accidents
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 77
Likes: 8
From: Dallas
I too obsessed over the safety / dangers / risk of crashing / stats etc before I took the plunge and started my motorcycling chapter in life in '13... that said, 3 bikes later, and 55k+ miles in, I've toured all over the USA and never "crashed". I wear mesh jacket, helmet 95% of the time and jeans or TDU pants and slip on shoes. Some close calls, sure, but never laid it down, knock on wood....
When it's your time, it can be stepping out of the shower in the morning... and there are plenty of super healthy folks in their 50s who suddenly died.. when I came to grips with all that, I started riding.
When it's your time, it can be stepping out of the shower in the morning... and there are plenty of super healthy folks in their 50s who suddenly died.. when I came to grips with all that, I started riding.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 510
Likes: 83
From: SW Virginia
I have been riding on the road for 22 years and several years now virtually everyday of the year.
I have had one accident that can't really be attributed to road riding as it was a situation that you will likely never be in. I was in another country and the road was barely a road. So basically it was an off road crash.
I wear gear including a jacket, riding boots, a full face helmet, and gloves.
Many, many people never crash. Most fatal crashes involve factors that can be eliminated or reduced. Wearing safety gear, not drinking, and not acting like an idiot. A MSF course will put you miles ahead of a new rider who doesn't take a course.
Finally the reality is this...riding a bike is more dangerous than riding a car. If you don't have enough desire to ride to overcome constant apprehension then riding a bike is likely not for you. A nervous, tense rider is not a good rider.
I have had one accident that can't really be attributed to road riding as it was a situation that you will likely never be in. I was in another country and the road was barely a road. So basically it was an off road crash.
I wear gear including a jacket, riding boots, a full face helmet, and gloves.
Many, many people never crash. Most fatal crashes involve factors that can be eliminated or reduced. Wearing safety gear, not drinking, and not acting like an idiot. A MSF course will put you miles ahead of a new rider who doesn't take a course.
Finally the reality is this...riding a bike is more dangerous than riding a car. If you don't have enough desire to ride to overcome constant apprehension then riding a bike is likely not for you. A nervous, tense rider is not a good rider.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
For some reason, everybody I meet who doesn't ride seems compelled to share all the horror stories about motorcycle accidents as soon as they find out I ride. Not sure why this is. Maybe they think they're telling me something I don't already know, or maybe they're trying to "relate" to me the only way they know.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 192
Likes: 21
From: Berryville
I'm 52, been riding on the street for 32 years now. I have come off at speed three times. I've learned from each event and it has been years since the last incident, but something could happen tomorrow; life gives us no guarantees.
If you have young kids consider good life, health and maybe disability insurance. Most of the good things in life have some risk involved; understand the risks and make your decisions based on what is right for you.
If you have young kids consider good life, health and maybe disability insurance. Most of the good things in life have some risk involved; understand the risks and make your decisions based on what is right for you.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 1,735
From: Variable
I truly believe you can greatly minimize your risk while riding to be negligible.
It takes much more focus, awareness, and a calm riding mindset. I think that is why many love riding as if it is like a meditation.
Take MSF courses.
Don't ride after a drink.
Don't ride when you're tired.
Don't ride when you are angry.
Ride smart and be aware.
R,
Sanjuro
It takes much more focus, awareness, and a calm riding mindset. I think that is why many love riding as if it is like a meditation.
Take MSF courses.
Don't ride after a drink.
Don't ride when you're tired.
Don't ride when you are angry.
Ride smart and be aware.
R,
Sanjuro
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,357
Likes: 91
From: Michigan
Here is an interesting and organised summary of motorcycle accidents, it is not statistical data, although I am sure it is derived from it.
https://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=31124
https://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=31124
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,442
Likes: 418
From: South Carolina
I've been riding street since '77 and laid a few down the first few years. Inexperience and youthful stupidity are a bad combo. Been fortunate to not crash since about '79. But...I know it can happen anytime, anywhere, anyhow. You can minimize the risk of riding but you can't eliminate it.
Fair trade-off for me, though.
Crap. Maybe I shoulda stayed in Colorado...
Fair trade-off for me, though.
Crap. Maybe I shoulda stayed in Colorado...
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Aug 15, 2016 at 11:07 PM.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 192
Likes: 20
From: MN
80% of statistics can be skewed to your liking 90% of the time. Wit h that said, buy the bike, helmets, and other riding gear. Riding may not lengthen your life, but it sure does improve the quality of time spent here. Also, you both should take a riding course, a lot of good information to be had and less likely to develop any bad habits.
As for crashes..yep, BMX, Mtn, road bikes and MX. Nothing on my HD (knock on wood), but have "narrowly escaped" a time or 3.
As for crashes..yep, BMX, Mtn, road bikes and MX. Nothing on my HD (knock on wood), but have "narrowly escaped" a time or 3.
