Bummer....
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,438
Likes: 6
From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi
The old saying goes that there are two kinds of bikers. Those who have been down and those who are gonna go down.
As strange as it might sound I think it's good if someone lays their bike down one time (hopefully, very hopefully, it will just a one bike accident with no one around). It teaches us humility and how fast things can go bad if we aren't constantly careful and respectful of these great machines.
I grew up on dirt bikes. I think all those crashes helped to make me a better street bike rider but if I think for one second it can't happen to me I know that's exactly when it will.
As strange as it might sound I think it's good if someone lays their bike down one time (hopefully, very hopefully, it will just a one bike accident with no one around). It teaches us humility and how fast things can go bad if we aren't constantly careful and respectful of these great machines.
I grew up on dirt bikes. I think all those crashes helped to make me a better street bike rider but if I think for one second it can't happen to me I know that's exactly when it will.
Charlie D.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: NJ
Whatever happened, prayers for the downed rider and his family.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
That's why even though it's worked out fine for the wife and me, I would rarely advise a friend or anyone asking my advice to start out on a big bike. I think it best to become familiar with the mechanics of riding first on a smaller bike.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
a lot of interesting/valid comments, many that echo my own feelings. I also started out on dirt bikes 40 + years ago, went bigger gradually as my skill set grew, and also went down during my first year on pavement. Learned a lot of lessons, haven't gone down since (crosses fingers) despite buying and riding many bikes that were "way to big for you" (other peoples opinion: I'm a skinny lightweight..I mean SKINNY).
I think my initial opinion here was an accurate "gut read" of the rider. I had no doubt that there was no parking lot time in his future; he was planning on hitting the highway the day he took delivery.
We do all make dumb mistakes...ideally we survive them and learn from them so we don't make the same mistake again. to the new rider with a case of the nerves; nothing wrong with being a bit nervous...it'll keep you a litle cautious, and maybe stop you from succumbing to a dumb urge to do something you know you really shouldn't. Don't let horror stories scare you away from riding...you'd miss out on an amazing experience and lifestyle.
that said, it sadden's me a great deal to see something like this happen. Over confidence killed this man, not the bike he was riding. It's probably a good lesson for all of us to keep in mind.
I think my initial opinion here was an accurate "gut read" of the rider. I had no doubt that there was no parking lot time in his future; he was planning on hitting the highway the day he took delivery.
We do all make dumb mistakes...ideally we survive them and learn from them so we don't make the same mistake again. to the new rider with a case of the nerves; nothing wrong with being a bit nervous...it'll keep you a litle cautious, and maybe stop you from succumbing to a dumb urge to do something you know you really shouldn't. Don't let horror stories scare you away from riding...you'd miss out on an amazing experience and lifestyle.
that said, it sadden's me a great deal to see something like this happen. Over confidence killed this man, not the bike he was riding. It's probably a good lesson for all of us to keep in mind.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,362
Likes: 13
From: georgetown ky
Unfortunatly this isn't the first time I've heard of this happening. More so on Hi performance crotch rockets and invincable kids.
About 2 summers ago a middle age man and his wife. came in to the local dealer and bought a new ultra. They made it to the first stoplight not 1 mile from the dealer I guess he got nervous,scared forgot how to stop whatever. ran the light just to get broadsided both were killed.
About 2 summers ago a middle age man and his wife. came in to the local dealer and bought a new ultra. They made it to the first stoplight not 1 mile from the dealer I guess he got nervous,scared forgot how to stop whatever. ran the light just to get broadsided both were killed.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 510
Likes: 0
From: northeastern ohio
Sorry to hear about accidents...been off my bike for 2 months due to injury...rode a little yesterday...confidents isnt what it used to be. Thats a good thing for me! Prabably keep me out of trouble! Watch the cagers..one almost got me yesterday