Scared to ride.....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,908
Likes: 29,889
From: PNW
I always have, and always will, ride aggressively. I can't recall where I've heard it, but an aggressive rider/driver (within reason of course) is far more visible and catches more attention. Dynamic sticks out. Static blends. Other motorists take note and remember your presence. I can't say for sure that the psychology behind that is correct - only that it has served me well.
Also, I wouldn't be here if I had applied brakes instead of throttle on a number of occasions. Not the least of which was a 6 week hospital stay. Had I hit the brakes I would have been run flat over. The throttle got me almost out of harms way. Another 3 inches and I would have made it. Damn good thing I was on a fast bike too. Which reminds me - always be in the right gear. Potato potato is nice until you have to roll on it.
Riding is not for the timid.
Also, I wouldn't be here if I had applied brakes instead of throttle on a number of occasions. Not the least of which was a 6 week hospital stay. Had I hit the brakes I would have been run flat over. The throttle got me almost out of harms way. Another 3 inches and I would have made it. Damn good thing I was on a fast bike too. Which reminds me - always be in the right gear. Potato potato is nice until you have to roll on it.
Riding is not for the timid.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,131
Likes: 51,465
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
I’m more inclined depend more on throttle than brakes also. At the same time, I’ll depend on the roar of the engine and never the horn.
Perhaps we learned to dart like a rabbit into a hole in traffic because our survival instincts were developed when motorcycle drum brakes sucked, but disc brakes & abs stopping distances can still get you splattered like a bug on a windshield.
Perhaps we learned to dart like a rabbit into a hole in traffic because our survival instincts were developed when motorcycle drum brakes sucked, but disc brakes & abs stopping distances can still get you splattered like a bug on a windshield.
I am not always right, but I believe strongly in not laying down a bike unless it is to slide under an object James Bond style. I had forgot about how many times throttle saved my inattentive *** in the past till Twizted biker reminded me with his post. I also have noticed that my riding style in traffic is getting more aggressive and I wonder why.
I always have, and always will, ride aggressively. I can't recall where I've heard it, but an aggressive rider/driver (within reason of course) is far more visible and catches more attention. Dynamic sticks out. Static blends. Other motorists take note and remember your presence. I can't say for sure that the psychology behind that is correct - only that it has served me well.
Also, I wouldn't be here if I had applied brakes instead of throttle on a number of occasions. Not the least of which was a 6 week hospital stay. Had I hit the brakes I would have been run flat over. The throttle got me almost out of harms way. Another 3 inches and I would have made it. Damn good thing I was on a fast bike too. Which reminds me - always be in the right gear. Potato potato is nice until you have to roll on it.
Riding is not for the timid.
Also, I wouldn't be here if I had applied brakes instead of throttle on a number of occasions. Not the least of which was a 6 week hospital stay. Had I hit the brakes I would have been run flat over. The throttle got me almost out of harms way. Another 3 inches and I would have made it. Damn good thing I was on a fast bike too. Which reminds me - always be in the right gear. Potato potato is nice until you have to roll on it.
Riding is not for the timid.
Airboater buddy , some of us do get more aggressive while riding with age I'm guilty as sin of it .
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
To the op. You ran into a truck. Not to be insensitive but the rule is if you run into something it's your fault. You were either following to closely or not paying attention. Don't do that again, problem resolved.
Remember this quote "There is nothing to fear but fear itself". I always say to my buddies when I'm skiing the double blacks... "Fear kills".
Remember this quote "There is nothing to fear but fear itself". I always say to my buddies when I'm skiing the double blacks... "Fear kills".
Banned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,820
Likes: 6,615
From: Northern California
It may have been just what he needed to make himself more cautious and aware. It's hard.to know, since he's the only one in his head.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,456
Likes: 2,860
From: SW FL-Jersey Shore Emigre
Laying a bike is down is the worst of an old wives tale. A bike will slide far longer than a bike using it's RUBBER to stop!!
Two things are obvious, you almost hit (or did) a truck that stopped in front of you. You need far better DEFENSIVE driving skills. You need to learn to have an escape path AT all times. Learn to brake, as a TRUCK should never outbrake a BIKE. You can't ride a bike like some folks DRIVE cars. Distance between vehicles and tailgating will never end well for a biker!
Aggressive riding with cars and trucks will also not end well for a BIKER!
Learn defensive driving or quit! You also need to THINK of when a bad situation can and might develop. Intersections and four lane traffic means pay attention to everyone around you.
Two things are obvious, you almost hit (or did) a truck that stopped in front of you. You need far better DEFENSIVE driving skills. You need to learn to have an escape path AT all times. Learn to brake, as a TRUCK should never outbrake a BIKE. You can't ride a bike like some folks DRIVE cars. Distance between vehicles and tailgating will never end well for a biker!
Aggressive riding with cars and trucks will also not end well for a BIKER!
Learn defensive driving or quit! You also need to THINK of when a bad situation can and might develop. Intersections and four lane traffic means pay attention to everyone around you.
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Joe Kucinski
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn, NY
**** happens. Only 2 types of bikers. One who has gone down and the other who eventually will. I rode 8 years before my first one. Had one too many beers. I will never do that again. Second one hit in an intersection, guy runs a red lite on me. Third one I am sitting at a red lite and get slammed from the rear by a drunk driver who left the scene and was caught. (See my garage) All three happened within a two year span. Each time I did not hesitate to get back on the horse and keep riding. Each time I learned something and most of all is that when its your time to go there is no stopping it. Just not my time yet. You can get killed watching a Marathon like in Boston or by some other unforeseen circumstance. Who knows? Just know that there is no way to avoid death and to live life to its fullest like every day will be your last. Love your family and friends and do right by everyone. That is your key. Always ride defensively like as if you are an offensive ball carrier and everyone is out to get you. Say a prayer before you ride and be thankful when you put that kickstand down and you remove your helmet. Best of luck to you. I wish you well. Ride safe.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: SC
Had a crash on a DIRT bike. After months of therapy, the doctor told me if I ever got in a similar crash I lose my left leg below the knee. The crash shook me up, admittedly. I stayed away from any type of bike for a few years, but then I got the itch and went out and bought a street bike. Took a bit, but getting back in the saddle was the best thing I could have done for myself. As has been mentioned though, I stay alert while riding. I'm always playing "what if" (what if a deer runs out if front of me right now, what if that car swerves into my lane) and looking for a way out....
Good luck. A lot of good advise in this thread, but only you will know when you're ready to ride again.
Good luck. A lot of good advise in this thread, but only you will know when you're ready to ride again.