[Pete650R2012]

As a new rider, the focus on accidents is freaking me out a little.

Is it possible never to be involved in an accident? LoL. I mean, has anyone here never had one? Otherwise, what is the longest time you have gone without crashing?

 

[jkv45]

It happens - that's why you wear gear.

Worrying or constantly thinking about it will only increase the chances of it happening.

Get some instruction that will help you build confidence - you need to be confident on the road. I've been riding for over 30 years and have had numerous crashes. None lately, but you never know...

If it's all you think about, cycle riding may not be for you.


Jay

 

[Pete650R2012]

I saw that response coming. Really I did.

Anyone able to answer the question?

(thanks for editing your post btw)

 

[jkv45]

I saw that response coming. Really I did.

Anyone able to answer the question?

OK - no - it's not possible to ride for any length of time without crashing. Even World Champion racers crash. It happens.

Anything else you want to know?

I'm trying to help you here, but...

 

[Pete650R2012]

OK - no - it's not possible to ride for any length of time without crashing.

Anything else you want to know?

I'm trying to help you here, but...

yes...and I appreciate your edits. champion racers crash because they push limits. I am not out to do that.

how long have you gone without crashing? (as posed in the original post)

 

[jkv45]

Over 10 years. But I prepare for it every time out.

 

[Pete650R2012]

That's how I feel. I know it is inherently dangerous...and willing to take that risk...being as careful as possible. it is helpful to hear the experience of seasoned riders to help quantify that risk and to put it in perspective.

 

[jkv45]

Most of my street crashes were avoidable.

My first ever crash in about 1980 was due to my ignorance of tire quality - a better tire wouldn't have lost grip like the old one I was using.

Another crash was from hitting a deer on the hwy at dusk - I was riding in a popular deer area at a popular deer time. I should have planned better.

The numerous crashes on the track don't really count IMO.

The biggest factor is just other drivers that do something unexpected. You just need to learn to read the traffic and expect the unexpected. Have a plan. Identify poor drivers and bad situations and remove yourself before the situation involves you.

That's the biggest thing you can do to avoid an accident involving other vehicles. As far as when you are riding alone, you need to know your limits and have a well-prepared cycle. Always keep a significant safety cushion on the street.


Jay

 

[Pete650R2012]

Thanks. solid advice...much appreciated.

 

[Zandit]

Can I ask what your definition of an "Accident" is?
Are you referring to coming off(Lowside/Highside) on the road, hitting(or being hit by) a car while on the road, or just dropping the bike at a standstill or trying to do a U-turn?
I have dropped my bike numerous times at either a standstill, or while doing a U-turn, and count them all as accidents.
I have also ridden off the road and got stuck in a muddy ditch with minor scratches to the bike, but I just stepped off the bike with no injuries with exception to my pride.

All of the tips that jkv45 has posted covers the basics, especially like not putting yourself in the position where you can be involved in an accident, and not constantly thinking about having a crash which will inevitably lead to a crash.

 

[NefRider]

Good advice guys ... I have none for the lad. Except ... Read and listen to these them folks ... They are truth tellers.

 

[L1felock]

I was in the exact same place as you when i started riding.. always worried...

You have to accept that things are bound to happen and likely will, and as everyone has already said... plan for these things by wearing gear.

The thing that really helped me was educating myself and getting so comfortable with my bike that it reminds me of my actual bicycle(no motor) while i ride it. once you've gotten the basics down i highly recommend you read the various online literature available and watch this video

it will give you a fundamental understanding of the technology used in building the motorcycles we ride and how best to use it. It will also make you aware of your instinctual reactions to hazardous situations, and how you're actually supposed to handle these situations. I know that the video focuses primarily on the track, but the way i see it is that if you can ride on the track, you can most definitely dominate the streets with some caution and awareness of the others around you.

I torrented this movie 6 months ago and i still have it on my desktop for occasional reference... it really is that good... and pretty entertaining if you're interested.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjH-F7vosB0

 

[Pete650R2012]

I am thinking of an accident as that which has potential for significant bodily or cycle harm.

I haven't had my bike for a week yet...dropped it twice LOL. First was the moment I pulled up the kick stand and was not prepared for the weight...left a few small scratches on the bike and a bruise on my knee. Second time was doing a u-turn in parking lot. At least pretty controlled with no damage second time.

Focusing on practice...on alertness and safety...and putting on some frame sliders. Full gear ALWAYS.

iwas a bit tongue in cheek about the worry...forgot that doesn't come through in a post. just curious as to how often a careful rider really gets hurt.

 

[John S]

This is an interesting one for me, When I had my bike, I had dropped it a few times, and my friend had wrecked on it, but I had never not felt in control of the situation. I went in for my licence and scored perfect, and I believe that was why I wrecked. I started convincing myself that I was too good to get in a wreck. Instead of being cautious like I had been previously, I didn't pay as much attention to my surroundings. I was on my way to work, wasn't paying enough attention, and rear ended a car that I didn't notice had stopped. Accidents happen on motorcycles. Even if you have gone 20 years without a wreck and are the most careful person in the world. You cannot control other drivers. You can only prepare for the worst.

 

[earlthepearl]

As a new rider, the focus on accidents is freaking me out a little.

Is it possible never to be involved in an accident? LoL. I mean, has anyone here never had one? Otherwise, what is the longest time you have gone without crashing?

I can say i haven't had a accident on the roads while driving a bike for 30+ years.
Had a dog run out at me last spring n my foot slipped in sand at the side of the road making me lay the bike down while not moving cracking the fairing some.
And at a gas station the strap on my rain pant leg got caught in the kickstand pulling it back up as i got off.......Ya broke more plastic.
I don't call those accidents tho....misshaps...
Now as a passenger on one i have been in 2 small ones.
Luckily haven't been hurt bad.
Now driving a dirt bike in pits, etc.
Well that's a totally diff story.
Just scuffs n bruises there tho...

 

[jkv45]

I haven't had my bike for a week yet...dropped it twice LOL. First was the moment I pulled up the kick stand and was not prepared for the weight...left a few small scratches on the bike and a bruise on my knee. Second time was doing a u-turn in parking lot. At least pretty controlled with no damage second time.

Glad to hear it hasn't been anything serious, just a couple little drops.

Honestly, that's to be expected. A few here don't agree, but the added heft of a middle-weight (600/650cc) cycle is often too much for a new rider to learn to manage, and can complicate the learning process IMO.

That's why I usually recommend a used 250 as a starter bike. It's generally easier to manage in most situations. Some people will feel the need to "upgrade" and sell the 250, but for a lot of them it can do everything they need it to do.


Jay

 

[earlthepearl]

Springtime sand.....
It's a bad problem in the snow belts.....
NNnnnn them boot straps on raingear....
Cut them dam things off......

 

[byte2022]

It happens - that's why you wear gear.

Worrying or constantly thinking about it will only increase the chances of it happening.

Get some instruction that will help you build confidence - you need to be confident on the road. I've been riding for over 30 years and have had numerous crashes. None lately, but you never know...

If it's all you think about, cycle riding may not be for you.

Jay

I agree 100% with Jay. If your always worried about crashing then maybe you shouldnt ride a bike. You can go without a accident if you are a rare few. But most do wreck and most of the time it is due to the negligence of the other drivers. However, with instruction. Practice and time riding you can learn to avoid most of them

 

[Island Ninja]

This is an interesting one for me, When I had my bike, I had dropped it a few times, and my friend had wrecked on it, but I had never not felt in control of the situation. I went in for my licence and scored perfect, and I believe that was why I wrecked. I started convincing myself that I was too good to get in a wreck. Instead of being cautious like I had been previously, I didn't pay as much attention to my surroundings. I was on my way to work, wasn't paying enough attention, and rear ended a car that I didn't notice had stopped. Accidents happen on motorcycles. Even if you have gone 20 years without a wreck and are the most careful person in the world. You cannot control other drivers. You can only prepare for the worst.

one can learn a lot from a crash...
it makes us more humble... we realize how dependent we are on other road users
... now how do we maximize the learning experience, while minimizing the damage...

 

[earlthepearl]

I agree 100% with Jay. If your always worried about crashing then maybe you shouldnt ride a bike. You can go without a accident if you are a rare few. But most do wreck and most of the time it is due to the negligence of the other drivers. However, with instruction. Practice and time riding you can learn to avoid most of them

Pay attention to what going on around u......
Don't be thinking about other things.....
Like what ur girls gunna be wearing when u get there....LOL
:whistling: :whistling: :whistling:
Or how much work sucks.....
Or any thing other then u.....driving that bike......right now....
And of course......
If ur gunna drive ur Ninja like a nut.....I was young once myself....
And was a Hellion....
Chances are quite good.....
Ur gunna dump it....
NNNnnnn..... it will Hurt....:facepalm: