I’ve been hit twice: did a flip over the trunk of a 85 year old man and landed on my feet; and clipped on the freeway while splitting lanes @ 70 mph. Went down on the mountain “twisties” when I hit some sand on the road (and on a racing bicycle while passing cars) City driving is definitely not recommended for a beginner. Stay away for a year or two! AND, buy a new helmet; boots you can shift with; and a leather motorcycle jacket!! However; I would never tell someone not to live and dream or dream for living. I was never injured on a motorcycle (besides some road rash). The worst injury I’ve ever sustained was while I was in my Nissan Pathfinder while sitting at a street light. I was temporarily paralyzed for 3 months, and had to slither on the floor every morning to get in a hot bath.

Not saying it’s not the car drivers fault, but motorcycles are a lot harder to see. Know a person who “pulled out” in front of a motorcycle, the cyclist was killed. The cyclist was estimated to be going over double the posted 70 mph speed limit. Also see them doing really stupid things daily like flying past bumper to bumper traffic either on the shoulder or riding the line between lanes. I chalk it up the the play stupid games win stupid prizes. I know there are responsible riders as well, but the rest of them sure stick out in your mind.

I had a lady come over in my lane once. She knew I was there because I was literally kicking her door. she couldn't have cared less.

got ya beat, dj. i was run off the road, pulled out in front of, and hit at a stop light, all within 1 year. lol, and knock on wood, no broken bones

I watched my Dad darn kill a guy on our way to Dodger Stadium as a kid. Sent the guy flying 30 feet head first into a concrete light pole. And, he was a Lt. for the L.A. Sheriffs Dept. He didn’t like me buying my first street bike; and certainly wouldn’t go flying with me when I got my pilots license (along with an instrument rating & college degree in Commercial Aviation). LIFE IS DANGEROUS. LIVE IT!

I watched my Dad darn NEAR kill a guy…[/quote]

Every few weeks here in Bandera Co. there is a Rice Rocket rider who tries to outrun the local LEO's and DPS. on one of the windy hill country roads. Sometimes they do but the majority of the time they either wind up in jail or the hospital.

I had the itch before having kids. One of my best friends dad got in an accident that put him in the ICU for weeks. My first little one was on they way, that made me sell the dirt bike and cruiser. I still miss it sometimes but I know my family would miss me way more.

Get a bicycle instead

if you must ride, find a dirt bike and a local dirt bike group that hosts monthly ride days ... there are parks around as well (at least around the Austin area). you can burn your desires on the dirt without near as much chance of someone else causing you bodily injury.

This is what I ended up doing. Several of the state parks have trails specifically for dirt bikes and ATVs. Only cost $16 per bike for the year (Aug-Aug).

I've had the motorcycle itch show up here and there my whole life but never pulled the trigger. Came pretty close after 23 years marriage came to an end but went with a boat instead. Much better decision I think. I'm not that old but don't have time or money to wreck a bike and end up in the ER or even with just a broken leg.

I know you don't have much in the way of lakes in your area and seems like you had a K5 a while back. Why not find a classic convertible hot rod or another K5? Running a full convertible 1st gen blazer with the top off on some back roads is a mighty fine feeling. Much safer than a bike also.

and can even make it a family affair ... get the wife & kids into dirt bikes as well ... HIdden Falls Adventure Park outside Marble Falls has over 2500 acres of single track, ATV, UTV, Jeep, etc. trails along with camping (hookups or boondocking) Hidden Falls

Too many cars, young kids and cell phones. I am out.

Mid life crisis, or death wish? Either way, get a hotrod.

In the spring of 1979, my younger brother had a big Yamaha (1100?) and I thought I could ride motorcycles.

Laid it down on a curve just going to a friend's house less than 2 miles from my house. Rolled from elbows to fingertips and my head never hit the ground ( no helmet). I honestly believe an angel kept my head off the pavement.

I got up walked the 1/2 mile home and my dad took me to the ER.

I walked up to the desk-no blood- just a lot of scrapes and a torn t-shirt.

The nurse said "What happened to you?"

I said, "It was the biggest wildcat I ever saw."

She said, You had a motorcycle wreck didn't you?"

I said, "Yes, ma'am."

She said, "Go sit down and fill out these papers."

I said, "Yes, ma'am."

Got back on the bike once it was repaired just to prove I could. Rode it around the yard. Got off and haven't been on another one since.

2 lady riders killed last week in 2 separate accidents, well, one was manslaughter.


for those who think dirt bikes are safer...think again....

Dirt bikes will kick your butt and hurt you. Love em...but no!

Would you still hop on a motorcycle today? Me too. Started very young (see photo w/ my brother); it’s part of my life. However; Team Roping consumes me now. Sold my last bike to buy another rope horse.





Additionally; That’s when I was learning to drive a car

Had a KLR about 5 years ago. Had a doe run out in front of me right at sundown. Laid the bike over, broke my left wrist, lots of road rash. Got it patched up and sold it.

Kicking around another bike nowadays, telling myself it would be better for my commute than a 3/4 ton pickup. But my first kid is due within a month. May have to look at some other toy.

As a seasoned semi-pro I recommend only in non densely populated traffic routes only. AND, proper equipment: new helmet; boots you can shift with; a leather jacket; leather motorcycle gloves; long, tough pants (full leathers can get uncomfortable crusing. But a must in the “twisties”) Also; don’t stress the wife during pregnancy, and until the routine of a child is comfortable. One great feeling in life is having your women or child holding on tight behind you during a pleasant ride.

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Evil’s suspension is what caused most of his wrecks. He would of succeeded on every jump if he had the single arm swing arms of today. Still my hero. He was the best! Bet many of us on this forum saw that Jump live. God bless Evil Knievel.

I had an Evil Knievel bicycle like this when I was kid. Built more old lumber and used tire ramps than I can count.