Discussion
After reading Katie's thread about her boyfriend's terrible accident, and reading of a few other motorcycle fatalities recently, It's got me thinking.....
Are bikes worth the risk?
Now, before I go any further, you'll struggle to find someone with more petrol flowing through their veins than me. Having rode bikes in the past and being a regular pillion passenger, I know only too well their appeal.
Obviously each incident is surrounded by it's own set of circumstances, but after reading of the horrific injuries sustained by Katie's boyfriend, I am really questioning whether bikes are really worth the potential risk anymore.
Two of my closest friends are now bikers, and I have been contemplating getting my license as well - now I'm not so sure.
In fact, I'm not sure I even want to ride pillion again :(
To be honest, I don't even know why I'm posting this - I think I just had to get it off my chest........
Are bikes worth the risk?
Now, before I go any further, you'll struggle to find someone with more petrol flowing through their veins than me. Having rode bikes in the past and being a regular pillion passenger, I know only too well their appeal.
Obviously each incident is surrounded by it's own set of circumstances, but after reading of the horrific injuries sustained by Katie's boyfriend, I am really questioning whether bikes are really worth the potential risk anymore.
Two of my closest friends are now bikers, and I have been contemplating getting my license as well - now I'm not so sure.
In fact, I'm not sure I even want to ride pillion again :(
To be honest, I don't even know why I'm posting this - I think I just had to get it off my chest........
I also debated posting this every day since the thread began, but didnt. In my opinion, no, they are not 'worth the risk'. At the end of the day all we will have is a collection of opinions when the thread has run its course, its down to personal preference.
Most of us are UK based and we have TVR to enjoy. So why go for a bike which is loads of fun, but arguably far more dangerous? Some feel bikes are more fun than cars, but for me personally, bikes loose ALL their appeal due to:
1)The weather in the UK
2)The need for leathers and changing
3)And most of all the danger factor, which is very very real!
Besides, Ive never raced a bike that could keep up
Most of us are UK based and we have TVR to enjoy. So why go for a bike which is loads of fun, but arguably far more dangerous? Some feel bikes are more fun than cars, but for me personally, bikes loose ALL their appeal due to:
1)The weather in the UK
2)The need for leathers and changing
3)And most of all the danger factor, which is very very real!
Besides, Ive never raced a bike that could keep up
My dad said he did his first flying over the handlebars of his bike. Later on he was in the Air Force and learned to fly properly. Anyway, as a kid, I remember that he had two motorcycles, but eventually sold them, because there's so much extra vigilance required just riding them around town amongst cars and trucks. Plus, it's more dangerous. I hate seeing people on them in shorts and t-shirts, or no helmet. :Yikes:
Beofre this inevitably turns into a cars are better than bikes thread with all the usual stuff being posted like I overtook a bike the other day therefor all bikes are slow I will answer the origonal question with my usualy worthless opinion on the subect.
I would say that in your case If you are already thinking about risks then no, do not get one.*
I love my bike but if I thought about what could happen all the time then I think I would have to sell it.
Bikes are a thrill there really is no sensation like it. even if you are megga rich and can afford some exotic motor you will never have to use you entire body to throw the thing around. Not saying they are nessesarily better but they are a very different experience. They can also be a source of sheer terror and have been for me on several occasions.
*However. If you did get your licence and rode a bike for a few years gaing experience I beleieve that yu would be glad you did it. Once you gained confidence in your abilities then I think (obviously I do not know you so I'm speaking generaly)you would not worry about falling off.
I passed my test 4 years ago. this year I went to northern spain on it and came back through switserland. I still remember the corners I took well and the ones I cocked up.
at the end of the day its a toy I could not use it for comuting and yes weather is a pain.
You can get 185 MPH and 0-100 in 6 seconds for £5.5k but yes you get the risks. I cant say I will ride bikes for ever sooner or later I will probably give it up but I beleive my life has been enriched for doing so and I don't regret for one minute doing it.
I would say that in your case If you are already thinking about risks then no, do not get one.*
I love my bike but if I thought about what could happen all the time then I think I would have to sell it.
Bikes are a thrill there really is no sensation like it. even if you are megga rich and can afford some exotic motor you will never have to use you entire body to throw the thing around. Not saying they are nessesarily better but they are a very different experience. They can also be a source of sheer terror and have been for me on several occasions.
*However. If you did get your licence and rode a bike for a few years gaing experience I beleieve that yu would be glad you did it. Once you gained confidence in your abilities then I think (obviously I do not know you so I'm speaking generaly)you would not worry about falling off.
I passed my test 4 years ago. this year I went to northern spain on it and came back through switserland. I still remember the corners I took well and the ones I cocked up.
at the end of the day its a toy I could not use it for comuting and yes weather is a pain.
You can get 185 MPH and 0-100 in 6 seconds for £5.5k but yes you get the risks. I cant say I will ride bikes for ever sooner or later I will probably give it up but I beleive my life has been enriched for doing so and I don't regret for one minute doing it.
(with sympathy to the people involved in the accident in the other thread)
I'm sure motorbikes are fun to drive, but with no protection and all the bad drivers out there they're just plain too dangerous. All I have to do is picture myself in an accident being thrown like a ragdoll with nothing but my skin and clothes to protect me and any desire to ride a bike fades. I'll take a sportscar over a motorbike any day.
I'm sure motorbikes are fun to drive, but with no protection and all the bad drivers out there they're just plain too dangerous. All I have to do is picture myself in an accident being thrown like a ragdoll with nothing but my skin and clothes to protect me and any desire to ride a bike fades. I'll take a sportscar over a motorbike any day.
ApexClipper said:
Are bikes worth the risk?
That’s for the people who ride them to assess; there is a degree of common sense about such matters (As such I wouldn’t say they endanger others more than people driving cars). Those who don’t take adequate care are far more likely to eliminate themselves from the gene pool.
Bikes are fantastic, but for me the thrill of riding them on the road has waned. I started doing track days and then racing instead, as got fed up with the constant traffic (even on a 7am Sunday breakfast run!!), diesel spills, speed traps and general inconsiderate drivers who believe indicators and mirrors are optional extras. I only have a track bike now and enjoy that as and when I can. Am happy to stick with cars on the road now, as I now have a family to consider.
I am still a little jealous of people on bikes when I am stuck in a jam and they filter between the cars, and I will often mutter to myself "lucky bugger". But, I get out on a trackday and have a really good blast, fry a set of tyres and all thoughts of negotiating traffic filled roads are forgotten!!
Whatever you ride or drive enjoy it! Be safe!
I am still a little jealous of people on bikes when I am stuck in a jam and they filter between the cars, and I will often mutter to myself "lucky bugger". But, I get out on a trackday and have a really good blast, fry a set of tyres and all thoughts of negotiating traffic filled roads are forgotten!!
Whatever you ride or drive enjoy it! Be safe!
I'll never go near 'em.
a) I can't trust myself not to do 1.5 leptons up empty dual carriageways like a significant number of bikers seem to.
b) I don't trust the general numpty public not to put me in a wheelchair for the rest of my life because they don't know the meaning of the word 'observation'.
Pity really, they seem like excellent fun.
a) I can't trust myself not to do 1.5 leptons up empty dual carriageways like a significant number of bikers seem to.
b) I don't trust the general numpty public not to put me in a wheelchair for the rest of my life because they don't know the meaning of the word 'observation'.
Pity really, they seem like excellent fun.
julianhj said:
I'll never go near 'em.
a) I can't trust myself not to do 1.5 leptons up empty dual carriageways like a significant number of bikers seem to.
b) I don't trust the general numpty public not to put me in a wheelchair for the rest of my life because they don't know the meaning of the word 'observation'.
.
(a) So you have no self-control?
(b) Look out for them, then, since they're not looking out for you.
Difficult one this, I have had a bike since my garelli moped used to run rings round fantics at the age of 16. Now in my forties, the bike sits in a garage for nine tenths of the year.
I bring it out in ideal weather and use it for fun rather than to get anywhere.
Always amazed by the completely different mindset that I need to switch to to ride it without getting knocked off.
I don't think I've ever worried about my own safety because I'm fairly sure I'm invunerable. Its an important mindset to adopt to enjoy the bike, or several other things in life at all.
The only thing that has slowed me up is my wife and latterly my children. The other thread is a good demonstration that it would probably hurt those around me more than it would hurt me.
Worst pain I could imagine is seeing my wife or children upset.
I bring it out in ideal weather and use it for fun rather than to get anywhere.
Always amazed by the completely different mindset that I need to switch to to ride it without getting knocked off.
I don't think I've ever worried about my own safety because I'm fairly sure I'm invunerable. Its an important mindset to adopt to enjoy the bike, or several other things in life at all.
The only thing that has slowed me up is my wife and latterly my children. The other thread is a good demonstration that it would probably hurt those around me more than it would hurt me.
Worst pain I could imagine is seeing my wife or children upset.
Are bikes worth the risk ?
Hell yeh , 4k for something that can wipe the smile from a supercar drivers face , the feeling you get from a 4am ride along the coast with no other traffic , a 5 min blast on a bike is worth every hour sat in traffic on one (and thats not often), as for the risks , it comes with the teritory , i take risks on the bike , it all part of living , sod being wrapped up in cotton wool all your life
Hell yeh , 4k for something that can wipe the smile from a supercar drivers face , the feeling you get from a 4am ride along the coast with no other traffic , a 5 min blast on a bike is worth every hour sat in traffic on one (and thats not often), as for the risks , it comes with the teritory , i take risks on the bike , it all part of living , sod being wrapped up in cotton wool all your life
I have been planning to do my direct access this year, and while that thread has definitely made me think, it hasn't changed my plans at all, except for maybe increasing in my mind the necessity to get some advanced training as soon as I've got my bike licence. Made I'll feel different after a while on a bike riding with numpties all around, but I guess I'll have to see.
The sad fact is that accidents like this happen regularly; yes bikers are at more risk than car users, but motorists and pedestrians also end up in terrible states or killed every day.
The sad fact is that accidents like this happen regularly; yes bikers are at more risk than car users, but motorists and pedestrians also end up in terrible states or killed every day.
I've always longed for a bike when the suns out in the summer. However if I did get one it would have to be a large cruiser, like the new harley. They seem to offer a lot more protection due to their weight and width etc (is this true?) and I guess I'd be far safer cruising at mere evo type pace, rather than ultra rocket ship speed. Wish I lived in california though. An expensive summer toy, at 14k!
Or even 30k, this is a beut....
www.harley-davidson-london.co.uk/cgi/bikesales2_cgi/db.cgi?db=defaultor&uid=default&New_or_used=New&sb1=9&so1=ascend&view_records=View+Records&nh=2&mh=1
>> Edited by 4WD on Tuesday 16th August 08:27
Or even 30k, this is a beut....
www.harley-davidson-london.co.uk/cgi/bikesales2_cgi/db.cgi?db=defaultor&uid=default&New_or_used=New&sb1=9&so1=ascend&view_records=View+Records&nh=2&mh=1
>> Edited by 4WD on Tuesday 16th August 08:27
I am constantly amazed in this world of safety and NCAP that they even exist so enjoy them while you can. Whilst cars get fatter, lardier, bigger and have a firework festival of airbags to fire off in the event of a nudge (courtesy of the safety-obsessed Americans), you can still jump on a motorbike practically naked as long as you have a helmet (and not even that in the US) and pelt along at 150 and god help any pedestrian you slice in two along the way.
Apart from that double standard, the future is going to be some form of enclosed bike-like transport with four lanes each way instead of two. How, otherwise, will the roads cope with the volume.
Bikes have their place but the main problems I found were as follows:
1. By the time you get kitted up in your biking gear and get the bike out, you could have been there and back in the car
2. If you press on at speed on a motorcycle, you inevitably have to ffill the tank before you arrive at your destination, thus negating the advantage
3. It's bloody cold, even in the summer
4. If you commute, by the time you remove your biking gear, the car drivers have arrived and have started work before you.
5. Unless you fit panniers, a top-box or carry a rucksack, bikes are useless if you want to go shopping.
6. If you decide to race a fast car, you take your life in your hands above a certain speed where your mistakes do not go unpunished.
Apart from that double standard, the future is going to be some form of enclosed bike-like transport with four lanes each way instead of two. How, otherwise, will the roads cope with the volume.
Bikes have their place but the main problems I found were as follows:
1. By the time you get kitted up in your biking gear and get the bike out, you could have been there and back in the car
2. If you press on at speed on a motorcycle, you inevitably have to ffill the tank before you arrive at your destination, thus negating the advantage
3. It's bloody cold, even in the summer
4. If you commute, by the time you remove your biking gear, the car drivers have arrived and have started work before you.
5. Unless you fit panniers, a top-box or carry a rucksack, bikes are useless if you want to go shopping.
6. If you decide to race a fast car, you take your life in your hands above a certain speed where your mistakes do not go unpunished.
LuS1fer said:
I am constantly amazed in this world of safety and NCAP that they even exist so enjoy them while you can. Whilst cars get fatter, lardier, bigger and have a firework festival of airbags to fire off in the event of a nudge (courtesy of the safety-obsessed Americans), you can still jump on a motorbike practically naked as long as you have a helmet (and not even that in the US) and pelt along at 150 and god help any pedestrian you slice in two along the way.
Agree totally. Amazed the safety Nazis haven't attacked them more.
LuS1fer said:
Bikes have their place but the main problems I found were as follows:
1. By the time you get kitted up in your biking gear and get the bike out, you could have been there and back in the car
2. If you press on at speed on a motorcycle, you inevitably have to ffill the tank before you arrive at your destination, thus negating the advantage
3. It's bloody cold, even in the summer
4. If you commute, by the time you remove your biking gear, the car drivers have arrived and have started work before you.
5. Unless you fit panniers, a top-box or carry a rucksack, bikes are useless if you want to go shopping.
6. If you decide to race a fast car, you take your life in your hands above a certain speed where your mistakes do not go unpunished.
While I haven't got my bike licence yet so I'm not speaking from a position of experience, surely -
1. Depends over what distance and what the traffic is like
2. Depends on the distance you're doing
3. Fair enough
4. See 1.
5. Fair enough
6. Racing on the public highway?! Shame on you!
Interesting thread - as I recently bought a Varadero 125 to 'see if I like' biking, after 15 yrs driving and flying.
Problem is - I have gone straight into the lion's den - rush hour commute through central london for a numptie with no previous experience. I toggle between tubing in and using the bike on fair weather days - I have to say, it's fast (1/2 normal journey time), but other bikers and push bikes are the main hazard for me as they cut in out of nowhere and have no tolerance if you're not flooring the bike at every gap, every chance you get.
The intention is to build up some experience and confidence, then do the DAS, ride the 125 for a few more months, then re-assess if it's worth getting a 600 and seeing what real biking is all about.
After a few weeks I would say the following:
- Getting into the gear is a real pain but an absolute necessity - can be pretty hot in it all in summer
- Cutting your teeth in London rush hour is quite a humbling experience and despite my driving experience, I feel like a beginner again - scares me more than flying helicopters did as a beginner
- £3k will get me a nice 2nd hand 600 which I imagine will give me all the thrills that my old Ferrari did, just in different ways
- I just hope those thrills never become spills....
Problem is - I have gone straight into the lion's den - rush hour commute through central london for a numptie with no previous experience. I toggle between tubing in and using the bike on fair weather days - I have to say, it's fast (1/2 normal journey time), but other bikers and push bikes are the main hazard for me as they cut in out of nowhere and have no tolerance if you're not flooring the bike at every gap, every chance you get.
The intention is to build up some experience and confidence, then do the DAS, ride the 125 for a few more months, then re-assess if it's worth getting a 600 and seeing what real biking is all about.
After a few weeks I would say the following:
- Getting into the gear is a real pain but an absolute necessity - can be pretty hot in it all in summer
- Cutting your teeth in London rush hour is quite a humbling experience and despite my driving experience, I feel like a beginner again - scares me more than flying helicopters did as a beginner
- £3k will get me a nice 2nd hand 600 which I imagine will give me all the thrills that my old Ferrari did, just in different ways
- I just hope those thrills never become spills....
ApexClipper said:
Are bikes worth the risk?
Yes, bikes are a risk, you'd be daft to think they're not. But then again so is driving your car each and everyday. Let's get some perspective on things here.
With the heavy volume of traffic on the roads these days we're all gambling with our lives no matter what we drive or ride, All the motorway pileups we hear about involving articulated lorries should prove that. Oh, and let's not forget the road rage.
With that in mind, ask yourself this....is driving a high performance sportscar worth the risk?
But to answer your question....in my opinion, yes bikes are worth it. Parking is usually free, we don't pay congestion charge (yet), some toll roads on the continent are free, they're more economical, etc... The slight inconvenience of having to carry a helmet everywhere and fumble in and out of leathers is a small price to pay, really.
We take to the roads out of necessity to survive (ironic that, isn't it?). Therefore, I don't really worry about it, I just get on with it.
I'll get off my
now 
>> Edited by T5-R on Tuesday 16th August 09:36
I ride a bike because I choose to - and I will try to keep riding as long as I can.
I only took my test two years ago. I ride an R1200GS and I'm 51. I'm not a 'fast' rider but I certainly ain't slow.
For me it isn't about speed or getting somewhere faster than in my car and yes there is the buggeration of changing before you set off and when you arrive. It's quite simply that I love riding the bike and much prefer it to being in my car.
Yes you can filter and yes you are at a greater risk but, for me anyway, I enjoy the actual ride and don't treat it as a race.
What would be a great advantage here would be if car drivers in the UK drove more like car drivers abroad, where they generally have more consideration for bikers generally and allow them to progress through traffic flows.
I only took my test two years ago. I ride an R1200GS and I'm 51. I'm not a 'fast' rider but I certainly ain't slow.
For me it isn't about speed or getting somewhere faster than in my car and yes there is the buggeration of changing before you set off and when you arrive. It's quite simply that I love riding the bike and much prefer it to being in my car.
Yes you can filter and yes you are at a greater risk but, for me anyway, I enjoy the actual ride and don't treat it as a race.
What would be a great advantage here would be if car drivers in the UK drove more like car drivers abroad, where they generally have more consideration for bikers generally and allow them to progress through traffic flows.
wedg1e said:
Why not wrap yourself up in cotton wool and stay in bed?
No, I'm sorry you can't do that - do you know how life threatening bed sores are
I love bikes and I love cars, there is nothing wrong with either. Where we seem to fall down is that generally one has no appreciation of the others perspective. This applies to all forms of transport inc. push bikes and trucks etc.
When I learnt to ride a bike, my appreciation of what was going on around me drastically increased, and has improved my car driving. Also it must be said that having the bodywork of a vehicle around you gives a false sence of invulnerability and "I'm safe" which leads to bad driving.
It is the attitude of the driver/rider that should be assesed,
a boy racer car driver is just as bad as...
a bike hooligan is just as bad as...
a car driver who feels they have to drive a 4wd tank to be safe is just as bad as...
someone who rides a bike while being scared by the concept of them.
I get a buzz just from riding my bike strictly legally and I'm in the process of training to become a car driving instructor which is also fun, as has been said, they're just different.
There is nothing wrong with bikes or cars, just the people who drive/ride them.
I'll shut up now shall I?
>> Edited by Vitesse39 on Tuesday 16th August 09:43
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