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SW poster opinions on motorcycles
Seems like a strange place to ask, but...have you ridden a motorcycle or have friends/ family who do? I've been wanting to buy a bike for 7 years, but have been foiled. My aunt and brother both had bikes, and my brother was in a bad accident. My aunt just vetoed the idea because she's my aunt.
Now it seems like a practical consideration, since my driving record is spotty and the cost of a car is high. I am aware of weather impeding bike driving, but where I live, most of the year is mild weather.
Stories and opinions welcome.
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
I'm definitely not one to tell someone not to do something. But, I completely hate motorcycles. I hate driving behind them, hate when they're riding up on my ass and then speed up and cut in front of me, where I have to slam on the brakes to avoid plowing right through the stupid asses of the drivers.
When I was 6 or 7, I was riding in the car with my father. Something like I mentioned happened above to the driver in the car ahead of us. Well, the biker wasn't very lucky, and that person didn't have a chance to stop. He plowed right into the bike, knocking the driver off and sending him flying. He died instantly when he hit the ground.
My ex boyfriend loves bikes. He has a "crotch rocket", and would always try to convince me to go on rides with him. I always refused. I'll never get on a bike.
If you do end up getting one, just please be safe.
**I realize that not all people who ride motorcycles are as careless as the ones I mentioned, and I don't mean any offense to them.**
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
They are economical...dangerous....bad in bad weather....a blast in good weather...and FUN FUN FUN...especially when you can zip in front of lame-ass drivers who are Target employees!!!!
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
Everyone I know who has had a bike has taken a horrific spill.
I don't like some of the freedom it gives the drivers because they can weave in and out of traffic. That I experienced first-hand when I was a kid hitch-hiking and was desparate for a ride. I was picked up for a ride and could not wait to get off when he pulled those antics. But even without doing that, there are the dangers mentioned by Rhi and the visibility problems drivers have with motorcycles.
Even an SW poster whom we all enjoyed in chat named Hershey all of a sudden did not come in any more. And she posted she was in an accident on her bike. There are posts on SW about it.
Looks like you have a sweet smile from your avatar. I'd hate to see anything happen to it.
>>>Sad<<<
:(
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
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Originally Posted by MojoJojo
They are economical...dangerous....bad in bad weather....a blast in good weather...and FUN FUN FUN...especially when you can zip in front of lame-ass drivers who are Target employees!!!!
LOL Ya bastid. I drive very well (a nice defensive, road raged aggressive Rhode Island driver), except when moronic bikers (or idiotic other drivers) cut in front of me.. Muahaha..
Anyhoo.. Another story came into my mind.
My ex monster-in-law had a bunch of biker friends. There was one who she became very close with. He was a devoted biker who had lost his leg from a previous motorcycle accident. He had to have his leg amputated from it, but got a prosthetic and continued riding. A year later, he was riding, on the same road. He fell off his bike, and died instantly... In the very same spot that he had lost his leg.
I really do hope someone can share a "nice" motorcycle story, but I know that we all can only remember the bad ones the most.
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
A lot of motorcycle deaths result from dumbasses who don't wear helmets. But even if you do (which I typically do) the fact is your body is out in the open, and you're on a machine that is not as sturdy as a car. A pothole on a motorcycle can be very dangerous, rather than just a bump in the road.
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I used to ride, had a Yamaha Virago 750(couldn't afford a really nice bike at the time) and loved riding. I eventually sold it with the intention of buying a bigger bike but then...well, I just never did. I will buy another one someday.
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
We're all so damned practical around here, aren't we?
Look, if you're going to do it, then do the following:
1 - get a SMALL bike...something under 500cc.
2 - get a helmet and wear it .... ALWAYS. People die all the time by simply falling to the ground and smacking their heads. Even while taking a walk or riding a bicycle without a helmet.
3 - take a safety riding course. It'll lower your insurance, and they teach you some really good basics, such as that you'll steer toward wherever you are looking.
4 - this is the BEST advice I ever received - but ignored: "Be careful in ONE MONTH." Why? Because it takes the average motorcyclist one month to become "comfortable". You will then ride a little faster...take turns a little quicker....take a few more chances. Oddly enough, it was the son of this guy (later) who had a serious accident...one month after he got his bike. For me....it was 1 1/2 months....for another buddy....one month.
5 - don't ride on the highway very often...if ever.
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
I have been licensed to drive a motorcycle since I was 18 and I love them. I have lost quite a few friends to MC accidents, however I have lost more to motor vehicle accidents so I cant see MCs as being that much more dangerous than cars in the overall scheme of things. Having been riding for 22 years of my life I would say that the danger comes from inattentive MV drivers, I cant tell you the times I have had to make extreme moves to avoid people who just werent paying attention to the road and the vehicles on it. Many years ago I started wearing a bright orange reflective vest when riding to make myself more visible, not exactly the coolest fashion statement, but I did notice that I had less "run-ins" with MVs after that.
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
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Originally Posted by Cranky
have lost more to motor vehicle accidents
Well, I've lost more to MV accidents, too....but then again, everyone I know drives a car....not everyone I know rides a motorcycle.
I can say, however, that 100% of the people I know that ride motorcycles have had an accident of some sort. And simple logic would tell us that NOT being encased in protective metal leaves you more vulnerable.
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I agree with you MoJo, however I was speaking from personal experience about loss and a large portion of my friends do ride MCs.
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I love them! My roomate builds Harleys, own 2, a BSA, and an old Indian. They are power, and i love to hear the noise. Other than that i did learn to ride, a Honda 250 years ago. You now need a motorcycle license in Fl. So i don't bother, or probably need to be taught again..lol.
Dangerous, no. It's the other drivers on the road that cause the majority of wrecks. Now i have seen a few bike go way to fast in and out of traffic,that's called STUPID. The people i know respect bikes, and ride well. But you have always got to watch the other vehicles..Always. They don't look good enough, i know, i almost nalied a few bikes myself.
Anyway, yes get one, enjoy it. Wear a helmet, we don't have that law here, sucks.
Just please watch out for the other vehicles, because they don't watch out for bikes it seems.
Pamela
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
The most important thing for a new rider to remember is not to be overconfident. A new rider gets on a bike, rides it a bit, starts to feel comfortable, and the next thing they know they somehow end up on the ground.
I have taught several people how to ride, and overconfidence is the number one thing that causes mishaps to new riders, regardless of the type of bike. Perhaps the best thing you can do is go to a local bike shop and ask where the MSF courses are taught. It is my understanding that a bike is provided for you to learn on in the class.
If you have any specific questions, please ask!
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
I agree bikes can be safe and fun. My husband's been riding for 20+ years and is an excellent driver. I've ridden on the back all the way to Sturgis and back. It's just a matter of plenty of practice, comfortable confidence on the bike, and watching out for MV's since they're rarely watching out for you. I own a bike and am anxious to sign up for the classes and start riding!
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
Personally I don't like motorcyles. I have never been on a motorcyle and don't plan on getting on one in this lifetime. I hate the loud noise that they make and they just scare the beeegeezus out of me. If you do end up getting a motorcycle AT LEAST WEAR A HELMET!!!! Or maybe a Vespa, those seem a little more safe, and slow :)
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very dangerous..... not for me and I worry about the people I see on them, especialy the ones who dont wear helmets .... yikes!
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I've never been on one and I don't want to-I'm too scared!
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
I have two mc Hd Road King and a Hardtail custom , I have never fallen off a street bike ( Dirt bike yes , but if you dont ever fall off in the dirt your a pussy ) .You must really drive offensively on these things always be ready for the driver in front or back of you to do the most dumbest fucking thing you can think of in your mind this will keep you safe . If you ride with this mindset all the time you will just react without thinking , we tend to over relax in our cars ( cell phones, eating food , etc ) you know you all do it myself included . Take a motorcycle training coarse they are offered pretty much in any town . Stay on the less busy roads for a while until you are more comfortable . Enjoy the wind through your hair and excite your senses there is nothing quite like it .;D
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
Thank you all for your thoughtful comments. I have been hyper-aware of the safety issues (we still have a newspaper clipping of my brother laying on the pavement surrounded by paramedics when he got into his wreck :( ) but due to my financial situation, it looks like I'll be getting a bike.
Question: the main problem I have is being super-tiny (5', 100lbs.) and most of the bikes I like will need to have the seats modified ("shaved.") So my little feets can touch the ground. Any brand recommendations? I am steered towards Buells, but I would like an import.
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
My recommendation to anyone i care about that suggests getting a MC is to stay away.
Everyone who has one wrecks in one way or another at some point. How bad? You never know.
It doesnt matter if you wear a helmet....it doesnt matter if you are the best MC rider in teh world....all it takes is one stupid old lady to clip your leg in her old buick at 2 mph....for you to be able to barely walk for the rest of your life(this happened to my friend)...or all it takes is a little patch of sand for you to lose control of your bike and fall and break both wrists ending losing your full scholarship and ending your baseball career(this happened to another friend).
They look cool....i apreciate them....but i would never ride one.
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
I would not want one and think they can be pretty scary but at the same time I've never been on one and would love for somebody to take me for a ride to see what it's like.
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
I've ridden since I was 16. Since I'm about 87 now, give or take a few decades, that makes for a few years of riding.
Of course a motorcycle is more dangerous than a car. The margins are much thinner. You can fall over. You are not surrounded by metal if you crash into something. You are not as visible to other drivers. Weather affects you far more. If safety is the prime concern, then don't get one.
There's factors that help safety. Acceleration has helped me out of trouble spots. You can brake faster, especially if you learn to not lock 'em up. Your maneuverability is better. Your field of vision is broader.
Safety is a high concern of mine, but more importantly, there is a feeling on a motorcycle like nothing else. The fast acceleration, the smells around you, the awareness of thermal layers. But most profoundly, because the risk is much higher, you have to be much more aware of your surroundings, of your bike, of others around you to make the risk acceptable - and in doing so, you just feel much more alive. It's that whole thrill-seeking gig.
If you're starting, start off small. I dispute that scooters are safer, but if that's what tweaks your fancy, get one. Otherwise, stick to a 250 or 400, and yeah, try to make sure you can touch the ground without having to risk falling to one side. Shop carefully.
Always wear a helmet. It does matter. If you fall, it's much better to have the helmet rolling around on the asphalt than your scalp.
I wear some body armor, too. In warm weather, there's mesh jackets that allow nice air flow while still providing protection in high-contact spots.
Ride at daytime with your brights on. Anything to increase visibility. Since I've been doing that, I've had fewer cars pull in front of me - and they do pull in front of you.
Everything else that Mojo said.
Be particularly aware as a new bike rider. Because the margins are thinner, like I said, the statistics on accidents are way out of whack for 1) new riders, 2) riders on new bikes, and 3) borrowed bikes. And I do not lend out my bike to others.
I realize that this makes me sound like some Sunday school teachin' granny on two wheels. Nope. I'm just trying to have fun and reduce those margins. My bike has a top speed of about 155, which I'll never hit, but it allows me to scoot along smartly on those lonely country roads.
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
Sigh....
Yeah, during my "mis-spent" days (and I had plenty of them!) I hung out with a few bikers and have ridden "bitch" on a few. Never driven one. I've also done a couple of modeling gigs (body paint with an advertisement) at a couple of biker ralleys.
They're dangerous as hell, generally.... I'm glad I got that out of my system without any accidents!!!
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
I like a steel cage around me while driving. That said, my sister--who is five foot and 100lbs--rides her bike quite well after receiving training. I still don't like the idea, but that's me.
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I am steered towards Buells, but I would like an import.
Look at Ducati. It's a cult, but their bikes are awesome, as are BMWs.
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Re: SW poster opinions on motorcycles
Sorry, CO, but I've ridden Ducks before and was not impressed. The performance was on a par with the Japanese sports bikes, but they were less reliable and terribly expensive to fix.
BMWs are indeed awesome, the gold standard for road bikes that aren't trying to be cruisers or crotch rockets.