Motorcycles worth the risk in today's world?

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C

coupeman

Member
Joined
May 21, 2018
Messages
89
Location
Mesa
Hey everybody, as the title states I'm looking for opinions on if motorcycles are worth the risk before I buy one.

Not looking for a 200hp bike, but the new Triumph Trident or Yamaha mt07. I like naked bikes...and I have no interest in a high revving inline 4 where I have to be over 10,000RPMs to get anywhere. The Trident is 81hp and 47tq for example. I'd rather have the available TQ to actually use in lower RPMS.

About me:
35 years old
1 daughter
Buying the bike to commute on the nicer days and take miles off my daily driver. I live in N Mesa and a lot of times I drive thru the Indian reservation and it's very calm (a lot less drivers) compared to the highway traffic into work or coming home. It's a 17 mile commute each way.

Grew up on dirt bikes
Had a little time on roommates crotch rocket in college. NOT a fan!
Aggressive/defensive driver.
Took the MSF course in 2017 and was by far the best rider there. It was actually very scary seeing some of these people in the class as I didn't think they had the skills or confidence to ride a motorcycle.
Would also continue taking MSF courses to further skills.
Protection gear is a must.

I'm not worried about me being a jackass, as that's not why I'm buying one, but I'm worried about all the other morons who text and drive as I see it still daily.

So please throw out your opinions, I've to hear from people who still ride or from people that hung it up.

Thank you
 
If you feel comfortable with your route. I'd go for it. I ride just for touring outside the city but ride in city. Having dirtbike riding experience helps out than none.

I ride in full gear also, I've had more close call with animals/road debris than I did riding in and out of city.

I also ride to ensure driver can see me and stay out of their blind zone and adjust to any situation to keep myself safe as much as I can.

Sounds like we're similar type of rider. So as long you stay attentive and not get aggravated. You'll be allright.
 
Like any two wheeled medium of conveyance, you are putting your life at risk riding one in traffic. Not due to your skill level, but more along the lines of someone else not seeing you and running your a** over.

That being the case, I would love to get a trail bike again, but getting to the trails is what makes me nervous.
 
Still ride and love it. Just have to assume you are invisible and no other drivers can't see you. It is very helpful to ride with that mindset.

Started out 6-7 years ago on a 97 KLR-650 and had an absolute blast. Sold it to get a Vstrom 650, missed the KLR and now have 2 a 1st and a 2nd gen. The KLR is a bit on the mild mannered side without a bunch of power but still sufficient for travel and commuting. Comfortable upright riding position. They are very affordable and can take you on great back road adventures when the pavement runs out. Also 250+ mile fuel range for exploring. Let me know if you want to try one on.
 
I ride all the time. You must be constantly on watch and defensively minded. Always ride like you are invisible, don't expect anybody on the road to see you. Especially at intersections.

All that said, I love it. It's my favorite way to get around. Is it dangerous? Yep. Do I think it is worth it? Also yep.
 
For those who know Gary Blunt, ask him what it feels like to have a driver look you in the eye and then broadside you while you're riding your Harley.

He no longer rides, but misses it and I'm the same as him except I didn't actually get hit, but there were one too many close ones.
 
Wow guys!!! Didn't expect this many responses this soon. A lot of good info and opinions so far. Thank you

I definitely plan on avoiding the worst freeways where accidents are too common and everything comes to a screeching halt.

Also will be avoiding night time riding.
 
Even if you're vigilant, sh!t still happens. I was rear-ended in 2019 while riding... I was at a stop waiting on a green left arrow (going to Bass Pro). As soon as the light turned green, I started making my turn (first in line), and a minivan rear-ended the car behind me, who then hit me. I was lucky...only some road rash and a messed-up ankle where the bike tried to grind it off on the median curb. $8K in cosmetic damages to the bike, and I STILL have a mark/bruise on my leg to this day.

It's fun and I'll never quit, but sometimes you just can't win.

-WRM
 
About me:
35 years old
1 daughter
Click to expand...

You didn't mention, but is there also a wife? And is the wife the one who is concerned about the safety? And is the wife who raised the point about having a daughter? And is that why you are asking for group support, so you can go to your wife and say "All the other guys say it's OK"?

If that's the case, then the relative safety or unsafety is not the key issue. You are a married man now, and a father. Do what makes your wife happy. Do what's best for your daughter. You want to ride a motorcycle; you want your wife to be happy. Pick one.
 
Timely thread...have been considering small 150-250cc bikes...from a Monkey to a VanVan and so on for my son and I to enjoy riding just as something fun to do together as we hope the shooting costs come down. Would be around here in Fountain Hills, Rio Verde, etc. but watch how some of the older generation drives out here and do worry.

Actual dirt bikes might be wiser since we spend a lot of time on the Rim but already do the itv/atv life up there, street bikes look fun again (past experience was the Ninja world back in college days). Frankly go back and forth daily lately.

Seems like you have the experience and temperament already covered and not to sound like Mr. Nervous but I'd be more concerned on the Res roads than many of the wide lanes of your neck of the woods Mesa. Always looks fun.
 
smithers599 said:
About me:
35 years old
1 daughter
Click to expand...

You didn't mention, but is there also a wife? And is the wife the one who is concerned about the safety? And is the wife who raised the point about having a daughter? And is that why you are asking for group support, so you can go to your wife and say "All the other guys say it's OK"?

If that's the case, then the relative safety or unsafety is not the key issue. You are a married man now, and a father. Do what makes your wife happy. Do what's best for your daughter. You want to ride a motorcycle; you want your wife to be happy. Pick one.
Click to expand...

Wifey is no longer in the picture (divorce) She was actually the one who stopped me from buying a motorcycle back in 2017 and agreed to a car instead.

I sold the sportscar to do more traveling with my daughter but the itch for a motorcycle has come back to life now that I can make my own decisions again. :dance:

WRMorrison said:
Even if you're vigilant, sh!t still happens. I was rear-ended in 2019 while riding... I was at a stop waiting on a green left arrow (going to Bass Pro). As soon as the light turned green, I started making my turn (first in line), and a minivan rear-ended the car behind me, who then hit me. I was lucky...only some road rash and a messed-up ankle where the bike tried to grind it off on the median curb. $8K in cosmetic damages to the bike, and I STILL have a mark/bruise on my leg to this day.

It's fun and I'll never quit, but sometimes you just can't win.

-WRM
Click to expand...

Glad you are okay man! So you're still riding?
 
Donor cycles was a term at one time, based largely on being invisible to the 70mph much larger objects.
 
opal669 said:
Timely thread...have been considering small 150-250cc bikes...from a Monkey to a VanVan and so on for my son and I to enjoy riding just as something fun to do together as we hope the shooting costs come down. Would be around here in Fountain Hills, Rio Verde, etc. but watch how some of the older generation drives out here and do worry.

Actual dirt bikes might be wiser since we spend a lot of time on the Rim but already do the itv/atv life up there, street bikes look fun again (past experience was the Ninja world back in college days). Frankly go back and forth daily lately.

Seems like you have the experience and temperament already covered and not to sound like Mr. Nervous but I'd be more concerned on the Res roads than many of the wide lanes of your neck of the woods Mesa. Always looks fun.
Click to expand...

Once my daughter is older (6 now) I plan on getting us a couple dirtbikes ourselves for that reason. Our friends have them and shes been on one with me and she loved it. She loves going fast. She's my mini-me haha!

The res roads are pretty simple. I work in old town so its a straight shot down indian school rd. The speed limit is 35/40 and I think honestly my biggest issue is all the damn dogs. But I also plan to open carry as I normally have a weapon with me into work anyways.
 
In my own experience, I used to commute on a 1982 Kawasaki 440 LTD in the early 90s. I didn't wear a helmet because it limited my situational awareness, and I wanted to be as alert as possible to prevent an accident in the first place. Mom was horrified that something bad would happen, so she got me a really nice Bieffe racing helmet for Christmas.

It was February, and I was wearing the helmet only because it helped to keep my head warm. I had a drunk driver pull out in front of me in an old Dodge van. I bounced off of him at about 35mph, after trying to come to a stop from 45mph. I only felt the very moment of impact, then it was lights out.

I survived, but the moral of the story here is that I did nothing wrong and did everything right,...and still got phuked up. I haven't ridden since then. I prefer to have some steel around me.
 
Stopped riding on pavement decades ago, too many close calls. Still like to jump on a dirt bike when I get the chance, even as old as I am.
 
Just walked in from riding to meet a board member. WINDY as a Biatch out there today. The 101 was especially interesting!!

Little run from Broadway and S Ellsworth to Shea and the 101. Even on crappy days .. I would rather be riding.

Been riding somewhere around 40 years. When my daughter was born I sold the bike I had at the time doing the responsible thing. I was miserable. Lasted 9 months and bought another bike.

Sure .. its more dangerous than driving in a car and its especially interesting during snow bird season but ... Life is a contact sport and no one gets out alive.

if I stopped doing all the things I enjoy that might be dangerous it would have been a pretty boring life.

Buy the bike and ride like everyone wants to kill you.

My 64 year old wife and I travel all over on this guy and even haul our inflatable kayak and gear on it. I will give it up when they box me up.

0022.jpg
 
coupeman said:
Glad you are okay man! So you're still riding?
Click to expand...

Yeah, just not as much these days. Not because of that though, but because I now live in wintery, VERY rural Illinois... :lol: .

Last year I almost hit a coon, possum, MANY deer, and one time...a freakin' cow.

-WRM
 
opal669 said:
Timely thread...have been considering small 150-250cc bikes...from a Monkey to a VanVan and so on for my son and I to enjoy riding just as something fun to do together as we hope the shooting costs come down. Would be around here in Fountain Hills, Rio Verde, etc. but watch how some of the older generation drives out here and do worry.

Actual dirt bikes might be wiser since we spend a lot of time on the Rim but already do the itv/atv life up there, street bikes look fun again (past experience was the Ninja world back in college days). Frankly go back and forth daily lately.

Seems like you have the experience and temperament already covered and not to sound like Mr. Nervous but I'd be more concerned on the Res roads than many of the wide lanes of your neck of the woods Mesa. Always looks fun.
Click to expand...

I soooooo want a van van!!! :mrgreen:
 
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