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RogueGypsy · 12-30-2010, 01:57 PM

HOLY SHIT! I know most of you ride, according to your posts, but fuck. After reading this string I almost feel like I might die just walking past a motorcycle.

Yes motorcycles are unforgiving of mistakes and an accident is more likely to be fatal or cause permanent damage.
Yes the biggest risks are other drivers and inexperience.
But, the experience of riding is so much better than being in a car.

If you want to learn to ride, go for it. I recommend starting in the dirt. It will teach how to handle most of the hazards that kill people on the street. Start small, but with enough power to scare you. You need to develop a real respect for what a motorcycle can do. The difference between knowing and thinking you respect the bike; Can be the difference that matters.

Find some experienced riders to learn from, or take a riding course if one is available in your area. Usually the courses are for street riding, but most of the fundamentals apply to both dirt and street. And it's a good place to start.

Don't buy a new bike, find a good used bike and start with it. You will crash, you will scrape the paint, you will break things on the bike. No need to do that to a new bike.

Always wear full gear, even if your just 'going around the corner'. Gear will save you a lot of flesh and pain.

If you have an interest in both street and dirt, try a Dual-Sport. They do well in either environment and won't limit you as much as a specialty bike. They're also good 'training' bikes. Heavier and more cumbersome than a dirt bike, but slower and more forgiving than a rice rocket. Good middle ground to learn the basics. And an all around great bike for adventures. Nothing beats riding out of the city, onto a winding mountain road, then off the pavement up a logging road, onto a deer trail and stopping only when there's no where left to go. OUTSTANDING.

I've been riding for over 35yrs and I still don't like riding on the road much. Not nearly as fun as the dirt and far more hazards. On the road, loud pipes and bright chrome are your friend. The more you can do to get noticed, the safer you will be. You maybe the master of your bike, but that fuckin' soccer mom in the SUV talking on the cell phone is your obituary rolling down the road. You might scratch her pretty Escalade, but her Escalade is going to turn you into paste. The more annoyingly loud and bright you are, the farther away they stay. Be bright and annoying on the road.

Damn, my post doesn't sound much better than most of the others. Bikes are dangerous, but I guess that's what makes them sooooo fun. Know your bike and know your skills, the rest is what it is.

..

12-30-2010, 01:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
RogueGypsy Insane Location: The Great NorthWet	HOLY SHIT! I know most of you ride, according to your posts, but fuck. After reading this string I almost feel like I might die just walking past a motorcycle. Yes motorcycles are unforgiving of mistakes and an accident is more likely to be fatal or cause permanent damage. Yes the biggest risks are other drivers and inexperience. But, the experience of riding is so much better than being in a car. If you want to learn to ride, go for it. I recommend starting in the dirt. It will teach how to handle most of the hazards that kill people on the street. Start small, but with enough power to scare you. You need to develop a real respect for what a motorcycle can do. The difference between knowing and thinking you respect the bike; Can be the difference that matters. Find some experienced riders to learn from, or take a riding course if one is available in your area. Usually the courses are for street riding, but most of the fundamentals apply to both dirt and street. And it's a good place to start. Don't buy a new bike, find a good used bike and start with it. You will crash, you will scrape the paint, you will break things on the bike. No need to do that to a new bike. Always wear full gear, even if your just 'going around the corner'. Gear will save you a lot of flesh and pain. If you have an interest in both street and dirt, try a Dual-Sport. They do well in either environment and won't limit you as much as a specialty bike. They're also good 'training' bikes. Heavier and more cumbersome than a dirt bike, but slower and more forgiving than a rice rocket. Good middle ground to learn the basics. And an all around great bike for adventures. Nothing beats riding out of the city, onto a winding mountain road, then off the pavement up a logging road, onto a deer trail and stopping only when there's no where left to go. OUTSTANDING. I've been riding for over 35yrs and I still don't like riding on the road much. Not nearly as fun as the dirt and far more hazards. On the road, loud pipes and bright chrome are your friend. The more you can do to get noticed, the safer you will be. You maybe the master of your bike, but that fuckin' soccer mom in the SUV talking on the cell phone is your obituary rolling down the road. You might scratch her pretty Escalade, but her Escalade is going to turn you into paste. The more annoyingly loud and bright you are, the farther away they stay. Be bright and annoying on the road. Damn, my post doesn't sound much better than most of the others. Bikes are dangerous, but I guess that's what makes them sooooo fun. Know your bike and know your skills, the rest is what it is. .. __________________ Methods, application and intensity of application vary by the individual. All legal wavers must be signed before 'treatment' begins. Self 'Medicating' is not recommend. However, if necessary, it is best to have an 'assistant' or 'soft landing zone' nearby. Any and all legal issues resulting from improperly applied techniques should be forwarded to: Dewy, Cheatum & Howe, Intercourse, PA 17534. Attn: Anonymous.