Are motorcycles too dangerous? Should I buy one?

Question

I have always wanted to learn how to ride one. I know how to ride a 4-wheeler. I don't want to get ride of my car, but to buy a used motorcycle to get me to school and work. EVERYONE is telling me I shouldn't, because they are dangerous and I will wreck. I want to get some other views out there maybe from people who actually own bikes. Is the danger worth it? I figure, I'm 23 year old female, if I want one, what's to stop me?

Answer 1

75% of all motorcycle accidents happen at parking lot speeds.

50% of all fatal 2-wheeled vehicle accidents are caused by beginner riders on 600cc+ bikes.

the truth of the matter is: if you buy a smaller bike to get your experience on first, then go to the bike you want, you are less likely to have stone monuments for neighbors.

bikes are fun, and you should ride what you are comfortable with. mainly because its just you, and the machine between your legs.

but take a safety course first: http://www.msf-usa.org

and educate yourself on what really happens on a bike, not just the misconceptions than most people have.

I still ride my first bike a Kawasaki EX250. you will find this bike used for many safety courses, and it is forgiving enough to help you hone your skills, as well as keep up with daily traffic without scaring yourself off the bike if something were to happen http://www.ninja250.com

have fun, keep the shiny up, and the rubber down.

Answer 2

Yes they are dangerous in an accident. So you have to be extra alert when using them because cars don't see them. So you must drive as if you are invisible. If you make the assumption that a car can see you even if you see that they are looking right at you then you are dead meat. Riding in the rain is scary because you can't break well. Study how to ride a bike the right way. There are a lot of idiot bikers out there that will ride in the center of the right hand lane. This is the most dangerous spot on the road. There can be oil slicks from cars there. Also cars pull over and don't realize you are there and you have no where to go but off the road. Those are the kind of things you need to learn that a car driver doesn't have to know. But danger is half the fun of riding a motorcycle so go ahead and get one if you consider yourself a defensive driver. Most people that were killed on motorcycles were intoxicated.

Answer 3

You're asking this in the Motorcycles section, so you're asking a very biased group.

Los Angeles Times reports 40 deaths per million miles. That works out to one death every 25,000 miles. That's an appalling statistic! I've gone 125,000 miles, which means that there are five other guys who bought the farm early.

> I will wreck
Yes, you will. Your motorcycle will end up on its side at least once, and you'll end up with painful scrapes and bruises. It happens to everyone who rides a motorcycle long enough. Then you have to pay money to get your motorcycle fixed. Suxxors, don't it?

You're always heading toward your next accident. It's inevitable. Have medical insurance.

> Is the danger worth it?
Like I said, you're asking a biased group here. The danger is worth it for me... but you're not me. I'm single, male, with no dependents.

> if I want one, what's to stop me?
Motorcycles cost money. LOL. Can you afford one? Do you have health insurance? Do your arms and legs and eyes work okay? Do you still want one?

If you answered "yes" to the above questions, then:
Go to your DMV, read the motorcycle handbook, take the written test to get your learners' permit.
Get boots that you can use to ride a motorcycle with.
Take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.
If you still want a motorcycle, then
Buy a full face helmet that fits and has a real DOT sticker and a "Snell rating."
Buy motorcycle gloves that fit.
You should consider getting an armored leather jacket.
Buy a motorcycle.
Buy insurance for your motorcycle.
Get your motorcycle drivers' license.


Keep the rubber side down, and don't spend too much time out in the rain.

Answer 4

I suggest u take a rider course first then see how u like it...riding a motorcycle and a 4 wheeler is totally different..if u just want something to commute in why don't u get a scooter? cheaper on gas than a motorcycle..and u dont need an M license...but u cant go on the highway and ur limited to about 70mph..lol...but yes u can be the safest rider in the world but that doesnt mean shi! if someone hits you..i've had many close calls with asshles and thats not fun at all...another thing to consider is insurance...u pay for 1 year..so that means even when ur not riding u still have to pay..and dont forget the plate sticker cost and registration fees.

Answer 5

I have been riding motorcycles since 1978 and was a police motorcycle officer for 16 years of my 21 year career.
During my time as a motor officer I was hit from behind when stopping for a redlight in a pedestrian crosswalk. I did absolutely nothing wrong, was on a large (Kawasaki1000 Police) motorcycle and wearing a black and white helmet and still got hit.
I wake up in pain every day pretty much from that day in 1993 and I would still ride today.
I am not trying to scare you, but I will say expect to have some form of accident, minor or major during your riding career.
The other people spoke of the MSF course, it would be an absolute MUST for anyone I cared about to ride. The MSF course will help keep you alive. Our course as motor officers was 2 weeks long, very advanced stuff and I still got my lumps at work.
Just take the MSF course before you do anything else, and I promise you it will be the best money you ever spent on your safety.

Answer 6

Statistically, a motorcyclist is 10 times as likely to become a traffic fatality. I personally have seen two separate motorcycle accidents in which the rider was killed (the medics were already on the scene).
I say this as a person who has been riding for 30 years. Your friends are right, motorbikes are dangerous. Yet, so is skydiving, playing football, or any other sport. As a hobby, bikes do burn up a lot of time and money.
It is really a question of whether or not you want to set aside the time to take the sport seriously.

Answer 7

It is true they handle differently than 4 wheels.
It is true that there is more danger from other vehicles.
It is also true that a good rider limits the danger as much as possible.
There is nothing to stop you if that is what you want.
My life insurance did not go up.
My medical insurance did not go up.
My motorcycle insurance is for 6 months, with the option of renewal, or storage status at reduced charge, or total drop and then re-new with no penalty.

If you feel that riding a motorcycle is for you, the best thing is to take a course. Cost depends on where you live and which course. Most will allow you to skip the riding portion of the license test.

Answer 8

Motorcycles are only as dangerous as the person riding them. Sounds like a contrite answer but isn't. If your safe then riding the bike is safe. Well as safe as riding a four wheeler or a car or a snowmobile or a moped or abicycle etc....

Answer 9

I think you should but take a motorcycle safety class first. The big danger is all the people in cars that don't see you so start riding where their is not allot of traffic...

Answer 10

Why don't you go take the MSF riders' class. This is a three-day class which will teach you to ride a motorbike. They supply the bikes, and usually the class is inexpensive (and in some states free). Here in Wyoming it costs $15.

Upon completion of the class you will know if you want to continue to ride or not. And if you decide you do, you will have the basic skills necessary to ride safely.