding education and some common sense. Since many riders do not avail themselves of either factor, then they can damn well ride Honda 125 Varaderos as far as I'm concerned. They can still kill themselves on these bikes, but at least they stand a far smaller chance of killing innocent motorists: Like me!
I was a young hotshot rider once and I can certainly understand that there is something hardwired in the youthful brain that seeks speed, thrills and kicks at any cost, including endangering your own body. If you are one of those people, then I heartily encourage you to do what I did: Become a motorcycle racer! You can get your jollies on a proper race track, experience the exhilaration of riding the wheels off your bike, and at the same time not taking the chance of splattering a mom taking her kids out for pizza
Aaron says: 5 hours ago
Writer for a bike mag or not, you need to do more research. I'm sorry, but you are sorely misinformed.
...and even if I could (and I can on my Hayabusa) tote a sidecar, I wouldn't. They are dangerous due to the change in a bike's change in geometry.
Will my Hayabusa reach speeds close to 200mph? Yes. That does not mean you have to twist the throttle as far as it will turn. Speed limits are posted, and laws are to obeyed no matter what you are riding or driving.
The Hayabusa is not a threat to the environment as you have stated either. When ridden on the high-way, the GSXR 1300 is capable of 50mpg or more. Compared to the Dodge Truck I drive, that is a substantial improvement on emissions (that is another topic for another day though).
If you want to see a dangerous, motorcycle with a terrible emissions output, I suggest you look into your favorite motorcycle, the Harley Davidson.
Harley's are still sold with carburated engines. This does not effectively distribute the fuel administered into the cylinders. This leads to wasted fuel and garbage being spewed into the air. These bikes have poor braking systems and are outdated in every way compared to the sport bikes you are against.
I could go on and on, but...
Hal Licino says: 2 hours ago
There is of course no doubt that the stupidity and inexperience of a novice or immature rider can cause them to have a fatal crash on a moped, but that's not the point. You are all being disingenuous on defending suicidecycles such as the Hayabusa on their emissions or mileage. (BTW, all motorcycles, including Harleys, have to meet the same emissions requirements.) The basic question all of you velocity-ecstatic numbskulls who try to make up for their shortcomings by placing a power between their legs that nature failed to do, need to answer is this: How can you justify operating a two wheeled vehicle on the same streets as the innocent general public that can almost QUADRUPLE freeway speed limits. Since you can't answer that, then I have the answer for you: Tear up your driver's licenses, impound and crush your superduperbikes, and force you to become socially responsible. Grow up!
So Mr. Licino, here are the comments you would not publish from those who differ with your opinion.
I am first.
Jellyrug:
We have never heard of you before, for which printed motorcycle magazines were you actually the editor?
Why are you so angry, too old to ride a big motorcycle, so you criticize those who do?
You are way too serious about life, at the end we all have to die anyway. Lighten up.
Here in good old USA we have V8 engines in all our pick-up trucks, many of our cars and it's real hard to find something with four wheels, sporting less than six cylinders. We don't ride 500cc street motorcycles and four cylinder cars. You want to know why? Because life is short and we want to enjoy what it has to offer.
All motorcycle editors know from insurance statistics, that most motorcycle accidents are caused by not being noticed by the inattentive car or truck driver. The brain is focused in its subconscious to look for something with four or more wheels. The smaller the motorcycle, the more likely to not be seen. The rest is history.
About nature and power between your legs, if you want to hide safely in your corner, until the end, don't deny those who smile every day, because they live life to the fullest. Go get some, live and let live.
CommentsLoading...
I guess I can make up a pen name, add a bullshit biography, add a hotlink to a used car dealership and pretend I'm a world famous Moto-journalist instead of a burned-out cross-dressing non-rider with an axe to grind.
Whoa, somebody beat me to it!
Thank you, KML, for letting us know about this wanker.
Every time I encounter such un-educated lying gits, it
allows me to feel ever so slightly better about my small
existence. I'm an intellectual giant, compared to Lucino.
Hal you tried to bullshit people and they caught you, Do you have the guts to stand up for yourself? Didn't think so...
Proud Harley and Hayabusa owner
I've been in the biz for over ten years now - I've worked for Inside Motorcycles, still do articles for Canadian Biker, cmgonline.com and my main gig is motorcycle columnist for the Toronto Star.
I'm pretty sure I know most of the players in the industry in Canada and I've never heard of this dude. My guess is it's someone living in his parent's basement making shit up.
Mr. Licino is the biggest idiot ever to type a word in regards to a motorcycle. I bet he's a big Rush Limbaugh fan. Two peas in a pod.
You mate are a total KNOB A1 Fuckwit and wanker who knows nothing about riding or owning a motorcycle - most likly you are jealous of us MEN who ride past you everyday cos you dont have the balls to own or rideone yourself - COCKSUCKER
I posted this to Hal's page - let's see if he prints it:
"How ignorant. You don't like some bikes, you think they are un-neccessary, so you favor banning them.
How about you not buying one if you don't like them? There are many other people who think perfectly legal things you like are unneccessary - how would you feel if they were banned?
Irresponsible skiing can be dangerous, to both yourself and others on the slope - ban it!
Powerboats and jet skis have no brakes and can be dangerous when piloted irresponsibly - ban them!
Guns are easier to get than cars, yet are built to kill - ban them!
I think you're the one that needs to grow up. You trumpet one incident of car vs. bike with no details, yet you completely ignore the thousands of riders injured or killed every year by at-fault auto operators, usually those who turn left in front of bikes that have the right of way.
Where's the outrage there? Which is the greater hazard to life and limb?
You don't care about safety - you want to fan the flames, say outrageous things, up the traffic to your blog, get more hits. I understand that.
Hopefully the other readers here understand too."
Hal says all the post are banned due to bad language. Not all the posts, Hal.
"Ah... so many great comments and ALL DELETED DUE TO LANGUAGE."
You don't respond to my posts Hal, and I don't use dirty language, Hal.
What was your connection to Yamaha Hal? When you were a bike tester Hal.
Real journalist know the truth Hal, You make it all up Hal,
Bondo (Steve Bond Tronto star) says Yamaha never heard of you.
http://cmgonline.com/cgi-bin/soapbox/index751.cgi?
No bad language in this post Hal? Are you going to delete it Hal?
Or maybe you are just going to argue with children on the internet, behind your key board, hummmn Hal?
Man up and tell the truth.
kml
Haha cool hub.All the controversy blew me down the street.It's ok I am fine now I jogged back home lol.
Haha cool joke.Well you were nice enough to come to mine so I came to yours,then you came to mine again and here I am reading your comment to me.Aww sweet and innocent yes I tend to agree,it omits from my pores.I think you should publish one you certainly have the gift with the pen.Sweet dreams.
By the way Jellyrug did you read my reply to your question on What A Woman Wants,I had a great solution for you.
good hub
that guy is a douche he wouldnt post my comments about his horrible family guy page way to call him out champ
Guys, Do you have nothing better to do than try to take our rights away? Anything can be dangerous in the wrong hands. If you buy a gun, It doesnt mean you are going to kill yourself or anyone else. Same goes for a Street Bike. Yea, they will go up too 200MPH, It doesnt mean everyone that has one does it. I have a Hayabusa, I Like going fast and so does most people that rides any motorcycle. I could kill myself or others just as easy on a Harley or a 600 Street bike going 100MPH. ITS NOT THE BIKE! ITS THE OPERATOR! I will ocasionally break the speedlimit but its on a deserted road with no traffic. In town or around others, I keep my speed reasonable. And Im sure that alot of bikers do the same. Some people are RETARDS! You cant Fix STUPID! If bikers want to kill themselves, let them, what do you care. If they are breaking the law, let the police handle it. dont try to ban all streetbikes because of a few accidents. I dont know all the stats but I am sure there are alot more things you should be complaining about. Over the Next Week, I want everyone to pay attention to vehicles around them, Every Vehichle if possible. How Many people do you see talking on Cell Phones? Reading a Map? reaching in the back seat or passenger seat? Eating? drinking? anything other than what they are supposed to be doing. How many wreckes are caused by all these things? How many people die? How many people cause an accident paying attention to what other people are doing rather than minding ther own bussiness. (now if you havent caused a wreck or killed anyone.) How many Hayabusa's or other street bikes did you come across that were going 100 + in traffic? I drive an average of 2 to 4 hrs a day and I am much more worried about other drivers around me than i am a motorcycle blowing by me at 160 MPH. Anyone Else feel this way? or is it just me and the Hayabusa Owners? How many wreckes have you come across? How many involved motorcycles? Im not saying you dont have your points.. cause you do. But Dont take away my rights cause you have a foul taste in your mouth. You dont see me trying to ban cigarrettes? How many people die from ciggarettes? Probably more than die from motorcycles. I hate cigarrettes, Ive watched too many family members die or cant breath cause they smoke. However its their responciblility, their rights. Come to think of it, No family members have died from motorcycle crashes. We should be educating these people. the last thing we need is another law. Most laws are for revenue anyhow. not to keep us safe. for example: I had a Wreckless Driving Ticket when I was younger for Spinning a Tire in my truck. $400 and Insurance premiums increased. however, I also got a loud and unseamly noise ticket for haveing my radio too loud for a cops listening pleasure. a whopping $999. Ticket for loud Noise. (seperate Ocassions). Hmmmm.. More laws anyone?
I have just as much right to be there as you do. and on the vehicle of my choice. What dont you understand about that. because Hal seen one fatal crash, Everyone in the world should suffer. I guess we should kILL all the Deer in the world too. They just have no regard for motorist or human safety. whats wrong with them, running out in front of cars all the time. You are just a sad individual. If you are so concerned with your life, just lock yourself up in a padded room away from all the dangerous things in life. Me, I got some livin to do, you just wasted 4 hrs of my life. Thank you!
I Never said I had a right to violate the rules of the road or indanger others. I said I had a right to be their and to be on the vehicle of my choice. wich just so happens to be a v-8 Titan and a Hayabusa. Who are you to accuse every superbiker of breaking the laws and indangering others? This Hub is about you wanting to ban superbikes. and when someone argues a relative point, U change the subject and accuse of breaking laws and being wreckless. In Fact You know nothing about me or anyone else outside your lonely little mind. Now give me one good reason why Superbikes should be banned other than careless operators?
Nice.. I might give it a try later.
Mr OMG is right! The bike can be dangerous in the hands of the wrong person! but the bike is beautiful! it's nice to bring the bike up to 200 Kmh! the speed gives you a wonderful sense of well! turn,bend with the knee close to the road it's like an orgy! But I will like to give this advice for those who love to drive a sport bike: to go to ride in the circuit! it is safer and is also more fun.
Dude, I will make the trip with you..
I dont do burnouts but I would love to lay one down for him. lol
Heres a few stats i ran across for you Hal. check out # 15. one in a thousand? hmmm.
http://www.motorcycle-accidents.com/pages/stats.ht
what about this one.. In 2007, 49% of bikers killed in crashes were age 40 or over. guess we should ban people over 40 from riding.. what do you think?
http://www.edgarsnyder.com/auto-accident/motorcycl
I can give you stats all day long.
I want to buy a super bike how because not in my local area or not in my own city will you help me please
LOL Thats funny!
I am more of a cruiser guy myself, but want one with get up and go. Reason being? Most people killed on bikes are from cars. I have been run off the road on quite a few occasions. A little extra goose power can give you the extra time and inches to save your life, and possibly the lives of others.
Righteous hub.
It just so happens I watch tv from canada's channel 32 on saturday afternoons and they have this kids inventors show on every saturday called "Think big".Wouldn't you know this past saturday they had a seventeen year old teenager on who's father owned a machine shop.Turns out he is interested in motorcycles and accually invented a two wheel electric cycle where the two wheels are side by side instead of front and back.It has a handlebar,but it's not for steering,it's just to help you balance yourself.The steering is done electronically according to your body movement forward ,backward as well as side to side.The idea is you lean in whatever direction you want to go and a gyroscope controlled mechinism interpets what you want to do. It was very interesting.















kml 3 years ago
You deleted my original question I posted on your blog Hal. So let me repeat it here. What national print magazines were you an editor of and when were you an editor at these magazines?Let me quote YOUR blog," When I was editor of several national monthly motorcycle print magazines"
Original quote here;
http://hubpages.com/hub/Why-the-VMX17--Hayabusa-An
Here's what Costa Mouzouris editor at Cycle Canada Has to say about your editorial history."Never heard of this guy either. Highly unlikely he ever held an actual editorial position as he claims, at least not for a mainstream magazine. His tactic is working though, his post made its way onto this forum, and is spreading onto others as well. Nothing on Amazon.com from this author of an international bestseller, either. His bio says he's from Toronto. Perpetual blogger in my estimation.Costa."
Costa's original post is here.http://www.passionperformance.ca/community/forum/s Here's what Larry Tate past editor at Cycle Canada, Current Editor at Inside Motorcycles and Canadian Motorcycle Guide Online has to say."Who knows? Who cares? *sswipe."
Larry's original post is here.http://cmgonline.com/cgi-bin/soapbox/index750.cgi?
If you cannot validate your claims to expertise, why should anyone presume you know anything about motorcycles, for that matter false claims to expertise make it more far likely for people to believe your opinions are wrong, and wrong they are.kml