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Any Motorcycle Riders? Advice for a Newbie?

#101
At some point you'll be thinking "I'm getting this down" and your confidence will soar. It is the most dangerous state of mind to have. It comes and goes, the feeling that you're well in control.

It kills many young motorcyclists and a few older ones too. It could have killed me a couple of times.

Enjoy the ride but always be mindful that the next bend could be hiding something lethal, that car could do something stupid etc etc etc etc etc.
 
#102
Take the safety course. Wear the helmet. Wear long pants, even on a hot day, to reduce damage of road rash. In short, do everything possible to be more safe. EVERYTHING.

Because you WILL fall. I don't care how good you are or how careful you are or how much practice you've had... you WILL fall. Everyone falls at some point or another. When that happens, will you be equipped to walk away with a minor fracture or will you die? Sorry to sound serious but that's just a fact.

Otherwise, have a good time. :D And don't forget: Getting a bike that doesn't hurt your ass will be good for long trips!
 
#103
Philbiker said:
When people ask "isn't that hot?" when I'm wearing my full mesh gear in the summer I always respond "It's not as hot as road rash".
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Ha! Brilliant! I can remember when my graddad took me on rides as a little kid. I'd wonder why a jacket and jeans were necessary in July. In high school, I met a kid who wiped out on a dirtbike and it all became very clear to me. You will see people with t-shirts and shorts on motorcycles but know that they are taking a risk not worth taking.
 
#106
UncleFluffy said:
Black ice is your worst nightmare. I haven't ridden since, and that little incident was 20 years ago.

When the weather's that bad, catch the bus.
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Sorry you had to go through that. :(

I have to say that I agree with the weather advice. The reason I don't own a motorcycle right now is because they work best (IMO) as a very expensive toy used for summer fun and I don't want one as my primary mode of transporation all year round. I just can't afford a vehicle I only use when it's nice and I won't ride when the weather is bad. Just my opinion.
 
#109
Great advice, particularly the one about using a bike only as a summer toy .
I think the best accident prevention is to learn to read the road and anticipate well ahead, too many stupid bikers do not give car drivers any warning of their presence, they race past the driver wing mirrors at insane speeds not taking into account the blind spot .
According to statistics, most accidents happen in towns at slow speed, next is cornering where the biker is going too fast and overruns the corner .
Another BIG problem is that bikes are just sooooo fast now and riders are not capable of handling the power, a 600cc road bike can go just as fast as a proper race bike could not so long ago, modern bikes handle brilliantly as well which does make the rider faster which reduces the margin for error .
Maybe the safest way of enjoying biking is to buy a Harley which would not encourage a crazy riding style because they are not built to go fast or handle well, sit back and enjoy the view in comfort :D
 
#110
Always look out for a cager to turn left right in front of you at an intersection. I don't know why, but they can look straight at you and still do it. When approaching an intersection and there is a car waiting to turn left, watch their tires (they move) . Do not focus on the driver!

And Good Luck
 

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