Motorcycles and motorcyclists

[Parker]

Originally Posted by durrrrrrrr

when i first started riding, i did take a riding course for three reasons . i figured that could teach me something that i would help me out and the company i worked for paid for the riding course and it also gave me a discount on my insurance for the bike. ( which that doesnt go in effect anymore ) the one thing that the course did teach me was how to prepare myself for trailing a passenger. they told me to put a big ole bad of dog food on the back, strap it down and that will help me get the feel of turning, riding the curves , it will help me feel the weight in the back. well, i did that once. i put the bag of dog food on the back, tied it down. and i was going through a neighborhood, riding slow speed and all of a sudden every freakin dog in the neighborhood was chasing me...i was like WTF? i am use to a dog or two, but this many??? i didnt know until i got home that they bag of dog food had gotten a hole in it and trails of dog food was dropping onto the street..LMAO. which is why i had sooo many dogs chasing me for food. LMAO.

This was funny - and it reminded me that while I taught myself how to ride, I also took a motorcycle safety course. I was in the Navy and at the time, the only way you could ride a motorcycle on base was (s) if you wore long pants, hard soled shoes, a helmet, long sleeves, a reflective vest, and goggles; and (b) if you took a motorcycle safety course provided on base.

So I took the day-long course and got to learn quite a few things that helped me to be safer out there while riding - I still remember most of it.

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Also - for those who want to post pics in threads but dont know how, I made --->this post<--- in the "Members Helping Members" thread with step-by-step instructions -- I included pics because I am a visual person.

[CherylNYC]

Originally Posted by Parker

This was funny - and it reminded me that while I taught myself how to ride, I also took a motorcycle safety course. I was in the Navy and at the time, the only way you could ride a motorcycle on base was (s) if you wore long pants, hard soled shoes, a helmet, long sleeves, a reflective vest, and goggles; and (b) if you took a motorcycle safety course provided on base.

So I took the day-long course and got to learn quite a few things that helped me to be safer out there while riding - I still remember most of it.

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I had been riding for quite awhile before I finally took a course. When we started the Sirens we made a rule that everyone had to have taken a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course at least once in order to join. Those of us who were already members took it as a group at a school where one of our founding members was an MSF instructor. I had no idea how many things I had been doing wrong! I've been eager to take classes and hone my skills ever since.

[Boots13]

I wonder if we can expand this thread into safety and personal experiences? There is so much valuable experience here! I had no idea !

I'd love to also hear from passengers and their experiences ..what makes them feel comfortable? Why they enjoy riding?

LOL, I love Motorcycles, scooters, trail bikes, lawn mowers (firegal, you cracked me up with that one) wheels and a motor counts !

[-Red-Flag-]

I'll ride anything with a motor !!

[durrrrrrrr]

Originally Posted by Boots13

I wonder if we can expand this thread into safety and personal experiences? There is so much valuable experience here! I had no idea !

I'd love to also hear from passengers and their experiences ..what makes them feel comfortable? Why they enjoy riding?

LOL, I love Motorcycles, scooters, trail bikes, lawn mowers (firegal, you cracked me up with that one) wheels and a motor counts !

I have several times had to slam on my brakes...and thinking to myself..oh shit, hear i go! and I have seen so many motorcycle wrecks that I will not have a passenger on my bike. If something was to happen, and I came out of the wreck ok, but yet the passenger didnt make it. I would never be able to live with myself because of that. because of the "what if's"

I know i have had a few friends get bummed about me not taking them for a ride..but, i just cant do it. Not when i have no control of some asshat pulling out in front of me.

my bro-in-law and sister was on their bike, he was taking a curve when a car driving opposite direction crossed the yellow line and my bro-in-law went off the road ( on purpose ) to avoid a head on with the car. they came out of this ok, after several stitches, staples, broken bones.

So, your question makes me wonder as well. do y'all take ppl for a ride?

[JAGG]

My first car was a bike. lol 1983 I was 18 and a Marine just reported to my first duty station, and I bought a Honda CB750. I really wanted a Honda Shadow but it was out of my price range. I had the CB 750 custom for 1 solid week when I got hit by a drunk driver. After the casts came off and the burns healed 3 months later with the insurance money I was able to afford the Honda Shadow. Remember that saying be careful what you wish for..... lmao. All is well that ends well I suppose. I have owned yamaha's dirt bikes etc... I have always had a bike. I own a Harley Softail Standard now.
I would like to get a custom bike with the extra wide rear tire, chopped out slightly with 8 in risers and drag bars like I have now, but I want a big fuel tank so I don't want it chopped out too much. Either that or another Harley Softtail or a WideGlide. I don't belong to any riding groups.

[-Red-Flag-]

I take passengers, but its rare, for benefit rides. If I am dating someone, I will take them.

But I totally get what you are saying about the what ifs and everyone else on the road that you have to be aware of.

[Parker]

Originally Posted by JAGG

My first car was a bike. lol 1983 I was 18 and a Marine just reported to my first duty station, and I bought a Honda CB750. I really wanted a Honda Shadow but it was out of my price range.

Ha - same here, almost exactly ..... except I was 21 and got a Suzuki before getting a Magna - but I really wanted a Shadow. I didnt want a car, so I got a bike and that was my car for almost 4 years while living in CA.

[GreeneyedMe]

Never owned my own bike, but I worked part time at a local Harley Dealership for 3 years. I was invited to go on tons of rides and runs....so I was the passenger...

I learned quickly how to jump off bikes that were going down...(sad but necessary) the ultimate importance of proper gear...and to respect and listen to the person driving that bike. It takes a lot to put your life in someone's hands like that, and more than once I seriously questioned my sanity for going with certain people back then! Also was good to have extra eyes...just because people on 4 wheels DO NOT pay attention like they should...it sucks. I am always on the lookout and listening....

I have been on the back of so many different types of bikes from full dressers, to trikes, to even riding in a side car once...omg that was terrifying! One run was a 75 mile Dice Run on the back of a Sportster with ONLY a bitch bar on the back...That ride was hell...with nothing to lean against, and the driver leaning on me! WTH!! Anyway I thought I would never walk again after that ride....and he was not the most responsible driver....and then it rained...oh what an experience that was....

I also belonged to our local chapter of A.B.A.T.E..(American Bikers Aimed Toward Education)We did tons of fundraising, brought wreaths to the local emergency rooms, even sponsored part of the expressway for clean up detail. And so much more....it was a great time in my life...I miss those days...always willing to be a passenger!

[Cowboi]

I sold my bike about 3 years ago. I had a 2004, 1600cc Kawasaki Mean Streak, candy green. I miss it. I took my rear pegs off, so I couldnt ride anyone, and put a single stilleto seat on it.

[CherylNYC]

Originally Posted by durrrrrrrr

I have several times had to slam on my brakes...and thinking to myself..oh shit, hear i go! and I have seen so many motorcycle wrecks that I will not have a passenger on my bike. If something was to happen, and I came out of the wreck ok, but yet the passenger didnt make it. I would never be able to live with myself because of that. because of the "what if's"

I know i have had a few friends get bummed about me not taking them for a ride..but, i just cant do it. Not when i have no control of some asshat pulling out in front of me.

my bro-in-law and sister was on their bike, he was taking a curve when a car driving opposite direction crossed the yellow line and my bro-in-law went off the road ( on purpose ) to avoid a head on with the car. they came out of this ok, after several stitches, staples, broken bones.

So, your question makes me wonder as well. do y'all take ppl for a ride?

I've been hit in accidents more times than I care to admit. I've been lucky enough to walk away several times, I had a few broken bones in my second most serious accident in 2002, and I was creamed in a VERY serious accident in 2011. Ironically, I was going about 15 mph when I got hit from behind by someone who made an illegal turn right through me. The final tally of the breaks they could find was 23. If there were more I'll never know. Despite all that, I take passengers whenever it seems convenient. Yes, something terrible could happen one day, and I wouldn't be able to live with myself.

I do track days, I teach at the track, and I run a parking lot skills brush-up before our Sirens Opening Ride every spring. Instructing is actually very educational for me. As they say, teaching means learning twice. Even with all the track riding I do, I still take the MSF experienced rider course with the Sirens every two years because I'm serious about keeping my skills as sharp as possible. An MSF professional might find a bad habit I wouldn't be able to perceive in myself. Even with all that, I'm obviously still just as vulnerable as any other rider.

My urban passengers always get a big thrill because I'm an aggressive NYC rider, and I really know my way around my home town. My highway passengers are just as happy. I was terribly ignorant about everything when I started riding. I immediately started carrying passengers who were much larger than I was, and I did it on the hills and trolly tracks of San Francisco where I learned to ride. I just didn't know that my passengers were supposed to be smaller than me. I've never had trouble taking a passenger who is twice my weight or better, and so I do.

So, why am I not reasonably fearful that something bad could happen to my passenger one day? Especially since I would likely sign my house over and put a gun to my head if that ever did happen? I have no rational answer for that reasonable question.

[JAGG]

Originally Posted by Boots13

I wonder if we can expand this thread into safety and personal experiences? There is so much valuable experience here! I had no idea !

I'd love to also hear from passengers and their experiences ..what makes them feel comfortable? Why they enjoy riding?

LOL, I love Motorcycles, scooters, trail bikes, lawn mowers (firegal, you cracked me up with that one) wheels and a motor counts !

As far as safety goes , I drive for a living so I have a little more safe driver training than most people do. And a little more driving experience than most as well. But when I am on my bike, I am constantly antisipating the worst possible scenerio and adjusting myself accordingly. I always assume no one sees me and try to stay prepared to make quick adjustments and quick moves and I always look for an out , like a shoulder or grass, should the worse possible scenerio unfold . So far it has worked well for me.
When I was hit by the drunk driver back in 1983 I was a very new cyclist and unexperienced driver. I was actually sitting at a red light when it all happened, but still I look back and I made alot of mistakes and I am sure I could have avoided it , knowing what I know today. Being a good defensive driver, I like to think is the key to being a safe driver. To me it doesn't matter who is at fault , a broken bone hurts the same way if it was your fault or someone elses. So I want to avoid the accident all together, for example I never tell myself , he has the yield sign not me. Now when I am in my tractor trailer I might say that from time to time. But not out loud. lol

[CherylNYC]

Originally Posted by Boots13

I wonder if we can expand this thread into safety and personal experiences? There is so much valuable experience here! I had no idea !

I'd love to also hear from passengers and their experiences ..what makes them feel comfortable? Why they enjoy riding?

LOL, I love Motorcycles, scooters, trail bikes, lawn mowers (firegal, you cracked me up with that one) wheels and a motor counts !

Great idea! I have very little experience as a passenger, so I would be quite interested in hearing about riding from the pillion perspective.

[Novelafemme]

I would love to own a vintage Indian or even a Harley one day. Living in Tucson means it's motorcycle weather pretty much year round, and someday I'd love to have a vintage Vespa...once my girls are old enough to drive.

As a rider I know it's important to be still when on the back of a bike. And I love making the hand signals at other motorcyclists.

I also know it's entirely possible to ride a motorcycle in 3" heels and a sundress.

[CherylNYC]

Originally Posted by Novelafemme

...
I also know it's entirely possible to ride a motorcycle in 3" heels and a sundress.

Yes! I've done it in 4" heels and a minidress. The trick is to wear pointy toed pumps. Then you can still catch the shifter with the tip of your shoe even when your heel is hooked over the footpeg.

[Dominique]

Originally Posted by Novelafemme

I also know it's entirely possible to ride a motorcycle in 3" heels and a sundress.

Yes, it is. As has been stated several times. (I'm late to the party) . My last bike was a Vespa and I rode fully femme.

I came to my senses and sold my bike a few years ago and don't ride anything but a bicycle any more. Cars and Trucks are so distracted they don't see us. I'm just not willing to take the risk any more. It's sad, as I loved riding.

My first bike was a little indian mini bike when I was seven. Then two years later, my brother and I had a 70cc
*something* that we learned to use a clutch on, and from that point on, we were never motorcycle less. We
rode lots of trails. I bought my first road bike when I was 16. It was a suzuki 185. I rode that bike for years! 400 cc
is a good sized bike for me and it's the largest I've ever ridden, I've never been on the back of a bike. TOO DANGEROUS.

[CherylNYC]

Originally Posted by Dominique

Yes, it is. As has been stated several times. (I'm late to the party) . My last bike was a Vespa and I rode fully femme.

I came to my senses and sold my bike a few years ago and don't ride anything but a bicycle any more. Cars and Trucks are so distracted they don't see us. I'm just not willing to take the risk any more. It's sad, as I loved riding...

I'm so sorry that you don't ride anymore. Everyone makes that decision for themselves, and I remind myself that it's not my business to question. That said, I wish you didn't feel as if your decision to stop riding meant that you "came to (your) senses".

[Boots13]

I thought I'd bump the thread -

It's biking time...
but most motorists are still in winter driving mode and not seeing/looking for motorcyclists.

We've already responded to motorcycle/vehicle accidents. Our sunny day in Seattle started what I hope is NOT a trend.

So, quickie reminders:

-be a swivel head - know what is around you at all times.
-stay out of blind spots
- Left turners, left turners, left turners. Watch for them turning in front of you.
-own your lane, be visible
-dont assume they see you (and if they do, they're aiming for you)
-and of course, no matter who has the right of way...cars are bigger, sometimes you just gotta yield ..

[JAGG]

Originally Posted by Boots13

I thought I'd bump the thread -

It's biking time...
but most motorists are still in winter driving mode and not seeing/looking for motorcyclists.

We've already responded to motorcycle/vehicle accidents. Our sunny day in Seattle started what I hope is NOT a trend.

So, quickie reminders:

-be a swivel head - know what is around you at all times.
-stay out of blind spots
- Left turners, left turners, left turners. Watch for them turning in front of you.
-own your lane, be visible
-dont assume they see you (and if they do, they're aiming for you)
-and of course, no matter who has the right of way...cars are bigger, sometimes you just gotta yield ..

Thanks for the reminders friend.

[Scuba]

Originally Posted by Boots13

I thought I'd bump the thread -

It's biking time...
but most motorists are still in winter driving mode and not seeing/looking for motorcyclists.

We've already responded to motorcycle/vehicle accidents. Our sunny day in Seattle started what I hope is NOT a trend.

So, quickie reminders:

-be a swivel head - know what is around you at all times.
-stay out of blind spots
- Left turners, left turners, left turners. Watch for them turning in front of you.
-own your lane, be visible
-dont assume they see you (and if they do, they're aiming for you)
-and of course, no matter who has the right of way...cars are bigger, sometimes you just gotta yield ..

Excellent tips!! Thanks