roguerower
Diamond Member
Riding a motorcycle is, for the most part, as dangerous as you make it.
1. A significant amount of risk can be eliminated by wearing the proper gear all the time, no matter where you go. It won't help you from an impact but if you get thrown from the bike or go down and end up skidding around like a pinball you'll be much safer. This one always makes me shake my head in frustration when I see cruiser riders, Harley riders specifically because it seems that's the "culture", riding in jeans, a t-shirt, and a bandana. I understand that they aren't moving as fast as a sportbike rider, but they're also on a MUCH heavier and slower responding machine.
2. Riding in traffic is a calculated risk depending on speed and congestion. Throw in tired or distracted drivers and the risk percentage increases, however a large amount of risk can be eliminated by keeping your head on a swivel and never getting complacent. I've been tempted a whole lot of times to pull up next to a car and just start berating the driver because they couldn't wait 5 minutes to text their BFF about what so and so was wearing today at work (not to mention that texting is now illegal in San Antonio). I don't do it because I don't know how the stupid ass driver will respond.
3. Riding in the country can be even more dangerous because of the added risk of critters and random vehicles. Went out this past weekend and ran across a couple of deer and a dog during the ride. When you throw in tight corners where vehicles can haul ass around a corner and cut into your lane the percentage goes up even more.
With all the above said, I will still continue to ride my bike. I wear proper gear when riding around town, and on the weekends when I go out to have fun, I wear a leather 1-piece racing suit. As I experienced this weekend, I will bake my ass off, but the extra protection I have makes it all worthwhile.
I don't want to look back in 10 years and ask myself why I led a sheltered life inside so I could stay "safe". I want to be 50-60 years old and still be able to throw my leg over a sport bike or jump out of a otter and pull my own chute. I know it's a bit overused but:
“Life is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ... WOW! What a ride!”
1. A significant amount of risk can be eliminated by wearing the proper gear all the time, no matter where you go. It won't help you from an impact but if you get thrown from the bike or go down and end up skidding around like a pinball you'll be much safer. This one always makes me shake my head in frustration when I see cruiser riders, Harley riders specifically because it seems that's the "culture", riding in jeans, a t-shirt, and a bandana. I understand that they aren't moving as fast as a sportbike rider, but they're also on a MUCH heavier and slower responding machine.
2. Riding in traffic is a calculated risk depending on speed and congestion. Throw in tired or distracted drivers and the risk percentage increases, however a large amount of risk can be eliminated by keeping your head on a swivel and never getting complacent. I've been tempted a whole lot of times to pull up next to a car and just start berating the driver because they couldn't wait 5 minutes to text their BFF about what so and so was wearing today at work (not to mention that texting is now illegal in San Antonio). I don't do it because I don't know how the stupid ass driver will respond.
3. Riding in the country can be even more dangerous because of the added risk of critters and random vehicles. Went out this past weekend and ran across a couple of deer and a dog during the ride. When you throw in tight corners where vehicles can haul ass around a corner and cut into your lane the percentage goes up even more.
With all the above said, I will still continue to ride my bike. I wear proper gear when riding around town, and on the weekends when I go out to have fun, I wear a leather 1-piece racing suit. As I experienced this weekend, I will bake my ass off, but the extra protection I have makes it all worthwhile.
I don't want to look back in 10 years and ask myself why I led a sheltered life inside so I could stay "safe". I want to be 50-60 years old and still be able to throw my leg over a sport bike or jump out of a otter and pull my own chute. I know it's a bit overused but:
“Life is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ... WOW! What a ride!”
Last edited:
