I've always had this urge to ride a motorbike but everyone around me claims it's too dangerous?

Question

They say that if I get into a crash, I'm more likely to die than if I was in a car, and so on. Should I learn to ride anyway, and buy a bike, and use it as my main mode of transportation? It's cheaper on gas, easier to park, and so freeee! I'd be a safe driver. At the same time, if i DO get in a crash and hurt myself or someone else, it would suck (as you can imagine) and I'd be fulfilling my family and love's worst nightmares. uuuugh! Why am I so lured by these machines!

Answer 1

I started riding when I was 12 ( on my birthday ). That Mini Trail 50cc was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I turn 49 this saturday. As you might suspect, I've ridden a few. Sure, a lot of those horror stories are true, but life is for living. So take the rider saety course and then decide if you want to ride. If you choose to go for it, start on a used bike. It should be a " midsize " bike ( in the 600cc to 800cc range ). Anything smaller want have enough power to get you out of a bind if you get in one. Anything bigger will get you in a bind with your lack of experience. You can find sportbike, cruisers, or standards in this size range. And they won't cost a fortune either. My 20 yr old just completed tha course and was furnished a 125cc Suzuki cruiser style bike. If this is what you get stuck with in your course, beware, they don't have much cornering clearance. But, your instructor will keep you out of trouble. Back to your 1st bike; it should fit you (ergonomics ) and handle well. I would highly reccomend a full face helmet in white or yellow, at least until you are a good enough rider that you don't worry as much about helmet visibility. Yeah, white and yellow helmets aren't very cool, but you sure can see them. If you drive your car safe, then you'll drive your bike safe. Before I forget, nothing protects your skin like leather, period. Not even the hi-tech textiles. They usully burn through before you finish sliding down the pavement. I hope I have been helpful, an ol' Harley dude in Texas. Keep the shiny side up and good luck.

Answer 2

Sure, it's more risky. But there are a few things you can do to minimize the risks.

1. Take riding lessons, such as those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or Harley dealerships.

2. Pick a bike that's small enough for you to handle and not excessively powerful. When you're first starting out, you'll have to worry more about accidentally giving it too much power rather than not having enough power to get out of a jam.

3. Wear good safety gear - helmet, boots, gloves, and an armored (padded) jacket and pants. You can get the latter two in summer-weight mesh that'll still save your skin but is comfortable to wear when it's almost 100 degrees out.

4. Most importantly, RIDE CAREFULLY.

Answer 3

I just started riding about 3 months ago and I got the same feedback. If you are a good driver you will be a good rider. Most deaths that occur are people taking turns too fast, trying tricks or intersections. I am a very cautious rider and so far its like driving a car. Yeah you can die if you crash but once you actually ride you can see how much control you have and how safe you can make it out to be. I even take my girlfriend for long rides. She trust's me because I am a good driver. I recommend taking a class like I did. It will save you money down the line because you learn simple things that experienced riders took months to learn after dropping their bikes and breaking on turns. You won't regret getting a bike. Trust me. Good luck!

Answer 4

First off, turn a deaf ear to all your "helpful" friends. Doomsayers, I call them.

Get the FACTS on motorcycle safety. Where can you do that? One place is to check the DOT site for your state. You may have to do a bit of digging to find it, but for Wisconsin I was able to find the statistics for motorcycle accidents, etc. It was very interesting reading!

You've got the bug, so you might as well go for it. Take a beginning rider's course, such as the one I've cited below. You'll learn to ride, get to ride and then you'll know better whether this is something you want to do. It's been a long time since I took it, but I do know that this would be another reliable source to learn about the relative safety of biking.

Yeah sure, it can be dangerous, blah blah blah. But if you have good driving skills and drive defensively, it is sooooooooooooo worth it!

Answer 5

They're all right! You'd be absolutely CRAZY to want to ride a motorcycle. Millions of motorcycle riders are dying every day. The streets are running red with their blood!

Listen to all your friends and live the rest of your life hiding under a big rock and then die quietly in bed like they all think they want to do. Of course, you'll never know the thrills (or the terror) of riding that big, loud V-twin, or the feel of carving the canyons with that sweet flying sport bike, but hey! You may live a few days longer. Isn't that worth it?

Of course, you could get run over by a bus tomorrow morning on your way to work.

Answer 6

The only way your really gonna know is ride .
I'm 60 years old, been riding one type or another and still riding, Also still learning ! Ride like your invisible to others , take a motorcycle training course( They supply the bike) learn all you can and then make up your own mind from there .. Long May You Ride!... H.D.C.

Answer 7

If its your time then its your time... If you really love riding then go for it. But be prepared for getting a few scratches and bruises as you are learning. Even if you are careful small accidents can happen. But if you really love riding and you are a responsible rider I'm pretty sure you'll think its worth it. You just have to weigh the pro's and con's. If you are the only bread winner in the family and you have alot of people financially depending on you then I would suggest on not riding. But if you are on your own or if all your kids are grown up and you have no major responsibilities then go for it!!!

Answer 8

Like said before, they are right, it is dangerous. But then again, candy will rot your teeth out. EVERYTHING can hurt you, you just have to be careful.
If you do only what is safe, where is the fun in that. Crawl out of the hole and enjoy life.

If I die tomorrow on a bike, what difference to me would it make. I've enjoyed EVERY time I've ridden.

A bad day on a bike is 100x better than a great day in a cage (car)

Answer 9

Motorcycling is a risky activity , but for some of us, the rewards outweigh the risk. Take the Basic Rider Course (or the equivalent if you're not in the US) get a suitable motorcycle, wear the proper safety geaar and pretend like no-one can see you when you ride.

I feel safer on my bike than I do in my truck.

Answer 10

I suggest that you learn to ride on a small dirt bike. Once you are comfortable, move on to a street bike. Make sure you wear a helmet, gloves, pants, a long sleeved shirt, and boots. Take rider safety courses and practice, practice, practice! Learning to ride can be kinda scary at first, but once you get your skills and confidence levels up, you'll be having a blast :)