Motorcycles

[Kelaan]

Want my advice? Downsize to a smaller car, especially if you've never ridden before.

... the safety concerns - especially if you're using it as your sole vehicle - are more than enough to offset the costs.

The horror stories that I've read about people missing hands, feet, or heads from motorcycle accidents scare the hell out of me. (It's arguable that I'm just pussy, but I prefer to say Risk Averse.) If I were looking for a small vehicle, I'd probably look at a mini-cooper (I've read good stuff about their safety). The Smart cars ( http://www.smartusa.com/ ) look silly, interesting, and can park in ridiculously small spaces too. (No idea on the safety.) I'm not sure I'd trust my instincts as a motorcyclist with little experience, given how aggressively (and carelessly) car drivers tend to drive.

If you're looking at the cost of gas, try looking at small cars, or diesels. Granted, it's not a motorcycle, but it combines versatility, cargo, and decent mileage with improved safety.

[Fivelives]

Out of curiosity, roughly how many of the motorcycle accidents you've witnessed have been the fault of reckless/careless riding on the cyclist's part, compared to being another party's fault?

In my experience most bike accidents could be prevented by the rider.

I agree with Shyrtandros. The biker can avoid a lot of the accidents I've seen, but I'm not exactly an accident scene investigator. I'm just the guy with a spatula that comes by and scrapes up the aftermath.

I will say this, though - most of the fatal accidents I've seen are either car vs pedestrian/bicyclist or car vs motorcycle. Accidents involving motorcycles are just downright more likely to be fatal than accidents involving cars alone.

If you really WANT to ride a motorcycle, then by all means do. I'm the last person to tell people they can't or shouldn't - just that they should acknowledge the risk and consider it in their decision. However, if it's just a reason of easier maintenance and increased gas mileage, then I suggest looking elsewhere; donorcycles be dangerous.

[Dibdib]

Out of curiosity, roughly how many of the motorcycle accidents you've witnessed have been the fault of reckless/careless riding on the cyclist's part, compared to being another party's fault?

In my experience most bike accidents could be prevented by the rider.

I agree with Shyrtandros. The biker can avoid a lot of the accidents I've seen, but I'm not exactly an accident scene investigator. I'm just the guy with a spatula that comes by and scrapes up the aftermath.

I will say this, though - most of the fatal accidents I've seen are either car vs pedestrian/bicyclist or car vs motorcycle. Accidents involving motorcycles are just downright more likely to be fatal than accidents involving cars alone.

If you really WANT to ride a motorcycle, then by all means do. I'm the last person to tell people they can't or shouldn't - just that they should acknowledge the risk and consider it in their decision. However, if it's just a reason of easier maintenance and increased gas mileage, then I suggest looking elsewhere; donorcycles be dangerous.

Just chiming in to agree with the above. It being "the other guy's fault" is scant consolation when you have two broken legs (or worse) and Fivelives is on his way to pick up the pieces. The majority of advanced bike training is about seeing these situations before they develop, and making sure you're somewhere else when they do.

Unfortunately this particular link is very UK-centric, but even if you don't choose to take advanced riding instruction I'd advise at least picking up some of the books. On this side of the pond the classic textbook is "Motorcycle Roadcraft" which is written for and used in training police motorcyclists:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorcycle-Road ... =pd_cp_b_0

I'm sure there's something similar where you are.

[Thalia]

Whatever you decide just be very very safe and careful.

I don't know how many times I've had bikers ride up next to me and I had no idea they where there because their bikes where so quiet. Like I said I don't know much about bikes, but perhaps get one that car drivers can hear, a lot of motorcycle accidents happen beacause vehicles just where not aware a bike was next to them (even though they should look in the mirror).

Aergis is never ever allowed to buy one EVER. But this is from a wife who's cousin was in a biker crew and about 1/3 of it died in motorcycle accidents. My cousin had a close call too, he fell off his bike trying to impress a girl and skinned his back, had to be in bed for 2-3 months on his stomach while it healed. Please be very careful =)

[Arnock]

Well, I've had my new bike for a couple of weeks now, but only just now got around to taking pictures.

Anyway, here's me and my new baby:

[degre]

Grats! Hope you're having fun on the road! ^_^