Motorcycles are unsafe (Relatively)

[lokiju]

Sometimes you have to risk it all to really live.

Life to me isn't about always being safe.

 

[thechinesehero]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Safeway

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Safeway

Originally posted by: BigJ
Sorry to hear about your uncle, but people do plenty of things that are unsafe every single day.

I'd rather die young and have a hell of a time in the process, than die as an old man and wonder where all my time went.

I'd rather not die in my 20s trying to have a good time, thanks.

Doesn't much matter what you'd "rather not" do. If your time is up, your time is up. When my number is called, I'd rather have lived a full and an exciting life than a dull and boring one.

Also, with the right precautions, you can greatly minimize the risks involved with riding a bike. Not everyone gets hurt, and not everyone dies as a result of riding a bike.

You life wouldn't be full if you died at age 23, now would it?

You just don't get it. Nobody knows when they are going to die. It's as simple as that. So what really is wrong with living every day like it's going to be your last? Because one day, it will. And as long as I did my best to lead a full life, why should I have any regrets?

i feel you man, thats my philosphy for life.. thats why when i see a hot girl with a man i don't care what he is going to try, im going to have my fun.

 

[thechinesehero]

Originally posted by: Rogue

Originally posted by: Safeway

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: ElFenix
most common motorcycle accident: getting run into from behind by cars at stop signs

Actually, that's #2. The most common MC accident involving another vehicle is people turning or pulling out in front of you.

The most common accident overall is rider error in a corner (sliding out, high siding, going off the road, etc)

Exactly, people turning in front of you. You cannot control the #1 accident.

No $hit Sherlock. That last statement was about as stupid as they come. Read it again and think about it for about half a second longer than you've thought about the rest of this thread you've sprayed upon us like so much feces in a toilet bowl. I don't know why, but that last statement of yours touched a nerve within me that just made me angry. No $hit you can't control an accident!!! If you could, they would be called purposes.

Also, I can remove Motorcyles from your thread title and put just about anything else I can think of into it and make it just as stupid and effective as you have. Here's a few to ponder:

"Steak is rediculously unsafe..." = with the choking and mad cow disease and all
"Air is rediculously unsafe..." = poisonous gasses count as air, right?
"Kool-aid is rediculously unsafe..." = all that sugar, could kill diabetics easily
"Finger paint is rediculously unsafe..." = teacher slips and falls on some on the floor, BOOM!, instant death!

Need I go on? This thread is useless. So is someone named Safeway talking about anything related to anything that could cause injury or death. Go ahead, live in your padded room with filtered air, water and organically grown mush for dinner, the rest of us will live life and take our chances.

:thumbsup: safeway is a moron for sure.

 

[MustangSVT]

Originally posted by: Safeway

Originally posted by: BigJ
Sorry to hear about your uncle, but people do plenty of things that are unsafe every single day.

I'd rather die young and have a hell of a time in the process, than die as an old man and wonder where all my time went.

I'd rather not die in my 20s trying to have a good time, thanks.

REAAAALY?!!! I WOULD HAVE GUESSED DIFFERENTLY .. given your name.. :shock;

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Safeway
I'd take a beefy BMW M5 for speed over a motocycle any day.

It's not about the speed (and for the record, even a "slow" bike will outrun a "fast" car). If you've never been down a back country road on an Autum day with sunlight filtering through the leaves and the crisp Fall air in your lungs and been in the scene and a part of it as is only possible on a motorcycle, then there's no way to explain to you what that is like and what it's worth. Cars a nice, and fun (I'm addicted to them myself), but they lack the whole immediacy of the experience and the pure interconnectedness with the outside. In a car, everything's going by on a screen, you're not part of it.

A motorcycle puts you into your surroundings like no other vehicle can. It's a near-mystical experience and there's nothing in the world that I would trade for it.

ZV

 

[Excelsior]

Ill chime in here...

One thing I have noticed around here is the complete lack of good gear being worn by motorcyclists. Like Triumph said, so many I see wear shorts/tennis shoes and a tshirt, then maybe some dinky helmet.

Don't they realize if they simply went down "easy" going just 15-20 MPH on asphalt they could/would have nasty road rash?

I sort of see where BigJ is coming from, but at the same time...you are increasing your risk of death/injury MUCH more when riding a motorcycle than a decent car. Sure, itd be nice to have fun while it lasted, but I guess this is where it becomes a personal decision. I would rather grow older, have a family, etc...to me that is living. Maybe get a sporty car for thrills...or wait till I am older before getting into bikes...

 

[AntiEverything]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: Safeway
I'd take a beefy BMW M5 for speed over a motocycle any day.

It's not about the speed (and for the record, even a "slow" bike will outrun a "fast" car). If you've never been down a back country road on an Autum day with sunlight filtering through the leaves and the crisp Fall air in your lungs and been in the scene and a part of it as is only possible on a motorcycle, then there's no way to explain to you what that is like and what it's worth. Cars a nice, and fun (I'm addicted to them myself), but they lack the whole immediacy of the experience and the pure interconnectedness with the outside. In a car, everything's going by on a screen, you're not part of it.

A motorcycle puts you into your surroundings like no other vehicle can. It's a near-mystical experience and there's nothing in the world that I would trade for it.

ZV

Very well said. My wife and I put a couple hundred miles on the bike yesterday. Everything from the scenery and the weather, to the feeling of the bike underneath you and the road under the the bike, to other motorists. It puts you in touch with everything around you.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Hayabusa Rider
Remind me to hide under my bed. Like Amused I am a long time rider. There are always ways to minimize the risk. Eliminate? No, but low enough that I find it worth it.

Everyone winds up dead or seriously injured? I would be interested seeing solid statistics backing up your remarkable claim.

dude I am not even going to waste time on you. What's a long time to you and how old are you?

if you were a long time rider you'd understand this is part of it.

 

[alkemyst]

and no not EVERYONE winds up fuxored.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Triumph

you think you'd survive being broadsided by a 5000 pound SUV going 100 mph in a car??? 😕

Yes, riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car. There is no doubt about that. But people's perceptions, and the statistics, are greatly influenced by the idiots who ride wrecklessly, with no protective gear to speak of. This includes all of the Hell's Angels wannabe Harley riders as well as the sport bike squids. There are all of these idiots who buy a 600 cc 120 hp missile for a first bike. People with no real training. No wonder the statistics say what they say. I'd love to see someone track the accidents and injuries of people who ride responsibly, wear protective gear, and have been properly trained. You'd see a huge change in the numbers.

My philosophy is this: Do everything you can within your power to reduce your risk (wear your gear, ride defensively, know your limits, and ride within them). And if you still get killed, then f&ck it, it was your time to go anyway. :beer:

I don't think you understand what I said...I said I really don't give a crap what anyone does when they know the risks...but I have known a lot of long time riders now that have passed....to me long time is 20+ years. They weren't reckless, they didn't wear nothing or just a skullcap.

Your 600cc first bike is a laugh...people down here are doing that in high school.

However, in response to your first line...people are sometimes hard to kill. If he didn't take the impact to his body (say his front or rear tire since I don't think you can follow ahead that much), he may have lived.

 

[Triumph]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Triumph

you think you'd survive being broadsided by a 5000 pound SUV going 100 mph in a car??? 😕

Yes, riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car. There is no doubt about that. But people's perceptions, and the statistics, are greatly influenced by the idiots who ride wrecklessly, with no protective gear to speak of. This includes all of the Hell's Angels wannabe Harley riders as well as the sport bike squids. There are all of these idiots who buy a 600 cc 120 hp missile for a first bike. People with no real training. No wonder the statistics say what they say. I'd love to see someone track the accidents and injuries of people who ride responsibly, wear protective gear, and have been properly trained. You'd see a huge change in the numbers.

My philosophy is this: Do everything you can within your power to reduce your risk (wear your gear, ride defensively, know your limits, and ride within them). And if you still get killed, then f&ck it, it was your time to go anyway. :beer:

I don't think you understand what I said...I said I really don't give a crap what anyone does when they know the risks...but I have known a lot of long time riders now that have passed....to me long time is 20+ years. They weren't reckless, they didn't wear nothing or just a skullcap.

Your 600cc first bike is a laugh...people down here are doing that in high school.

However, in response to your first line...people are sometimes hard to kill. If he didn't take the impact to his body (say his front or rear tire since I don't think you can follow ahead that much), he may have lived.

you're right, i really don't know what you're talking about. your posts are all over the place.

 

[huesmann]

Originally posted by: Safeway

Originally posted by: BigJ
Sorry to hear about your uncle, but people do plenty of things that are unsafe every single day.

I'd rather die young and have a hell of a time in the process, than die as an old man and wonder where all my time went.

I'd rather not die in my 20s trying to have a good time, thanks.

There are worse ways to die!

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Hayabusa Rider
Remind me to hide under my bed. Like Amused I am a long time rider. There are always ways to minimize the risk. Eliminate? No, but low enough that I find it worth it.

Everyone winds up dead or seriously injured? I would be interested seeing solid statistics backing up your remarkable claim.

dude I am not even going to waste time on you. What's a long time to you and how old are you?

if you were a long time rider you'd understand this is part of it.

So everyone dies or gets seriously injured?. Show me that it's a part of it.

If your riding skills are like your reading comprehension, never go near a bike like mine. You haven't a chance.

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: Safeway
I'd take a beefy BMW M5 for speed over a motocycle any day.

It's not about the speed (and for the record, even a "slow" bike will outrun a "fast" car). If you've never been down a back country road on an Autum day with sunlight filtering through the leaves and the crisp Fall air in your lungs and been in the scene and a part of it as is only possible on a motorcycle, then there's no way to explain to you what that is like and what it's worth. Cars a nice, and fun (I'm addicted to them myself), but they lack the whole immediacy of the experience and the pure interconnectedness with the outside. In a car, everything's going by on a screen, you're not part of it.

A motorcycle puts you into your surroundings like no other vehicle can. It's a near-mystical experience and there's nothing in the world that I would trade for it.

ZV

:thumbsup: You summed it up perfectly. This is why people get bike fever on nice Spring or Fall day. Nothing can compare. You can drive a convertible car but it's not the same.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

1) Wait till gas hits $10/gallon. Everyone will drive them.

2) I agree, they are unsafe. Guy at work who's ridden for years hit a sand patch at 5 mph or so as he made a right turn. He still can't believe he fell. He was out of work for 5 days. I think it was just a bad sprain though.

3) Wife had a friend in high school that fell off his on the highway. Unfortunately he landed neck first on a gaurd rail. Guess the next sentence ....

4) in-laws neighbor got widowed last year. Not sure exactly what happene, but he ended up dumping his bike while taking an exit on the interstate.

5) (3) + (4) = I am not alowed to get one even if (1) happens.

6) Eventually, I imagine seeing four wheeled personal transport vehicles that are "safer". Kinda like a Prius, minus about 1 foot of width and more aerodynamic. Not sure why GM doesn't understand that this is a good way to get market share back 😕

 

[MetalMat]

Originally posted by: BigJ
Sorry to hear about your uncle, but people do plenty of things that are unsafe every single day.

I'd rather die young and have a hell of a time in the process, than die as an old man and wonder where all my time went.

 

[Wik]

I hardly ride the street. I am not scared of the bike or myself, it is idiots in a cage that want to kill me. If I do ride, it is full gear. I have crashed plenty of times at the track, and at very high speeds. No injury.

I roadrace middleweight (600cc) at the expert club level. Another factor in not riding street is I really don't get off on it. The roads here suck, and riding is rather boring. I rather be doing 160 around T1 at BIR.

 

[EULA]

Personally, I think anything moving at 25+ mph is ridiculously unsafe...

 

[aplefka]

I still want to get one if at all possible due to the mileage.

 

[quentinterintino]

Originally posted by: Amused
I've been riding for 20+ years, on road and off. I'm doing fine.

Not everyone crashes on a motorcycle.

Stop the ninny alarmist bullsh!t.

^Excellent post.

Don't get one if you're so concerned about injuries. Other people may do as they please.

 

[CVSiN]

Originally posted by: Amused
I've been riding for 20+ years, on road and off. I'm doing fine.

Not everyone crashes on a motorcycle.

Stop the ninny alarmist bullsh!t.

exactly I got 20+ years on bikes too.. been down.. been hurt alot worse motorcross racing than I have on street...

I will always have some kind of bike in my garage...

have over 600k miles traveled on bikes so far.. and Im 34.
not counting race laps... since no odometer on race bikes =P

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Triumph

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Triumph

you think you'd survive being broadsided by a 5000 pound SUV going 100 mph in a car??? 😕

Yes, riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car. There is no doubt about that. But people's perceptions, and the statistics, are greatly influenced by the idiots who ride wrecklessly, with no protective gear to speak of. This includes all of the Hell's Angels wannabe Harley riders as well as the sport bike squids. There are all of these idiots who buy a 600 cc 120 hp missile for a first bike. People with no real training. No wonder the statistics say what they say. I'd love to see someone track the accidents and injuries of people who ride responsibly, wear protective gear, and have been properly trained. You'd see a huge change in the numbers.

My philosophy is this: Do everything you can within your power to reduce your risk (wear your gear, ride defensively, know your limits, and ride within them). And if you still get killed, then f&ck it, it was your time to go anyway. :beer:

I don't think you understand what I said...I said I really don't give a crap what anyone does when they know the risks...but I have known a lot of long time riders now that have passed....to me long time is 20+ years. They weren't reckless, they didn't wear nothing or just a skullcap.

Your 600cc first bike is a laugh...people down here are doing that in high school.

However, in response to your first line...people are sometimes hard to kill. If he didn't take the impact to his body (say his front or rear tire since I don't think you can follow ahead that much), he may have lived.

you're right, i really don't know what you're talking about. your posts are all over the place.

Sorry I assumed most read at at least an eighth grade level. Maybe once you get to the non-remedial classes things will get easier for you.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Triumph

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Triumph

you think you'd survive being broadsided by a 5000 pound SUV going 100 mph in a car??? 😕

Yes, riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car. There is no doubt about that. But people's perceptions, and the statistics, are greatly influenced by the idiots who ride wrecklessly, with no protective gear to speak of. This includes all of the Hell's Angels wannabe Harley riders as well as the sport bike squids. There are all of these idiots who buy a 600 cc 120 hp missile for a first bike. People with no real training. No wonder the statistics say what they say. I'd love to see someone track the accidents and injuries of people who ride responsibly, wear protective gear, and have been properly trained. You'd see a huge change in the numbers.

My philosophy is this: Do everything you can within your power to reduce your risk (wear your gear, ride defensively, know your limits, and ride within them). And if you still get killed, then f&ck it, it was your time to go anyway. :beer:

I don't think you understand what I said...I said I really don't give a crap what anyone does when they know the risks...but I have known a lot of long time riders now that have passed....to me long time is 20+ years. They weren't reckless, they didn't wear nothing or just a skullcap.

Your 600cc first bike is a laugh...people down here are doing that in high school.

However, in response to your first line...people are sometimes hard to kill. If he didn't take the impact to his body (say his front or rear tire since I don't think you can follow ahead that much), he may have lived.

you're right, i really don't know what you're talking about. your posts are all over the place.

Sorry I assumed most read at at least an eighth grade level. Maybe once you get to the non-remedial classes things will get easier for you.

Let's not turn this into a personal level flame fest.

I said that they were unsafe, they are. End of story. Don't talk about defensive driving or any crap like that. A safe driver in a car and a safe driver on a motorcycle both get in accidents. Who has a better chance of minimal injury/survival?

Point proven.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

No matter how safe you are, something bad will end up happening.

This is the point unproven, and why this thread has not sunk to the bottom. We are not debating that there is risk involved with motorcycling. What I and some others are saying is that you are exaggerating the risk. For me the most dangerous thing I tried to do was riding a bicycle in the Boston area when I lived there. After being forced off the road a few times I gave up. No one once tried that on my motorcycle.

So, bicycling in the city is more dangerous than a motorcycle. What about skiing? How about serious injuries per miles? I'd wager it's far higher. Many die doing that.

You have singled out a single activity and made a false statement. That is why we respond as we do,

 

[Safeway]

I suppose I went about it the wrong way, but I have seen some pretty bad stuff. And like I said, my uncle died as a result of a motorcycle injury.