I'm Out
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 26
From: Florida
In the last two years I've lost 4 friends I graduated HS with, all under 60 years old:
1. Art: Died from complications from a stroke. Didn't smoke, drink, or otherwise do stupid stuff. He did ride a Harley, which had nothing to do with his death.
2. Jim: Died from brain cancer. Used to ride a Yamaha 650 bout 30 years ago.
3. Mickey: Health nut. Ate right, didn't smoke or drink. Ran every day. Died in the middle of his morning run with one of those 'widow-maker' heart attacks.
4. Chris: Didn't smoke or drink. Maybe a tad overweight but not obese. Another 'widow-maker' heart attack.
And there's one of the owners of Frazier's HD in Buford, GA.
Ralph, Jr. Killed while seeking shelter during a storm on a motorcycle camping trip ... by a damn falling tree!!!
Yeah, motorcycles are dangerous!
Mal
1. Art: Died from complications from a stroke. Didn't smoke, drink, or otherwise do stupid stuff. He did ride a Harley, which had nothing to do with his death.
2. Jim: Died from brain cancer. Used to ride a Yamaha 650 bout 30 years ago.
3. Mickey: Health nut. Ate right, didn't smoke or drink. Ran every day. Died in the middle of his morning run with one of those 'widow-maker' heart attacks.
4. Chris: Didn't smoke or drink. Maybe a tad overweight but not obese. Another 'widow-maker' heart attack.
And there's one of the owners of Frazier's HD in Buford, GA.
Ralph, Jr. Killed while seeking shelter during a storm on a motorcycle camping trip ... by a damn falling tree!!!
Yeah, motorcycles are dangerous!
Mal
That said I think it is up to each rider to make motorcycling as safe as possible for themselves by expecting that EVERYONE else on the road is either blind, deaf or stupid. I commute 85 miles one way, most of it on major highways through several larger cities and I don't think I encounter 4 close calls a year. And if I do have a close call it has never been bad enough to cause me to panic or lose control. I may have to react suddenly and get caught a bit off guard but I am quickly able to find an out and get out of the situation. I'd like to think that it because I am always trying to think five steps ahead of me. I look at everything, from the condition of the road and the availability of emergency lanes to glancing at the drivers of cars that are in my "zone" to see if they have any distractions going on.
My point is that some of us are cut out for riding and some of us are not. And I don't fancy myself a total expert. But I play it safe with every mile and just try to use as much common sense as I can.
I guess riding is just not for everyone, no matter how much they might enjoy it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 16
From: Peoria, AZ
Living in the Phoenix area, there is at least one person killed in and auto accident every day. That does not mean I'm going to stop driving my car.
We all have close calls on our bikes, just do your best at driving defensively.
Good luck whichever way you chose.
We all have close calls on our bikes, just do your best at driving defensively.
Good luck whichever way you chose.
Riding a motorcycle is not for everyone. I've been riding for 20 years and have had many friends in and out of motorcycling.
For me, it's a passion. It's a way to clear my head and relieve stress. The type of bike doesn't even matter. Being on two wheels makes me happy.
Sometimes it takes a single event for you to decide it's not for you. You can always buy back in if you change your mind.
For me, it's a passion. It's a way to clear my head and relieve stress. The type of bike doesn't even matter. Being on two wheels makes me happy.
Sometimes it takes a single event for you to decide it's not for you. You can always buy back in if you change your mind.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 969
Likes: 3
From: Maine
According to this link I would start out at about 15K and work down from there.
http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycle...dard-Equipment
http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycle...dard-Equipment
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 6
From: Michigan
Probably start asking $16k and work from there.
http://www.kbb.com/motorcycle/retail...lassic/361711/
http://www.kbb.com/motorcycle/retail...lassic/361711/
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,762
Likes: 12
From: north jersey
i'm dying to do this to some distracted cager one day and see their reaction lolol
sorry to see you go pal. hope you don't regret yer decision down the line.
sorry to see you go pal. hope you don't regret yer decision down the line.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 884
Likes: 0
From: n
1. No matter how much of a bad *** you are, there is always somebody badder than you--learned that life lesson already. They maybe in that car, maybe not.
2. Even if you are armed, you will lose an encounter with a person in a 3,000 lb car if they are pissed because you kicked their mirror and they decide to use the 3,000 lb car against you. If they stop and want to rumble you may have a shot. Otherwise, you will lose. If you think you can pull a piece, ride, avoid a dumbass and fire with effect, you are awesome or have seen too many SOA episodes.
Last edited by fdb2007; Jul 17, 2012 at 05:27 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 134
Likes: 53
From: Southeastern CT
I really appreciate all the advice folks. The rest of the story behind my decision is that both of my brothers (only siblings) passed away in the last couple years. This near miss made me realize that I don't want to put my parents in the position of having to bury their only remaining child. I guess it made me re-think my priorities and what I consider is important in life.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 9
From: LaSalle, Ontario
yup your done for now, I've been there before had a close call gave it up for a long time while the kids were young. Got back at it and had a guy turn left in front of me hurt my left leg pretty baddly but actually kept riding soon as the insurance replaced my bike 2 weeks later. That was in 06 and have many memorable trips since. So take some time off and see how you feel in a few years. Good luck with selling the bike $14k should move it.