Falling off

Is riding a motorbike like a pushbike? Meaning coming off and having an
accident is par of the course?

 

Hmmm.... how long is a piece of string?

As a cyclist I was probably in more danger at times than I am now on the
motorbike. Limited protective gear (sexy tight lycras... mmmm), wet roads
and very skinny tyres, speeds up to 90 km/h (downhill - 19 km/h uphill...),
limited acceleration and being almost invisible to traffic (in Sydney) all
adds to a high level of risk. Mountain bike riding is also very dangerous
if you want it to be (but shitloads of fun - especially the old Superman
trick over the bars on a wicked downhill...).

However, you are usually travelling faster on a motorbike than a pushbike
and more likely to hit something harder as a result. Good gear will help
you but nothing's going to help you if you hit a tree or guardrail at 100+.
As for the inevitability of falling off the motorbike - I will not accept
that this is the case. Having an accident is NOT par for the course IMHO
and every day I go out there with a respect for the randomness of the road
balanced with my need to have 'fun...' and plan to keep coming home in 1
piece.

If you're checking it all out - just go and do the HART learner course and
get amongst it. If you are smart about it, the rewards will FAR outweigh
the risks.

Cheers,
Dave ZZR600 => ST2 (stolen) => '03 XX

 

That's what I like to hear, I am just checking it out but the main problem I
have is how safe it is.I know I can and will be careful as I am with driving
a car. I just hear stories but I do know most are of the younger the faster
more careless type.
Thanks...

 

Nothing's safe. I fell off in 1972. Got hit by a BMW car this year, but
not hard enough to fall off.

It probably won't hurt if you do it right.

Depends on how you learn, who you listen to, and your attitude. If you are
in it for the speed rush and edgy excitement, you may well get hurt. If you
are alert there is no need to be alarmed.

I would discourage my young bloke from riding, because he wouldn't pay
attention.

Moike

 

There are bold riders, and old riders, but there aren't any old bold
riders.

 

Bikes are neither safe nor dangerous and in case you have not been
told you, nobody gets out of this place alive.

 

Everyone I know who has been riding for a reasonable amount of time has come
off in one way or another.
It doesn't always mean death - I have had 2 spills, both from which I picked
up the bike and rode home.

In a way, it's a relief to get the first one "out of the way ".

I am sure there will be people who say "I've been riding 10 years and never
come off" but I can only speak for the guys I know.

 

~
You've never ridden with Moike then!!

 

Only twice. Geese mate you are a good rider. Or maybe you have only been
riding for a couple of years. I have come off well over a dozen times. But
then I know I am a bad rider. I don't take risks. I just used to forget to
put up the side stand. Those left corners were a real killer.
Nearly 30 years on and still riding. Haven't done any damage for the last 10
years. (fingers crossed). But now I have a half decent bike (gpz900r) in
real good condition that is light to handle and fast enough for me. I don't
like speeds over 200. I worry about getting hit by bugs at that speed.
Harder to get of the visor if you know what I mean. Had the odd bird
(feathered variety) hit me in the head at high speed. I got a headache. Its
not a tumour.
The old bike was a bit sluggish. I got the auto elect to look at it. Wow..
Now it purrs at any revs. Said something about not enough spark to keep it
happy.
I love my old bike. Err . um... I still love my missus. But the bike is my
first love.

 

Dunno. I never fell off a pushbike.

 

Solid priorities - good old-fashioned values. Top notch mate!

Whenever I'm OS on business, I miss the missus every day, but I miss the
bike every 1/2 hour. Once I even admitted it in front of her... some things
better left unsaid I think.

Cheers,

Dave ZZR600 => ST2 (stolen) => '03 XX

 

The only time I've come within a hair's breadth of coming unstuck (/me
knocks on wood) was entirely my fault. I travelled the same bit of road
every day and knew a good-sized pothole was coming up. I was looking for
the pothole and not watching the traffic. Familiarity breeds contempt, as
they say.
- sanbar

 

I've fallen off my pushbike more times than I care to remember. Clip in
pedals have something to do with in more than 40% of the times, slushy water
on top of the ice on the road 30% [Norway], tram track obstacles 20% and
finally parking the front wheel in mud deeper than I thought whilst at speed
the rest of the 10%. No big deal really, it's only ever involved myself.
Damage to self: One time, first tram track obstacle [Oslo] a bit of a
wipeout with shredded trousers, impacted helmet, damaged watch, heavily
bleeding knee --- on my way to see the governator's Eraser. The cinema saw
the humour in it and lent me their first aid kit. My mates couldn't stop
laughing though.

I came off my old 50cc speed limited scooter two or three times, all due to
front wheel sliding out on the ice. What, park it in winter you say? Nah,
that was for wusses. Besides I had papers to deliver in the morning. Damage
to myself & bike: Virtually zero, friction is nill on ice.

I've only come off once on my motorbike and I plan to keep it that way.

j

 

NNOOOOOO
We absolutely do NOT want to know what you fantasize about !

 

Whenever I'm OS on business, I miss the missus every day, but I miss the

C'mon Burnie... of course you want to know. I can identify reverse
psychology when I see it!

Cheers,
Dave ZZR600 => ST2 (stolen) => '03 XX
P.S. When the F%$&# are you getting back onto 2 wheels?????

 

Well actually I have gone to the dark side (I start with IBM on
Thursday) so a couple of months ?

 

A Honda Deauville (sp?) should be about the right shade of blue.....

Moike

 

Well actually I have gone to the dark side (I start with IBM on

Well, a big congratulations is in order. When's the party?

Heading to Cumberbund Forest or the city? You've requested a company
R1150RT of course.

I'm looking forward to heading off on another spin - though perhaps at a
slightly elevated pace this time...

Cheers and well done.
Dave ZZR600 => ST2 (stolen) => '03 XX