I want a motorcycle.

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Neziroth
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I want a motorcycle.

Post by Neziroth »

And I'm looking for the advice of any of you that have one, have had one, or have been researching them.

I don't have a lot of bike experience - very limited dirt biking is all I've ever done.

My reason for wanting a motorcycle isn't to ride wheelies, or to go 185mph, or to race, or any of that. I think it looks like fun.

However, I do like the look of the more sport-ish bikes. I've read that they're horrible to start out on, and that you'd probably have better odds standing in a lightning storm holding a metal pole.

So my question to you VVers is:

What's a good bike for me to be looking at? I'm a 170lb 6'00, 19 year old male with - as I mentioned - limited experience.

And any good biking stories you feel would be helpful to share would also be appreciated.

Thanks.
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Post by Akaran_D »

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Arundel Pajo wrote:Image
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Post by Kelshara »

However, I do like the look of the more sport-ish bikes. I've read that they're horrible to start out on, and that you'd probably have better odds standing in a lightning storm holding a metal pole.
Only thing I can think of that might be better on a cruiser than a sports bike is taking the silly court test drive for your drivers lisence. I greatly prefere sports bikes, I sit more comfortable on them, less wind, less vibrations than hogs etc. All of that is personal preference though.

I'd say start out with a 600 or smaller. You'll have plenty of power, you'll save money.. and they are way easier to drive than 900s etc. I haven't driven for a couple of years now so am a bit out of date on what is good for beginners now (I am personally eyeing the new Honda CBR 1000 RR but that is definitely not a beginners bike), but I am sure you can find a decent FZ, FZR or maybe a CBR used. I'd definitely go used for the first bike, you more than likelly will drop it once or twice. For the FZR the 750s at least used to be fairly decent for beginners if I recall.. haven't driven one of those in a long time (my first bike was a Ninja heh).

Other advice: Always wear a helmet and gloves. Not just because of protection from a dive, but also because hitting a bug hurts like a mother f..... I forgot my gloves once and hit a bug going 80 and I swear it felt like I broke my finger. Major ouch.

Edit: Come to think of it, an older Honda CBR 600 might not be a bad idea. They are fairly easy to drive, still got enough power and are quite reliable. They are also pretty popular so you might find them at a decent price used. I am sure others will have good suggestions as well since I am as I said a bit out of date now.
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Post by kyoukan »

a used 600cc bike from honda is a perfect starter bike. easy to control, lots of speed and power for when you need it, very ecnomical to purchase, run and maintain.

don't skimp on a good pair of motorcycle boots either. get a good quality pair that a good cobbler can replace the heel and sole, because you will wear them out.

I used to ride a bike in the summer months and usually had a blast. my husband won't let me on one now though. also, motorcycles suck ASS when its cold or wet out.
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Post by Neziroth »

Some people say 600s will get you into trouble faster than you can blink, and swear that a beginner should go with a 250 and nothing more.

I've heard a lot about Honda 600s though, is there that big of a difference between say... a Honda 600 and a Suzuki 600? Or is it just a matter of preference?

I'm really clueless on the subject, and I'm not planning on buying until next summer. I've done a lot of research so far, as I've said... mostly reading message boards and such so far.

And I was planning on going with a full set of leathers. I really would prefer to be on the safe side of all of this for sure.

People have said that everybody goes down at least once, so I figure when I do I'll be protected and not doing anything stupid.

Keep the advice coming, it's very appreciated.
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Post by Kelshara »

Good point. Especially while you are new you will wear your soles a lot :) Plus a good set of boots protect your ankles both from engine burns (although rare it happens) and from other injuries. A full set of leathers is adviceable, I drove in Texas for a few years and well.. wearing leather there in the summer equals suicide. But I never rode without boots, helmet and gloves even in 110 degrees weather.

600s are plenty fast. You'll have plenty of power both to play with and get in trouble with. But they are usually not as "raw" as 900-1000 CCs. They are smoother, and I know several larger bikes which will pop a wheelie just by a slight throttle movement. That is nasty to ride while inexperienced. I don't like 250s myself unless you just ride around campus or something like that. I like bikes the same way I like cars, they must have enough power to pull me out of a potentially bad situation. And although 250s often are fine, they are not exactly powerhouses. Do you want to be on a steep hill on a freeway and have semis go by you? That wind pull sucks (general advice: Be careful of the wind pull when you are around large cars, it will screw you up.. same on bridges etc and entering tunnels). I'd go for 500 or 600 myself.

Hondas are (or at least used to be) known as easier to ride than most other bikes. They are extremely smooth and comfortable, to the point that a lot of people would consider them boring. Not boring as in slow and without power, just so smooth it could be boring. Hence my suggestion for a first bike. CBRs won a ton of prizes for best bike and best combo of touring and sports.

Best advice I can give? Buy a bike that fits you. Sit on it, take it for a test ride and see if you are comfortable with how it rides and your sitting position. Oh and it might not be a bad idea to go through the security class or whatever they are called, it takes a weekend usually and at least in Texas you did not have to do a driving test at the DMV office if you had that. Plus you'll learn how to do some nifty things like emergency break :)
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Post by Funkmasterr »

The safety classes are always a good idea, even if you have had experience. I say this for multiple reasons; it never hurts to be reminded of some things you already know, but may have moved to the back of your mind. Also, in Minnesota at least, when you take when you get a fair break on your insurance, which for someone your age is going to be very high.

That would lead to another suggestion. Like a few people have already said, I would buy a used bike for two reasons. The first is because like said above you will most likely lay it down in your first few months of riding. Also, if you can save up, or have already saved up so that you can get minimal coverage on it, I would suggest doing that.

The thing about full coverage on a crotch rocket for someone your age is, even if you crash it, and make a claim to your insurance company to fix it. They will raise your rate so high that you will have to sell your bike, hence a good deal of the reason you see such a large market for used crotch rockets year-round every year.

My preferance from what I have rode for 600cc bikes is a Yamaha R6. Although the Hondas mentioned above are great bikes for beginners as well.
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Post by kyoukan »

Neziroth wrote:Some people say 600s will get you into trouble faster than you can blink, and swear that a beginner should go with a 250 and nothing more.

I've heard a lot about Honda 600s though, is there that big of a difference between say... a Honda 600 and a Suzuki 600? Or is it just a matter of preference?
honda bikes are a million times more reliable and a billion times easier to repair than suzukis.

a 250 would be a good beginner bike too but you would just be wasting money because six weeks later you'd be looking to upgrade it with something that will give you a bit more performance.

you also look silly with a full suit of leather bike kit on riding around on a little sewing machine.

yes, you will fall off your bike and probably hurt yourself. it's not really a question of if, but a question of when.
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Post by Neziroth »

you also look silly with a full suit of leather bike kit on riding around on a little sewing machine.
lol that made me laugh trying to picture it

Ok, I'm going to look at Hondas for sure. That seems to be highly recommended by people on a variety of forums.

However, I wonder how comfortable people will be letting somebody test drive a bike when that person has very little riding experience and no liscence.

Are there any particular things that should be looked for on a used bike? What are some of the telltale signs of wear? |

And also, I was under the impression that insurance on bikes was usually cheaper than cars... I know if I end up on a GSX-R or something with no experience I'd pay out the wazoo. However, I figured if I got a beginner's bike and with my currently clean liscence I might end up paying less than I am for a car that's (unfairly) considered a "sports car".
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Post by Fairweather Pure »

you also look silly with a full suit of leather bike kit on riding around on a little sewing machine.
Hate to point this out, but that look is pretty stupid regardless. :lol:
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Post by kyoukan »

not when you're on a bike. it's standard safety gear.

or if you're in a rubber bar.
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Post by Funkmasterr »

I know it can vary from state to state. But when I was shopping for insurance in minnesota for a yamaha R6, at the age of 21 with a clean driving record. I compared the quote I got for full coverage to a quote for full coverage on an Acura NSX, and the nsx was cheaper by a couple hundred dollars for a 6 month policy.

So like I said, I know it varies from state to state but here it is difficult to get insurance for a crotch rocket if you are under 25(matter of fact, lots of companies just plain refuse to write policies for crotch rockets period) , but if you get in one accident or get one ticket, you are going to have to sell your bike. Hence, like I said before, the tremendous amount of used bikes for sale year round.
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Post by Vaemas »

From recent personal experience, find a local Motorcycle Safety Foundation Beginning Rider's Course. In Georgia it cost me $250 for 2.5 days of class, including over 16 hours of on-bike experience. In the state of Georgia, at the end of the course the instructors administer a state-licensed motorcycle exam so you don't have to take the road or written at the DMV. Don't know if other states are set up that way, but it was well worth the investment for me.

As for bikes...I own a Honda. It's an older bike but in good shape and is easy to work on. I'm not a big fan of sport bikes (few things can get you into trouble or killed quicker!) and as a result own a street/cruiser. 1985 VF500C (V30 Magna), if you care. It's a 500cc V4 bike, which is about 4 times the engine size I took my course on. Personally, while a 125cc or 250cc bike is good for learning, I wouldn't want to go lower than 500.

Make sure you get protective gear. Get a full-face helmet. You are going to lay your bike down at some point and if you like your chin, you'll buy the full-face. Get real motorcycle boots. They're worth the investment and can save you from really bad sprains or breaks. Fill fingered gloves are a must. Having bugs hit your fingers at 60+ miles an hour hurts like hell. Lastly, buy a jacket (and I recommend pants) that are armored. I like Joe Rocket gear, but there are plenty of other companies out there that make good gear. While good gear isn't cheap, it will save your ass and is well worth the $$$.

Oh, and one more thing...if you buy the bike used and it doesn't have a manual, buy both the repair manual (Clymer makes them typically) and the owner's guide (Helm, Inc. does reprints at reasonable rates).

[EDIT!]
As an addendum, my motorcycle insurance (clean record, multiple policies) runs me about $280 every 6 months through Allstate. I'm not positive, but I think they subbed the insurance contract.
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Post by Sheryl »

Vaemas wrote:From recent personal experience, find a local Motorcycle Safety Foundation Beginning Rider's Course. In Georgia it cost me $250 for 2.5 days of class, including over 16 hours of on-bike experience. In the state of Georgia, at the end of the course the instructors administer a state-licensed motorcycle exam so you don't have to take the road or written at the DMV. Don't know if other states are set up that way, but it was well worth the investment for me.
they have the same thing here in nevada, the course is offered at the community college. 2.5 days, hands on practice, etc. you take your certificate of completion to the dmv and *poof* you're licensed.

truant's motorcycle quote for a year was only a few hundred bucks, i can't remember the exact figure. but it's seriously cheap compared to the under 25 rate on a car or truck. if you're going to have a small bike, you can't do a lot of damage to anything but yourself.

iirc, there is also some sort of motorcycle safety organization you can join that will get you an insurance discount, but i don't know how much. motorcycle safety foundation i think?
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Post by Pherr the Dorf »

Get a Sportster :)
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Post by Vaemas »

Sheryl wrote:iirc, there is also some sort of motorcycle safety organization you can join that will get you an insurance discount, but i don't know how much. motorcycle safety foundation i think?
The MSF course cert I was talking about is recognized by *some* insurance companies. Progressive recognizes the course and will give a discount. Allstate does not. It is really up to the insurance agency.
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Post by Durew »

I just bought this about 2 months ago, my first bike ever and I'm very satisfied, very comfortable (more than a super-sport like the GSX-R600/1000) and it goes fast!

Although, dont be thinking you'll be able to pull a wheelie on this specific model, its one of the lower end 600's.. and even though the GSX-R600 has the same cc's, I bet it also has like 25hp+ over this bike. Not to mention, this bike is 450 lbs compared to 350-400lbs of most super sports (cbr's, r6, r1, gsx-r's). I've tried everything to get this nose in the air and it just wont go (not unless your planning on adding an exhaust system or turbo :))

http://www.bikez.com/bike/index.php?bike=20348

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http://www.bikez.com/bike/index.php?bike=20204

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Top speed: 402.3 km/h (250.0 mph)

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Comments: 0-227 mph (0-365 km/h) in 15 seconds, this bike needs no other comment!! AND it's street legal.
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Post by Vaemas »

That particular article has been bandied around the Magna mailing list I subscribe to. While the kid in question was incredibly stupid, keep in mind that the 205 mph is very approximate. Using a stopwatch to calculate anything moving that fast is impossible to do accurately and the variance may have been as much as +/- 15 mph. Even then, 190 mph is way too fast outside of a racetrack.
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Post by Kluden »

Well, I just got back into riding earlier this year, and I swear by my bike. It's a 2000 suzuki SV650. Lots of parts, dirt cheap for repairs and maintenance. I do it all myself, and it was not hard to learn bike maintenance. Not a super sport type bike, but not a cruiser. It's called a "naked" bike...cause girls get naked when they see it....or because it doesn't have any plastic all over its body.

Don't buy a 250. Just like Kyo said, you will want it sold in another month, and believe me, there is absolutely ZERO market for 250cc bikes in the US. No one wants a new one, let alone a used one.

I can only offer two things of advice. One, take the MSF course near you. Do it. Learn it. Live it. It can, and will if you have to use the knowledge, save your life.

Second, don't fear the bike. No matter what bike you do buy, be it a 250cc or a 1396cc hog, don't be afraid to ride that bitch. Bigger bikes are not dangerous in the sense of power. Power is controlled by the rider.

So, if you can't control your right wrist/hand, then I wouldn't buy a bike, because you will turn yourself into an organ donor. If you are responsible enough, then it won't matter how big the engine is/powerful the bike is.

The reason people consider smaller engine bikes "starter bikes" is usually because of the weight and cost to purchase. You want a light bike for a starter bike, that way you can learn handling and manuevering much easier. Large bikes make large turns when beginners are driving them.
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Post by Kilmoll the Sexy »

If I was to buy a bike to learn on, it would be 600-700 CCs. That would still be light enough to be able to pass your test on and not small enough to make you feel like a wuss riding it. A cruiser would honestly be easier for you to pass a test on. The have you in first gear for the entire test....and the cruiser is just easier to handle at that kind of speed.

To pass your test...and honestly make life easier for you in general....take your bike to an empty parking lot and do nothing but complete u-turns. The test they have in Ohio has absolutely zero maneuvers that you would ever be able to do on the streets legally. Evrything is very sharp right and left turns and u-turns. Practice u-turns in first gear and make the turns within the width of 2 parking spaces.

Don't take anyone's advice on a bike. Go to every cycle shop from every manufacturer you can find and see what is comfortable for you. If you happen to know anyone with a bike, ask to ride it in a parking lot somewhere. The difference in handle bars and the weight distribution on different bikes could make one just fit you better.
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Post by Kelshara »

The Katana mentioned above is a good choice as well I might add..
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Post by Deward »

I learned to ride on a 1981 Honda Twinstar CM 200. It is a small 200 CC bike but it is perfect for learning and I still ride it around town because it is very maneuverable and has nice low end power. It rides very nice. You can buy them for under $500. You can't take this bike on the interstate though. It's top speed is about 65 MPH and that is really pushing it. This bike is very light as well and you should never drop it. I think it weighs about 250 pounds at most.

I have two other bikes as well. A 1973 Honda CB500 and a 1976 Honda CB750. The 500 is an awesome all around bike. It will handle highway speeds and is not too heavy if you drop it.
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Post by Siji »

I'll sell ya mine.. :)

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Post by Winnow »

Am having a kyoukan moment and posting the negative side. Be careful out there! It doesn't matter how safe you are on a motorcycle if the other driver sucks.

I enjoyed my motorcycle when I was a kid but it was an offroad bike. I can't imagine driving a motorcycle to work on the freeways every day. A fender bender in a car = serious injury on a motorcycle.

I don't trust other drivers enough to not expect to be cut off on a lane change or even someone not paying attention and getting rammed at a stoplight from behind.

It would be boring not to take risks in your life but I can think of lots of things that are risky that rely more on you to be safe than count on someone else to be paying attention.

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Post by Akaran_D »

Brain bits on the last pic, ou-freaking-ch.
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Post by Tenuvil »

Winnow wrote:Image
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Post by Kelshara »

I don't trust other drivers enough to not expect to be cut off on a lane change or even someone not paying attention and getting rammed at a stoplight from behind.
Yah it happens. Look out for old ladies in Cadilacs who can't turn their heads to check the mirror or blind zones, and when you stop at a red light keep your eye on the mirrors. You have to be very attentive as a bike rider, but it also turns you into a better cardriver imho.

Even with the risks.. it is worth it. I love riding.
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Re: I want a motorcycle.

Post by Adex_Xeda »

Neziroth wrote:And I'm looking for the advice of any of you that have one, have had one, or have been researching them.

My advice is to get one with four wheels.

I lost a friend a couple years back in an accident where he did everything right and the other guy still managed to kill him.

On a bike, your head *is* the crumple zone.
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Post by Kelshara »

Yeah yeah people die in accidents both in cars and on bikes. Just get a huge-ass SUV, that way you'll just kill everybody you hit and not get hurt yourself.
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Post by Kilmoll the Sexy »

You should hang those pics up in your garage to remind yourself why you wear a helmet.
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Post by Fyndina »

Go used first!

I'd say the Katana 600 is a good one, even the 750 from 5+ years back. Or a Yamaha SECA 2, althugh those are getting old now. Honda made a similar one but I can not remember the name.

Personaly I learned to ride on an RD350... not recommended. But I had a good instructor.

When I bought my own bikes I started with a Yamaha Virago 1100. Not a bad beginner bike, was fairly light, and had the power to fudge if you had problem getting started at a light.

Second was a VTR1000F. Fun bike. Not recommended for beginners though, wheel comes off the ground easily up to 3rd gear.

Personally for a beginner I think a twin 500cc and up is a good choice. More torque than the small 4 cylinder 600CCs (usualy). Makes it easier in traffic.
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Post by Marbus »

I rode for years but haven't had a bike since the early 90s, back then it was a GS650 Sport Bike. Personally I'm done with the crotch rockets as are most of my friends now. Sure they are fun and if you hunker down you can get out of the wind, but if you want to ride for more than an hour or so they suck. The heat from the engine and the stiff suspension means your balls and back will eventually pay the price.

Of course having a Harley would be top notch but I've got a number of friends who have Hondas or Kawaskis that are great bikes. You said you didn't like the "laid back style" which I assume you are talking about a fat boy type... check these out below. The Honda is a 1300 and the Kawaski is a 1600... yes they are powerful but not in the same way even a 650 sportbike is. If you think you may want to ever ride on the Interstate or travel on the bike I would get something more like this. Both of these bikes you "sit up" more than lean back for a good sitting position with excellent visibility.

Image

Image

Adex is speaking the truth though about other people on the road. Sure you can do something stupid and get killed but more likley it will be someone else. IMHO the louder the bike the better, if they don't see you maybe they will at least hear you :)

Marb
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Post by Arborealus »

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20040922/D858M7MG0.html


Don't be this guy...
WABASHA, Minn. (AP) - With a State Patrol airplane overhead, a motorcyclist hit the throttle and possibly set the informal record for the fastest speeding ticket in Minnesota history: 205 mph.
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Post by Kelshara »

Sure they are fun and if you hunker down you can get out of the wind, but if you want to ride for more than an hour or so they suck. The heat from the engine and the stiff suspension means your balls and back will eventually pay the price.
Personal taste. I highly prefere riding a sports bike even for long distances. I prefere their weight distribution, less vibrations and less wind.

As for the 205 mph rider.. I'd take that to court and have the clocking tested. No way a RC51 could do 205 mph without some HEAVY mods. Not to mention I bet the cop went "HOLY SHIT" and twitched.
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Post by Winnow »

Marbus wrote:
Adex is speaking the truth though about other people on the road. Sure you can do something stupid and get killed but more likley it will be someone else. IMHO the louder the bike the better, if they don't see you maybe they will at least hear you :)

Marb
Lets not start the noise debate again!

The other day driving to work I was about to call 911 to get someone to stop the drunk driver in a huge pickup truck swerving all over the road in front of me until I noticed it was just a lady using the review mirror to put on her makeup. With people like that out on the roads, the odds are against you not getting in a accident eventually.

Soccer moms, and dads to be politically correct, in SUVs are death dealers as well!
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Post by Siji »

Kelshara wrote:As for the 205 mph rider.. I'd take that to court and have the clocking tested. No way a RC51 could do 205 mph without some HEAVY mods. Not to mention I bet the cop went "HOLY SHIT" and twitched.
Correct.. The 1100 I have tops around 175 w/o modifications and is a faster bike than the RC51. The only non-modified bike that's faster and that'll do 200+ is the Suzuki Hayabusa (1200/1300), and I believe you've still got to 'modify' it by clipping the limiting wires that hold it in at 198 I believe it is (never owned one, could be off on that #). Without turbo or nitrous, that guy didn't do 205.
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Post by Adex_Xeda »

I look at it this way.

Odds are we all will be in more than one car accident in our life times.

Since you know it's going to happen. Do you want a steel frame to absorb the blow or will you rely on your balistic body?
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Post by Kelshara »

As a religious person wouldn't you leave that to God? If it is time for you to go, then it is time?

Personally, I don't worry about it.. if I go I go wether I am in a car, on a bike, walking across the street or in a plane.
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Post by Siji »

I agree. You could get shot walking out the door of your house. You going to live inside and be a hermit all the time? Hell, for that matter why not only take cabs and the bus.. that way you're never liable for an accident, don't need insurance and don't have to buy gas.

Just don't be this guy..

http://media.santoalt.com/101/092604/biker_bus.wmv
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Post by Vaemas »

Motorcycling, just like any other activity in life is about managing risk. I'm willing to take the risk of riding my motorcycle, but I take precautions to reduce that risk. Motorcycles are dangerous. That's a fact. A motorcycle will *never* win a battle with any vehicles and the rider will always end up the loser.

I live in Atlanta. I've ridden my bike on I-285...in almost no traffic. You won't catch me anywhere near the interstates during or around rush hour. I know folks who choose to ride in heavy traffic and I know folks, who are like me and who don't feel that the reward is worth the risk.

I've dropped my bike. I've laid it down while riding. I know my limitations as a rider and I know when it's time to put the bike in the garage or not get it out in the first place. I've worked with people who've been in major accidents on bikes, I've been driving home and seen an accident occur where a rider was cut in half at the waist. All the helmets, body armor, boots, and gloves in the world won't prevent that.

I don't fear life nor do I fear death. That said, I'm not going to go out and do something completely stupid because I'm cocky. Motorcycling is something I enjoy, a very great deal. I'll continue to ride as long as I feel the rewards are worth the risks.
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Post by Adex_Xeda »

Kelshara wrote:As a religious person wouldn't you leave that to God? If it is time for you to go, then it is time?

Personally, I don't worry about it.. if I go I go wether I am in a car, on a bike, walking across the street or in a plane.

Don't you secular folk like to say, moderation in everything? Motorcycling is not a moderate risk activity.

To error is human, yet every error on a bike gets you torn up, mangled or dead.

Let's play a game of russian roulette, except let's allow the strangers you pass by load the gun.

It will be fun.
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Post by IeailandDokktur »

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Post by Akaran_D »

I beleive I'll go when I go and when the time is right for me to go. I beleive that every major and most minor events in life happen because they are supposed to and I am judged by the way I handle them and that my responses dictate the next set of events that will occur.

That being said, I'm not afraid of risks, I don't like the thought of death but I'll accept it when it comes. But, I'm going to avoid placing myself in potential maiming situations as much as I can.

My choices and my responses dictate my fate, and the situations I am in are dictated by God according to his will.
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