[Ted_Foster]

Gas is already at $3.95/gal or higher, and I recently saw a prediction of $7/gal in a couple of years.

So, I'm thinking about a motorcycle. Not seriously, but I'm thinking about it. Fuel economy can be much better, and I think that I could enjoy the ride. I've never driven one before, but it could be fun.

Motorcycle safety? I can't think of the last time someone had anything good to say about that. My father is a retired MD, and he's firmly opposed to them. Early in his career, he worked in a city hospital emergency room.

Is there any way to ride a bike in reasonable safety? No insult intended to those of you who ride, but I do need to ask. Your comments appreciated.

[Goodpasture]

There are three issues to deal with when you are talking about motor cycles. The first, obviously is the ability of the rider. If balance is a problem, you might consider either a trike or a side car. Otherwise, experience is acquired one ride at a time. The second issue is other drivers. A lot of good riders have been taken out by the gas guzzler on a cell phone or changing the radio station or trying to get a drink or bite of sandwich. Probably more cars have been hit than bikes by inattentive drivers, however, considering the difference in size and protection, the damage to the rider is usually more significant. The final thing is the weather. Slick streets are no joke, and in Oklahoma a storm can come up in a hurry. Fortunately, if you are laid back enough, you can find a place to hang out for a few hours and the weather will pass. So,

if you can develop riding skills,
can keep track of every moron on the road,
and can either enjoy rain in your face or are willing to kick back in a shelter of underpass while nature messes with you, you should be fine.

[karibear]

Originally Posted by Ted_Foster

Gas is already at $3.95/gal or higher, and I recently saw a prediction of $7/gal in a couple of years.

So, I'm thinking about a motorcycle. Not seriously, but I'm thinking about it. Fuel economy can be much better, and I think that I could enjoy the ride. I've never driven one before, but it could be fun.

Motorcycle safety? I can't think of the last time someone had anything good to say about that. My father is a retired MD, and he's firmly opposed to them. Early in his career, he worked in a city hospital emergency room.

Is there any way to ride a bike in reasonable safety? No insult intended to those of you who ride, but I do need to ask. Your comments appreciated.

Gas is high and getting higher. Last time I talked to some friends in AK, it was 4.96/gal on the road system, considerably higher in the bush.

As for motorcycles, there are several things you can do to protect yourself. Have the right kind of clothing. There's a reason why serious bikers wear leathers - when they get dumped [and sooner or later they do] it's a lot easier to repair/replace leathers than to grow new skin. Road rash isn't fatal, but it sure can be painful. Always wear a helmet, a good one. I've worked with some people who've had traumatic brain injuries, and even at the best, they are never the same as they were before. Get as much experience as you can in low traffic areas before you take on highways and cities.

ALWAYS drive defensively. People in cars and trucks just don't 'see' bikes. A friend of mine was killed several years ago on a back road on Bainbridge Island by a truck that just drove right into him. And he was as experienced a rider as they get, he was in his mid-50s and had been riding since he was 12 or 13, starting with dirt bike racing.

[elgusano]

Safety equipment is necessary, as Kari said.

I used to race, and I saw a guy take a spill at the Arai 200 after a blowout, and after a 185 MPH, 1,000 ft tumble, he was airlifted to the emergency room where he received 43 stitches. Nothing else.

By the same token, while in South Carolina, I saw a guy riding without a helmet, he got bumped by a car at about 30 MPH, and died when he hit his head.

Nothing will protect you 100%, but safety equipment goes a long way. Good heavy canvas, leather, kevlar, etc., a good helmet like Arai or Shoei, safety courses, watch others, etc.

But I love it!

[EarthBound?]

Ok, this is coming from a former biker and not a Ruppi, thats a Road Yuppie to you none riders. A bike is only a mechine, like any other mechine i.e a lawn mower, tractor or anything else you can think of that moves. And like any mechine you can climb on, you had better have your Head and butt wired together. The main thing that a good rider should always remember, is that you ALWAYS need to look out for the other guy on the road, because you can count on the fact that they aren't looking out for you. Do what ever it takes to make yourself as visible as possible. 1) rider with your headlights on day and night. 2) don't try and be cool by wearing stupid things like short and sandles, Better Rawhide than your Hide. 3) wear a helmet, they may be only test at 35mph and with only a 35 pound hieght in it, every little bit helps. 4) take a motorcycle safety course especially if you have a local chapter of ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education), in you area. 5) at night time, wear a highly reflective vest, to make others see you. 6) speed will kill you, your reaction time is greatly decreased at high rates of speed, let the other fella be stupid and find his grave first, not you. 7) always keep your bike in tip-top shape, your life may depend on all the mechanical of your bike doing there jobs.

And if your wondering why I said "Former Biker"? Its because I got my Clutching hand torn-up under a faulty piece of equipment. I couldn't pull the clutch in with-out alot of pian, so I figured that I wasn't going to be a safe rider anymore. So, with much sorrow and sadness I gave up rideing. Maybe someday I'll get myself one of those Riddlie Motocycle, they have automatic trannies in them. Good Luck and Be Safe.

Oh, this is a picture of my last bike, its a "77" FLH, 1200cc, Electraglide. H-D

[karibear]

Originally Posted by SeabeeBolt

Ok, this is coming from a former biker and not a Ruppi, thats a Road Yuppie to you none riders. A bike is only a mechine, like any other mechine i.e a lawn mower, tractor or anything else you can think of that moves. And like any mechine you can climb on, you had better have your Head and butt wired together. The main thing that a good rider should always remember, is that you ALWAYS need to look out for the other guy on the road, because you can count on the fact that they aren't looking out for you. Do what ever it takes to make yourself as visible as possible. 1) rider with your headlights on day and night. 2) don't try and be cool by wearing stupid things like short and sandles, Better Rawhide than your Hide. 3) wear a helmet, they may be only test at 35mph and with only a 35 pound hieght in it, every little bit helps. 4) take a motorcycle safety course especially if you have a local chapter of ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education), in you area. 5) at night time, wear a highly reflective vest, to make others see you. 6) speed will kill you, your reaction time is greatly decreased at high rates of speed, let the other fella be stupid and find his grave first, not you. 7) always keep your bike in tip-top shape, your life may depend on all the mechanical of your bike doing there jobs.

And if your wondering why I said "Former Biker"? Its because I got my Clutching hand torn-up under a faulty piece of equipment. I couldn't pull the clutch in with-out alot of pian, so I figured that I wasn't going to be a safe rider anymore. So, with much sorrow and sadness I gave up rideing. Maybe someday I'll get myself one of those Riddlie Motocycle, they have automatic trannies in them. Good Luck and Be Safe.

Oh, this is a picture of my last bike, its a "77" FLH, 1200cc, Electraglide. H-D

My friend who was killed had an Indian that was older than he was. He was a friend from AK, and he shipped it back to NY state and had it custom air-brushed with scenes from AK, wolves, eagles, salmon, the sea, etc. When it was finally finished a year later, it was shipped to us because we had an actual road address, and when DH opened the crate and saw it, he immediately brought it inside where it sat in the living room until Little John got back from fishing.

And there ws a guy in Anchorage who did custom rebuilding. He was an aircraft mechanic and milled all parts from stainless steel. The first time DH saw one of his bikes, he dropped to his knees in the parking lot and literally drooled over it! If he'd ever looked at another woman that way, I doubt if we'd gotten married!

As for the reflective tape, just about any good sewing store will sell it by the yard, for people who make clothing for their kids. You can get those paste-on things at most hardware or automotive supply stores, but it tends to peel off and leave a naaty residue of glue. Stitched on is much better.

[briansgi]

The good thing is you are starting to see a bunch more motorcycles on the road now, so the "cagers" should start being more attentive to the larger percentage of bikes on the road, that's a good thing because my son rides a motorcycle all the time. There is safety in numbers too! My son usually rides with a bunch of his friends, if you do the same you will be more protected, it's hard for the cagers to not see 7-8 bikes as opposed to just one. Most all motorcycles now have day time running lights, which is great, but you should also consider having the strobe day time running light too, just a little bit more insurance. And lastly, ride more at night, it's a lot safer than during the day.

[Synopsis]

You might also consider a high end scooter. They seem to offer more protection and (I believe) their center of gravity is a bit lower than a motorcycle.

You can also get one of these..




Or just the regular scooter. Keep in mind this has a 500 CC motor, so you will be able to go wherever you want.



I'd get one in a heartbeat if I trusted the morons on the roads around here. The one above gets 60 mpg and brand new costs just over 6K (not bad when you see the sticker prices for some motorcycles).

Vespa Oklahoma - The World's Best Scooters, New, Used, Parts, Accessories, Apparel, Service

[Ted_Foster]

I was thinking of a 250cc motorcycle like the Honda Rebel. The retail price is about $3,200. I don't know how good it actually is, but overall Honda is a good brand.

[EdouardZ]

Yes, this honda has a very good quality/price rapport.

I have a question, I'm going to live one year in a familly in Oklahoma (I'm 15 years old), can I drive a 250 cc motorcycle ? thanks