Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: stevewfl on January 01, 2013, 08:40:50 PM

Title: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: stevewfl on January 01, 2013, 08:40:50 PM
I'm going on an after work trip through rural GA to visit daughter. Because it will involve night travel and I always see so many deer in the roads, beside of the roads, herds in the fields, etc etc I almost elected to CAGE IT (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/dunno.gif)  (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/iconwtf.gif)  (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/lame.gif)  (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/crybaby_sign.gif)

Then I came to my senses. Bike, heated gear, clothes are packed for an after work trip tomorrow  (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/iconhammer.gif)
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: Gsun on January 01, 2013, 09:12:32 PM
Hey - time to try a deer whistle!
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: jamiemac on January 01, 2013, 09:47:40 PM
I despise the overgrown forest rats. Big a$$ lights help, but don't do much good when You have oncoming traffic. About the only solution I have is to go slow on rural highways.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: c1obrien on January 02, 2013, 08:24:52 AM
I took mine up to Victoria Island B.C. a few years ago, and the local guys told me they swear by deer whistles on their bikes. At first I thought they might be leading me on, but I saw their machines and they all had them. I was sceptical, but bought one anyway (when in Rome). Haven't hit a deer yet, which of course proves absolutely nothing.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: Rhino on January 02, 2013, 09:04:58 AM
Last summer leaving Austin at 4am, deer was my greatest worry. It's the main reason I avoid night riding. Would love to see a scientific study on deer whistles. Hmmmm... maybe Mythbusters would do it.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: tweeter55 on January 02, 2013, 09:44:43 AM
Haven't read through it, yet. http://www.deercrash.org/Toolbox/CMToolboxWhistles.pdf (http://www.deercrash.org/Toolbox/CMToolboxWhistles.pdf)
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: jayke on January 02, 2013, 10:27:56 AM
Haven't read through it, yet. http://www.deercrash.org/Toolbox/CMToolboxWhistles.pdf (http://www.deercrash.org/Toolbox/CMToolboxWhistles.pdf)

Read it ...convinced me that they may or may not help   ::)

I've run deer whistles for several years now.  Might not help but can't hurt either. 

Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: Rhino on January 02, 2013, 11:32:38 AM
Read it ...convinced me that they may or may not help   ::)

I've run deer whistles for several years now.  Might not help but can't hurt either.

 :goodpost: The conclusion of the study seems to be very inconclusive.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: sherob on January 02, 2013, 11:39:54 AM
I used to go out and do MC tagging @ 2 to 6am... the Ninja Of The Night.  After my last run... 5 or 6 of those things decided to jump IN to the road instead of turning around... I said no more Ninja Of The Night.   
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: tweeter55 on January 02, 2013, 02:27:38 PM
After reading what I linked to, I have concluded that, well, maybe ought to re-adjust my clutch that engages my thinking & comprehension skills. Seems to be slipping a might too much.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: McJunkie on January 02, 2013, 02:46:06 PM
Been running these on my bikes after hitting one while doing 60 mph in Michigan. Does it work? Don't know, but makes me feel a better. Still have to keep your eyes open and be lucky at the same time.

http://www.xp3hornet.com/?src=overture (http://www.xp3hornet.com/?src=overture)
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: maxtog on January 02, 2013, 02:57:14 PM
:goodpost: The conclusion of the study seems to be very inconclusive.

Indeed, because good studies have not been performed.  Seems really strange, too, considering that performing a proper study would not be that difficult and it would be cheap.  Since the damage costs from deer hits are so high (and the cost of a study so low) one would think the insurance industry would jump all over it (no pun intended).

I love how the sites (like the one listed) just make up totally bogus statements:  "will reduce your risk of hazardous animal/vehicle collision by more than 70%."  Then say it is patented, which is meaningless.  Then offer testimonials, also totally meaningless.  And the theory of operation, yep- meaningless.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: reesedp on January 02, 2013, 03:00:10 PM
Wasnt there a post on here before the crash about one of our guys hitting a deer at like 70 mph and RIDING the irrepressible Connie HOME?!?  I believe there were even pictures of the front end.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: Conrad on January 02, 2013, 03:01:16 PM
Those whistles also work for elephants and platypuses.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: ZG on January 02, 2013, 03:14:25 PM
Wasnt there a post on here before the crash about one of our guys hitting a deer at like 70 mph and RIDING the irrepressible Connie HOME?!?  I believe there were even pictures of the front end.

The one I remember I think was an Ausi member hitting a kangaroo...  :o
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: sherob on January 02, 2013, 03:15:39 PM
Those whistles also work for elephants and platypuses.

Cheshire Cats too... haven't hit one yet!  8)
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: RBX QB on January 02, 2013, 03:26:11 PM

The one I remember I think was an Ausi member hitting a kangaroo...  :o

That wasn't too long ago. Post 12... http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=11444.msg140445#msg140445 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=11444.msg140445#msg140445)
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: elektradw on January 02, 2013, 04:42:01 PM
Iv been using deer whistles on every bike Iv owned in the past 20 years. When riding up in Utah the damn things are everywhere. After 8 bikes and 300,000 miles I haven't hit one yet. Was it the deer whistles? You decide, however, they get put on my bike for every tour through deer country. As the Monkeeys once sang "Im a believer".
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: maxtog on January 02, 2013, 05:27:11 PM
Iv been using deer whistles on every bike Iv owned in the past 20 years. When riding up in Utah the damn things are everywhere. After 8 bikes and 300,000 miles I haven't hit one yet. Was it the deer whistles? You decide, however, they get put on my bike for every tour through deer country. As the Monkeeys once sang "Im a believer".

Testimonies and anecdotes are not really useful.  I have been driving for 28 years and much of it in areas were there are deer and have had no deer whistles on any of my vehicles and have never hit a deer (or any other animal)  ((thank god))  (((knock on wood))).  I have certain SEEN a lot of deer, though, including some on the road.

Of course, in this case, the devices are certainly cheap enough and don't seem to have any negative consequences, so the "why the hell not" seems OK.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: fmwhit on January 02, 2013, 05:28:55 PM
My research leads me to believe that the deer whistles don't really work.  The air flowing thru the non electronic type whistles is flowing so that the air that exits may be resonating at a freq that the deer may hear(but thats debateable) but the sound is now aimed behind you.  The electronic ones such as the Hornet are very low powered(less than 1 watt) and I doubt that the deer would really hear it until you were right on top of them.

Here is a copy from another forum posted by a guy nicknamed (s)troll.  Its quite amusing but makes sense to me-lol



OK... here goes, I have hit about 800 deer... I hit on the average about 25 deer every year.
 
I am a locomotive engineer, that's right I run the train in Montana
 
The locomotive is equipped with a 165db whistle... we call it a whistle 'cause horn does not begin to describe how loud it is. Get in front close and it will damage your hearing forever in one 8 sec blast.
 
The locomotive also has a very loud bell AND 4 70V headlamps that put out 300,000 candle power EACH... that's right, 1.2 million candlepower. The heat from these actually hurts as we walk into the front door.
 
Now, add to all this the 90+db from the engine itself plus the high pitched squeal from the steel wheels on the steel track.
 
Deer respond in any number of ways.
 1. They completely freak and jump 30+ feet, zig, zag... fling themselves into a river etc.
 2. They do absoulutly nothing
3. They don't even break stride, just continue slowly step by step into the path of the locomotive which at 60 mph puts out a bow wave that will nearly tear your unbuttoned light jacket off
 4. Look up, hesitate, turn, turn again, stop, either step in front of the train enough so just the head gets hit and is thrown 300 feet down the track in front of us. (OK, just one time)
 
Now the abuse that will get me the boot from Mellow possibly... bear in mind I am trying to save a life here and emphasize how STUIPID it is to rely on deer whistles. Nothing works, Deer have very primitive brains and are even stupider than people who believe in deer whistles.
 
They do however work against elephants, giraffes, zebras etc. I have never hit one of those.

I have had close calls with Eagles, Hawk, numerous birds.
 
They do not work against elk, dogs, oppossom, porkupine, black/brown bear, people (standing or sitting), snakes, turtles, owls, ducks, white pelicans, rabbits, but most of all they do not work against cows, sheep and (drum roll).....Deer. I have hit all of those so many time I lost count. Many times multiples at one time.
 
Get real people, everyone here is smarter than this, just cause we would like 'em to work does not make it so.


Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: jamiemac on January 03, 2013, 12:48:54 AM
Hahaha! Excellent!
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: sherob on January 03, 2013, 08:23:00 AM
That was posted on ST-Owners a few years back when we had this discussion... was a very funny post.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: connie1 on January 03, 2013, 10:44:59 AM
Can't say whether deer whistles work or not.  They seem to work for me on my cages.  They sure don't hurt.  They are a bit ugly but they don't weigh much.
 I think a good blast of the stebel as soon as you see the buggers does wonders.  The surprise usually has them running for cover as soon as they hear it.  The steady sound of any vehicle coming towards them doesn't get their flight response churned up but when you surprise their senses they usually make for the bush in a hurry.  This tactic only works when you see them early on so you can hit the horn in time.
We have huge deer here. My boys buck this year was around 300# drained, head on.  When motorists hit these with a cage it is a really a big deal , I can't imagine with a bike.  Hitting the horn as soon as seeing deer has worked for me alot. (only hit one and he was a surprise out of a steep ditch)  If you see one, count on more. Keep blowing your horn till you pass that area.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: brpo on January 03, 2013, 12:20:27 PM
Be careful! I read on the internet if you install it backwards it attracks deer. Really :) I read it on the internet...
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: GaToR on January 04, 2013, 10:24:13 AM
Since the deer are so unpredictable perhaps slowing down might be ticket. Think of them as wet leaves on the roadway.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: Conrad on January 04, 2013, 10:47:45 AM
Since the deer are so unpredictable perhaps slowing down might be ticket. Think of them as wet leaves on the roadway.

Slow down? That's crazy talk!    ;)

You don't always get a chance to see the deer, or the wet leaves for that matter.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: tweeter55 on January 04, 2013, 11:11:34 AM
Must be riding a silver bike if you need to slow down.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: Bryn on January 04, 2013, 12:07:44 PM
 :)

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=deer%20crossing%20radio&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDIQtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9K3MoxlCaJ4&ei=GyjnUJilJoes0QXw8YGwBw&usg=AFQjCNEi6-LnfjrkSKShG_1Tk9mxp28Qkg&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.d2k (https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=deer%20crossing%20radio&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDIQtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9K3MoxlCaJ4&ei=GyjnUJilJoes0QXw8YGwBw&usg=AFQjCNEi6-LnfjrkSKShG_1Tk9mxp28Qkg&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.d2k)
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: maxtog on January 04, 2013, 04:23:47 PM
:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K3MoxlCaJ4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K3MoxlCaJ4)

LOL!!! OMG!  That just made my day!
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 04, 2013, 07:24:22 PM
That's been posted here before.  What's the matter, Max, sleeping on the job? ;)
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: maxtog on January 04, 2013, 09:03:23 PM
That's been posted here before.  What's the matter, Max, sleeping on the job? ;)

This is the first time I have seen (more like heard) it!
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: stevewfl on January 04, 2013, 10:32:43 PM
I'm back, and didn't hit any deer.  Its cold up there, thank God for heated gear!!!  ;D
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: jamiemac on January 05, 2013, 04:48:49 AM
I'm back, and didn't hit any deer.  Its cold up there, thank God for heated gear!!!  ;D
Glad You made it safe. Heated gear rocks!
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: stevewfl on January 05, 2013, 09:29:58 AM
Glad You made it safe. Heated gear rocks!

Thanks, and yes sir I agree heated gear is the bomb-diggity (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: Tremainiac on January 05, 2013, 01:08:30 PM
Years ago I rode a Virago 750 in NC. On my 28 mile commute home, I almost hit a raccoon, a possum and a deer. Stopped at Auto zone or such and mounted up some deer whistles for the heck of it, and haven't 'almost' hit anything since.
Logic dictates these things are worthless, but Ive put them on every bike since.
If for nothing else, I figure they're my lucky charms.
Like those bells I see Harley's. 
8)

Squirrels and birds are another story altogether though... I believe they're suicidal.
 :'(
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: ARS on January 05, 2013, 03:33:34 PM
An aquantence was killed in northern Wisconsin  when a grouse flew across the road and hit him in the chest and knocked him off his Harley.  Animals are unpredictable.  If a deer was sitting tight in the ditch, would one of these whistles potentialy spook it into action resulting in a suicide attempt?
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: Pepsi Supplier on January 06, 2013, 12:22:11 PM
 Just run them over...

No crash on this hit, but extensive front end damage to the bike.

Best of all one less deer to look out for
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: stevewfl on January 06, 2013, 07:45:42 PM
Just run them over...

No crash on this hit, but extensive front end damage to the bike.

Best of all one less deer to look out for

^^^^^ wow!   :o
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: jamiemac on January 06, 2013, 08:01:51 PM
That's making deer sausage, the hard way.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: Pepsi Supplier on January 07, 2013, 12:15:27 AM
^^^^^ wow!   :o



ZX-11 vs Deer.


Deer was dead, bike was rideable but pretty torn up.


 I was just joking about the run them over part, I strongly recommend against this. This guy got caught up under the bike for quite a while, damn near cut it in half.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: stevewfl on January 07, 2013, 03:10:44 PM


ZX-11 vs Deer.


Deer was dead, bike was rideable but pretty torn up.


 I was just joking about the run them over part, I strongly recommend against this. This guy got caught up under the bike for quite a while, damn near cut it in half.

I'm all about running them over with bikes and cages....   unless one drives a DODGE  :D
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 08, 2013, 05:10:58 AM
I drive a Dodge!
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: stevewfl on January 08, 2013, 06:16:29 AM
I drive a Dodge!

And i'm sure you don't take my posts all too serious by now either (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 08, 2013, 06:21:22 AM
 :)
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: freebird6 on January 08, 2013, 09:20:00 AM
I drive a Dodge!

I don't just drive a Dodge. Crew Cab with the Hemi for me. Got me to Buffalo in spite of deer, ice and blizzard.

I use deer whistles on all vehicles. I dunno if they work but if I forget to put the horseshoe and 4 leaf clover up my backside before I leave they have been there over 450K miles on the last 7 vehicles I have owned for sure and probably a few more before that.

Cheap and in my experience thus far....effective. last deer I came in contact with was in 97 in a 93 Ford Probe Gt....damn thing slid right over the drivers side quarter without leaving a mark, my first experience with ABS. No whistles for the record.

lately I have been cautiously sticking to the interstate and following big vehicles if I am in an area and time of year the deer are running....otherwise all state and US highways for me.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: Conrad on January 08, 2013, 09:30:40 AM
I don't just drive a Dodge. Crew Cab with the Hemi for me. Got me to Buffalo in spite of deer, ice and blizzard.

I use deer whistles on all vehicles. I dunno if they work but if I forget to put the horseshoe and 4 leaf clover up my backside before I leave they have been there over 450K miles on the last 7 vehicles I have owned for sure and probably a few more before that.

Cheap and in my experience thus far....effective. last deer I came in contact with was in 97 in a 93 Ford Probe Gt....damn thing slid right over the drivers side quarter without leaving a mark, my first experience with ABS. No whistles for the record.

lately I have been cautiously sticking to the interstate and following big vehicles if I am in an area and time of year the deer are running....otherwise all state and US highways for me.

If you drive with the horseshoe and 4 leaf clover up your backside does that offer additional protection?    :o
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 08, 2013, 09:53:52 AM
 :rotflmao:
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: The Pope on January 08, 2013, 10:58:35 AM
If a deer was sitting tight in the ditch, would one of these whistles potentialy spook it into action resulting in a suicide attempt?

A spooked deer will (most of the time) go back in a direction in which it came.
If that direction takes it back into the roadway, ummmm.......  ::)
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: stevewfl on January 08, 2013, 11:12:12 AM
Kind nice deer will jump slam over a bike. Youtube videos galore of it  :D

Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: Conrad on January 08, 2013, 11:17:34 AM
Kind nice deer will jump slam over a bike. Youtube videos galore of it  :D

What do the unkind mean deer do?
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: stevewfl on January 08, 2013, 11:43:00 AM
What do the unkind mean deer do?

crack our bikes up, and some even generate fatality reports I hear

(http://localtvktvi.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/deer.jpg?w=299)
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: gPink on January 08, 2013, 04:10:46 PM
If you drive with the horseshoe and 4 leaf clover up your backside does that offer additional protection?    :o
Kind of a personal ki p ass
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: Cheesecake on January 11, 2013, 06:12:49 PM
Some jets have been equipped with sharp blades that would protect the windshield of the cockpit by slicing the bird into two separate pieces. The same concept could easily protect motorcycles if you mounted a blade along the front edge of the bike. This would not work on Harley Davidsons, as the speed is too low and they ride too close together. In the future, motorcycles will be equipped with a laser that will slice the deer before you impact it. Unless peta prevents it.
Title: Re: C14 - Let's play dodge the deer
Post by: stevewfl on January 12, 2013, 07:50:37 AM
Some jets have been equipped with sharp blades that would protect the windshield of the cockpit by slicing the bird into two separate pieces. The same concept could easily protect motorcycles if you mounted a blade along the front edge of the bike. This would not work on Harley Davidsons, as the speed is too low and they ride too close together. In the future, motorcycles will be equipped with a laser that will slice the deer before you impact it. Unless peta prevents it.

(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/badteeth.gif)  (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/badteeth.gif)   (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/badteeth.gif)