Motorcycles
 

I just started riding my motorcycle again. I don't have anything interesting to say about it because I'm pretty much a beginner (about 2000 miles).

I do wonder, however, what people have to say about safety issues. It seems to me that every time I hear about a crash, the motorcyclist had a lot to do with it. Speeding, recklessness, etc...

When I ride I always assume I'll be cut off by the car in front of me and that people will be running red lights. And frequently I'm right. Being prepared has, for now, prevented these occurrences from causing trouble for me.

I guess what I'm asking is if people think that the safety issues really do make this a stupid form of recreation, and that despite my caution, I'm just asking for trouble?

Re: Motorcycles
 

i used to really want a motorcycle, but the risk is just so high. even if we assume that motorcyclists get into wrecks w/ the same frequency as drivers (which i doubt is true but idk), they are still far less likely to walk away from the accidents. it seems like if you ride consistently it is only a matter of time before you get into an accident, and if you get into an accident there is a very high risk of death. i've ridden a few times and wouldn't mind joy-riding occasionally, but i don't see myself doing cross country road trips or anything like that.

Re: Motorcycles
 

I'm about at the same level as you, although I haven't ridden mine in months.

The safety thing bugs me too, and sometimes I think to myself that I've had a good run and I should quit when I'm ahead. I purposely limited myself to a bike that can't handle highway speeds for this reason as well.

But then you see the video of that guy that got hit starting at a green light (car behind him decided to pull around him and caught his mirror), thrown under a dump truck, barely survived and now has no legs.

But life is risk, so it's worth it if you love it. I say if you don't rely on it for a primary means of transportation, only ride under good conditions, and do the easy stuff like get good safety equipment, then it's not a stupid form of recreation.

Re: Motorcycles
 

MINUS:
The most dangerous thing about motorbiking are terrible car drivers. You have to make definite allowances for cars because they are way less attentive to what's going on, but also have the sensory deprivation you get from sitting inside something (lack of all round view etc). But even then, there are some awful drivers who actually see bikes and don't adjust accordingly. I've seen a guy waiting at a sidestreet, even made eye contact (I'm on bike, he's in car btw), and he stills pulls out straight across me!??!


I used to ride a big bike (Kawasaki ZZR1000, I think it was called a Ninja in America), but got into a serious head on collision whilst riding at the speed limit, on my side of the road, in broad daylight, good conditions, with my lights on, and wearing a fluorescent vest, and still an idiot drove into me in a head on (she pulled from a sidestreet onto the wrong side of the road straight into me) because, she said, 'I didn't see you'. Luckily I didn't brake at all and somersaulted straight over the top of the car and landed on my ass, and got away with a minor knee injury and impact wounds/stitches only (where you hit the ground so hard your skin splits - strangely at the front of my legs, even though I hit the ground with ass/backs of legs) - no breakages. Very lucky for me. (she got convicted of dangerous driving).

Never got on a bike since, but lord I miss it.


PLUSES:

Biking is a pleasure. You have to engage and concentrate so fully, and experience things so immediately, it is deeply relaxing. I miss the pleasure of riding, I miss the sudden temperature drop as you ride so you think 'oh hitting a cold front, it's gonna rain in a minute', and I miss the hitting a bend just right and letting the machine work with you to get around it and bring you out safely, and I miss the acknowledgement and camaradarie you get with other bikers.

Re: Motorcycles
 

U have 2 tell us what u ride. If u are a harley guy, your risk is diff from a GSX rider.

Take the motorcycle safety course. Go to the track. PRACTICE all the breaking methods so it's a reflex. Always wear the right gear/colors. Cover your legs and arms even if just thin. DONT RIDE DRUNK or TIRED/Low sleep. Feel free to pass cars on highway the further they are from u the better. But when u lane split, the guy on right must be further back than guy on left. Most motorcycle accidents happen at low speeds and will only hurt ur butt pride and bike. They are usually the rider's fault. Most people don't put in enough training hours to be astute to the many more risks.

Is it worth the risk? If u don't die/get really banged up it is:) I don't think a married w/ children guy should ride aggressive bikes though. Cycling is an expensive luxury if done properly. Having good friends who ride safe makes it even more fun. And chicks LOVE it.


I ride this in yellow.

http://www.buell.com/common/07/fireb...84/beauty1.jpg

Re: Motorcycles
 

Here's the bike I used to ride:

http://dvmoto.ru/images/kawasaki_img...lack_ideal.jpg

Man, she was sweet. It could be like sitting on a missile, and the faster you went, the harder she accelerated. I never ever topped her out.

Got her to 140mph, two up, one time. That's scary, every little stone makes the tires lift for a microsecond, and the broken white line turns solid.

Another time, after a winter of safe riding, I realised I was riding her like an old man, and going downhill, I opened her up - she popped a wheelie on accelerator alone! Going downhill! That's some awesome powerage.

I miss my dead bike.

*Sigh*

Re: Motorcycles
 

Damn diebitter. That bike looks insane. Looks sort of like what my boyfriend rides. He's a menace.

Re: Motorcycles
 

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When I ride I always assume I'll be cut off by the car in front of me and that people will be running red lights. And frequently I'm right. Being prepared has, for now, prevented these occurrences from causing trouble for me.



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Hi Mat,

I don't ride a street bike but I'm in love with a guy who does. I have an opinion on this issue.

First, what I quoted is probably the most important aspect of riding. If you are of this frame of mind (that you could be cut off by a car) then you will probably be fine. Most accidents are caused by the inexperience of the driver - going too fast on a curve or hitting a rough spot in the road is what kills a lot of young riders.

In the area where I live we've had 4 fatalities in the past year that were not the fault of the cyclist. Just be really careful and especially aware of what's going on all around you. You wouldn't believe how often people say they didn't notice the bike coming up along side them.

That said, I always caution girls not to ride on the back of a motorcycle. I used to do it but I won't anymore unless we are just puttsing around in our subdivision or on our friend's farm. I won't go on the interstate anymore. It's one thing to be the driver in control of the bike, another thing alltogether to be precariously seated on the back of some dude's bike with nothing holding you on and a maniac at the helm. Scary!

btw, my boyfriend is a maniac on a bike. Ever since he was 13 he's lived for riding. It's probably what he's most talented at. He owns something like 7 different kinds of bikes. He's wiped out a few times. Alcohol was involved every single time. Don't go over to your buddy's house and get drunk off your ass and then decide to ride wheelies up and down the highway to show off for them. Don't do that Mat. Just my 0.02.

Re: Motorcycles
 

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Don't go over to your buddy's house and get drunk off your ass and then decide to ride wheelies up and down the highway to show off for them. Don't do that Mat. Just my 0.02.

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...lercoaster.gif

Re: Motorcycles
 

Mat,
I started riding at 33. With a wife and two young children I'm sure you can imagine how poorly this went over! I try to take the same approach you mention. I basically assume that any vehicle I am sharing the road with may do the least favorable thing for me at any moment and try to be as best prepareed for it as I can.

There are some interesting numbers you can check out as far as crashes, etc. You are far less likely to be involved in a fatal crash if you
a) Are riding a 'cruiser' rather than a sport bike
b) Are a licensed rider as opposed to just having a permit

I'm not sure where you live, but I can tell you that living in the NYC area riding can be quite a challenge at times. The main thing to remember is that you are NOT in a car! There is not a single documented case of motorcycle vs. car where the motorcycle wins! When someone is doing something dangerous just get out of their way and let them go on their merry way.

Enjoy the ride!

Re: Motorcycles
 

It looks like I'm passing everyones' test in terms of acceptable risk. Which is good, because I've suddenly found myself understanding why it's so fun.

I'm riding a Suzuki cruiser 800 cc. I have my license, I took the safety course. I don't use it to commute, just for pleasure rides, so i avoid commuter traffic.

One of the interesting things I've noticed in vegas is that even the most a-hole drivers tend to give motorcycles a lot of space. I've seen plenty of motorcyclists act stupidly (usually the sports bike rider), but I've been impressed with vegas drivers in this regard. They are truly horrible in every other way.

Re: Motorcycles
 

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btw, my boyfriend

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[img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Re: Motorcycles
 

Hi Matt,

I got my first motorcycle last year at the age of 42 (and a month later I bought a new BMW). My wife and kids were quite displeased with dad's latest obsession, fearing the worst. But I promised to take EVERY precaution to be safe. In the last year I put 20K miles on my BMW. Here is what I do to try to stay alive.

First, I took the Motorcycle Safety Class, which was very helpful. Later I took the Experienced Motorcycle class.

Second, I ALWAYS ALWAYS wear ALL THE GEAR, ALL THE TIME (ATGATT). I'm talking full face helmet, jacket, pants, gloves and boots. I NEVER ride without ALL THE GEAR! This is hugely important. I don't care if its 100+ degrees outside, I wear ALL THE GEAR, ALL THE TIME! Don't wear a half face helmet, blue jeans, tennis shoes, denim jacket, crap like that. Get GOOD gear, a complete set, and wear it ALL the time! I can't stress this enough. I love waving to other motorcycle riders, but I don't wave if they're not wearing a helmet.

Third, I try to make myself as visible as possible. Most collisions happen cause a cage (car) driver says they didn't see the motorcycle. For me that meant putting on all kinds of extra lights and reflectors on the bike, and wearing a BRIGHT yellow riding suit that literally glows in the dark. Do I look like a banana when I'm riding instead of a cool guy in black leather? Yes. Do I care? No, I'm allergic to skin grafts, I really don't want to get hurt. I also got a Kisan License Plate LED system. Those bright blinking LEDs really make a difference in being seen. There is no such thing as a fender bender on a motorcycle, I really don't want to get rear-ended.

And finally, I drive like everybody is literally trying to kill me. On my rear case I put the letters "Back off please" just to try to get people not to follow so close, seems to help.

Anyway yes riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than riding a car, but wow is it so much more fun. I think with ALL the safety gear and high visibility lights and clothing, the dangers can be reduced. I just got back from a 6000+ mile road trip from Texas to California and back (report coming soon).. so totally epic and fun. Enjoy the ride..

BB

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c208/ahub64/al_sf.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...sible_bike.jpg

Re: Motorcycles
 

I've been riding for 38 years, one statement that has always held true, There are 2 types of riders, those that have gone down, and those that will go down.

keep the shiny side up

Re: Motorcycles
 

presumably you have "gone down". what happened?

Re: Motorcycles
 

Ugh.

This state doesn't have a helmet law that I'm aware of and I'm amazed to regularly see riders doing 40+ MPH on surface streets without any protection. Hell I went for a nice long bike (bicycle) ride last week and almost didn't go because my helmet's clip was missing, but I fashioned a knot and off I went. The concern as always wasn't about me being dumb, it was to protect me from others.

My brother had a serious wipeout on a slick road in Iowa City, Iowa around fifteen years ago. Countless surgeries later he has a ton of scars on his right forearm but that I know of is lucky that he didn't suffer any permanent nerve damage. He hasn't ridden a motorcycle since.

Maybe I'm just risk averse, and maybe it is a hell of a rush, but I like the security that a few tons of steel and a couple of airbags provides.

As an aside, I could never get through Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, I got to a certain point and got bored to tears every time. I did enjoy some of the analogies he made related to his bike though!

Re: Motorcycles
 

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I've been riding for 38 years, one statement that has always held true, There are 2 types of riders, those that have gone down, and those that will go down.

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Prob true. If this is the day you're gona crash, how much protective gear do you want to be wearing when it happens?

ATGATT

I don't have a problem with motorcycles riding with bad gear, no helmets, etc.. My thinking tho is when they crash and get hurt, they're on their own, tuff luck kid, no govt assistance in public hospitals etc... Let em die on the sidewalk and maybe the next motorcycle rider will get smart and suit up.

Re: Motorcycles
 

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Do I look like a banana when I'm riding instead of a cool guy in black leather? Yes. Do I care? No, I'm allergic to skin grafts, I really don't want to get hurt. ...
.....
And finally, I drive like everybody is literally trying to kill me. On my rear case I put the letters "Back off please" just to try to get people not to follow so close, seems to help.



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Haha, I love the way Big Bend dresses like a banana and has all the lights and armor. Good job BB. This post made me smile.

Speaking of wearing better gear, I used to ride on the back of my boyfriend's bike wearing cut offs and sandals. Then I got a really bad burn on the inside of my leg as I was trying to get off the huge bike one weekend. Took a long time to heal. After that I started to wear jeans. I detected a bit of sadness in his face when I started to do this but massive burns just aren't my thing. It's not worth the risk trying to look sexy.

Re: Motorcycles
 

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Then I got a really bad burn on the inside of my leg as I was trying to get off the huge bike one weekend.

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Riding around in shorts on a bike? Be glad all you got was a little burn. Your boyfriend is an idiot btw.

Link to potentially NSFW image that some people just don't want to see w/o warning

Mod edit: changed in-line image to link.

Re: Motorcycles
 

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Maybe I'm just risk averse, and maybe it is a hell of a rush, but I like the security that a few tons of steel and a couple of airbags provides.



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I'm with you on this Tuq. My boyfriend doesn't wear a helmet. A lot of riders where I live don't. I think they're nuts.

And that pic that Big Bend just posted, YEOW. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] Road rash is gross. I've seen it firsthand and it is not pretty. Even the emergency room doctors wince when they see it.

Re: Motorcycles
 

I used to ride one of these when I was about 13:

http://w1.bikepics.com/pics/2003%5C0...-68670-320.jpg

It was great fun in our neighborhood because we had a lot of cool trails in the woods. I haven't been on a bike since.

Street bikes scare the living crap out of me and I will never ever ever get on one and ride it in traffic.

They look cool, though.

Re: Motorcycles
 

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potentially NSFW image that some people just don't want to see w/o warning

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Oops my bad thanks for taking out the inline image. I was gona do it myself right after I posted the pic but then had to go to a meeting. Lots of passengers (usually women) die every year falling off the back of a motorcycle. I cringe every time I see a passenger on a bike without a helmet. Its bad enough for a rider to kill himself by not using all the gear.. much worse to kill the passenger for the same reason.

Too many idiots on bikes giving everybody else a bad name, from the arrogant obnoxious Harley thugs to the brain-dead young men who wear shorts, no helmets, and rike like maniacs on their crotch rockets. Fortunately most of the riders in the BMW community have alot more sense then those yahoos. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Be safe ya'll.. BB

Re: Motorcycles
 

Katy, if you ever get in a wreck while wearing sandles, Orlando will cry because you will probably rip off a few toes. Please wear shoes. You won't be very sexy if you can't walk straight.

I can say from experience that when the time comes, you must be able to trust your instincts when it comes to a wreck.

I used to be a bike messenger, and it is for this reason that I will never buy a motorcycle. The hardest thing to dodge is a car cutting you off while they are making a left turn or a u-turn. The best you can do at that point is pick the spot on the car that looks like it will hurt the least, usually the front end.

I have been in the hospital twice: once for bruised ribs and the second for a dislocated shoulder, which required 6 months of message therapy, and still messes with me these days. I also had my leg under a front tire of a car tire, and that resulted in a bum knee. Today, I sometimes limp, especially if it cold outside. In the worse impacts, I was riding at about 30 mph on a 20 pound machine, I can't imagine the impact at 75 mph on a 700 pound machine.

I wore a leather jacket when it was cold outside. The time I bruised my ribs, I hit the door of the car, was tossed on top of the car, and fell on my bum. Despite the leather, my skin did not lacerate, it exploded.

Please be more careful.

Re: Motorcycles
 

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I also had my leg under a front tire of a car tire, and that resulted in a bum knee.

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this sounds really painful.


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Despite the leather, my skin did not lacerate, it exploded.



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This sounds very descriptive. Descriptively disgusting.


Watching bike messengers dodging cars makes me very nervous. I don't think motorcyclists make nearly as many risky maneuvers do they? (though they are traveling at much higher rates of speed.)


I want to see a picture of Mat on his motorcycle. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] Mat, can you oblige us?

Re: Motorcycles
 

Motorcycles are great. I love riding.

When I turned 18 I bought a motorcycle. My mom was really afraid of them but my dad wasn't. He actually found one the one of his co-workers had for sale and took me out to get it. I rode that thing everywhere. Unless there was snow on the ground I was on the bike.

Got married and had a kid and then it got tougher to find time to ride. Ended up selling it and didn't have one for a long long time.

A couple of years ago I bought one from a buddy that was just beautiful. Kawasaki Vulcan 800. Drove it home from Billings (bout two hours) and as soon as I got home my wife wanted me to teach her how to ride it. I wasn't sure it was a good idea but relented because there is no telling her no when she has her mind made up. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Anyway, I took her over to a parking lot right by our house and told her just to go slow, no turnns just stay in 1st gear. She started out fine but then tried to make a turn. She got mixed up between the clutch and giving it gas and ended up going right into the side of a building!

Hurt her pretty bad. Busted her front tooth in half and sliced her bottom lip all the open when she hit the windshield. We ended up making the trip to the emergency room and she had to get stiched up and later that week to the dentist to ge tthe tooth repaired. Motorcycle was bent up pretty good and I never ended up riding it again. Ended up selling it back to the same guy I bought it from taking a hit on the value and minus the repair cost. Damn..

Still want to have one some day but haven't had the chance. Got a little 110 dirt bike for the boy and he loves it. Rides all aroung the land we have and over to the neoighbors house and all of that. Still scares me a bit but so does all kind of stuff with the kids.

Key is being careful. Cars LOVE to cut a motorcycle off. I couldn't believe how many time I had people pull out in front of me. Way more than in a car or truck.

Re: Motorcycles
 

Yes, that job requires a ton of risk, with riding in the rain and snow. Ironically, Katy, the maneuvers you see are actually very safe. It is better to be aggressive than defensive. Every accident I ever been in was while I was obeying the traffic laws perfectly, and that goes for most messengers.

Re: Motorcycles
 

as you know mat i have been riding for many decades and a few hundred thousand miles plus. i am glad you like bikes as i remember the time you and your dad borrowed my honda 350 for a spin in reno.

try not to ride in rush hour or on streets with lots of gravel. i have gone down a few times on bikes and if you plan for it you will be loose and not tense and can roll with the fall.
wear something that can be seen and always have your lights on. the pulsing headlight is nice as well. be ready anytime you are at a stop sign or light and someone comes up behind you. they dont pay attention and cream you out from behind. so always leave room in front of you when you stop so you can zip forward if need be.
i dont wear a helmet as i think i am more likely to get hurt without one, but less likely to get into an accident as i can see and hear better without one.

Re: Motorcycles
 

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i dont wear a helmet

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bump

Sorry but don't be like Ray this one time. Always wear a helmet.

Here is a list of 131 ways to survive on a motorcycle. Good stuff!

Be safe... BB

Re: Motorcycles
 

That's a very nice list. Anyone interested in motorcycling more safely will benefit from that. Thank you.

Re: Motorcycles
 

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It looks like I'm passing everyones' test in terms of acceptable risk. Which is good, because I've suddenly found myself understanding why it's so fun.

I'm riding a Suzuki cruiser 800 cc. I have my license, I took the safety course. I don't use it to commute, just for pleasure rides, so i avoid commuter traffic.

One of the interesting things I've noticed in vegas is that even the most a-hole drivers tend to give motorcycles a lot of space. I've seen plenty of motorcyclists act stupidly (usually the sports bike rider), but I've been impressed with vegas drivers in this regard. They are truly horrible in every other way.

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GIVE IT UP MAT !!!!

I just bought a boulevard too

Re: Motorcycles
 

Amazing no one mentioned the best defensive weapon a motorcyclist can have against tailgaters.

Big Heavy Steel Bearings released over your shoulder into the winshield of a car will ensure that that driver never tailgates a motorcyclist again.

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<bump>

I finally got around to posting a trip report in the Travel forum. In October I went on a 7000 mile ride, visited 14 national parks.. just an epic good time.

You can read about it here.

Enjoy... BB

Re: Motorcycles
 

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<bump>

I finally got around to posting a trip report in the Travel forum. In October I went on a 7000 mile ride, visited 14 national parks.. just an epic good time.

You can read about it here.

Enjoy... BB

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Completely AWESOME trip report!

I really hope that I will be able to take an extended trip like that some day. I would love to do it on a motorcycle but not sure that will be in the picture for me.