Motorcycles and aircraft are two places where stupid often really hurts. I've paid some dues in this area when I was quite a bit younger - nearly lost my right leg. Too bad this guy's lesson wasn't a bit less final. Glad his foolishness didn't hurt anybody else.

I currently ride an 88 inch Softail instead of a crotch rocket because I find dumb stunts like the original topic of this thread to be a bit less tempting on the hog. Being on the wrong side of 60 helps a little bit, too. Now I hang back and enjoy the ride instead of trying to see how long my foot-peg spark trail can be in the corners.

I have mixed feelings about the helmet issue. While I usually wear one, I have no illusion that it will save me at freeway speeds; a helmet works best at lower speeds, where injuries to other parts of the body are more survivable. I am, however, absolutely opposed to laws requiring helmet use; my body belongs to me, not the state.