Absolutely agree Sarge and American motorcyclists are no better than their car driving cousins.

I often watch YouTube videos about various motorcycle reviews and can rely on American riders to perform such appallingly gormless stunts that I wonder what the death rate must be.

Also another related beef of mine is how can anyone own a bike and remain unaware of the basics such as chain tension and lubrication, ditto any remaining cables needing lube and adjustment but the worst is their total ignorance of what engine sounds signify.

I used to be able to listen and say what needed adjustment or replacement and Tammy is often amused when I talk to the laptop saying things like "its the choke" or "try adjusting your clutch" and in the case of old Triumphs "time for new big ends, mains or both by the sound of it~"

To my ears an engine is like an orchestra, theres all sorts of subtle sounds that can tell you how its doing and frankly you should be aware of your music ready to spot a new sound or a missing one.

A healthy engine is a thing of joy to appreciate, as are its various indications that you may be abusing it.

Its a wonder that so many bikes seem to tolerate blatant abuse such as not breaking them in properly for the first 500 miles, yes some Japanese bikes let you rev their bollocks off without any break in but pay attention to the drained oil on the first change and don't be surprised to see glitter.

As I was explaining this to Tammy she remarked how she noticed I always perform a pre-flight check out because I said its like flying an aircraft with the same potential for disaster. Headlight, main and dip, all four indicators, chain tension, oil level and tyre pressures, brakes and anything suspicious.

A well cared for machine is a joy to ride.