Why ride street bikes?
- Thread starter Sigarms
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oosik
Epic Contributor
I understand how Sigarms feels and why he feels that way. I'm in my 56th year of riding motorcycles and I guess I've just learned - if I want to ride - I have to watch out for what I do and for what all the other idiots out on the road will do also. If you want to stay alive - there simply is no other way. There sure as H E L L is nobody else out there looking out for the guy on a motorcycle.
That's one reason - I VERY SELDOM will ride in a large town or on a freeway. I ride as often as I can - 8K to 10K per year - and my trips are alway pre-planned so I will not have to go thru a large town or ride a freeway. Just part of my joy of riding and staying alive.
So - one of these day I might meet you in Ewan or St John or Endicott or Winona or Benge or Washtucna or Colfax or Starbuck. OR any of the small town on my travels up north towards Canada.
But don't look for me in Spokane, Yakima, Seattle, Tacoma or the like. Happy cycling.
That's one reason - I VERY SELDOM will ride in a large town or on a freeway. I ride as often as I can - 8K to 10K per year - and my trips are alway pre-planned so I will not have to go thru a large town or ride a freeway. Just part of my joy of riding and staying alive.
So - one of these day I might meet you in Ewan or St John or Endicott or Winona or Benge or Washtucna or Colfax or Starbuck. OR any of the small town on my travels up north towards Canada.
But don't look for me in Spokane, Yakima, Seattle, Tacoma or the like. Happy cycling.
drssg
Veteran Member
As to why, I agree with several other posters. It all comes down to what you enjoy doing and how much risk you find acceptable.
As to the nature of the risk, it's popular for motorcyclists to blame the auto drivers, but there is a substantial percentage where the motorcyclist is at fault. I read some conflicting statistics, only 56% motorcycle deaths involve a collision with another vehicle. Motorcycle Accidents: Common Causes | Nolo.com So roughly half the time, the motorcyclist simply crashes on his own.
In multiple vehicle accidents, roughly 2/3 involve the other vehicle violating the motorcycle's right-of-way. https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/little-known-facts-about-motorcycle-accidents-31124 I interpret that to mean that the other 1/3 involve motorcyclist error.
The bottom line is that significant improvement in safety can be achieved by riding conservatively.
In my unofficial experience, the type of motorcycle influences how well auto drivers see me. I've been riding since the early 80s. My first motorcycle was a very basic Yamaha 650, and all the rest have been Honda Goldwings (large touring style). Almost all of my issues with people pulling out in front of me was when I was riding the Yamaha. I've had very little issue with the Goldwings. I suspect the large faring, luggage racks, and additional lights on the touring bikes make them more visible.
As to the nature of the risk, it's popular for motorcyclists to blame the auto drivers, but there is a substantial percentage where the motorcyclist is at fault. I read some conflicting statistics, only 56% motorcycle deaths involve a collision with another vehicle. Motorcycle Accidents: Common Causes | Nolo.com So roughly half the time, the motorcyclist simply crashes on his own.
In multiple vehicle accidents, roughly 2/3 involve the other vehicle violating the motorcycle's right-of-way. https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/little-known-facts-about-motorcycle-accidents-31124 I interpret that to mean that the other 1/3 involve motorcyclist error.
The bottom line is that significant improvement in safety can be achieved by riding conservatively.
In my unofficial experience, the type of motorcycle influences how well auto drivers see me. I've been riding since the early 80s. My first motorcycle was a very basic Yamaha 650, and all the rest have been Honda Goldwings (large touring style). Almost all of my issues with people pulling out in front of me was when I was riding the Yamaha. I've had very little issue with the Goldwings. I suspect the large faring, luggage racks, and additional lights on the touring bikes make them more visible.
oosik
Epic Contributor
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Bocephous
Gold Member
I've been riding motorcycles since I was 12 (48 now), and have been riding on the street since I was 30. I understand the risk, and am fully aware of the lack of attention most people exhibit behind the wheel.
Almost all of my miles are back and forth to work on country roads, and over the years I've taken this route I've gotten to know the "higher risk" areas.
I treat every other vehicle as a potential killer (I call them ICOD's...Independent Contractors of Death), wear high viz riding gear, adhere to ATGATT, and keep my head on a swivel for deer, dogs, coons, porcupines, possums, coyotes, bear, children, older people who can't hear well, etc. I guess it has become second nature because, in spite of all that, I still immensely enjoy my ride most days. I actually hit a deer several years ago (@ approximately 60-65mph), managed to keep it upright by the grace of God, and never stopped til I got home 17 miles later.
One thing I have learned is that car drivers will pull out in front of you even if they see you. A lot of times if they think you see them doing it they will stop. Slightly turning my head in their direction as they start to roll through the stop sign and shaking it as if I am saying "No" (while covering my brakes) has stopped more rolling vehicles than I can remember.
Almost all of my miles are back and forth to work on country roads, and over the years I've taken this route I've gotten to know the "higher risk" areas.
I treat every other vehicle as a potential killer (I call them ICOD's...Independent Contractors of Death), wear high viz riding gear, adhere to ATGATT, and keep my head on a swivel for deer, dogs, coons, porcupines, possums, coyotes, bear, children, older people who can't hear well, etc. I guess it has become second nature because, in spite of all that, I still immensely enjoy my ride most days. I actually hit a deer several years ago (@ approximately 60-65mph), managed to keep it upright by the grace of God, and never stopped til I got home 17 miles later.
One thing I have learned is that car drivers will pull out in front of you even if they see you. A lot of times if they think you see them doing it they will stop. Slightly turning my head in their direction as they start to roll through the stop sign and shaking it as if I am saying "No" (while covering my brakes) has stopped more rolling vehicles than I can remember.
tractorshopper
Veteran Member
Yes, have to be very focused on all of your surroundings. I've wrecked twice (once my fault when young and trying to take the twisties too fast in the nearby mountains) and came very close twice more.
With all the phones these days, I do feel it's more dangerous than ever. I'm always looking ahead and in all directions anticipating what someone else might do or where I might expect deer to come from. It's not as fun as it was when I was young except when I get up in the mountains where the intersections are few and far between and traffic mostly stays in its own lanes.
I'm very seriously considering selling my current bike and not buying another. The last time I rode, about a month ago now, I was driving in a 55 area going the speed limit and coming up to a Y where cars can yield into the same road I was on. They have to stop first of course to turn left or can yield to the right. I was on the lane that keeps going because I was on the main road already. Anyway, I see this car coming up like they would cross over and turn left (which would come across road in front of me) and doing my normal defensive thing slowed way down just in case they pulled in front of me. I got down to about 25 and literally was looking right at the other driver with eye contact who was now probably no more than 30 yards in front me and for some unknown reason, they did it. Pulled right in front me, then instead of going fast, got confused and just slammed on brakes in my lane. The road is split a little right there and I basically locked the brakes down harder and swerved into the grass median and barely missed his car. Glad my bike has knobby tires and is on/off road because regular street tires would have easily slipped in the grass/dirt and I'd be under his front end instead. Also glad I had already taken more than half my speed off because no way I wouldn't have hit him at full speed. He just sat there looking so confused. Shrugged an I'm sorry, but what the heck. I know he saw me. I hadn't taken the right lane to turn where he could have just gone. I was clearly in the straight lane and he knew he didn't have the right of way because he stopped first and literally made eye contact before pulling out.
Often times, I can tell when no one has made eye contact and I'm already looking for stopping completely or going around if no cars coming. I've experienced this a number of times. I've also been run off the road twice in the last 2 years in my truck for people texting and not even looking at the road. I really think I may hang it up finally. I hate to, but I just don't trust others any more to be paying attention to what they are doing.
With all the phones these days, I do feel it's more dangerous than ever. I'm always looking ahead and in all directions anticipating what someone else might do or where I might expect deer to come from. It's not as fun as it was when I was young except when I get up in the mountains where the intersections are few and far between and traffic mostly stays in its own lanes.
I'm very seriously considering selling my current bike and not buying another. The last time I rode, about a month ago now, I was driving in a 55 area going the speed limit and coming up to a Y where cars can yield into the same road I was on. They have to stop first of course to turn left or can yield to the right. I was on the lane that keeps going because I was on the main road already. Anyway, I see this car coming up like they would cross over and turn left (which would come across road in front of me) and doing my normal defensive thing slowed way down just in case they pulled in front of me. I got down to about 25 and literally was looking right at the other driver with eye contact who was now probably no more than 30 yards in front me and for some unknown reason, they did it. Pulled right in front me, then instead of going fast, got confused and just slammed on brakes in my lane. The road is split a little right there and I basically locked the brakes down harder and swerved into the grass median and barely missed his car. Glad my bike has knobby tires and is on/off road because regular street tires would have easily slipped in the grass/dirt and I'd be under his front end instead. Also glad I had already taken more than half my speed off because no way I wouldn't have hit him at full speed. He just sat there looking so confused. Shrugged an I'm sorry, but what the heck. I know he saw me. I hadn't taken the right lane to turn where he could have just gone. I was clearly in the straight lane and he knew he didn't have the right of way because he stopped first and literally made eye contact before pulling out.
Often times, I can tell when no one has made eye contact and I'm already looking for stopping completely or going around if no cars coming. I've experienced this a number of times. I've also been run off the road twice in the last 2 years in my truck for people texting and not even looking at the road. I really think I may hang it up finally. I hate to, but I just don't trust others any more to be paying attention to what they are doing.
Gem99ultra
Elite Member
Every biker it seems, has a similar story. Its those bikers that can't tell their story is what's so sad. Many fine lives damaged or ended, usually due to a car driver, and often on a cell phone.
I started riding at age 57; now 77. Had to stop recently due to heart problems. But my female partner and I rode our Harley's over 200K miles enjoying this beautiful USA. Nothing like wind in your face, with a handful of powerful motor between your legs. Yeah, I've owned SilverWings, GoldWings, etc., but Harley's happen to be my choice. No flames for whatever one rides. In short, riding is like flying on land.
When a person decides that riding is their choice, they also have to know that they're assuming a big risk. They are simply hard to see, and have to be completely defensive 100 percent of the time. Even then, sometimes some careless driver will slap run over them.
I've had an idiot in a pickup look straight at me on a 4-lane, and swerve to knock me off the road. (Yeah, he was caught, and paid the price!) That situation was probably rare. Most I believe are honest driving errors. The shame of it all is that with the super quiet car interiors, great radios, and cell phones that are so handy, riding bikes, be it motorcycles or bicycles, has become a rare pleasure that few get a chance to enjoy.
I'm not saying 'Don't ride motorcycles'. Just know - you're NOT the big guy on the block. Your life is in the hands of any car/truck driver on the road.
I started riding at age 57; now 77. Had to stop recently due to heart problems. But my female partner and I rode our Harley's over 200K miles enjoying this beautiful USA. Nothing like wind in your face, with a handful of powerful motor between your legs. Yeah, I've owned SilverWings, GoldWings, etc., but Harley's happen to be my choice. No flames for whatever one rides. In short, riding is like flying on land.
When a person decides that riding is their choice, they also have to know that they're assuming a big risk. They are simply hard to see, and have to be completely defensive 100 percent of the time. Even then, sometimes some careless driver will slap run over them.
I've had an idiot in a pickup look straight at me on a 4-lane, and swerve to knock me off the road. (Yeah, he was caught, and paid the price!) That situation was probably rare. Most I believe are honest driving errors. The shame of it all is that with the super quiet car interiors, great radios, and cell phones that are so handy, riding bikes, be it motorcycles or bicycles, has become a rare pleasure that few get a chance to enjoy.
I'm not saying 'Don't ride motorcycles'. Just know - you're NOT the big guy on the block. Your life is in the hands of any car/truck driver on the road.
2LaneCruzer
Super Member
To avoid the inevitable redundancy, I won't list all of my close friends and acquaintances that were killed or mangled on a bike. I even have an acquaintance...a retired ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON...who rides a Harley! He said he had been rousted out of bed many times to "put these guys back together"...but he loves the bike.
In defense of the guys in the automobiles, I'll relate this story. I was on my way to work; it was about 7:30 in the morning. I live in a rural area, so there isn't much traffic, at least at that day and time there wasn't. I am normally a very careful driver, so I don't consider myself negligent. In any case, on this particular morning I was driving West, and came to a 2-way stop. The intersection was completely visible, no large trees or buildings obscuring the view. I stopped, looked both was, determined it was clear, and proceeded into the intersection. I got about half way across when this cycle, coming from my right, blew by me like a bat out of he77.
I noticed that he had his headlight burning; but for some reason I just didn't see him, or if I did, my mind failed to recognize him as riding a bike. It kinda took my breath away; I pulled over and took a few deep breaths before continuing on to work. I'm not sure what to make of this phenomenon; failing to recognize the cycle rider. My vision was better than 20/20 at the time, so that wasn't it. I do know that lights were used in some cases to camouflage vehicles, but I can't say that the light was the problem. I still can't explain why I didn't see or didn't recognize the bike.
I have ridden a bike a few times, and decided that I'm not compatible with bikes or horses.
In defense of the guys in the automobiles, I'll relate this story. I was on my way to work; it was about 7:30 in the morning. I live in a rural area, so there isn't much traffic, at least at that day and time there wasn't. I am normally a very careful driver, so I don't consider myself negligent. In any case, on this particular morning I was driving West, and came to a 2-way stop. The intersection was completely visible, no large trees or buildings obscuring the view. I stopped, looked both was, determined it was clear, and proceeded into the intersection. I got about half way across when this cycle, coming from my right, blew by me like a bat out of he77.
I noticed that he had his headlight burning; but for some reason I just didn't see him, or if I did, my mind failed to recognize him as riding a bike. It kinda took my breath away; I pulled over and took a few deep breaths before continuing on to work. I'm not sure what to make of this phenomenon; failing to recognize the cycle rider. My vision was better than 20/20 at the time, so that wasn't it. I do know that lights were used in some cases to camouflage vehicles, but I can't say that the light was the problem. I still can't explain why I didn't see or didn't recognize the bike.
I have ridden a bike a few times, and decided that I'm not compatible with bikes or horses.