I'm thinking about learning to ride a motorbike, but everyone tells me it's dangerous. Should I do it anyway?

Question

I'm living in Sydney Australia, and I've been thinking about buying a motorbike and getting my licence to commute to work, and just to enjoy really since it looks like fun. I've ridden off road a few times, but I'm definitely a novice rider. The problem is that everyone I know is telling me that its too dangerous.. what are your thoughts? Should I go for it anyway?

Answer 1

Yeah, it is dangerous. You can minimize the danger by completing a rider's class before starting to ride. I did, & it has saved my neck a number of times. I had my wife take the rider's course before getting her a bike, too.

Can't emphasize this too much: Take a course befoe you ride!

Answer 2

The people who say it's too dangerous are usually the people who know nothing about it, armchair critics as we call them. Sure it's dangerous, so is driving a car. You yourself have to decide whether it's an acceptable level of risk.

If you ride for any length of time the odd crash is almost inevitable. Even the most sensible of riders fall victim to fate. But despite the horror stories, every crash isn't life threatening. With correct clothing many people walk away from small accidents without a scratch. Even with more serious ones people often just get a broken bone or two and a few days in hospital.

But the risk of crashing on the road is that it's unpredictable. On a race track you could come off at 100mph, slide for 1/8th mile then get up, dust yourself off and walk back to the pits.

On the road you could come off at just 10mph but slide straight under the wheels of a car or damage your spine on a kerb.

If you've got a good head on your shoulders then you should be ok. If you have car driving experience then it's even better because you'll have road sense . You need 10x the awareness when commuting on a bike.

Answer 3

You know I felt the same as some of your friends. It is to dangerous. I live in Houston TX. When my husband suggested we take up scooter riding I thought he was nuts. We started out on a 150cc. We had it a week before I would get on it. Once on I started with short round the block kind of things. Once I realized I could handle it I ventured out to the road and next thing I knew I wanted more power so we got a 250cc scooter. Then I started getting on the freeway. the more I ride the more I like it but you do have to watch out for the other guy. Your eyes have to move like a bird always on the look out for their prey. I would suggest a riders safety course. It is a big help. I now ride a 650 Honda silver wing. Love it and I am an old 50 year woman. I like the scooters versus the motorcycle because of it being automatic. I say if is what you want to do go for it just be careful and always wear a helmet.

Answer 4

Yes, its more dangerous than a car, for all the obvious reasons. And even if you're the most careful rider in the world, you still have to contend with car drivers who feel like you don't deserve the same respect as other vehicles, or who just don't see you, or even those (and they are out there) who just plain hate bikers and go out of their way to run you off the road. It could be an exciting commute.
I still ride.
Its relaxing, healthy, (other than the whole crashing bit) and fun.
Start with a bike that fits you. Both feet should be able to stand flat on the ground, and you should be able to turn the bars all the way left to all the way right without having to lean forward or release either side. Invest in a pair of case guards, little bars that wrap around the front of the crankcases to protect them if the bike falls over. They also can keep a hot motor from resting directly on your leg if the two of you fall over together.
I'd start with a good used 'standard' bike like a honda nighthawk, or yamaha maxim or seca, maybe a 550, 650 or 750 if you're a big ol' boy like me. Ride it for a season or two, get used to it
and put some miles on it. You will discover what you like and dislike about it and can use that info to help you choose a new bike later, or you can modify a bike like these to become just what you want.
The other important thing is to be honest with yourself, are you going to drive this like its an expensive vehicle upon which your life is riding, or beat the living snot out of it like it's a rental car?
If the later, please stick to dirt bikes, the bloody streaks in the road get slick in the rain. If the former, we're glad to 'ave ya mate!

Answer 5

Motorcycles are dangerous. They are also very fun. The Beach Boys said it best "More fun than a barrel of monkeys.. that two wheeled bike." You should never be afraid of motorcycles, be Aware of them. Respect the motorcycle. I know some riders that think people should show them some respect when they are out riding, but then when they put the bike away and get back in their car or truck, they show the same dis-respect as they received. I would say, go on and ride. Just be aware of everyone around you. Good luck and be safe. Don't forget to wear a helmet!

Answer 6

It's not dangerous if you are smart, skillful and watchful. I rode motorcycles all over the country and Mexico for 20 years and never had an accident in all those years, even riding fast. But I never did anything really reckless and I was always very watchful of other cars.....F-O-C-U-S or die, basically. If you're a space-case, don't do this.

Also it helps to have a capable motorcycle that can handle and brake adequately. Bikes with tiny wheels or hi-bars or extended forks, etc, are ridiculous and increase your chances of accident.

Oh, and wear a helmet and don't be silly enough to wear shorts and sandals, okay?

Your greatest enemy is not the bike...it's you gazing off in the distance instead of watching what's in front of you.

Answer 7

Like most things you need to know your self VERY WELL. IT is more dangerous than most any thing else but cars give most that false seance of safety being wrapped in that make believe cocoon!

If you need to review you traits..... wild.....thoughtful?????????? These are things that will make it easier to determine your suitability. Crazies die quick. Thinkers last a long long time at this.

CONTROL is the most important. CONSTANT control. A really good training school and you will stand a so much better chance of getting through it.

If you are afraid of failing off.... every one does eventually.

Let us know what's happening as I think that motorcycles are the best thing and definitely better than white sliced bread.... it'll kill you you know but then you would learn nothing with nothing ventured. If you haven't ridden motorcycles before take a training course. You will survive better. Car driving too... it just needs to be a very advanced course.

Answer 8

disrespect, riding outside of ur limits, and inattentive cagers is what makes being on a bike dangerous. noobs think they can just jump on an inline-4 engine and wonder why the bike just tried to wrap them around a tree. sport bikes are alot harder to see than cruisers, and typically, they are alot more reckless in riding.

never assume a car is going to do the right thing. always plan on them trying to kill u at any time. never try to hit the front brakes hard when the bike is leaned over, or if the handlebars are turned; it will put u down everytime. recklessness will get anyone killed. typically, they're on crotch rockets. keep yer head on a swivel, and u wont have any problems. its a constant state of prediction....what the cars are going to do.

use ur head is 1 of many ways to stay alive on the road. anything is a risk over walking speed. those that say its too dangerous doesnt have the balls to get in the saddle.

Answer 9

Definitely go for it. Take a rider's class first. You will be surprised at how well such a class will serve you later on.

And, sure, it's dangerous..never forget that! But driving a car or flying a plane is also nearly as dangerous. The rider's class will teach you how to minimise the danger.

And, yes, it's fun...massively fun. You will never regret learning to ride.

Answer 10

Bollocks! The bike is not dangerous, the rider is. If you don't know what you're doing and don't know how to look out for everyone else trying to kill you, your chances of survival are small.

Don't get a fast sportbike as your first one; it's too easy to go way past your skill level and panic. Wear your gear, take your time to learn, and riding is no more dangerous than walking. Enjoy!