owning and operating a motor bike in california (legal, safety)

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by .highnlite

Motorcycling is a high risk sport, not as risky as horse back riding, but risky, acknowledge that, and have fun riding. I can't get behind all the fancy shoes and leathers and euro stuff,, Don't crash, and you won't have a problem.

Uhh... are there statistics to back that up? I'm not sure I completely agree there.

Originally Posted by oddstray

It only takes once. I'll stick with my leathers, TYVM.

I agree. AGATT.

[.highnlite]

Originally Posted by 1200RT

Uhh... are there statistics to back that up? I'm not sure I completely agree there.

.

I put that in there as I knew it would surprise some.

http://www.horsemanshipsafety.com/mulloy.doc.pdf

regarding safety gear. If you were riding your bike helmetless, naked and shoeless, how much more careful would you be than suited up in armor?

I think that for far too many, in far too many activities, safety gear acts as a common sense depressant

Before helmets were required I often did not wear one, with the idea that at the speeds I rode at, it would be better for me to be killed outright than to spend the rest of my life in a care facility.

[1200RT]

Interesting. Still not sure if I can agree, as I don't have time to fully read/understand that article, but interesting nevertheless.

I also don't disagree with people riding less careful because they have gear on - but what about people (like me) who ride as if they were naked AND with gear on? Seems like they may be the safest. I've never been in a collision while riding, thankfully, but will damn sure be wearing gear when it happens.

I have a similar mindset when doing other risky things i partake in - sailing, shooting guns, flying my airplane, hiking, etc. I've been trained to be prepared for the worst, and its never failed me yet.

[.highnlite]

Originally Posted by 1200RT

Interesting. Still not sure if I can agree, as I don't have time to fully read/understand that article, but interesting nevertheless.

I also don't disagree with people riding less careful because they have gear on - but what about people (like me) who ride as if they were naked AND with gear on? Seems like they may be the safest. I've never been in a collision while riding, thankfully, but will damn sure be wearing gear when it happens.

I have a similar mindset when doing other risky things i partake in - sailing, shooting guns, flying my airplane, hiking, etc. I've been trained to be prepared for the worst, and its never failed me yet.

There are many sources of data on the relative risks of equestrian vs other sports. They all concur as to the danger of equestrian sports relative to others.

I may have an edge on most American riders, I rode in Naples Italy traffic for several years. It is a crucible. If you live through the experience you ride differently than those who learned to ride where traffic laws are more than just a suggestion.

[nullgeo]

Originally Posted by 1200RT

... I've been trained to be prepared for the worst, and its never failed me yet.

All well and good ... Until the day you find yourself in a situation that no amount of preparation prevents. Hope you don't ... enjoy life as long as it works for you. But the phrase:"Sh*t happens" has basis in truth. I am a barely living testament to that -- at least a half dozen times over in my life. You do not want to know the details. (I have pictures though ... And they have elicited nausea from viewers)

[.highnlite]

Originally Posted by nullgeo

All well and good ... Until the day you find yourself in a situation that no amount of preparation prevents. Hope you don't ... enjoy life as long as it works for you. But the phrase:"Sh*t happens" has basis in truth. I am a barely living testament to that -- at least a half dozen times over in my life. You do not want to know the details. (I have pictures though ... And they have elicited nausea from viewers)

True enough, but you are a pleasant living testament....

[1200RT]

Being prepared includes not putting yourself in situations you may not be prepared for. For all other times, my backup plan includes a flask of whiskey.

[Gemdiver]

I'm sure if it's been answered or not but do you have any experience riding a motorcycle at all?

[nullgeo]

Originally Posted by .highnlite

True enough, but you are a pleasant living testament....

Why thanks and mightly neighborly of you to say ... And pretty neat the way I didn't lose my incredible good looks, too ... Hollywood still an option after all my messes, even at my advanced age

Originally Posted by 1200RT

Being prepared includes not putting yourself in situations you may not be prepared for. For all other times, my backup plan includes a flask of whiskey.

Though I don't drink anymore myself, I agree that whiskey is a great piece of inventory for the first aid kit.

As for not putting one's self in bad positions, that goes without saying if you've got a lick of common sense ... Still, life can reach right out and snatch a person up no matter how cautious or careful or protected. That's what I'm talking about. But no point avoiding living a vibrant and adventuresome life either.

[NorCal Dude]

I never understand why you have to wear a helmet on a bike, yet is totally okay for these guys to weave in and out of lanes like mad men and ride the lines in between the lanes. It's like they want to make thse people be safe, yet they give them the green light to do all these death-defying maneuvers.

Strikes me as counter-intuitive...