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Sion · 06-13-2003, 08:11 PM

in another thread about this same topic (I think it was on v.3) I said that I think any new rider should start out OFFROAD, preferrably in a nice big, flat, grassy field, under the supervision of an experienced rider. The kind of place you can dump a bike at 35 mph and are not likely to get badly hurt doing it (been there done that, only thing injured was my pride). Anyway, there are SO many things to learn about riding motorcycles that can only be done by riding them that no amount of reading how-to's can prepare you for. When on the road, you must be able to react instinctually, if you have to think about what you have to do to survive a situation, you will not survive it. Simple as that. I road dirt bikes for years before I ever hit the road. And that is the only reason why I have survived to be typing this today. I dont have to think about what to do, I only have to watch for potential hazards, instinct does the rest. And that instinct only comes from riding and doing, making mistakes and learning how to correct and/or prevent them. And the road is a VERY unforgiving taskmaster when learning these things. However, offroad, while still dangerous, is somewhat less dangerous. Consider this, where would you prefer to hit the ground facefirst at 30 mph: on pavement or grass?

next, read any or all of the major motorcycle magazines and look for safe riding tips and techiques. Then learn to do them in that nice soft field. Learn how to do a donut, pop a wheelie, double clutch, power/speed shift, recover from a rear wheel spinout, etc. Learn how to lay a bike down at speed (say 30 mph) and be able to walk away with only scrapes and bruises. Learn how to jump and land a bike. (Not that you will intentionally get air on the road, but hell, I've had it happen accidentally on a road I didnt know.) All these things and many more will probably save your life someday.

as for helmets, while I agree that they are generally life saving devices, there are no guarantees. I've known people who have died wearing them, and others who survived while not. A buddy of mine T-boned a woman in a station wagon (she pulled out in front of him) while doing 35-40. He was launched about 30 feet and landed basically headfirst, in the grass by the side of the road, fortunately for him. He was not wearing a helmet and that probably saved his life. His E.R. doctor told him that had he been wearing a helmet, he would likely have broken his neck and died on the spot.

As stated above, the most important safety device is your attitude. Know your limitations, know your bikes limitations and you have the best chance of living to ride into your old age.

finally, the answer to this question:

"what justifies the dangers of riding around?"

is simple. Anytime you leave your house, you are risking your life. At least on a motorcycle, you can go out doing something exhilerating. I use my bike mostly for around town trips. As such, I rarely get it over 45-50 mph. But even at speeds as low as 30 mph, a motorcycle is 50 times more exciting than a car at 60 mph. It is a visceral thrill that has to be experienced to be understood.

good luck and enjoy.

btw, I think the choice of the 250 is a good idea for a beginner. not as good as 6 months of regular (at least 4 times a week) dirt riding, but better than jumping on a litre bike with a top end of 180.

"Got the sun in my face, and wind at my back" - Cross Country, the Godz

06-13-2003, 08:11 PM	#37 (permalink)
Sion Dumb all over...a little ugly on the side Location: In the room where the giant fire puffer works, and the torture never stops.	in another thread about this same topic (I think it was on v.3) I said that I think any new rider should start out OFFROAD, preferrably in a nice big, flat, grassy field, under the supervision of an experienced rider. The kind of place you can dump a bike at 35 mph and are not likely to get badly hurt doing it (been there done that, only thing injured was my pride). Anyway, there are SO many things to learn about riding motorcycles that can only be done by riding them that no amount of reading how-to's can prepare you for. When on the road, you must be able to react instinctually, if you have to think about what you have to do to survive a situation, you will not survive it. Simple as that. I road dirt bikes for years before I ever hit the road. And that is the only reason why I have survived to be typing this today. I dont have to think about what to do, I only have to watch for potential hazards, instinct does the rest. And that instinct only comes from riding and doing, making mistakes and learning how to correct and/or prevent them. And the road is a VERY unforgiving taskmaster when learning these things. However, offroad, while still dangerous, is somewhat less dangerous. Consider this, where would you prefer to hit the ground facefirst at 30 mph: on pavement or grass? next, read any or all of the major motorcycle magazines and look for safe riding tips and techiques. Then learn to do them in that nice soft field. Learn how to do a donut, pop a wheelie, double clutch, power/speed shift, recover from a rear wheel spinout, etc. Learn how to lay a bike down at speed (say 30 mph) and be able to walk away with only scrapes and bruises. Learn how to jump and land a bike. (Not that you will intentionally get air on the road, but hell, I've had it happen accidentally on a road I didnt know.) All these things and many more will probably save your life someday. as for helmets, while I agree that they are generally life saving devices, there are no guarantees. I've known people who have died wearing them, and others who survived while not. A buddy of mine T-boned a woman in a station wagon (she pulled out in front of him) while doing 35-40. He was launched about 30 feet and landed basically headfirst, in the grass by the side of the road, fortunately for him. He was not wearing a helmet and that probably saved his life. His E.R. doctor told him that had he been wearing a helmet, he would likely have broken his neck and died on the spot. As stated above, the most important safety device is your attitude. Know your limitations, know your bikes limitations and you have the best chance of living to ride into your old age. finally, the answer to this question: "what justifies the dangers of riding around?" is simple. Anytime you leave your house, you are risking your life. At least on a motorcycle, you can go out doing something exhilerating. I use my bike mostly for around town trips. As such, I rarely get it over 45-50 mph. But even at speeds as low as 30 mph, a motorcycle is 50 times more exciting than a car at 60 mph. It is a visceral thrill that has to be experienced to be understood. good luck and enjoy. btw, I think the choice of the 250 is a good idea for a beginner. not as good as 6 months of regular (at least 4 times a week) dirt riding, but better than jumping on a litre bike with a top end of 180. "Got the sun in my face, and wind at my back" - Cross Country, the Godz __________________ He's the best, of course, of all the worst. Some wrong been done, he done it first. -fz I jus' want ta thank you...falettinme...be mice elf...agin...