hi guys,
i succeeded in getting y learners permit today............................................friend sent me an email of motorbike accidents and now its shaken me up bigtime..................i feel so emabarassed and seriously petrified about going ahead with all of this.
forgive the coward feeling but i have had too many people tell me of the dangers and they keep mentioning that i shoukd remember that i have kids and a wife.......................my bubble has been burst!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i am thinking about just leaving the learners permit expire and not go back..................................
really confused and need some serious advice.......................all was ok till the bloody email with accident videos
sincere thanks
Motorcycle accidents do happen, but so do car accidents, farm accident, swimming accidents...etc. Don't let it put you off from riding, take them and your responsibilty to your family and learn to ride properly and safely each time. Take the MSF course, get good gear and wear it everytime you go out. Use good judgement and your head and minimize your risk instead of abandoning riding all together.
My first piece of advice would be not to take any advice from anyone trying to put you off motorcycling who hasn't ever ridden and isn't ever planning on. They just want you to conform to their views. As mentioned above everyone has accidents and its not just bikes and bikers who get hurt.
I've had first hand experience from my girlfriend and alike trying to put me off biking even after i've been riding a year because they want me to get a car. Their excuses are its dangerous if you fall off you'll be killed and all sorts of things that could equally happen whether your in a car or whatever. Sure your more exposed on a bike but good gear, cautious careful riding and there isn't a problem above any normal threat there is to be on the road. I havn't let these people put me off biking, they've never experienced the thrill and excitement of going for a ride on a sunny day just for the hell of it. When you get in the car your just going somewhere its a chore most of the time. Having a bike is about having fun, and improving your skills and not to mention meeting all the other great bikers out there :) (how often do you get a nod or thumbs up from a fellow car driver - errr never)
So long as your safe and take it steady you won't find anything more enjoyable. And as for the person trying to scare you with bike accidents you should google image the words "car accident" maybe that'l put them off driving?
It's great fun, there's a great community out there to support you and with some level headed thinking its not a death defying activity. If i was you i'd go for it, atleast do the relevant training over there and get a bit of biking experience to see if you really enjoy it.
Yes accidents do happen and motorcyclists are vulnerable, they also have most fun. There is a lot you can do to ride-safe, take whatever training you can get, I guess the previous advice is the one to go for. Remeber that most m/c accidents are T-Bones with a motorist pulling out of a side road into the path of a bike, shortly after that driver says " I just didn't see him" so when getting protective gear get hi-viz or use a tabbard, you have to think for the other guy as well, assume that they have not seen you. Once you get riding you will enjoy it so much that all this will become second nature.
I'm 60 and very concious of my vulnerability but all the time I can I'm going to ride, just take common sense precautions, buy the best gear you can afford, (then stop looking) jacket, helmet, gloves, boots and riding jeans if you can. My personal oppinion is whatever else you do don't skimp on the gloves, if you trip in the street what normally touches the ground first ? same on a bike!
Lastly statistics prove that most people die in bed at home or in a Hospital so whatever you do don't give up on everything and stay in bed, it's the most dangerous thing you can do, statistics prove it.
not much I can add to that.
I have two kids and a wife. soon they will be riding too.
I can understand your dilemma and thought process, but.....if your gonna be discouraged by films about how dangerous is is to ride a bike... think about this:
Plane crashes
car crashes
choking deaths
bicycle deaths
lightning strikes
terrorists blowing up buildings
falling down stairs
triping on shoelaces and dying
allergic reactions to peanuts
train crossing accidents
Have you ever......
ridden a plane?
drove in a car?
eaten?
ridden a bicycle?
been out in the rain?
been in a highrise?
walked down stairs?
walked around with untied shoes?
ate peanuts?
crossed train tracks?
REMEMBER ---- On a large enough time line, the survival rate for everyone will drop to zero. --fight club
There are millions of bikers in the world who ride everday.
YES, it is more risky to go to work on a bike than in a cage... if your scared don't get a bike, but don't be discouraged by those who have no experience (or even bad experiences) on a bike.
try it yourself and come to your own conclusion.
60% of bike accidents are by new bikers with no training. The rest is usually not the bikers fault.
buy the bike, take the course and take it easy, you won't regret learning to ride even if you decide not to continue riding.
Good luck :thumb:
4f
I can see your point.
I just got my License and bike in the last 6 months and drive it to work on sunny days (daily 130 miles). I have already done 2000 miles.
I too have a wife and kids.
Your friends tell you stories about people getting killed, but did you look into those stories. On Google news I type in motorcycle and see all reports of people getting killed, I see them doing something stupid. It is rare for me to see someone killed for not doing what I listed.
Reasons for bike accidents/deaths.
1) Speeding - Speed on local streets.
2) Stunting - Need I say more.
3) Drinking - Need I say more.
4) Drug use - again.
5) First bike to Big - People buying a 600 R type bike.
6) Not wearing gear.
7) Driving at Night.
8. Not taking MSF class
9) Setting out on the open road with no practice.
10) Not starting out slowly - I take turns and on and off ramps slowly.
I do not do any of these things; my wife thinks I am too careful.
Keeping my family in the back of my mind keeps what I do on the bike in prospective.
This does not mean that something will not happen to me.
It's up to you; I would at least take the class and see how it goes.
Get a small bike and practice in the mornings when it is not busy.
Just do not ride above your ability!
K
As many ppl have said, a lot of accidents can be prevented with good judgement. However as far as brushing off motorcycle accidents because accidents happen everytwhere (cars/planes etc) I think is a big mistake.
Bikes are dangerous, more dangerous than cars. Yes you could die in your bed or walking accross tracks but really, those are unfair comparisons... Bikes are dangerous, not always because you're are but because you are on the same roads as everyone else with far less 'crunch room' or airbags. Alot of people ride safely and all that wich is great but you do have to be acting like everyone on the road is going to hit you.
I agree to take the MSF course and then think further, however rememebr the MSF is a controlled course and on smaller bikes.
Personally I love riding and am glad I got into it, however my brother (for example) who is not reckless in any actions in driving or anything knows he would not do well on a motorcycle. It is not for everyone, but it may be for you.
All I am saying is think about it seriously, family trying to look out for you. At the same time you don't hear about all the riders who go w/o crashing or getting hurt, just the ones that do. Nobody can make the choice for you.
You're in Australia, I'm not sure about your road/driving conditions, you've been driving around your local area in your car for some time, and kind of know the conditions and the way other car drivers drive around there. Being scared is what keeps you alive (it worked for me).
Car drivers that have ridden motorcycles are less likely to be in an accident with motorcycles.
At least take Australia's equivalent of the U.S.'s Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.
I hope some of your mates that post here see this, they may be able to shed some better light on this. I'll post a link to this in the Australia Meet&Greet. Ok?
Dude, I can't wait to get my permit and get riding! I've been watching all sorts of motorcycle stunts and crashes and stuff. I find them encouraging! Look at all these racers crashing hardcore at 100+ MPH and walking away - Because they had full racing gear!
I wanted a sportbike so I didn't look like a retard on some cruiser in full racing gear :icon_lol: I got my bike yesterday, so today is gear shoppin day after work :icon_mrgreen:!!
Gotta sign me up for some lessons, too :oops:
Ok well you are probably gonna have an accident but if you wear the proper gear you changes of surviving and being realitivily undamaged skyrocket. I just had one myself and I have never once thought about giving up riding. All I want is my bike back........
just like most these ppl said. any thing can happen . take the msf corse ,put on ALL your gear and watch out for YOU you have to act as if no one see's you and you are invisable to everyone . never ever ever ever assume that someone sees you you have to look out for other ppl . dont back down . i know lots of ppl who have kids and wifes and they enjoy every min. of riding . you are sure to love it to . try it if it dont feel right then dont do it .
People have already posted a lot of what I would say. I would recommend taking the safety course so you can see if you enjoy it with no risk. Make sure you have proper safety gear and ride within yourself. I was in an accident in my first few months, single vehicle. It shook me up a little, but I learned and now work hard never to repeat that mistake. Stuff happens no matter what you do. Think of why you want to get on the bike. It has been one of the most fun things I have ever done. I've been riding for one year and love every second of it. Follow the advice on this site. There are a lot of years of moto experience talking. Wear the right gear, get the correct first bike and be smart...
I think you ought to at least give it a try - take the MSF course (or its equivalent) and if you don't like it then so be it. The course is actually an extremely safe environment, and best of all you don't have to spend money on a bike or gear to find out. If you don't try you'll always wonder what if... :dunno_white:
SRSLY! Take a training course... They'll teach you what you need to know to stay up.
I have something to ask: Do any of these people smoke? If they smoke, throw that back in thier face and say hey at least what I'm doing isn't GUARENTEED to kill you!
MATE!
DONT PANIC!
What you are feeling is NORMAL,you have responsibilities[wife/kids/mortgage?]
Everyone gets rattled looking at those pics,just chuck the permit in adrawer
and forget about it for one month and see how you feel then.
No good getting VEGEMITE stains yet,save it for when you get your bike
as im sure you will. just dont rush it.
feel free to pm me if you still feel shithouse.
next time!
DING :cheers:
Quote from: scratch on May 18, 2006, 09:33:31 AM
Being scared is what keeps you alive (it worked for me) ... At least take Australia's equivalent of the U.S.'s Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.
Quote from: DINGO on May 18, 2006, 01:51:50 PM
MATE! DONT PANIC!
What you are feeling is NORMAL,you have responsibilities[wife/kids/mortgage?]
scratch and DINGO! :bowdown: :thumb:
Thinking about your responsibilites and weighing the pros and cons is normal, and I think it's a good thing. I don't enjoy the videos, but I watch them when they're posted, because I think it helps to keep me humble and remind me of what can happen. I wear my gear at all times....I took the safety course...I ride as if everyone's out to kill me.
I have my other half, my son, and my animals, and I constantly think of them, too. Thinking of them helps me make good riding choices. I want to be around for all of them.
Not everything that happens is within our control, but I do my best to minimize risks while having a great time enjoying an amazing sport!
I think by the sheer number of replies that we can all say were passionate about motorcycling and many of us have had accidents or misshaps which we've learnt about and walked away from. Plenty of people would call that quits and decide its time to stop and thats fine, alot of us get up and carry on riding. Its your decision you should atleast train and try it then you can say you've done it :thumb: Whether you choose to keep riding is up to you, but if you do theres all of us guys and gals here to support your riding :icon_mrgreen:
Life in a safe bubble isn't worth living...
Get trained and practice, practice, practice... Prepare for the worst, hope for the best... and RIDE!!!
4r
Well said. :thumb: :bowdown: :cheers:
d3
Quote from: Wrecent_Wryder on May 18, 2006, 05:43:31 PMI don't have to say anything particularly coherent
I already cornered the market on that!
Hey Mate,
I can sympathise with your feelings of apprehension, but as a lot of people have said, getting out of bed in the morning is a risk. I can assure you that if you get a bike and take 'small steps' your confidence and skill level will improve exponentially. I live in Canberra where the majority of people here are absolute shaZam! drivers. They are impatient, rude and just damn dangerous. They tailgate, switch lanes without looking or indicating, and when two lanes merge into one it gets scary as they all try and squeeze past each other. I am very new to riding and have successfully made it through my first year on the road. I ride the bike nearly every day and have done 10,000km in my maiden year. In that time I have had three close calls. On each occassion I was able to avoid incident as I ride with the mentality that I am invisable to all and that road users are unpredictable.
As others have said, pay no attention to those who condemn you for wanting to ride when they know nothing about it. So many people say that if you ride a bike you have a death wish, but I pity those who haven't experienced the joys of riding because I think that if you're not riding you're not really living.
Best of luck with your decision.
I have a wife and 2 children and I ride (in a very dense population with alot of traffic)
Yes, motorcycling is dangerous. And if you take the approach that it is dangerous and learn to ride to take full responsibility of your actions as well as other actions, you will be a safe rider. Take the Motorcycle safety foundation course and beleive that what they teach you is gospel, and you should be fine.
Chris
Sincere thanks to all of you for the honest helpfull comments.
It all started for me months ago when I woke up one morning with this urge to ride.
I have always seen the bikers ride past our house and seen the sexy road bikes and always thought how much fun it would be on a beautifull day to enjoy a ride on a nice long road with friends having the rush of wind and excitement of being on two wheels on the open road.
I suppose I am scared because I have never ridden a motorbike before.....well I have on a friends farm...a little DX80 when i was much younger.
The funny thing is my wife is all for it.
I have been offered to borrow a little yamaha 250 from a good friend who out of all the people I have spoken to has been so positive and reassuring with me.
When it comes to guts I am gutsy.....I fight in full contact martial arts contests and my job is in I.T. where I maintain $100,000's servers....all under my control..each have the consequence of one wrong move will result in me being in a lot of trouble....and yet to hop on a bike scares me silly.
I will give the yamaha a go as their are no stings attached with the borrowing of it......................
and if i get the guts to goahead....will send in my pics of my new gs500f when i get it.
Thanks again guys,
Mate I had as much riding experiance as you and getting a motorbike was something Ialways wanted to do, but was warned off doing so by "people who had my best intentions at heart"
Well, I have to say, I'm glad I have driven on the road for 9 years and learnt road craft in a car, it has made learning to ride a motorbike soo much less daunting.
Just ride within your limits which will start off as basic rides around your suburban block and build up from there.
sure you will have close calls on a bike, but being aware is the best advice I can give.
A good strategy is to give yourself a running commentry in your head of everything you see.
"coming up to traffic lights, check behind me, oh semi trailer, note don't brake too suddenly if the lights go green, approaching lights, still green, watch out for cars turning across my path, quick look for red ligh runners, no pedestrians, ok throttle through"
it works a treat and keeps your mind actively scanning for hazards.
If you can see a hazard you have helped put the odds further in your favour that you can avoid them harming you.
Also, good advice, you must take the precautions that other motorists will make mistakes. Your choice, be in the right and dead, or swallow some pride back off and ride :thumb:
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I think we were all nervous, especially those of us who started riding later in life. For me, what has kept me safe is to always obey the traffic signs and ALWAYS drive defensively, not offensively. If you are screaming down the highway at 100 mph, a car can change lanes, not even seeing you, and you are toast. Stay with the flow of traffic and just be careful. Always wear protective gear, a jacket with pads is best, no matter how tempting it is to jump on the bike in a t-shirt. Consider putting a loud exhaust on your bike so that cars will hear you (hopefully). I'm saving for an exhaust myself. Also, when you do get out there, take it slow. Don't immediately hit the highway. Get used to smaller roads first before you hit the highway. Increase your skills gradually. And PRACTICE! That's important ... try to ride at least once or twice a week. Good luck!