This was inevitable, in fact I actually predicted this and watched it play out.

The back story is that the City Detroit has had a problem with people riding ATV's on city streets. It's illegal, they are off road vehicles and not road legal in Michigan. Usually they run when they spot police making it even more dangerous.

In August of 2017 a Michigan State Police unit was in Detroit and one of these ATV's sped by them. The Troopers gave chase and it lasted a while. Eventually one of the Troopers deployed a Taser, struck the rider, who lost control and hit a pick up truck. The rider didn't survive, he was 15 years old. https://www.clickondetroit.com...gainst-state-trooper

The Trooper was suspended, fired, and charged. Last week he was sentenced after being convicted.
https://www.clickondetroit.com...n-s-deadly-atv-crash

The conviction didn't satisfy people apparently and in a form of protest they swarmed the streets on ATV's for several days (I predicted this, also commented that someone was going to die before it was over)
https://www.clickondetroit.com...n-detroits-east-side

The police let it happen at the time, but clearly gathered a lot of evidence because... https://www.clickondetroit.com...-on-city-s-east-side

But even that didn't stop it because, as I predicted, a guy lost control and killed himself. Does anyone wonder why ATV's are illegal to ride on the streets? Of course instead of public menace killed while tearing up the streets on an offroad ATV he's being remembered the wonderful, loving, caring, father, businessman, icon of the community taken too soon in a tragic accident WHICH wouldn't have happened if he was setting a good example like a great father and pillar of the community....

https://www.clickondetroit.com...and-river-in-detroit


And there you have.... the rest of the story.

It isn’t the ATVs that are the problem here. ATVs are street legal in parts of Europe and sometimes in rural parts of America. I loved seeing plated Raptors on the streets of Copenhagen. I would legalize them everywhere if it were up to me. How is a Honda Grom more road worthy than a Raptor 700R?

A piece of equipment is rarely the problem, people and how they choose to use said equipment are always the problem

People riding ATV’s rarely experience difficulty. Lawless savages are another matter. You should be allowed to shoot big nylon nets at them when they try to run.

quote:

Originally posted by Rightwire:
... he's being remembered the wonderful, loving, caring, father, businessman, icon of the community taken too soon in a tragic accident WHICH wouldn't have happened if he was setting a good example like a great father and pillar of the community....

What you didn't let us know: was this idiot doing something he loved?

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
It isn’t the ATVs that are the problem here. ATVs are street legal in parts of Europe and sometimes in rural parts of America. I loved seeing plated Raptors on the streets of Copenhagen. I would legalize them everywhere if it were up to me. How is a Honda Grom more road worthy than a Raptor 700R?

Did the ATVs in Europe have tires more suited for pavement? The typical ATV tire that I'm familiar with isn't really optimal for street traction. Having said that, driving one on pavement at anything close to an appropriate speed isn't going to be a problem.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
I would legalize them everywhere if it were up to me.

Shit, I'm all for more organ donors, there are so many people on the waitlists as it is.

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
I would legalize them everywhere if it were up to me.

Shit, I'm all for more organ donors, there are so many people on the waitlists as it is.

I like the way you think.....let them thin themselves out.

Or a Barrett 50.

quote:

Originally posted by gearhounds:
You should be allowed to shoot big nylon nets at them when they try to run.

MNSIG, Yes, there are more street oriented tires for the raptor. With a competent rider I bet it actually handles better than some cars.

We have a big problem with the ATV'S on the roads in central Florida.
They are surrounding people in their cars, taunting them and causing all kind of problems.
A few weeks ago they were on the Florida Turnpike and caused an accident.
They seem to try to think they own the road, cause accidents and take off. Of course they have no insurance so even if the catch some one who causes an accident the person in the car has no one to go after to pay for the damage the ATV rider caused.

Apparently did not read the warning label.

I would be interested in trying one of the newer quads on the street and how they handle turning with the solid rear axle.

I remember making tight turns on the street riding the old Honda 3 wheelers got sketchy at times. But doable.

And the mechanical locker on my old Toyota truck when it failed to unlock in a turn would cause quite the chatter from the rear end.

We have the same issue in Cleveland. Mayor won't let the police do anything because his son is constantly doing this. The mayor also wants to build a park for these idiots. Who will drive there illegally on the streets and half are probably stolen.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
MNSIG, Yes, there are more street oriented tires for the raptor. With a competent rider I bet it actually handles better than some cars.

Maybe some cars, but most cars with a mediocre driver would smoke that toy with a competent driver on the street. They're designed for off road. Trying to make one of those handle on the street would be like trying to make a Tacoma handle like a Porsche. Could be done (maybe) but get your checkbook out.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
With a competent rider

Typically the limfac with ATV and Cycle riders.

Egos writing checks their bodies can't cash.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
I bet it actually handles better than some cars.

Sure, but handling usually isn't an issue in the city.

This is very similar to those Light Sport Airplanes, where people with minimal skill get behind something that can kill them in a heartbeat. Doesn't really bother me if the mort themselves

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
It isn’t the ATVs that are the problem here. ATVs are street legal in parts of Europe and sometimes in rural parts of America. I loved seeing plated Raptors on the streets of Copenhagen. I would legalize them everywhere if it were up to me. How is a Honda Grom more road worthy than a Raptor 700R?

I believe you're missing the point. We have this same problem in Central Florida. The issues go like this...

1 - Under aged riders without DL's.
2 - Riders obeying no rules/laws of the road. (Red light? Not for me.)
3 - Riders harassing other drivers (had it happen to me).
4 - ATV's and dirt bikes running off road tires (great on wet asphalt).
5 - ATV's and dirt bikes running 'no' lights racing around at night.

These assholes are a menace and steps need to be taken to remove them from the streets permanently. And if a few get smashed along the way, oh well, good riddance.

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:
Shit, I'm all for more organ donors, there are so many people on the waitlists as it is.

Not when that asshole organ donor is plowing into my truck to facilitate his donation.

In many areas of the Yoop, ATVs are legal to use the shoulders of the roads. I was recently in Big Bay and ATV and SxSs outnumbered other vehicles.
Problem: They snuff out quite a few people up here every year. Lots seriously injured. Often times it is happening to kids. Speed, alcohol, no helmets, lack of skill and general stupidity are the causes.
Fun fact: a 2019 Yamaha Kodiak 450 weighs 637 pounds. Something to consider as it is rolling over on top of you.

It’s not like these people are stealing ATVs & illegally riding them on the street are responsible tax paying citizens. They are criminal thugs. There should be an open season on them.