Should I get a motorcycle?

[Stewie26]

I believe riding a motorcycle in heavy traffic boils down to Risk Management. With that said, you can manage your own actions but it is difficult to manage the actions of others around you. I do take some risk in life, (flying aircraft) but the risk are 90% dependent on my own actions and not idiotic actions by others. If I ever should crash and burn, it will probably be my own fault as I mismanaged the risk by poor decision making. I guess what I am saying is you can't control the risk when on city streets with others when driving a bike.

 

[Gaolee]

I believe riding a motorcycle in heavy traffic boils down to Risk Management. With that said, you can manage your own actions but it is difficult to manage the actions of others around you. I do take some risk in life, (flying aircraft) but the risk are 90% dependent on my own actions and not idiotic actions by others. If I ever should crash and burn, it will probably be my own fault as I mismanaged the risk by poor decision making. I guess what I am saying is you can't control the risk when on city streets with others when driving a bike.

Actually, I think that riders can control the risk up to a point. It's a matter of being completely aware and completely in the moment at all times. It's a little like playing a song and improvising as an ensemble. The stakes are higher, of course, but the idea is similar. At some point, you develop a spidey sense that tells you to watch this car or that car. You learn to anticipate what's going on way down the road and adjust. And, you learn to modify your behavior, practice lane positioning, and think carefully about what others on the road can and cannot see in order to raise your visual profile to others on the road. There's always the idiot on his or her phone, the half wit who pulls out without looking, the drunk, the new driver who thinks he's Mario Andretti (that's almost always he), the girl in the red hatchback who is too busy yakking and singing karaoke to pay attention (that's almost always she), and any number of other obstacles and hazards. That's why you have to stay in the moment, anticipate, and avoid distractions.

The small size and quickness of a bike have saved my bacon a few times. Don't count on it, of course, but I have come around a corner and found some dummy blocking things or pulling out of a blind alley. In the van, I would have plowed right into them, because there was no room or time to do anything else. On the bike, a quick flick into clear space got me past without drama. That's happened on the freeway when I came around a bend and found some knucklehead backing up on the freeway. Why? Who knows. But, if I had been piloting anything except the motorcycle both of us would have had a serious problem. As it was, I went right past him because there was just enough room.

You can't count on any of this working out, of course. But then there's no guarantee that a semi truck won't lose a brake shoe and have it come through the windshield with bad results. It's all a calculated risk. The more you calculate, the less the risk, in my opinion. And, the more you know and act on that knowledge, the smaller the risk. It never goes away, but I'm going to be dead eventually one way or another. Fear won't stop me from doing things I enjoy any more than stage fright stopped me from playing in front of an audience.

 

[Stewie26]

Actually, I think that riders can control the risk up to a point. It's a matter of being completely aware and completely in the moment at all times. It's a little like playing a song and improvising as an ensemble. The stakes are higher, of course, but the idea is similar. At some point, you develop a spidey sense that tells you to watch this car or that car. You learn to anticipate what's going on way down the road and adjust. And, you learn to modify your behavior, practice lane positioning, and think carefully about what others on the road can and cannot see in order to raise your visual profile to others on the road. There's always the idiot on his or her phone, the half wit who pulls out without looking, the drunk, the new driver who thinks he's Mario Andretti (that's almost always he), the girl in the red hatchback who is too busy yakking and singing karaoke to pay attention (that's almost always she), and any number of other obstacles and hazards. That's why you have to stay in the moment, anticipate, and avoid distractions.

The small size and quickness of a bike have saved my bacon a few times. Don't count on it, of course, but I have come around a corner and found some dummy blocking things or pulling out of a blind alley. In the van, I would have plowed right into them, because there was no room or time to do anything else. On the bike, a quick flick into clear space got me past without drama. That's happened on the freeway when I came around a bend and found some knucklehead backing up on the freeway. Why? Who knows. But, if I had been piloting anything except the motorcycle both of us would have had a serious problem. As it was, I went right past him because there was just enough room.

You can't count on any of this working out, of course. But then there's no guarantee that a semi truck won't lose a brake shoe and have it come through the windshield with bad results. It's all a calculated risk. The more you calculate, the less the risk, in my opinion. And, the more you know and act on that knowledge, the smaller the risk. It never goes away, but I'm going to be dead eventually one way or another. Fear won't stop me from doing things I enjoy any more than stage fright stopped me from playing in front of an audience.

In flight school the instructors were always referring to maintaining a high "Situational Awareness" to your surroundings when discussing risk management. I fully appreciate your approach to riding as you are utilizing the risk management techniques. Your chances of of having a bad day are much less than many riders I have seen. Be safe!

Edit: If I was in charge of the DMV, I would require all drivers to take lessons in Risk Management Protocols before issuing a drivers license. Just sayin.

 

[Gaolee]

If I was in charge of DMV, I would require all prospective drivers to learn to ride a small motorcycle or scooter first. Even if nearly everyone went on to four wheels and abandoned two, it would make for more attentive drivers. Well, I would hope so, anyway. Instead of academic lessons, it would be real, with real consequences. Another bonus - fewer drivers on the road because not everyone would want to go through with it.

 

[georgiagoodie]

No. I rode for 15 years on a crusier/tourer bagger. I had a major crash last year on a major highway, lotsa traffic..all of a sudden everyone slams on the brakes...me too. I later found out what they were braking for...truck tire recap (road gator)...I ended up hitting it with my front tire, lost traction instantly, and hit the ground at 65 mph...12 rib fractures, shattered left scapula, broken left wrist, separated right middle finger, major road rashes, permanent scars, concussion (vertigo for 4 months). 5 days in the hospital. Everyone thinks they are so smart and aware of what is going on on the road around them. I did too. I was wrong. I was ignorant of how dangerous riding a 2-wheeler really is. Dont' start, and if you are riding, STOP NOW before you really hurt yourself. 'NOT WORTH IT!

 

[Wicked G]

There is always this route:

These types of "Motorcycles" are gaining in popularity

And I have to admit I find a few of them quite intriguing...

Dude!!!!
What is that 2nd black trike you have posted? That thing is sick!!! I don't think I could ever stop riding my bikes but that looks like a lot of fun. Sorry to get off topic but Joe already made his decision and again, that thing looks sick!!!

 

[BurnOut]

I used to ride for decades, but grew tired of people trying to kill me every time I went riding. I miss it sometimes, kinda want to build a rat bobber. But it's not real high on the totem pole at the moment.

 

[Old Blastard]

What better place to ask than here ?

The short story:

When I was a kid I was obsessed with motorcycles and mini bikes. Built every motorcycle model in creation, including the working engine of a Honda 750. Rode mini bikes in the country (dirt roads and stuff), and rode little motorcycles once or twice. I've dreamed, I mean literally dreamed (not while awake), of riding my entire life. They're always great dreams, almost as good as the girlie dreams, and much like the flying ones. So why the big question mark?

When I was about 17 a cousin of mine, a very experienced long time rider, was killed on a motorcycle. My parents then did a fine job of scaring the crap out of me, and it worked. I've also been in a few car accidents that were impossible to have prevented, and that helped embed the fear. Hit a pot hole on the highway several years back also that blew out a tire and almost made me lose control - and couldn't help wondering, what if I were on a motorcycle?

So... I'd like other people's thoughts on this. Basically, I really REALLY want a motorcycle. Always did. There's a school near me that has an excellent reputation. I would of course do that. Should I pursue this and face/challenge my fears - or do those fears make me a bad candidate for happy and or safe biker? I can live happily burying this desire, but I think there's a chance I could live MORE happily if get one.

Just want to open up the discussion and get thoughts of others.

I've been commuting by motorcycle for 30 years now. I also teach the local motorcycle safety course that qualifies those who pass for a license. I still ride when as much as possible, in rain and snow and heat. It is an entirely different experience than driving, the difference between watching a baseball game and playing first base.

Yes, traffic is getting worse. Yes, people are stupid all of the time. Yes, there is a risk. No question about any of that. When I ride, or my 83-year-old father or my brother for that matter, we watch for the idiots constantly, like vehicular karate, and those idiots include us as many riders take themselves out in single vehicle crashes.

My best recommendation is to look at your driving record. Once you are accustomed to a bike, you will most likely start riding like you drive. If you have dozens of tickets, dozens of crashes or near misses, I'd recommend passing. If you're a good driver, control your rage and have few tickets or crashes, you'll probably be a great rider.

 

[GIBrat51]

I've been commuting by motorcycle for 30 years now. I also teach the local motorcycle safety course that qualifies those who pass for a license. I still ride when as much as possible, in rain and snow and heat. It is an entirely different experience than driving, the difference between watching a baseball game and playing first base.

Yes, traffic is getting worse. Yes, people are stupid all of the time. Yes, there is a risk. No question about any of that. When I ride, or my 83-year-old father or my brother for that matter, we watch for the idiots constantly, like vehicular karate, and those idiots include us as many riders take themselves out in single vehicle crashes.

My best recommendation is to look at your driving record. Once you are accustomed to a bike, you will most likely start riding like you drive. If you have dozens of tickets, dozens of crashes or near misses, I'd recommend passing. If you're a good driver, control your rage and have few tickets or crashes, you'll probably be a great rider.

I don't think I could put it any better than that. In 50 years of riding/driving, I've only ever gotten 3 speeding tickets - and one of them was totally bogus. Of the handful of motorcycle accidents I've had, all have been at least 50% my fault - for not paying enough attention to my surroundings. And, the one that gave me my only serious injury was only technically a bike accident. I was sitting on a bike when I just... fell down. Tripping on the curb would have had the same result. I ride this insane BMW a lot. It has a (governed) top speed of 187 mph, and will do a 1/4 mile in the low 10s, at 136 mph or so. But, not with me on it... on a moderately curvy road like the one that runs up to Logandale, at more or less the speed limit (well, mostly a little more than the speed limit), it's plenty of fun to ride...

 

[T_Bone_TL]

I'm not concerned with nor ever going to find my bike's top speed or 1/4 mile stats. But put me at a stop in a 55 MPH zone and I'm going to go 0-55 MPH in less time than anything at the intersection, unless there's another bike there...and then I'll shift out of second or third gear to wind the engine back down and cruise.

 

[capnjim]

Bottom line....Harley in the city?? Nope. Or...you could join the millions of other DB's with the giant huge impractical crappy Harley's Club, and "go for a ride" once or twice a year.

 

[Joe Nerve]

Not that many will see this post, deeply buried here... but I'm over it. Not getting a motorcycle till I have a safer place to ride it.

Now I'm considering a gun.







Just kidding, just kidding!!!!! I'm not allowed to play with those things. It's a self imposed rule. I have only 2 of those. 1. No alcohol. 2. No guns.

 

[Bassball Fever]

You could still take the safety course, and see if it is something that you would pursue later. I'm planning on doing that once I get a couple of health issues straightened out.

 

[HubbardsFate]

I am 42 and have never owned a motorcycle but, like the OP, have often thought about.

The reasons I still don't own one (and probably never will):

1. It's just another expense. I'm a pretty frugal person...yes, having a bike could save me money in ways (way cheaper to drive back and forth to work, or anywhere else, than my ol' pickup) - but it's still something that needs to be insured, maintained, etc. And I'm not exactly in the highest tax bracket at the moment...

2. A close friend was killed nearly seven years ago. I'm not surprised in general that a lot of people die in motorcycle accidents, but I was surprised in the case of this particular person - not that he died in the accident, but that he had the accident to begin with. Because I know that he was a very cautious person and not the type to "hot dog" or show off, and he still ended up dead (took a hard corner a bit too fast, hit the ditch...game over.)

3. I could be the safest motorcyclist in the world, but that's not necessarily gonna prevent me from being killed by an idiot. Especially in this day and age - here in Canada, or at least the province I live in (and, I'm surmising, probably the rest of the world) distracted driving has surpassed impaired driving as the leading cause of traffic fatalities. I can just see myself heading towards a red or yellow light, slowing for the stop - only to be plowed into from behind by some idiot in a car or pickup who just had to be on their phone at that particular moment.

My two cents...

 

[Joe Nerve]

I am 42 and have never owned a motorcycle but, like the OP, have often thought about.

The reasons I still don't own one (and probably never will):

1. It's just another expense. I'm a pretty frugal person...yes, having a bike could save me money in ways (way cheaper to drive back and forth to work, or anywhere else, than my ol' pickup) - but it's still something that needs to be insured, maintained, etc. And I'm not exactly in the highest tax bracket at the moment...

2. A close friend was killed nearly seven years ago. I'm not surprised in general that a lot of people die in motorcycle accidents, but I was surprised in the case of this particular person - not that he died in the accident, but that he had the accident to begin with. Because I know that he was a very cautious person and not the type to "hot dog" or show off, and he still ended up dead (took a hard corner a bit too fast, hit the ditch...game over.)

3. I could be the safest motorcyclist in the world, but that's not necessarily gonna prevent me from being killed by an idiot. Especially in this day and age - here in Canada, or at least the province I live in (and, I'm surmising, probably the rest of the world) distracted driving has surpassed impaired driving as the leading cause of traffic fatalities. I can just see myself heading towards a red or yellow light, slowing for the stop - only to be plowed into from behind by some idiot in a car or pickup who just had to be on their phone at that particular moment.

My two cents...

I'd suggest reading this entire thread if you haven't already. Very thoughtful and informative.

 

[HubbardsFate]

As per Mister Nerve's suggestion, I read through the entire thread, and it was indeed interesting/informative.

I moved to Vancouver Island in 2004, and at least 50% of that decision was based on the fact that I wanted to learn how to SCUBA dive, and then be diving on a regular basis. Did my PADI Basic Open Water, got a number of dives under my belt, moved back to the Interior for a few years (no diving), moved back to the Island (2010/2011), got briefly back into diving, and moved back to the Interior again (quite likely permanently.)

I have $6000 worth of dive gear in my closet. If I were to move back to Vancouver Island, or anywhere else that afforded great, year-round diving opportunities, believe me when I say I'd be putting that gear to use again.

SCUBA is statistically a very safe sport/hobby. But, kinda like motorcycling, when something goes wrong, it can go really wrong - if you have a major equipment failure 60, 100 feet underwater, there's a good chance you're not gonna make it out of that situation alive. But God himself couldn't have convinced me to not at least try it back in 2004 and, again, I'd likely be diving regularly if I lived somewhere that allowed me to do it.

I still doubt I'll ever get into riding a motorcycle, but I can't in good conscience try to dissuade someone else from doing so (I don't think I had any influence here; OP made his choice before I popped into the thread anyways ...)

 

[fingerguy]

@Joe Nerve
You do what you want. But keep in mind they are dangerous and this is coming from someone that owned 2 Honda's, 1 Kawasaki, and last season I sold my Ducati Monster 1100evo

They are fun, no doubt. But if you live in NYC walking alone is dangerous.

Choice is yours.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

1. No alcohol. 2. No guns.

but,,, they go so great together

 

[fingerguy]

but,,, they go so great together

Yeah but guns in NYC will get you 10 to life.

 

[Coriolis]

I've always thought of opening a smoke shop that also sold liquor & ammo—from a drive-up window!