So in 2012 on the way to Sturgis from NH I had a severe accident, in short, 80mph on a Nighttrain, old lady backed into the fast lane 20 feet in front of me, had a post on here afterwards so some might remember, leg broken in 9 places, femur out the thigh, heel ripped off, died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital etc, I spent 14 months learning to walk again, bought a trike while still in a wheelchair, then traded it for a new '13 roadglide, sold that to pay divorce debt last summer and because the weight was getting to my leg, now just bought a cherry 2002 Fatboy...Point is, is it an addiction? Is it just me? I see posts from guys that wreck and then swear off riding, I can't, I'm 44 and started riding at 12, its a part of me, been sick inside since selling the Roadie last summer, havn't had the chance to ride the Fatboy other than through the parking lot and onto the trailer as it's so damn cold here in NH, but it felt like being with an old friend...Is it just me?

 

Motorcycles bring you joy. Nothing wrong with that. Consider yourself lucky that you have found the one thing that brings you joy. Very few things in life do. Imagine the smile in your face when you are ready to give up the ghost and you look back at your life. You will not regret any moment spent riding your bike. Life is too short (and yours almost got even shorter) to miss out on the things that bring us joy.

I am sorry about your divorce, they can be devastating emotionally and financially. I've been with my wife for 38 years and she loves riding with me so some of my life's greatest memories are with her and my bike riding together. I hope that you find the one person who enjoys riding as much as you do and life will be much sweeter for you.

Wishing you best times ahead.

 

Well said, sir. I can't add anything to this, except that I admire the OP's heart and guts.

 

Not sure I'd want to climb back on after such a serious wreck, hats off to you for jumping back on!
I'm pretty sure an accident like that would put me on a trike, or I'd just quit riding.
At my age, I'm too old and fragile to go through something like that.
Good on you for following your dream!

 

A drunk driver hit me in August 2010, giving me a nasty broken leg. I was back on my wife's 250 Nighthawk in February 2011 as soon as I was off the cane. I've averaged 25-30k miles per year since then. I was in the hospital for a week after the accident, and I had my wife bring me her laptop so I could surf the forums and plan what bike I would buy after I recovered. I never once thought of giving up riding.

 

2 serious accidents, nothing close to what some of you have used as examples...

first one was 2 broken wrists

Second one was a broken leg, knee and arm, requiring multiple surgeries, a month in Mass General, and 8 months of rehab before I could go back to work.

I took a year or so off, rebuilt the bike, and have been riding ever since... and I still have that bike in pieces in Mom's basement.... I'll ride it again after it is fully restored ( 1985 GPz550 )

If you are physically able and willing to assume the risk... and you have the right frame of mind why not?

One of my former co-workers lost his left leg above the knee..... he put the bike back together, rigged up a shifter, and he kept riding with one good leg

 

1st one at 16 years old, 3 weeks in the hospital in a coma. Few others with a variety of injuries...I'm with you, still ride and will ride till I can't.

 

Been down a few times since i've been riding (started at 12, be 64 this year). 9-14-14 a deer ran into the side of me at 50 mph and knocked me into a sign that removed my left leg . I broke my back and had some brain bleeding also. This happened in Sept 2014. Got my fake leg at the end of the following Jan 2015, Took insurance money from the wrecked bike and sold my Heritage. Bought myself a new Tri-Glide July 30, 2015 and never looked back.
I couldn't wait to get back on a bike, but it wouldn't be a 2 wheeler. I tried but it wasn't going to happen. I understand some would be scared after a bad accident, but you can't run away from something you enjoy doing. Motorcycles have been a way of life for me since i was a kid. I lived on my bikes.

I really enjoy the trike and it opened another world of riding for me. If i would have known how much fun a trike could be , i would of bought one sooner.

 

Many times I have wondered why the passion of riding is so strong within people who ride . When someone asks me , I'm never sure of what to say so they understand what it actually means and what it actually does for the soul . We are definitely born with something inside of us that makes us want to do this . I was in an accident last year and broke my leg and tore a bunch of muscles and tendons . I spent 8 months doing physio and my knee will never be the same again and I will walk with a limp from now on . During that time I was surprised at how many people asked if I was done with riding , when they found out how it happened . I would just say hell no , as soon as I'm up to it I'm buying a new bike and going on a trip with a close friend . One week after I was released from physio I was on a 10 trip and rode 4000 km in total . Before the accident I always wondered what I would do if I were in an accident , now I know . I guess it really all depends on each of us and how strongly we feel about this passion . I have my reasons for riding and I'm sure everyone's is very similar . It's a break from the real world we live in and the best medicine money can buy .

I'm sorry for everything you had to go through and I wish the best for you in the future . May your ride give you many happy miles and great memories .

 

Totalled out an 08 ultra in 12 doing about 75 on the highway,was out of commision for 6 months then bought me a 13 ultra still riding it and never think about it,it is what it is,when its my time to go it'll be time to go no matter what I'm doing,till then I'll enjoy my bike.