Gonna Buy a Motorcycle - Page 2

Jill · 04-06-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

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!

Elspode · 04-06-2009, 06:28 PM

A guy here in the KC metro area was just killed by being rearended. It does happen. I check my mirrors when stopping to see if it looks like the person behind me isn't aware.

TheMercenary · 04-06-2009, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elspode

A guy here in the KC metro area was just killed by being rearended. It does happen. I check my mirrors when stopping to see if it looks like the person behind me isn't aware.

Most importantly in that situation is never to take your bike out of first gear, don't ever get to close to the car in front of you, and every time I stop I am looking for a quick escape spot next to or between the cars in front of me. That way if someone comes in to quick I can move to that spot quickly. You will see a lot of guys come to stops in those situations and put the bike into neutral. Don't do that. I also always stop to the far right of any vehicle so that I am looking right into their side view mirror and they know I am there.

Bullitt · 03-31-2009, 10:32 AM

That '76 Honda is pretty rad, would love to get one of those.

sweetwater · 03-31-2009, 02:14 PM

I used to get the "you'll kill yourself on a motorcycle!" argument, too, but I'd usually respond with: no, there is a far greater chance that YOU, as a car driver, will kill me. The MSF course is not only fun but worth the time. I like a bike small enough to handle easily and big enough to get me out of harm's way. That size would be different for people that are larger or smaller, so it's hard to give advice to unknown other. My Virago was right for me. Wear your gear and keep a sharp eye on traffic & roadway, and 'keep the rubber side down'. And oh yeah, I'm jealous! I wish I still had my bike.

classicman · 03-31-2009, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetwater

I used to get the "you'll kill yourself on a motorcycle!" argument, too, but I'd usually respond with: no, there is a far greater chance that YOU, as a car driver, will kill me.

Either way you are

sweetwater · 04-03-2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by classicman

Either way you are

True, but I'm going to make a great ghost! :p
And I wanted to remind those 4-wheel drivers that surviving a collision between bike & car doesn't mean they were 'right'. Don't think I convinced any, though.

Pie · 03-31-2009, 04:24 PM

I want a motorcycle...

...but I'm afraid of my mom.

ZenGum · 04-01-2009, 09:53 PM

A driving instructor emphasised the phrase "I shouldn't be in this grave! I had right of way!"

The fact that it is the car driver's fault would be small consolation for being killed or crippled.

That said, you know what you're doing, and a totally risk-free life is not worth having. So ... VROOM! VROOM! GO FOR IT! (carefully).

Elspode · 04-02-2009, 05:38 PM

Now looking at an '82 Kaw 550 LTD with under 10k on the clock. I had an '82 440, not an LTD, and it was a great bike. This will have more than enough power as a commuter bike, has the low seat height and reach back handlebars for comfort and stability (lower center of gravity and all), and looks to be cherry.

I'm stoked. The other stuff I have been pondering has been sold while I was waiting for the check. I have the check now, but have to get it into the bank and wait for it to clear. Sigh.

Elspode · 04-02-2009, 09:41 PM

The '82 Kaw 550 LTD. I hope to pick it up Saturday afternoon in Lawrence. Tomorrow night, helmet shopping.

Beestie · 04-02-2009, 09:45 PM

Cool bike. I hate you.

ZenGum · 04-03-2009, 12:28 AM

A vroom vroom with room room for two ... how foresighted!

xoxoxoBruce · 04-03-2009, 01:27 AM

Cow & Saki... let the good times roll.

sweetwater · 04-03-2009, 08:10 AM

Oh goody, you picked one of the taller bikes that short-legged me couldn't hope to ride - without a training wheel, I mean. Get a great helmet and have fun. I'm still envious.

04-06-2009, 06:28 PM	#2
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	A guy here in the KC metro area was just killed by being rearended. It does happen. I check my mirrors when stopping to see if it looks like the person behind me isn't aware. __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog

03-31-2009, 10:32 AM	#4
Bullitt This is a fully functional babe lair Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Akron, OH Posts: 2,324	That '76 Honda is pretty rad, would love to get one of those. __________________ Kiss my white Irish ass.

03-31-2009, 02:14 PM	#5
sweetwater lives inside a Mobius strip Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,120	I used to get the "you'll kill yourself on a motorcycle!" argument, too, but I'd usually respond with: no, there is a far greater chance that YOU, as a car driver, will kill me. The MSF course is not only fun but worth the time. I like a bike small enough to handle easily and big enough to get me out of harm's way. That size would be different for people that are larger or smaller, so it's hard to give advice to unknown other. My Virago was right for me. Wear your gear and keep a sharp eye on traffic & roadway, and 'keep the rubber side down'. And oh yeah, I'm jealous! I wish I still had my bike. __________________ I knew I shoulda taken that left turn at Albuquerque! - Bugs Bunny

03-31-2009, 04:24 PM	#8
Pie Gone and done Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 4,808	I want a motorcycle... ...but I'm afraid of my mom. __________________ per·son \ˈpər-sən\ (noun) - an ephemeral collection of small, irrational decisions The fun thing about evolution (and science in general) is that it happens whether you believe in it or not.

04-01-2009, 09:53 PM	#9
ZenGum Doctor Wtf Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Badelaide, Baustralia Posts: 12,861	A driving instructor emphasised the phrase "I shouldn't be in this grave! I had right of way!" The fact that it is the car driver's fault would be small consolation for being killed or crippled. That said, you know what you're doing, and a totally risk-free life is not worth having. So ... VROOM! VROOM! GO FOR IT! (carefully). __________________ Shut up and hug. MoreThanPretty, Nov 5, 2008. Just because I'm nominally polite, does not make me a pussy. Sundae Girl.

04-02-2009, 05:38 PM	#10
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	Now looking at an '82 Kaw 550 LTD with under 10k on the clock. I had an '82 440, not an LTD, and it was a great bike. This will have more than enough power as a commuter bike, has the low seat height and reach back handlebars for comfort and stability (lower center of gravity and all), and looks to be cherry. I'm stoked. The other stuff I have been pondering has been sold while I was waiting for the check. I have the check now, but have to get it into the bank and wait for it to clear. Sigh. __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog

04-02-2009, 09:41 PM	#11
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	And the Winner is... The '82 Kaw 550 LTD. I hope to pick it up Saturday afternoon in Lawrence. Tomorrow night, helmet shopping. Attached Images __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog

04-02-2009, 09:45 PM	#12
Beestie -◊\|≡·∙■·∙≡\|◊- Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Parts unknown. Posts: 4,081	Cool bike. I hate you. __________________ ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦

04-03-2009, 12:28 AM	#13
ZenGum Doctor Wtf Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Badelaide, Baustralia Posts: 12,861	A vroom vroom with room room for two ... how foresighted! __________________ Shut up and hug. MoreThanPretty, Nov 5, 2008. Just because I'm nominally polite, does not make me a pussy. Sundae Girl.

04-03-2009, 01:27 AM	#14
xoxoxoBruce The future is unwritten Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 71,105	Cow & Saki... let the good times roll. __________________ The descent of man ~ Nixon, Friedman, Reagan, Trump.

04-03-2009, 08:10 AM	#15
sweetwater lives inside a Mobius strip Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,120	Oh goody, you picked one of the taller bikes that short-legged me couldn't hope to ride - without a training wheel, I mean. Get a great helmet and have fun. I'm still envious. __________________ I knew I shoulda taken that left turn at Albuquerque! - Bugs Bunny

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