• Welcome, Guest! We hope you enjoy the excellent technical knowledge, event information and discussions that the BMW MOA forum provides. Some forum content will be hidden from you if you remain logged out. If you want to view all content, please click the 'Log in' button above and enter your BMW MOA username and password.

    If you are not an MOA member, why not take the time to join the club, so you can enjoy posting on the forum, the BMW Owners News magazine, and all of the discounts and benefits the BMW MOA offers?

I watched The Youtube Video of the NY Motorcycle Gang

On ADVRider.com someone posted the NYPD has a no-chase/persue policy. Which, to a point I can understand. So these vermin know it, and amass in numbers the cops could not reasonbly handle, ride unlicensed bikes in large packs so the cops again won't stop them for registration violations, wear full face helmets or face masks to avoid camera detection, but then have the "smarts" to GoPro their high jinks and post it on the web?

Guess they failed the stupid test a long time ago.

I say the officers should just Tazer them and watch them fall and crash. Put THAT on thier dumbass videos.

Given the prevailing anti-LEO attitude on this forum, this won't gain any traction, but the 'motorcycle-only checkpoints' that many states used to employ (and some still do) is the kind of wide net that would have caught many of these offenders early on.

Fines and consequences for no registration or endorsement, illegal equipment, improper modifications, weapons violations, impairment, etc., along with loss of license and ultimately, confiscation of a bike, would have gone a long way to thinning the ranks of these 'idiot gangs.'

Given that riding on public streets is a privilege and not a 'constitutional right,' I'd have no problem with the occasional inconvenience of such check-points, since my cycle is within all legal compliance and I have nothing to fear; I have surrendered no freedoms. Heck - I'd even hang around with a picnic lunch just to watch 'Dumb and Dumber' get pinched.

Learned in a call from my son last night that the ramifications of this highly publicized incident has already trickled up to the military. Effective immediately, any accident on a motorcycle, regardless of fault, results in a suspension of riding privileges until the soldier meets with a command-level officer or higher for 'consultation.' Additional visibility requirements also being considered as mandatory.

The problem with Darwin is that it takes too dang long to weed out the inferior species. :banghead
 
Hindsight is 20/20. This guy didn't know he'd be surrounded by these bikers. Looked to me that the first guy that got hit just released his throttle completely and hit the Range Rover. The bikers should have taken down his licence and called the cops.
The worst thing to do is confront someone in this wacky world full of angry people. It's difficult to walk away, but you're more likely to live.
Just ask Trayvon Martin.

You HAD to bring that up?? Zimmerman was found NOT GUILTY!!!
 
[QUOTEGiven that riding on public streets is a privilege and not a 'constitutional right,' I'd have no problem with the occasional inconvenience of such check-points, since my cycle is within all legal compliance and I have nothing to fear; I have surrendered no freedoms. [/QUOTE]

I would suggest that you have indeed surrendered your freedoms:
Freedom to assemble
Freedom against unreasonable search and/or seizure, and probably others

What has surprised me is the vehement sentiments expressed by supporters on both sides. Seems like a lot of pent up anger. :scratch

I think there is still more to this story, so that I am trying to avoid making any hard and fast assumptions of guilt or responsibility.

For example, did the driver of the SUV offer assistance to the first struck rider? Or did he just lock his doors, and drive away? From the video I can't tell.

I also think that many of us are conflating the issues with personal gripes or peeves. Hopefully a well reasoned investigation of this incident will be forthcoming, along with a more accurate description of the actual sequence of events. Maybe having all participants share blame to some extent.

Intentionally inflicting harm to the SUV driver does bother me. I wonder whether any of the riders tried to intervene...

I think this is another example of escalating events that, at numerous times, could have been avoided yet common sense gets thrown out the window in favor of an emotional response.

Let's see what the investigation brings out.

JMO
 
At the beginning of the vid, it seemed the SUV driver was in fact trying escape by driving slow enough to let the swarm leave him. slow escape, when a rider dummy stopped his bike. What's a driver to do? Can't pull over, too much confusion, can't stop, may be rear ended, slow down?, get dummy stopped. Looks like the SUV had no choice in the matter, and panicked.

This new to me, all motorcycles at a given location are pulled over, like semis at weigh stations, and scrutinized by by the state? Can you imagine? "Are those state approved saddlebags sir?" "Does yer useless stock beeper horn work, or is that air horn an illegal device?" "Looks like yer riding non-stock tire sizes buddy." And so on.

This would force strict compliance with the stack of rules and regs. Also, huge numbers of bikes would be taken by these regs and likely crushed? As much as I detest loud pipes and sometimes what looks like a piece of junk rolling down the highway, Establishing a quasi policing action against everyone is what formerly went on in elementary school. Remember, "If I catch one student chewing gum, everybody loses recess!"

Pulling over all cyclists into a broad dragnet under the guise safety and compliance is something no rider should be wishing for. think of how this kind of state action could morf into back country riding, "Pull it over sir, you are on state land, are those approved environmentally friendly tires?" You can imagine where this can go? This possibility is what is the most disturbing part of a few lawless riders damaging all riders' freedoms and rights when vids go viral, the state rubs it's hands together, "Oh goody, more law to, this time, help motorcyclists and the people!" two cents, FWIW.
 
At the beginning of the vid, it seemed the SUV driver was in fact trying escape by driving slow enough to let the swarm leave him. slow escape, when a rider dummy stopped his bike. What's a driver to do? Can't pull over, too much confusion, can't stop, may be rear ended, slow down?, get dummy stopped. Looks like the SUV had no choice in the matter, and panicked.

This new to me, all motorcycles at a given location are pulled over, like semis at weigh stations, and scrutinized by by the state? Can you imagine? "Are those state approved saddlebags sir?" "Does yer useless stock beeper horn work, or is that air horn an illegal device?" "Looks like yer riding non-stock tire sizes buddy." And so on.

This would force strict compliance with the stack of rules and regs. Also, huge numbers of bikes would be taken by these regs and likely crushed? As much as I detest loud pipes and sometimes what looks like a piece of junk rolling down the highway, Establishing a quasi policing action against everyone is what formerly went on in elementary school. Remember, "If I catch one student chewing gum, everybody loses recess!"

Pulling over all cyclists into a broad dragnet under the guise safety and compliance is something no rider should be wishing for. think of how this kind of state action could morf into back country riding, "Pull it over sir, you are on state land, are those approved environmentally friendly tires?" You can imagine where this can go? This possibility is what is the most disturbing part of a few lawless riders damaging all riders' freedoms and rights when vids go viral, the state rubs it's hands together, "Oh goody, more law to, this time, help motorcyclists and the people!" two cents, FWIW.

It presumes everyone is guilty, which is one, against our first principles and two, becoming derigueur in our society. Cameras, NSA snooping, TSA, etc. Since 9/11, the governments have been taking as much liberty real estate as they can under the guise of making us feel safe. It's a scam.
 
Those punks will love it when the police are so busy hasseling us legal guys all day, they can take over the town.
 
While I too have no concern about an "All Motorcycles Checkpoint" on the basis that I have nothing to hide or be concerned about, it speaks of a blanket policy applied to law-abiding cyclists as a catch-all device. If I am travelling on a ride or tour and I get stopped, I will be reluctantly cooperative, but still pissed that I am being singled out, and delayed on my schedule. Who's to say an checkpoint officer doesn't request to see what's in my saddlebags, tail trunk and tank bag? I have every right to refuse entry without warrant, but if I do how would that put me in position with the officer?

The action taken by the military is unique, and disturbing, but could be effective. But the military is unique in that, while in service, you are essentially property of the government for use as they deem fit. So that won't apply for us civilians, but lawmakers will certainly study the affects and results.

Could bikes someday be required to have radio controlled ignition devices that police or security persons only could use to shut down a bike at will? Not too far fetched. It addresses the flight/chase/persue issue pretty easily, and could control a gang of motorcycles in a hurry. Wouldn't be all that hard to do. And thanks to jerks like these gangs, we all might have to deal with something like that someday.
 
Given the prevailing anti-LEO attitude on this forum, this won't gain any traction, but the 'motorcycle-only checkpoints' that many states used to employ (and some still do) is the kind of wide net that would have caught many of these offenders early on.

Fines and consequences for no registration or endorsement, illegal equipment, improper modifications, weapons violations, impairment, etc., along with loss of license and ultimately, confiscation of a bike, would have gone a long way to thinning the ranks of these 'idiot gangs.'

Given that riding on public streets is a privilege and not a 'constitutional right,' I'd have no problem with the occasional inconvenience of such check-points, since my cycle is within all legal compliance and I have nothing to fear; I have surrendered no freedoms. Heck - I'd even hang around with a picnic lunch just to watch 'Dumb and Dumber' get pinched.

Learned in a call from my son last night that the ramifications of this highly publicized incident has already trickled up to the military. Effective immediately, any accident on a motorcycle, regardless of fault, results in a suspension of riding privileges until the soldier meets with a command-level officer or higher for 'consultation.' Additional visibility requirements also being considered as mandatory.

The problem with Darwin is that it takes too dang long to weed out the inferior species. :banghead

I'm not anti-LEO. It's a job that I wouldn't be willing to do and I'm thankful that others are/were willing to serve and protect.

There are a few bad apples in every vocation.

A couple of years ago I was riding on the River Road north of Alton Illinois with my ridding buddy. "Motorcycle Safety Check Point Ahead" said the sign. So when we got there I turned on my right signal and started to enter the lane only to be waved off by the officer on duty.

Next week a HD rider that I know was moaning and bitching about the ISP picking on riders. OVER 50 of those stopped got a ticket for either no insurance, no MC endorsement or loud pipes. Made me want to lay down and cry for those poor innocent riders that were "picked on".

I guess being on a quite BMW with ATGATT protection got us a bye that day. :dunno

So a tip of the helmet to Kevin, and others, who put their lives on the line at every stop they make. Who knows what they will find and what the results will be?
 
At the beginning of the vid, it seemed the SUV driver was in fact trying escape by driving slow enough to let the swarm leave him. slow escape, when a rider dummy stopped his bike. What's a driver to do? Can't pull over, too much confusion, can't stop, may be rear ended, slow down?, get dummy stopped. Looks like the SUV had no choice in the matter, and panicked.

This new to me, all motorcycles at a given location are pulled over, like semis at weigh stations, and scrutinized by by the state? Can you imagine? "Are those state approved saddlebags sir?" "Does yer useless stock beeper horn work, or is that air horn an illegal device?" "Looks like yer riding non-stock tire sizes buddy." And so on.

This would force strict compliance with the stack of rules and regs. Also, huge numbers of bikes would be taken by these regs and likely crushed? As much as I detest loud pipes and sometimes what looks like a piece of junk rolling down the highway, Establishing a quasi policing action against everyone is what formerly went on in elementary school. Remember, "If I catch one student chewing gum, everybody loses recess!"

Pulling over all cyclists into a broad dragnet under the guise safety and compliance is something no rider should be wishing for. think of how this kind of state action could morf into back country riding, "Pull it over sir, you are on state land, are those approved environmentally friendly tires?" You can imagine where this can go? This possibility is what is the most disturbing part of a few lawless riders damaging all riders' freedoms and rights when vids go viral, the state rubs it's hands together, "Oh goody, more law to, this time, help motorcyclists and the people!" two cents, FWIW.

Seriously?!
 
While I too have no concern about an "All Motorcycles Checkpoint" on the basis that I have nothing to hide or be concerned about, it speaks of a blanket policy applied to law-abiding cyclists as a catch-all device. If I am travelling on a ride or tour and I get stopped, I will be reluctantly cooperative, but still pissed that I am being singled out, and delayed on my schedule. Who's to say an checkpoint officer doesn't request to see what's in my saddlebags, tail trunk and tank bag? I have every right to refuse entry without warrant, but if I do how would that put me in position with the officer?

The action taken by the military is unique, and disturbing, but could be effective. But the military is unique in that, while in service, you are essentially property of the government for use as they deem fit. So that won't apply for us civilians, but lawmakers will certainly study the affects and results.

Could bikes someday be required to have radio controlled ignition devices that police or security persons only could use to shut down a bike at will? Not too far fetched. It addresses the flight/chase/persue issue pretty easily, and could control a gang of motorcycles in a hurry. Wouldn't be all that hard to do. And thanks to jerks like these gangs, we all might have to deal with something like that someday.

Actually Andy, numerous court opinions that have survived challenges to their State Supreme Courts, uphold the right of any law enforcement officer to search, for example, your saddle bag once reasonable suspicion is articulated. It goes to the 'portability' of motor vehicles. Same logic from the courts is what allows LEO's to 'pat down' a suspect in a dark alley without the 'permission or presence of his attorney.'

The 4th Amendment protects your home against unreasonable search and seizure - but not every mode of transportation.

Ever cross the border to or from Canada? Border Patrol ever produce a warrant to examine your contents?!

LEO's that are doing their job correctly should be supported - not lumped into the paranoia bin with everything else in our society.
 
Given the prevailing anti-LEO attitude on this forum, this won't gain any traction, but the 'motorcycle-only checkpoints' that many states used to employ (and some still do) is the kind of wide net that would have caught many of these offenders early on.

I don't think there is a prevailing anti-LEO attitude here, but many of us have dealt with the bad apples and been left with a sour taste.

As for motorcycle only checkpoints, I do have a problem with them. You don't see mini-van only checkpoints at soccer tournaments or sports car only checkpoints at F1 races, but it is ok to have motorcycle only checkpoints at motorcycle races or rallies? I don't think so. If you want to have random checkpoints where every tenth vehicle gets pulled in regardless of what it is or 100% checkpoints where everybody gets checked, I'm ok with that as long as the check doesn't take more than a minute or two for someone without any issues. Targeting a specific group based on legal choice they made is messed up unless you are looking for one specific individual or vehicle.

As far as these specific offenders go, I don't think a checkpoint would have done anything unless it was surrounding the Rover. the guy that got run over has a long string of convictions for driving unregistered vehicles and driving without a license. He obviously had no problem doing it again. Also watch this video to see how a roadblock is dealt with by one of these groups. (and a slightly more legal one at that) A checkpoint would just be another thing to run around for these idiots.

 
At the beginning of the vid, it seemed the SUV driver was in fact trying escape by driving slow enough to let the swarm leave him. slow escape, when a rider dummy stopped his bike. What's a driver to do? Can't pull over, too much confusion, can't stop, may be rear ended, slow down?, get dummy stopped. Looks like the SUV had no choice in the matter, and panicked.

This new to me, all motorcycles at a given location are pulled over, like semis at weigh stations, and scrutinized by by the state? Can you imagine? "Are those state approved saddlebags sir?" "Does yer useless stock beeper horn work, or is that air horn an illegal device?" "Looks like yer riding non-stock tire sizes buddy." And so on.

This would force strict compliance with the stack of rules and regs. Also, huge numbers of bikes would be taken by these regs and likely crushed? As much as I detest loud pipes and sometimes what looks like a piece of junk rolling down the highway, Establishing a quasi policing action against everyone is what formerly went on in elementary school. Remember, "If I catch one student chewing gum, everybody loses recess!"

Pulling over all cyclists into a broad dragnet under the guise safety and compliance is something no rider should be wishing for. think of how this kind of state action could morf into back country riding, "Pull it over sir, you are on state land, are those approved environmentally friendly tires?" You can imagine where this can go? This possibility is what is the most disturbing part of a few lawless riders damaging all riders' freedoms and rights when vids go viral, the state rubs it's hands together, "Oh goody, more law to, this time, help motorcyclists and the people!" two cents, FWIW.


St. Louis just went thru this a few weeks back with the annual "Ride of the Century" ass hats.

I applauded the St. Louis police for their reasonable actions in trying to handle these self centered jerks that want to take up the whole highway just to say "look at me, aren't I a great stunt rider".

The cops said they would provide an escort front and back of the group to try to reduce the interactions between drivers and stunt riders. So they had them all gather on the street by the river, in front of the Arch. Then let them out, one at a time after they showed a MC endorsement, proof of insurance and a valid license plate. Failure to provide those resulted in confiscation of bike and traffic citations. :clap

I don't consider that harassment at all. I consider that smart policing. Keep those who should not have been on the streets off and permitted those who should have been on the street to participate.

Personally, I find it difficult to see how any responsible rider could condone those types of events.:scratch

Set aside the confrontation with the SUV for a moment and just watch the behavior of the folks on the many videos of that ride. ATV's, motorcycles on the sidewalks, blocking traffic, riding in the oncoming lane. And they wonder why drivers get upset.

As a rider, I get upset as well. This behavior gets all riders lumped into that same group. It's not a good thing for the general motorcycle community. It's not a good thing for BMW riders. It's not a good thing period.

Your mileage may vary.
 
A friend, a realy smart lawyer lady:

A friend of mine is a super smart criminal defense lawyer, I showed her all the images/videos and comments posted here.

She looked at me and very matter of fact said, "stupid is the reason why I still have a job."
 
A friend of mine is a super smart criminal defense lawyer, I showed her all the images/videos and comments posted here.

She looked at me and very matter of fact said, "stupid is the reason why I still have a job."


:rofl
 
A friend of mine is a super smart criminal defense lawyer, I showed her all the images/videos and comments posted here.

She looked at me and very matter of fact said, "stupid is the reason why I still have a job."

Well said! :thumb

Idiotic attitudes and behavior, along with ignorance of the law, kept overtime on my paychecks for 32+years. :deal
 
We were leaving FL(longish camp& fish thing) a few years back as some of ("some of" is important to note!) the Daytona MC crowd was filtering into FL. I can attest (I do know "one" when I see "one") that I saw lots of people on MC's that I don't want for a neighbor! Do they "work" for a living?
 
We were leaving FL(longish camp& fish thing) a few years back as some of ("some of" is important to note!) the Daytona MC crowd was filtering into FL. I can attest (I do know "one" when I see "one") that I saw lots of people on MC's that I don't want for a neighbor! Do they "work" for a living?

True for some, but the vast majority I've run into were just in costume for the event. Haloween doesn't usually scare me and neither do circus clowns.
 
Back
Top