Any motorcycle riders?

[no.1IrishFan]

I've always seen the bumper stickers saying "look out, motorcycles are everywhere" and never paid much attention to them. Now that I have a bike I get it, people really don't look out for you!
I bought my bike last week and have almost laid it down 3 times due to stupid drivers not paying attention.
Just wondering if anyone else has the same problem or is it just these crazy NYC drivers.
Thinking that maybe an insanely loud exhaust might get peoples attention.

 

[NDinL.A.]

A parent of one of my former students, a really good guy, got into a car accident a few months ago and his car was totalled. While he was waiting for the insurance to be sorted out and for the check to come so he could get another car, he bought a motorcycle to save money on gas. It was his first time ever riding a motorcycle. Tragically, last weekend, he was killed riding his motorcycle by a motorist who didn't see him coming.

So yeah, it's pretty dangerous...

 

[mick2]

yeah after hearing stories from people who have worked ems, i dont think ill be getting one. especially down here in south florida where the drivers suck!

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I understand the image appeal and the feeling of freedom riding a bike gives, but you're essentially putting your life in the hands of every incompetent motorist you pass on the road.

 

[no.1IrishFan]

yeah after hearing stories from people who have worked ems, i dont think ill be getting one. especially down here in south florida where the drivers suck!

Where in south Fla are you?
I just moved to NY from Ft. Myers on the west coast.

 

[BestBIrish47]

I have a 2000 Harley Deuce, and yea...people normally have a hard time seeing you. You have to drive defensively, with your Headlight on, and in a lane position that lets other drivers see you. You also need to be very deliberate with your riding habits. If you need to make a turn in an intersection... it should be blatantly obvious to everyone.... and don't forget to Rack those pipes just to make sure people know you are there! Ride Safe

 

[JadeBrecks]

I have a Kawasaki Z750S. Drivers suck everywhere. You will have to drive defensively no matter where you go. Just be on your toes. Dont ride when sleepy or have had a drink. You will want to be at your best every time. The best thing is to get away from other cars if possible. (most likely impossible in NYC)

P.S. people will argue both sides endlessly of "loud pipes save lives" I truely believe in this statement because it has helped me in the past.

 

[no.1IrishFan]

I have a Kawasaki Z750S. Drivers suck everywhere. You will have to drive defensively no matter where you go. Just be on your toes. Dont ride when sleepy or have had a drink. You will want to be at your best every time. The best thing is to get away from other cars if possible. (most likely impossible in NYC)

P.S. people will argue both sides endlessly of "loud pipes save lives" I truely believe in this statement because it has helped me in the past.

I have to agree, if they don't see me maybe they'll hear me. Time to order a set of Vance and Hines pipes I guess.

 

[AlbuquerqueIrishFan]

A dude got killed in my town yesterday morning. If you are rear ended, which is a very common accident, you are either dead, crippled or really, really messed up. It's stupid and not worth the risk.

Just think about sitting in a wheelchair for the rest of your life.

 

[no.1IrishFan]

A dude got killed in my town yesterday morning. If you are rear ended, which is a very common accident, you are either dead, crippled or really, really messed up. It's stupid and not worth the risk.

Just think about sitting in a wheelchair for the rest of your life.

While I agree that riding a bike is dangerous, I wouldn't say that it's stupid and not worth it. People die in car crashes everyday, should we not drive cars either?

 

[JadeBrecks]

A dude got killed in my town yesterday morning. If you are rear ended, which is a very common accident, you are either dead, crippled or really, really messed up. It's stupid and not worth the risk.

I do have to correct you there. Most accidents on a motorcycle do not involve another vehicle. That goes back to driving defensively. At all stop lights I am watching my mirror to make sure the person behind me is stopping.

Second I can tell you havent ridden a motorcycle. There is a thrill when you ride that cannot be replaced in a car. You do a lot of things that are dangerous in your life. You just need to decide if its worth the risk. Trust me riding is well worth the risk.

I have to agree, if they don't see me maybe they'll hear me. Time to order a set of Vance and Hines pipes I guess.

What do you ride?

P.S. 900 posts!

 

[WaveDomer]

I've always wanted a bike, but have never pulled the trigger. Now that I have kids I probably won't ever get one. But my dad had one and my brother had one for years and never put them down. My dad would ride cross country visiting Civil War sites or going to the Grand Canyon on his Harley while my brother was more into short commutes on his crotch rocket Kawasaki.

I did look into it a lot and read some really good insights. Big bikes are "in" now and beginning riders should NOT have a big bike. I've even read that beginning riders should look into a really small bike and then just trade up after learning on that. Also, look into taking classes from really experience riders. Every state should have a program that teaches you how to ride. I think here it's the STAR program. But again, I don't ride, I just looked into it and did research.

 

[Irish Man3]

YouTube - ‪Bike Accident‬‏

 

[IrishInFl]

I've been riding most of my life and am the son of a flat track racing champion in Minnesota. So yeah, I ride.

 

[Mihalko35]

For those against motorcycle riding, I do appreciate your concerns. However, I feel the decision is a highly personal one, and each person who chooses to ride freely accepts the risks involved. For those who choose not to ride, that's fine! For those who choose to ride, that's fine as well! I'm just not a massive fan of people telling me I shouldn't do it.

 

[IrishBlood81]

yeah I got a bike. A V-Strom 1000. I LOVE my bike..best way to get around and fantastic on gas mileage.
Its very dangerous though. I'm living in Vegas right now and the traffic is just full of idiots. EVERYONE runs red lights like its no big deal.
I learned to ride off road first, so when I got on road I had a great knowledge of handling the bike.

 

[mick2]

Where in south Fla are you?
I just moved to NY from Ft. Myers on the west coast.

im on the other side! west palm beach on the east coast. i was just in Ft. myers a couple of weeks ago! the west coast has a different feel to it thats for sure, i like it over there!

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Had a beginner's Honda Nighthawk (450? 650?) mostly for cruising the back roads and battlegrounds in Va. and Md.. I never really considered using it for city driving, especially since I was in the D.C. area. You are just begging to get hit over there.

I decided to give it up when I got to the point where I would try to break my record of how fast I could go on one wheel. Thought I'd quit while I was ahead. I'm considering an electric bicycle electric bicycle - Google Search