I think I’m having some kind of midlife crisis, but all of a sudden I’m getting the itch to buy a motorcycle.

Never ridden one ( other than dirt bikes as a kid) and don’t really know much about them. There is an Indian dealership and the scout classic and the bobber caught my eye.

Any recommendations or suggestions? Should I buy used as this may be a passing fad?

Where a helmet.

Be impulsive. Go get it tomorrow. Surprise everyone.

Don't.

Take riding lessons.

Don't scratch that itch. You'll thank me later.

I’m also fighting the urge to go get a bunch of tattoos.

Something is up

This brings back memories. I grew up on dirt bikes. Buddy put me on a V6 cruiser and I promptly put it into the wall and a gas pump in the same wreck. I spent a total of 53 white knuckle miles on the road, I’ll never do that again. Apparently all rear break on a cruiser is the wrong thing to do in a panic.

Fill out the organ donor section on your license and get your paperwork in order

Buy used and do take a lesson if you are not accustomed to large bikes.

If you’ve never been on a street bike take the msf course. Seriously. It will give you a taste of a street bike in a controlled environment where it’s no problem if you drop the bike. Buy used. You aren’t on the hook for depreciation as much if you end up not liking the bike or riding or if you drop it.

As for all the idiots who make comments about organ donors and the like, just ignore them.

Motorcycles are a ton of fun. By far and away the most enjoyable vehicles I’ve ever owned are motorcycles. I’ve got two now and if I had unlimited funds I’d have a dozen more next week.

If you have a family and are a responsible person, don’t get a motorcycle and ride on a public road. I investigated a lot of motorcycle accidents so I’m not just parroting what others say. It’s from actual knowledge and experience.

Omigod!

I broke my ankle on a motorcycle in my 20’s when someone pulled out in front of me. Still have bone chips in that ankle that periodically give me problems. It could have been a lot worse. I was lucky. Had a cousin that was in the army and had two young kids. He was a fine upstanding man. He was killed on a motorcycle while he was stopped at a stop sign in Colorado. Struck down in the prime of his life. Damn near killed my uncle when it happened. I ended up giving mine away. Find you a crazy tatted up biker chick and let her put you through the wringer if you need to explore your wild side…

We have an officer, he’s a friend and client of mine, that had to be airlifted from Forney to Dallas because a car turned in front of him on his motorcycle. I think he broke both arms, leg, clavicle, hip, and maybe some more, 8 surgeries in just a couple of days. He has a very long road to recovery. Just not worth it in my opinion

'Wife's an RN. She made me swear I'd never get on one. She calls them "donorcycles."

A friend of my brother's was on the Fbg. VFD. Someone dies on one every weekend in Gillespie County.

OP knows the road we had a place on. You could be hugging the shoulder, going 30mph or less, and some new, usually female, rider coming the other way would start screaming at you and "gesticulating" for you to slow down. Motorcycles are a big part of the reason we sold the place.

Leave them to the Bandidos. You aren't one...and you don't want to be.

I have had 2 friends killed on motorcycles. I drove a street bike every day till I was 18, rain, sleet, snow…I didn’t have a car. My last day on it I was doing about 40mgh when an old lady, just flat did not see me, she was at a stop sign I had right of way, she pulls right in front of me. I didn’t even have time to break or do nothing, hit it straight on flew over the car like shot out of a cannon and hit the concrete face first. Good thing I had a full face Bell helmet on. I got up and walked away, bike was totaled, collected insurance and bought an 77 corvette, have not had a street bike again, but I have had the itch to get another one.

You have to drive them like you are invisible.

Murder-cycle...do NOT get one!

I rode motorcycles for more than 40 years I owned a number of bikes. However, after a dog in Arkansas ran out in front of me 15 years ago and put me in the hospital for a week it was time to call it quits. I was a very experienced rider, but with the crazy drivers now days there’s no way I’d ride again. If you do ride make sure to take the driving course and try and stay out of city traffic.

I had one. would not ride one these days.

Good advice take riding lessons, wear a helmet practice early mornings before you hit the roads and travel and learn to use the front brake. If you think you see a bunch of morons on the road now in your car or truck wait till you get that bike.

Don't do it. I need someone to argue with on this forum. And don't talk Bo Bo into getting one too.

Between 1970 and the early 80's I probably had fifteen dirt bikes, three Kawasaki 1000s and two Harley 74s. A car hitting me nearly cost me my leg. The cool factor left and never came back. Fast forward: Texting, an open border, and just plain morons changed the roadways. This isn't Kansas anymore. It's just different these days. If you want to question your own thinking go visit somebody in a nursing home.

This was my realization. I have a dual sport Honda CRF250L I use off road right now, but was wanting to get a super moto set of wheels and tires to ride it on the street with. My wife was not happy with the idea and she said almost word for word what you said about being a responsible person for your family, is it really worth it to have some idiot run me over and take me away from my family just to ride a motorcycle to work 2-3 times a week. Really hit home with me and I'm in complete agreement after hearing it. It's also insane that 90% of people I drive by on the highway are on their phones not paying attention to anything around them. Every time I see this I'm thankful I'm not on a motorcycle riding next to these people.

I wouldn't have one in the USA, Not enough bikes on the road and people just don't look out for them.

Go to some country that is chunk full of them like in Asia and ride all you want, they are very common form of transportation in SE Asia.

I got that itch back in 1999 or thereabouts. Currently have a Harley Davidson, nothing fancy and doesn't get ridden much, but it's paid for and fun once in awhile.

Absolutely, 100% go take the basic rider safety course before you ever think of getting on a bike:

https://www.texasmtc.com/Motorcycle...g_BRC.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Listen to your gut and don't take stupid risks, like riding in shorts, tank top and no helmet.

Go for the tattoo or get a fancy Sprinter instead. It is your life, but please think about and weigh the risks. I have seen too many wrecks.

We buried a nephew down in San Antonio last year that got the same itch. Never even got his permanent tags before a car got him.

That’s what I’m worried about. Everyone else on the road.

I do have kids and a wife, probably will shelf this idea as the risk/reward factor isn’t there.

DustinZ71...........if you're going to try and reinvent yourself by changing your screen name you gotta' stop reminding people why you are trying to reinvent yourself.

A wise choice.

May buy a 4-wheeler and ride up in the mountains

Best of both worlds

I had a midlife crisis about 5 years ago and got back on street bikes after many years of not riding since college. I had a blast I owned 4-5 motorcycles that I always wanted or owned in the past (FZR1000). My last one which is a Kaw Ninja ZX14r (207 HP) is going to its new home this next friday. I loved every minute of owning them. I'd only go out on Saturdays and Sundays out west of DFW on two lane roads with zero cars.

A really good friend of mine from church it was a little bit older is suffering from Guillain-Barre disease. I would go see him in the hospital weekly he could just move his eyes looking at me. I said to myself there's no way I can do this to myself and family with a potential motorcycle wreck. So that was my decision to get off the street bikes. I still love motorcycles and ATVs and I have a couple of vintage Honda Big Reds that I restored that give me a little bit of fun.

If you do make the decision don't get something too big or too many ccs and do not ride where there are any cars because people do not see you. My deal with my wife was my kids will never get on a motorcycle and I would get a big whopping term life policy in case something happened.

These were my 80s 90s 2000s abd 2010s era literbikes with the green Kaw going to its new home this next week.

Think about getting out in the heat getting something done avoid this devil’s workshop with too much time on your hands conjuring up all this mid-life crisis stuff.

Go for it! Take the MSF and buy something used and sized for learning. Lots of good options out there that look great, stylish, and still manageable. Once you have your sea legs, move up if you still enjoy. Get out of the City if possible. Enjoy country roads and fresh air while remembering, it is not that they can't see you, it is more that they just don't look.

And it is amazing to me how anytime I mention being a rider when speaking with a group, some jackhat will tell me to change my life. No! The same answer I would give if asked to give up meat, or stop hunting, or abstain from whiskey and cigars, NO!

Smart move.

A more responsible choice for sure. Things just happen on a bike. Sometimes it’s nobody’s fault at all. Several years ago I drove up on a motorcycle accident out in the country here. The guy was hurt pretty bad and had been riding on a farm road with hardly any traffic. He was zipping along and was hit by a flying Tom turkey. He said he didn’t want to ride in the evenings because of deer but never thought about a flying turkey around noon.

Do you love your family? If so then take out a couple million dollar life insurance policy so they will have some financial security.also if you are married it will make your wife better looking

Itches I've had and scratched or just the itch, boat, and murdercycle, and wife. Never had water craft (too far from water anyway), the bike thing...had a few just grew out of it, wife, there are 4 cases of how not to have relationships! Boats and bikes are always experiencing cost and limited use enless you are hard core and have expendable money.

I had an old age crisis, scratched it, still don't think I'm over it. Shopping again.

On the scooter, I wanted one SO Fing bad as a teenager. My Dad said HE77 NO!!!. Neighbor had one, a Ducati. Both times I got on it we wrecked. I LOVE motorcycles, they are cool machines. Go to YOUTUBE and see the guys testing the Twin Turbo Hayabusa. It will blow your mind and convince you, there is no need for a Motocycle.

Get one of these instead. There are some GREAT deals on them now.

There was a motorcycle fatality here day before yesterday now that I think about it

'Guy that owned the pest control business in Junction had a deer run out in front of him on the Old Segovia road, he swerved, ran off the road and was killed; a couple of years ago now.

I stay away from things where something as small as a rabbit crossing the road can lead to my demise. Too many easier ways to wake up dead.

I rode dirt bikes as a kid and had a CBR929 for a spell in college. Eventually, it's not a matter of If you get in some kind of accident, it's how bad.

If you are having a mid life crisis do what I'm doing.... be responsible and have a kid at 49......it's a lot safer, I think.

My last ride was a yamaha

Don’t, one of my good friends just had 7 surgeries from an accident he had. He hit a pig.

Doctor’s don’t know how he is alive out side of divine intervention. In his 40’s and worth almost 9 figures. He almost left his wife and two kids husband and father less over a motorcycle. Kids need their fathers

I'm 74 still ride mine. Not as often or on hot days.

Get you an Indian and love it!! This post gives me second thoughts but I love riding. Had my first bike, Yamaha Roadstar, when I was 16. Got my Roadmaster last year. I’m now 36 with three kids and they all love riding with me.

Changed my screen name a year or two back. I’ve never seen someone so upset as you online that you still have your feelings hurt over an internet argument 5+ years later. So sad

If you got the motorcycle you have to get the tattoos

Nope. Rode some as a youngster and had a couple of near misses that dampened the enthusiasm considerably. Lost three friends to motorcycle accidents and a handful more that have lifelong issues due to bike wrecks. Too many distracted drivers and animal hazards around here.

I don’t even ride my bicycle on the streets. I had couple times cars nearly hit me, did not see me, I figure I’m playing Russian roulette and just a matter of time someone runs me over, so I stopped doing it, I stick to bike trails and walk ways.

https://can-am.brp.com/on-road/us/en/models/previous-model-year/2024/ryker.html#ryker-sport

Here's what I'm thinking about buying. I won't ride in the city but will trailer it and take it somewhere a little safer to ride.

X10

Don't do it. Too many idiots out there. If you want to ride, get a dirtbike/Enduro and ride trails.

Haven't been on a Harley-Davidson in 30 years, but have one in my garage waiting on new this and that. Going to take a riding course to see if I still have what it takes. If not, I'll have this one for sale.

I went in with a couple guys and bought a Harley to resell for profit. Wasn't smart but I learned how to ride while partners weren't looking, I survived, and the money I lost on the deal was about how much the education was worth.

I have ridden a lot. Had my first motorcycle at 16 that was in 1985. Rode in snow, ice, cold hot, had to get to work, Three motorcycles since and I will tell you a lot on the roads have changed….people DO Not pay attention now. It is just not safe. I sold my motorcycle 2 years ago with no regrets.

I never wore a helmet and my hearing has been affected because of the wind noise. I crashed twice, once hit a speed limit sign at 40mph looking over my left shoulder, second someone pulled in front of me and tore my acl off my femur,fractured my tibula along with tearing my miniscus (sp). First accident was in 1998, second was 2009ish.

Main reason I sold my bike that had 76,000 miles on it was it takes me an hour to get to the relaxing part of the ride (in the country).

Now days if you are gonna get a motorcycle, dress for the slide not the ride. Heck after my truck got smashed into this past June while I was in an exit lane, if that guy who hit me would have killed me while on a motorcycle. Said “he looked up” and then hit the brakes.

Keep the shiny side up!

Picked my buddy up yesterday and he told me about the fatality wreck, happened right in front of his house.

Traffic was at a stop due to road construction and guy was sitting on his bike at the end of the line.

F-450 pulling a gooseneck came over the hill not paying attention and rolled completely over him.

I won’t go into detail about the worst one I ever responded to but the rider and the truck that hit him were fused together. There was no longer a distinguishable human.

A motorcycle was my only vehicle for over two years. Any weather but ice I was riding in. You have to pay more attention to your surroundings for sure but that’s a pretty good habit to have. I typically feel safer from idiots on the road when I’m on a bike because of how well I can see around me and how much more agile a bike is. That said, I also don’t live in Dallas/San Antonio/ or similar massive city.

I’ve ridden streetbikes my whole life but I don’t ride as much as I used to anymore. There’s nothing better than wind therapy when I’m struggling with my day to day life. I can get out on my Harley and all my problems are left in the rear view mirror. I’ve ridden all over the US and loved every minute of it!! Take a riding class and stay away from city driving as much as possible…lots of dumbass drivers out watching their phones instead of the roads, so act like you’re invisible and stay alert!

I responded further above. One thing I will say and you guys that ride or rode street bikes for any number of years would agree that riding motorcycles has made us much better behind the wheel of automobiles from both an offensive and defensive fashion. Riding a motorcycle (should) mentally drains you because you are constantly focused 100% on every situation possible any given time and what any driver or critter or particle in the roadway will do to your day/life. I would wager the majority of folks who are getting killed riding motorcycles are going to be guys that are older getting into it for the first time and guys that are younger getting into it for the first time. And let me tell you something... my reflexes is a 20 year old rider or so much better than when I was a 50-year-old rider. Reverse that for instincts.

Find you an old knuckle or panhead that needs a little cosmetic work and call it a project.
I sold my last one six years ago, doubt that I get another.
I do have stories to tell though. lol

I’d say no chance in hell, but there are way too many people around so hey you do you…. But don’t

I have a hard and fast rule not to ride in any traffic. I'm lucky that I live where I can ride early in the morning and see very few cars and the ones I do see gives me time to heighten my situational awareness. The one time I broke my rule a kid turned left right in front of me. Brakes went on quickly and I almost went over his hood. We were close enough that I made solid eye contact right as he turned. Needless to say, I have not broken my rule again. They are fun but it takes a massive amount of discipline to be safe.

I saw a electric motorcycle today going down the street.

Kinda cool

Do it now

My dad was killed on one when I was 9, hit a brick on 635. Having two boys and a wife, and knowing how life is after losing a dad and husband, I sold my bike when my wife and I got married.

EMS, Doctors and Nurses call them "Donor Cycles"

Used from a dealer is a good way to go (unless you’re loooaaaddedd; then what the heck). Keep the size (cc’s) below an 800. Many trade in for bigger after becoming comfortable. Don’t let a salesman talk you into something more than you can handle. I rode the “twisties” a lot on many types, and loved the Ducati Hypermotard. Started my street experience on the 1988 NT 650 Honda Hawk. Became the original motorcycle rally promoter for the Honda Hawk forum years ago.

I rode and raced off-road motorcycles for decades, owned several street bikes over the years that I commuted into Austin for work. I logged tens of thousands of miles on the street. On my way home one day, an old lady pulled out in front of me and my life flashed before my eyes and my experience of racing dirt bikes saved my life by my reaction to ride out of it. Very close call as it ripped my gear shift lever and foot peg off the bike and severely bruised my left foot/leg. By the time I go home, I tossed the keys on the counter and said the bike is for sale, just way to many idiots and people don't pay close enough attention. I have rented a street bike on occasion while on vacation, when there was roads suited for riding with minimal traffic concerns ...

I would NOT recommend buying a street bike ...

i walked away from the scout 2 times now. last time i looked at the scout, i glanced around and saw the FTR's. i've always wanted the scout but those FTR's felt better ergonomically, sitting position, leg position, just felt so much more comfortable, better for long distance anyway. then i remembered what dad would tell me, "son, i wish you wouldn't", so i walked away again. i still want to get back on the dirt though ...

About 15 years ago, fuel prices got quite high. A bunch of Firemen I work with bought motorcycles. A bunch if Firemen wrecked motorcycles, due to people pulling out in front of them, and a dog running out in front of one of them. A bunch of Firemen sold their motorcycles.

I worked a whole lot of car and motorcycle wrecks. On the motorcycles, 90% of them was not the motorcycle rider's fault. It was everyone else around them, not looking for them.

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.

[/quote]


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.

I rode motorcycles from 15yo until I was 40 (I am 75). Rode all over the country, any weather, my HD was my primary source of transport. A divorce in '89, a geographic change, and a 'start over' job, left me without a bike. I wanted to get back up on two wheels but finances/changes in work station/spouse resistance kept me from getting another bike. The longer I waited, the more problems I had that would interfere with riding. Don't be like me - get the bike! Yep - it can be dangerous, but so is getting out of bed.

I agree, we can't live forever, got to enjoy life.........

https://www.txdot.gov/about/newsroom/statewide/motorcyclist-deaths-on-the-rise-in-texas.html

600 deaths and 2,400 serious injuries last year in the state. I find it hard to believe there are 3,000 people a year being unalived/incapacitated getting out of bed.

More fun facts: 3% of the registered vehicles in the country (motorcycles) make up 14% of fatalities, and travel less than 1% of total miles driven. https://cousinbenny.com/motorcycle-accident-statistics/

A few weeks ago on the island of Roatan, I got to do all the crazy stuff I always wanted to do here, taking a rather sketchy motorcycle tour. The challenge was to keep up with the insane local dude who was leading the circus. Up on the sidewalk, through the unfinished construction, weaving through pedestrians, huge potholes, aiming for six-inch gaps between speed bumps at forty, passing cars between two-way traffic, down the beach, so much dangerous fun. Danger+survival=fun.

Nobody shopping for a bike wants to hear the flood of horror stories about the dangers. They probably already know enough of them- I know I did. I got one anyway when the "inscrutable exhortations of the soul" forced me to get a motorcycle at about 36. I rode through my youth before that. I got a KLR 650- a big, tall bike like I was used to, not a potato machine that's low and heavy.

Being me, I tried to scare myself away from it. I watched every video I could find of motorcycle riders dying, losing limbs and heads, getting smeared and ground down by pavement, flipped through the air, and generally having an embarassing end to their ride. There is some truly horrific stuff out there. I trained myself to ride super slow, tested my stopping distances, set rules for where/when I would ride. I got an armored jacket, good helmet, rode in boots (please don't ride in crocs and shorts...) I was the most defensive rider I could be. I was able to avoid traffic and bad roads by taking longer, scenic routes.For over a year, 2 wheels was my primary daily transport in all weather.

The good: When you have the road to yourself, it's great riding in to work while the sun rises over green rolling hills. Like being superman about four feet over the pavement. Being connected to the machine, working the levers and feeling the engine, beautiful. No cage around you- feel the wind and the sun and the speed.

The other stuff: Cars sometimes will look right directly at you and not see you. It's absolutely a real thing-a cognitive problem where the brain filters out anything not fitting the "car" profile- and you should ride with the assumption that you are invisible even with your brights on. I've even caught myself not mentally registering motorcycles when I drive.

Some cars are out to mess with you.

If you or someone else makes an error and there's any contact between vehicles, you'll go down, and physics will offer no exceptions to the rules. Go punch the road and see how it feels.

I loved that bike. I sold it when I could step over to a nice new little car. The experience was good, and I realized I there was no way for me to be safe enough for it to make sense. Little reminders of vulnerability, like cars repeatedly, playfully, swerving toward me while going the opposite direction on narrow two-lane roads showed me I could be taken out at any moment with no options to react.

Cars and cycles don't mix well, and the car always wins. I'd have gotten a trail bike in retrospect, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

Doesn't state the time frame, but......... Approximately 1.8 million emergency room visits and over 400 thousand hospital admissions occur to those over the age of 65 from falling out of bed
Been riding for 51 years, worst thing to happen to me was when racing dirt bikes. I will say no way in heck i'd ride a bike through the DFW area on 30, 20, 635, 820, etc. Just no!

Sold my last street bike two days ago. I'm done. Feeling good about it. My odds have just increased exponentially that I'm headed toward a healthier retirement lifestyle to where I won't be potentially hobbled by injury, recovery or medical bills due to a wreck. Long term play for me.

But we just traded for one so are you sure...?

Nice. Your dealership does that?

Classic cars and trucks, motorcycles, ATVs...