Gonna Buy a Motorcycle

[Jill]

Originally Posted by Elspode

1) I won't ride fast.
2) I am the most paranoid driver you've ever met.

I rode for years back in the 80's and never came close to an accident. I leave many vehicle lengths between me and the vehicle ahead. I scan intersections from blocks away. I practice panic stops. I am a very confident and non-risktaking rider.

So is my husband. None of that helped him when he was struck from behind while stopped at a red light! Thankfully he wears full protective gear head to toe, and remembered to let go of the bike when it went screeching out from under him. Walked away without so much as a bruise. It could've been so much worse -- a motorcycle cop was killed in exactly the same way, when he was thrown into the intersection and hit by oncoming traffic. KEEP THE SHINY SIDE UP!

I love your idea about the brake light on the back of the helmet. I had no idea there was any such thing. I'll have to look those up and see about getting the hubster to use one. He also got a strobe adapter for his headlamps, which I also recommend.

If you do plan on riding with a passenger, especially on a longer road trip, I cannot recommend an in-helmet intercom system more. We took the bike up Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles to San Francisco a few years ago, and it was a godsend to be able to talk to each other along the way.

Enjoy!