You hear a lot about close calls and danger when looking at motorcycles from the outside. I'm looking at motorcycles now for the first time, and my wife is concerned. As I just want a chill cruiser, I thought maybe some perspective from actual riders might help with the perceived danger. What do you guys think? Do you have any stories or opinions? Anyone experience any accidents that armor/air vests came in clutch? I appreciate any insight you guys may have!
I've been riding for 3 years. About 3 months in, I grabbed my front brake after the car in front of me slammed on theirs. I went down and broke two bones in my foot. If I hadn't been wearing all the gear, things would've been much worse. If I had more experience, I probably wouldn't have crashed at all.
Start by taking the MSF beginner; it'll get you on the right path in terms of skills and good habits to learn. Don't stop there, though...take the intermediate and advanced courses too. In some areas, the classes are subsidized since they go a long way to reduce meat crayons. However, don't think that just because you took a class or two that you're suddenly invincible.
Wear all the gear all the time. Even when its hot. Even when its a short ride. All. The. Time.
Practice on every ride. Do some slow, sharp turns. Do some emergency stops...at the speeds you ride, not just at 25. Once a week hit a parking lot and spend time doing weaves and swerves and turns. Replicate the exercises you did in the courses you took or the books you've read.
Watch tons of videos: Dan Dan the Fireman, MotoJitsu, Fortnine. Pick a few faves and watch em all the time. Read some books: Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough, Total Control by Lee Parks, Sport Riding Techniques by Nick Ienatsch. Watch every rider you see: pick out the things they're doing well and the things they're not doing so well, and apply what you see to your riding. Immerse yourself.
Lastly, recognize that almost every motorcycle accident is due to rider error. If anything bad does befall you, its probably your fault. So stay humble and work on your skills and never let your guard down.
Wow, thank you for all the recommendations! I'll check them out, and I plan on atgatt, it seems crazy to me to open yourself up to the risk when not wearing gear.
If you don't mind sharing, what could you have done differently to avoid going down?
It is crazy, but you still see cats out there on liter bikes in visors and flip flops. Totally nuts.
My problem was a fully reactionary sudden application of the front brake when I heard the squeal ahead of me. In a car, no prob. On a bike, bad idea. Locked the front tire and it was game over. Instead, I should have either progressively applied brake or just had an escape route in mind. Both are techniques that every course or vid or book will tell you, but its not until you build up that muscle memory that you'll for sure properly apply the right technique at the right time.
Good luck and ride safe!