'Indian Larry' dies after stunt in Cabarrus

The Charlotte Observer ^ | Aug. 30, 2004 | Charlotte Staff Reports

[MarkL]

I always wondered what that was the wording on his throat. Anybody know what it said? RIP, Larry.

I don't know... But given his reputation, it might be something like the helmet sticker I've got on the back of my helmet. I got it some years ago from either a Fast Bikes or Superbike magazine (both are Brit motorcycle mags...)

It's in small letters, and it reads

"If you can read this, my head has come off, so it might be a good idea to call an ambulance."

Bad taste, I know, but I think it's funny. My family hates it!

Mark

[MarkL]

I find it sad that anyone would have to rationalize their decision to ride without a helmet. My reason is simple, it takes the fun out of riding. I don't enjoy riding as much with a helmet as I enjoy riding without a helmet.

Weird... I've only ridden on the streets once without a helmet (not counting some short rides up and down the street at my house after some repairs) and I've never felt more naked and exposed. I guess it's because I used to do some amature WERA road racing, and I feel sort of exposed if I'm just wearing denim jeans and a jacket.

I decided that it wasn't worth the trouble getting all suited up for a 5 block drive to the McDonalds, and I drove over there without a helmet (I did wear my jacket though)... I've never felt so exposed and naked in my life! For me, it was an uncomfortable situation, but it may have something to do with once falling off a bike at over 100mph (lowside) on a track. My leathers and helmet were toast, but I walked away with a few bruises.

Personal experiences help shape our decisions.

But something that I never understood was how people in South Dakota could ride without full face helmets during the damn monarch butterfly migration! I got hit by one of them on my helmet right at the lower vent! Those damn things STINK and taste awful!

Mark

[Eaker]

Well, I am sorry I became so angry too.

FReegards,
Tom Eaker

[Eaker]

I agree on the goggles, but this was really a unique opportunity and all I had were my Smith & Wesson safety glasses that were fine at normal speeds, even elevated speeds, but really crapped out at 150.

The real eye opener was when I realized that driving at normal uncrowded frwy speeds of 80+ in one of my cars, I saw how exposed bikers are, but on a bike I felt invulnerable. I mentally ran the numbers and have slowed down a bit.

Take care,

[Eaker]

and I drove over there without a helmet (I did wear my jacket though)... I've never felt so exposed and naked in my life!

Down here in Texas, if you are just wearing a jacket, we call that nekkid!!!

[Ciexyz]

Doing stunts without a helmet is like a highwire walker not using a net. It's tempting fate and should be illegal. Maybe the producers agreed not to use a helmet to increase the danger and thereby thrill the crowd. That's sick.

[Melas]

Weird... I've only ridden on the streets once without a helmet (not counting some short rides up and down the street at my house after some repairs) and I've never felt more naked and exposed. I guess it's because I used to do some amature WERA road racing, and I feel sort of exposed if I'm just wearing denim jeans and a jacket.

They don't make a jacket that you can comfortably wear in Texas during the Summer. When it's 110 or hotter outside, even the best vented Joe Rocker probably presents a greater danger of falling off your bike from heatstroke, than it offers in protection. As a result, in the Summer, I wear sleeveless t-shirts.

[JoeSixPack1]

It's tempting fate and should be illegal. ... ---
...That's sick.

I tempt fate every single day. So do you.

[Betis70]

I tempted fate today. I got in my car and drove on a California freeway.

Looking forward to doing the same on a motorcycle soon.

[JoeSixPack1]

Stay safe, eyes wide! Rubber side down. Keep one in the chamber.

<|:-)~~

[Khurkris]

He was one of the last who built "Old School" choppers.
In the wind Bro.

[Khurkris]

tattoo on his throat was "No Fear" written backwatds so he could read it everyday as he shaved.

[gracie1]

I think it also said something along the lines of "vengeance is mine saith the Lord". I heard it on one of the motorcycle shows on the Discovery channel.

He will be missed, but I envy anyone who lives life on their own terms.

[Servant of the 9]

We call helmetless riders organ donors here in the midwest.

I bet you drive a Volvo.

Being overly safety concious not only make life a little longer, it makes it seem unendurably longer.

So9

[CHICAGOFARMER]

We call helmetless riders organ donors here in the midwest.
I bet you drive a Volvo.

Being overly safety concious not only make life a little longer, it makes it seem unendurably longer.

So9

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

You are just like kerry wrong again

I operate farm equipment much more dangerous, requires much more skill and knowledge than something so simple to operate like a two wheel bike.

[Titan Magroyne]

*sob* I loved that guy. Not so lucky to own a bike myself, I've seen all the Biker Build-off shows and always ended up picking his as my faves. I liked his philosophy of picking performance over style because he ENJOYED making a bike he could take through tight curves in the mountains and do tricks on. RIP Larry, you had a great life.

[Hank Rearden]

I tempted fate today. I got in my car and drove on a California freeway.

Looking forward to doing the same on a motorcycle soon.

If you haven't done it on a bike yet, a little bit of advice: be prepared for how loud a California freeway is. I was completely shocked once I merged into one for the first time. Takes getting used to.

Big trucks are bigger too - they get that way when you're on a bike.

[JoeSixPack1]

Godspeed Indian Larry, RIP

[newfydogs2]

it a sad day in this country when people say stupid things about a man they dont even know. things like he was stupid and dumb. a man that has passed from this world leaving behind loved ones. a man with a heart bigger their own, obviously. a man who, would delay a competition, he was sure to win, and go help his fellow man get his bike running to compete against him. He will be dearly miss be those of us who cared. as for the rest of you, well maybe you need to take a step back, and take a good look at yourself. Are you so perfect? Maybe you should open the good book before your so quick to judge.