I really, really, really want a motorcycle.

[flvegan]

Always have. A Harley.

I rode KX (Kawasaki) bikes in the dirt for a good long time. Loved it. Rode Indian on the road for a few, long time ago.

That said, my very best friend died, literally, in my arms after getting hit by a van on his 125 dirtbike. We were riding together, I still kinda blame myself. It's a tough thing to go through when you're 14.

I also live in a city full of idiot morons, and that's my main reason for not having one.

I'm still drawn to 2 wheels, though. I love my Gary Fisher Sugar more than anything, even though I have to pedal.

Convince me why I should/should not make the leap.

[DarkTirade]

1. My only reason for suggesting that you not get one is this:

Your screenname implies that you live in FL. I know Florida drivers. You're not safe in an armored car on the road in Florida, let alone an open-air vehicle.

[underseasurveyor]

3. LOL

geezus... ain't that the fucking truth.

But then... motorcycles are a lot of fun.

[guitar man]

27. that's a nice shovel you're sittin on

sweet pic! :hi:

[Fire Walk With Me]

2. Two words.

"Other drivers." As the first poster said.

If you were oregonvegan, that might be more fun on a nice bike.

If you get one, I hope you have a blast and are safe.

[Downtown Hound]

4. I had a Yamaha Secca 750

It was a blast, but they are dangerous. If and when you do decide to get one, I recommend getting something a little less pricey than a Harley to start out with. After you've gained some experience, go ahead and get whatever you want. Harley's are nice but they're grossly overpriced and not the most reliable of bikes.

Take riding lessons and be very careful. Motorcycles are one of the most fun things you can own, but they are incredibly dangerous.

[Ron Green]

5. "It's not If, but When..."

Keep pedaling. You're better off.

[barb162]

6. I know a person who became a quadriplegic from a cycle accident.

You already know a person who died. They're NOT safe, statistically, compared to cars.

[bridgit]

7. i know a guy that became allot sssllloooowwwweeer after he slapped his head....

against a concrete abutment even *with* a helmut x(

[barb162]

10. That's s terrible. One of the poster from TX mentioned she saw a

motorcyclist crash into the back of a semi when the semi suddenly slowed. It was on the expressway and she shielded her daughter's eyes from the aftermath. I don't even like to drive near motorcycles.

[bridgit]

11. oh yeah!! out here, they ride up through traffic and flip people off that don't see *them* coming...

that's just goofy :silly: with one's ass hanging so far out there...a little common sense seems not so common after all :(

[barb162]

29. Oh! They just give me the willies. I can't stand driving behind them

I always think they might fall off right in front of me. The thought of seeing them splattered around the road....
In my state they don't have to wear helmets and you will see them with passengers with t-tops and shorts. Absolutely no protection.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. My dear flvegan...

OK...I'll rise to the challenge...

I used to be a Critical Care RN...

I took care of a number of head injuries, due to motorcycle crashes...

They were not pretty.

I didn't see anyone die, but that was just luck.

It's not a matter of if you fall, but when...

:shrug:

[quip]

9. In Emergency Rooms across the country, they are known as "donorcycles"

Life's too short as it is without ending it prematurely. :hi:

[ghostsofgiants]

12. The other bikers would make fun of your vegan leather.

:P

[lligrd]

13. If You Do, Don't Forget To Get One Of These

Airbag jackets.




Motor Cycle Jackets and Vests
DESIGN

HIT AIR motorcycle jackets and vests are available in models for Sport, Touring and Commuter purposes. Summer and Winter styles are available. Waterproof or lightweight rainproof models can also be chosen.

All styles are fitted with the HIT AIR airbag system. The airbag system features protection to the rider or pillion at chest, neck, shoulders, back, hips and bottom.

All jackets are of high quality materials and have CE approved elbow and shoulder armour and back padding. The construction of the jackets is much stronger than most existing jackets as the materials and stitching have to cope with the rapid and forceful action of the airbag inflation. Compared with existing jackets too, the abrasion resistance is increased due to the additional layers and qualities of the airbag and its protective sleeve materials.

more> http://www.hitairaustralia.com/jackets.htm

[LeftyMom]

14. Because I don't ever want to have to spoon feed you or wipe your ass?

You're handsome and healthy and I'd like to keep you that way.

[Midlodemocrat]

16. It's true. You don't love him.

:cry:

[seemunkee]

17. Best answer yet

[IndianaJones]

15. for commute or for fun or both? nt.

[av8rdave]

18. Make the leap, but....

Take the motorcycle safety foundation advanced course (every few years is a good idea).

Try to ride in groups whenever possible.

Those two things alone will improve your odds a lot!

Happy riding,

Dave

[Phillycat]

19. Well, yes and no.

I love them too, and ride on the back with friends any chance I get. However, I worked in an emergency room, and it's not pretty. It's instantaneous - you go from functioning human to stuff on the pavement so fast.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

20. in florida? i would be afraid.

[Mountainman]

21. First of all Harleys are not worth the price they ask. I have a Kawasaki 1500 Mean Streak and my

friend has a Harley. He is always getting repairs done and repairs on a motorcycle can be expensive. It cost about the same to get two tires and an oil change on my bike as it does 4 tires and an oil change on my car.


The only thing I dislike about riding my Kawasaki is that I will eventually have to stop and get off.

On edit, I read most of the posts so far and they talk about getting injured or killed on the bike. I read were motorcycles are 75% more dangerous than riding in a car. I accept that but you either take the risk and enjoy the trills or stay off bikes and don't enjoy the thrill. I chose to ride and have been riding since I got my first bike in the 80's. I learned to ride on the 5 freeway in LA on a Sunday having spent the previous night riding up and down San Fernando road and riding my brothers bike at the Rose Bowl they night before that. I loved it then and still do!

[ohiosmith]

22. You'll put your eye out.

[zingaro]

23. oh cycles rock.

They do. I dated a guy who rode one. It was amazing, really. The most free...well, you know. I also worked with a guy who was killed on one. And you told a compelling story in your original post. Obviously, you know the odds.

As other people have said, they are called 'donorcycles' in emergency departments all over the country. I'm not saying that riding a motorcycle will change your life for the worse in any big, meaningful way. It might not. You might never even have a teensy piece of gravel pop up from the road and nick the outside of your hand. Then again, you might get run down by a cement truck, which is what happened to the guy I knew.

The question is entirely yours: How happy are you with the odds?

[guitar man]

24. If you do get one

DO: Wear a Helmet and protective gear...every time you ride.

Take a rider skills and safety course and pay close attention.

Spend plenty of time on quiet streets and back roads getting
intimately familiar with the machine...until it becomes like
an extension of your body before tackling heavy traffic.

DO NOT: Drink and ride...ever. Same for drugs, fatigue or riding while
overly stressed or upset.

Do not trust cagers. Especially if they are in a position to
make a left turn in front of you, pull out in front of you or
some other stupid thing, assume the worst is going to happen
and plan accordingly.

Do not ride through heavy city traffic at high speeds. You'll
wind up a greasy spot sooner or later.

If you want a Harley, get a Sportster. I know a bunch of guys think it's "not a real Harley" blah blah blah. My Evo Sportster has been the best dollar for dollar investment I have ever made in a bike. It gets fantastic mileage and never breaks down.

Good luck!

[kwassa]

25. There is no protection on a bike.

What would be a fender bender in a car means compound fractures, and worse, on a bike.

Virtually every biker I know who has rode for any length of time has had serious injuries as a result.

[Fox Mulder]

26. Get a Vespa.

[Flaxbee]

28. Please don't. You're a great guy,

have found someone (I hope I don't assume too much, I don't keep up with everything here at DU) in LeftyMom, and you do fantastic work with abused and/or misunderstood/needy animals. We need you. I do understand the fun and the lure of it, but sometimes as a person grows older they have to just say "OK, it's been fun doing this or dreaming of that, now on with my life". I'm 38, and have set some dreams aside, and not in a sad way. Just practical, and an acknowledgment that I can't do everything.

[Fire Walk With Me]

30. You haven't even thought about getting a sidecar for your monkey, have you?

:cry: