What are your opinions on motorcycles?

Question

My boyfriend is planning to get one.. but I'm afraid for his life! Isn't riding a motorcycle dangerous? He really really really.. wants one (haha) and I don't want to be a bad girlfriend and stop his dream of having one. So what should I do? Can you guys tell me what you think about motorcycles.. the pro and cons?

Answer 1

You're right to be worried...motorcycles are very dangerous. They're also a lot of fun provided you can keep some goofball in a car from splatterin' ya. I would truly suggest that he take a MSF course (Motocycle Safety Foundation). They will teach him some vital techniques to avoid accidents as well as some good tips for staying safe within traffic. Hopefully he's a fairly responsible dude that has enough respect for the sport that he rides safe.

Also, make sure he buys a good (and I mean good) helmet and protective gear...jacket...boots...gloves. That stuff can save you big time in a get-off. And buy the best stuff you can afford. The old "buy a $10 helmet if you have a $10 head" rule definitely applies. Good gear can be the difference between life and death in the event the worst happens.

Good luck to both of you...

Answer 2

Riding a bike is dangerous; you don't have the buffer zones around you if there is an accident, like you do in a car.

But wearing the right gear (Properly fitted full faced helmet, Jacket,Rider Pants/Draggin Jeans (as these have body armour in them), gloves, boots), starting on the right sized bike (250 of some description is the best bet, that way you don't kill yourself on the first ride), doing all the riding motorcycle courses you possibly will help reduce the risk.

You have to be aware of everything that is going on around you (including the cars that are following because it is your life that you hold in your hands) so riding in the right attitude, with no-distraction is important as well.

But in getting your license, there is a thrill, a life changing experience that would not be possible to adequately describe when you just drive a car. There is a freedom, an oneness with the environment, which is irreplaceable once you start riding. It is something that gets to your soul, and you will never want to loose it once you have it.

Answer 3

Your BOYFRIEND, huh? Not your spouse or fiancee?

Well, here's the thing. Motorcycles are NOT cars. They don't operate like cars, don't handle like cars, go MUCH faster than cars, and take a completely different mentality and skillset to ride than driving a car.

If done properly, motorcycles are just as safe as any other vehicle on the road. The most important piece of safety equipment is between a rider's ears, but it's not there automatically; it has to be grown.

Your boyfriend should take an MSF course, wear good motorcycle gear ALL the time, and start on a smaller used bike. Anything less than that, and he just wants a piece of Butt Jewelry to impress the ladies with.

That's right, if he wants a fast crotch rocket from the get-go, then he's a squid out for poon, and his days as your boyfriend (and on Earth) are numbered. But if he is actually serious, he'll do his homework, start out slow, and "graduate" to the bike he really wants in a couple years.

Answer 4

> What are your opinions on motorcycles?
I like mine, when it's running. Right at the moment, it's in pieces in the back yard, waiting for a new stator.

> Isn't riding a motorcycle dangerous?
Los Angeles Times reports 40 deaths per million miles. That works out to one death per 25,000 miles. For me to have gone about 125,000 miles, five people must have died.

> I don't want to be a bad girlfriend
Think longer term. Do you want to be his wife? If so, dissuade him -- or have him get a nice life insurance policy naming you as the beneficiary.

I'm going to get some thumbs down for this!

Answer 5

He must be confident for reasons not read here, but a new rider needs to acquire solo skills first on the cycle beneath him and continue to take those skills to a heightened awareness to the threats that maybe around his moving bike. Taking on a passenger turns those skills into a test of finese and precise control. It sounds serious at first but the transition from years of driving a 4 wheel car into a 2 wheel motorcycle does involve distinct differences in power, braking, suspension geometry and vulnerabilities due to weather. I have nearly 30 years on motorcycles. Riding in the early days was too casual & cool resulting in minor crashs and broken bones. Sport biking and booze almost killed me. Wiser and sober, I learned to respect the others that came. Sport tourers, 6 cylinder cruisers and the Stratoliner power tourer outside. Whether as a solo driver or co-piloted chauffeur each era had its advantages in technology. ABS brakes today can turn dodgy situations into happy endings but it can also make the risks involved seem less dangerous. Its all about respect, plain and simple. Respect the fact new drivers (and passengers) have lessons to learn as they venture into distances and future to come.

Answer 6

Motorcycles are very dangerous especially in the hands of beginners. You are right to want him safe however you must keep in mind your boyfriends personality when deciding whether or not to try to stop him. If he is very mature and has a history of excellent judgment then perhaps he will not kill himself on a motorcycle. If he has a tendency to ignore caution and "live in the moment" or be reckless then perhaps he is not ready for a motorcycle.

Its not the bike its the rider.

Answer 7

Yes bikes are dangerous and riding in car traffic is risky, there is no arguing that. However there are things a biker can do minimize the chances of being hurt.
*Wear colorful clothes specially at night. Leave the man in
black look to Johnny Cash.
* wear protective clothing: jacket,helmet,gloves boots
* Take a safety course
* Always assume that cars don't see you and just because
you have the right away does not mean it is safe to go.

Biking is one of the best feelings in the the world. Let your boyfriend get his bike and have his fun, just try to get him to do it in a responsible way.

Answer 8

Let him get the bike. Now days anything we do is dangerous. You don't know what is going to happen from day to day. Might as well live and not be afraid do to do stuff. Bikes are a blast. You become free and one with the road. It gets rid of a lot of stress and it clears your mind soo much. Love feeling the wind in my face and the sun on my back.

Answer 9

I've ridden bikes for years and (touch wood) haven't had an accident yet. It's as much dependant on the other people on the roads.
If he doesn't ride around trying to be Troy Corser he should be fine. The only problem I ever have is I think I'm getting to old to ride around in the rain.

Answer 10

Pros: Wicked sweet. Generally more fuel efficient than a car.

Cons: Lack of cargo space. Increased insurance costs. Lack of safety in the event of an accident.


If your boyfriend is a safe guy, and not totally reckless, then I wouldn't worry too much. If hes a big reckless guy then chances are hes going to find a way to hurt himself even without the bike.