Other people being strongly against you riding a motorcycle
 

I'd like to hear people's experience of meeting resistance to, or having difficulty in convincing friends/partners/others of why motorcycling is such a great idea. Safety seems to be the first concern that is brought up.

My situation: I have been considering for some time to take my motorcycle licence. Later I'd like to buy a BMW F650 GS. I live in West London and I would occasionaly do a short commute as well within central London. I also dream of doing longer trips through various countries later on when I feel more safe in the saddle. I'm 28 years old.

As my girlfriend (5 years going) is now realising that I'm serious about riding a bike, she is not at all happy about it. She says she will be worried sick each time I'm out and has even said she is no longer that happy getting that mortgage with me. I have heard the word "inconsiderate" and "deathwish" a lot.

So I guess I'm turning to you all for some reassuring words... :helpsmilie:

If you want to stay with your girlfriend.... Get her to do her CBT, it doesn't cost a lot and an instructor will show her the practicalities of motorcycling. There's a womens bike school in Fulham (can't remember the name right now). She'll hopefully see that we don't ride with a deathwish, just the opposite. Avoid quoting 'saftey' statistics, they're a a bit pointless.

My honest opinion though is to get on and do it, get your bike. See what happens with her. As to the mortgage, it's a bit underhand to use that to stop you getting a bike. Life's too short to let someone else's fear (let alone your own) keep you wrapped in cotton wool.

enjoy your new freedom....

Use the mortgage money for a new bike .

Dodger

I too am 28, I've been riding on a full licence for about 8 months, I have ridden 125s on and off for about 10 years and now ride a ktm 620.

I think that to convince people you will need to educate them, discuss what you learn about safety with them as you go along, there are many ways to improve your riding skills, it will be a steep learning curve but it's one that's very addictive, get a good sound bike and keep it well maintained, GET GOOD TUITION and ride like your taught to, you can also take advanced riding lessons, a good set of protective clothing, this should go a long way in convince people how seriously your taking it.

Learning to ride in London I imagine will be interesting I'm sure, if you drive a car you will have a large advantage as you will already know what the driving enviroment is like, you will only need to learn to ride the bike competently and seeing as you like the f650 I can only assume that you are very sensible so you should have no problem :)

wrong order...
 

Best is to have the bike before you get engaged. No questions asked. Bike just comes as part of the package.

I think the fear will ware off quickly, but I can imagine that going foreward brings some acute stress in the relationship. And the situation being what it is, I can imagine that your GF is not real kean to do a few familiarisation outings.

I guess its your choice. I'm sure that, if you can make a motorcycle part of your daily life, all will be back to normal in a few weeks time.

As DougieB said get her to do HER test too(at least the CBT) then she can make up her own mind about whether her perception of the danger is real or not.Spouting on about safety stats is pretty hopeless as if she's got this "danger" sign hanging over the thought of bikes then really the only person who can remove said sign is her.One way maybe to start the ball rolling is to take her along to a bike dealer's showroom and show her the type of bike you like;ie not the latest road rocket.If she thinks that you're not going to turn into one of the head down,bum in the air at 180mph brigade then she might be a bit more open minded.
If all else fails,say ta-ta and go explore the world.You only live once and it's better to regret something you have done than something you havn't done.

Owen2dogs and dougieb both make excellent points - not that the others don't ;)

Primarily it's all about training - motorcycles CAN be very safe, but they can also be very dangerous - and it's ALL down to the rider - you have to learn to AVOID the accident that in a car is just a fender bender - and "his" fault - doesn't matter who's fault it is on a bike - YOU lose - AND it's ALWAYS partly your fault AT LEAST - because YOU have to lean to watch and pay attention much more than in a car - and AVOID the situation in the first place. ALL accidents are avoidable.

A good motorcycle rider is a VERY safe car driver. I wish everyone had to learn on a bike before getting their car licence, the roads would be much safer.

And of course riding gear is critical too - proper equipment reduces the risk of injury enormously - and adds to comfort too! Quality gear costs - don't cheap out on the gear, budget into the purchase - and if you want her to go with you, budget her gear in too. But get some miles before you take her out, she deserves to ride with someone with some experience.

Bring your girl friend to the HU Meeting in June - it will be a huge eye-opener for both of you. She'll get to meet normal everyday people who ride, find out why they ride, and you'll get inspired big time. :) See you there!

To be or not to be
 

I'm not sure trying to convince someone to ride a motorcycle if they are not interested. There are few happy endings when someone is pushed to do something. Take her to a HU meeting, yes, let her meet the freaks and she may have a change of heart.

You are just about to get married and buy a house and now you are talking about riding off on a motorcycle. :)) What reaction were you expecting.

Look on the bright side you are only 28 and not married- yet. You need to decide what you want.

The safe motorcycle argument will never work and is really wrongheaded. It is dangerous. And that is why I ride will ever piece of safety gear. I feel safer, but I will never be safe riding a motorcycle. Search the blogs and you will find death and injuries strike like lightning.

If you still want go you are need to have loong talk with your partner. At least you don't have a mother who is crying that she may never see you again. :(

Toby, once you get a bike you enter a whole new world. tell your girlfriend you are going to try it and see how it goes. you will eaither love it or hate it. then if u enjoy riding ( i know i do, i love my bike) well you will need to talk about things more. After a trail period, she might get used to you riding and realise you are now out there to break any land speed records and if lucky she might wasnt to ride with you.

i had huge problems when i first started riding 5 yrs ago (i was 19). my mum didn't speak to me for 3months just because i got a helmet and jacket. i didn't tell her when i got a bike. she didn't want anything to do with it. so i told my step dad everything, insurance, what type of bike etc. i had to keep my bike at my boyfriends house.

i can understand where mum is coming from, my dad is in a wheelchair from a bike accident. If he could, he said he would still ride, he loves my bike. No, ALL accidents can't be avoided. You can only try your best to avoid them. he was stopped ready to turn into work (full leathers etc) and a lady, asleep at the wheel ran into him. he was in a coma for 9 months. and she didn't even call to say sorry. how rude.

after a few years i broke up with my boyfriend and out ot the blue one night mum asked me about my bike... colour,type etc. and said i could bring it home. it's taken her 5 yrs to get used to me riding, she still worries everytime i go out, she would love me to get rid of it. but she sees how much i love it and realises i with out it i wouldn't enjoy life. i know it's a big call, but hate it when i can't ride, it's a huge part of my life and i will ride till the day the man above decides i ride no more.

like what JonStobbs said - "You only live once and it's better to regret something you have done than something you havn't done." i second that, thats my motto!

goodluck

I was in a similar situation to you. Loved bikes, had a girlfriend who became my wife, who was terrified that I would be killed/maimed/whatever. I tried to persuade her it was safe and she boldly agreed to come on a two-week tour of Germany. We were having great fun, waving at other bikers, then came across the body of someone we had waved to only minutes before.

Not surprisingly she became even more concerned about biking, and even underwent counselling in an attempt to rationalise her fears. Ultimately, my only real choice was to give up biking, a state of affairs that lasted for 28 long years. I'm now riding again but I'm much older and thanks to the IAM I'm a much safer rider. Bikes are safer nowadays, but poor driving skills and road furniture made the roads more dangerous.

My advice, especially as you're in London, would be to get a low powered scooter and hone your skills for a couple of years. Balance and anticipation are key in biking and London would be great place to learn. Sign up to your local IAM group. Then see if you can wean her over to the idea of a larger bike.

Ultimately if she is still really worried about you it's a choice. If she's the one for you, you'll have to forget about biking.

Tim

bikes and partners
 

hi
great points above, there was a saying when I got my first bike good riders are trained not born.Which as a bit of truth in it. do your cbt then advanced and off road course may show your partner your serious about safety.
you want to do a longer trip does she know about this?
A good point reguarding statistics if you took up horse riding would that be ok horse riding I think your find is more dangerous.

Hi Toby,
What a fantastic response in such a short time.

IMHO everything said here is true in one way or another.

Grant has given some very valuable advice, it doesn't matter whose fault it was, you still hurt the most.

Are you mature enough in your attitude to other road users is what you have to ask yourself.

I had a KH250 many years ago (25 years in fact), I crashed it three times. Chances are if it had been a more powerful machine I'd be dead.

I don't have a bike now, I drive a Discovery, slowly, because that's all they do, go slowly. I also drive like Grant suggests, carefully. I've had lots of near misses through other people's fault, but at least they've been misses.

When we bought the Discovery in 2002 my wife wouldn't even go near an English greenlane in it with me. I should add that she doesn't drive. This December we (the whole family) are off for our third visit to the sand dunes of the Tunisian Sahara. And we all love it.
Kevin.

In fact, the chance of getting into an axident is far less with a motorcycle than with a car, I guess because riders often get their car license first and only get their motorcycle licence when they are a bit older, more experienced and wiser, and ride much like grant says. But whenyou do get into an axicent, the chances of fatality is about 3000 times higher.

I guess what it comes down to is your difference in opinion when it comes to acceptble risk. Besides old age, traffic is one of the greatest killers out there, but still only remotely so in comparison to all the natural causes. In fact, less tham 2.5% of us will get killed in an automotive acciden't, and that includes all the pedestrians, passengersm bicyclists, car drivers, motorcyclists, motor suicides, etc., amd controary to what sceptics want to believe, they don't all happen to young people, some get killed in their 90's. You may very well live to an old age and still beome appart of the statistics, all motor vehile fatalities don't happen at a young age. In other words, relatve to all the other causes of death, getting killed on a motorcycle is slim.

Causes of death:
37.8% of us will die of heart disease
19.3% of cancer
10.3% of stroke
3.0% of non auto related accidents
2.9% of influenza
2.4% of motor vehicle accidents
1.9% of diabetes
1.7% of liver disease
1.5% of Arteriosclerosis
1.4% of sucide

Please read my other omment on danger: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-courage-21095

The way for you to deal with this should be: 1) to eduate those that oppose. 2) to stand your ground and do it regardless, and hope that time and first hand experience will win them over. 3) to stick to your guns and keep doing it regardless if you win them over or not, if this is a very important aspect of your life (you should not need to justify riding a motorcycle, it is a right!).

As for the mortgage, take out a life insurance policy.

Thankyou for all the great replies, it's good to hear this when surrounded by negative comments. I will of course go ahead and take my license (I do not think ultimatums should be part of any healthy relationship). Am planning to do the 4 day intensive course at BMW in South Wales, which is on the f650 and am very much looking forward to it.

Thanks again for all the great comments posted here, they have lifted my spirits and are much appreciated!

Congratulations Toby
 

Brilliant stuff,go for it.One of the few freedoms left in this grey eurogrot life is ahead of you.The best thing I did was get my first bike at 26 and I never tire of it.Like every aspect of life you meet all sorts but the common thread is freedom(unless you end up in a club!)and that comes with any size or make(I'm talking about bikes here...).Try to keep your options open when weighing up your choices and test ride as many as you can.Honestly,no-one can tell you which bike is best for you - rather like women your riding style etc.will suit some differently to others.
If your intended doesn't like your need for independance maybe there are other issues to address........
One day you and you only will be sat on a cloud looking down on this world thinking
a)I lived that life or,
b)I could have.....
Stay happy whatever the outcome,
Good Luck

Cheers Bonzo, I agree with you... we only get one attempt at living life well.

Nobby - do you mind PM:ing me your email as I haven't got PM-rights myself yet (not enough posts).

Interesting thread...

But, if you have to ask others what you 'should' do, then perhaps you're not really ready to do it. Just a thought...

Suffice to say, people make the decisions they want to and justify them however they must as long as they get to do what they want. But nothing changes the cold, hard fact that, for every kilometer driven, motorcyclists are about 16 times more likely to die in an accident than those in cages.

But if safety, or the illusion of it, is a guiding factor in your life, better to stay home and await the inevitable. All roads lead to darkness, some a little faster than others is all. The question of what level if risk one is willing to accept to pursue a dream, and whether or not that dream is really worth it, has no answer, at least no right answer.

But the legions of so-called hard core adventure riders who adandon their 2-wheels lifestyles at the first opportunity (usually in the form of a spouse, child, or really good job) is telling. When we have more to live for, motorcycling usually takes a back seat. Life is fleeting at a walking pace; at 60kmh on two wheels it goes by even faster.

Of course, the only answer is to do what you want and accept the consequences. But inevitably, as every motorcyclist knows, thoughts of mortality and safety come creeping inside that helmet with increasing regularity as the miles and year go by. Few admit it, most deny it, many run from it, some accept it, others give in to it.

There's no right path, I suppose, other than choosing what you can live with and living with it.

Biddy

Oh give it a rest GBiddy.
Firstly when did Toby use the word 'should'?Seems to me he asked for feedback on our experiences with the fun killjoys that swarm out of their safe 'insured to the hilt' bunkers,sternly wagging their peter perfect pristine fingers at us for having the temerity to break the mould.We're in a smothering fear culture from day one and I thank every god there may be whenever I see someone shoot off at a tangent in whichever way may take their fancy(unless it involves putting other people down to achieve their up)Three cheers for the base jumpers,nudists,free thinkers and sayers,dinosaur dentists(few left now)and especially those jammy sods who can wheelie with huge skill and balls(I'm envious!).
Secondly(I could go on all day but won't)quoting stats.like 16x mortality rates doesn't allow for the idiot under 21 mob making up most of that figure and the born again old farts doing a Darwin helping with the rest.Sure,in a prang it's a tough call on us BUT there's a thing called quality of life..........I know absolutely(even if I'm wiped out tomorrow)that I would rather LIVE for ten years than survive for 50.Life is mundane at walking pace.
Thirdly don't front brake on gravel

I think tobye,that if you look at anyone who takes part in anything thats potentialy dangerous e.g firefighters,stunt performers steel construction..list goes on, they all share the same basic skills that i think is needed when riding on the road.

They dont want to die just as we don't,so reading,understanding what youve read,understanding what your instructors are teaching you,practice what you learnt all plays its part in gaining confidence which i think is what you still need to gain?

Then where risk is involved,all of the above helps put the odds more on your side,you will be able see whats around you more rather than looking but not seeing,you need to bulid that sixth sence e.g "i wont go faster cause that car is about to pull out",yep,out comes the car with no indication!.

All of the above does help to keep you safe but it doesnt guaranty saftey, because nothing in life has a guaranty with it so why should riding a bike be any different?

Confidence is gained by doing,which we all need,but we all have a different speed in gaining confidence,so find your own speed and dont let anyone else try to change that!

Lee

Gonna try keep thıs breıf as lots of good poınts have been made:
1: NEVER let anyone stop you pursuıng your dreams. To me your lass sounds lıke the selfısh one. (Sorry, people dıctatıng to each other what they can and cannot do makes me madder than hell!)
2: My mum grew up 100 yds from the TT course (ıf youve ever been over to the TT you`ll know ıts lıke a warzone for a week, ambulances, choppers etc) and my dad used to be head of road safety for trunk roads ın Scotland. Both worry but wouldnt dream of askıng me not to lıve my lıfe how I wanted.
3: Bıkes ARE relatıvely dangerous (no matter what we tell ourselves), but so ıs sıttıng on the couch gettıng fat. The flıp sıde of that my dad (Head of road safety etc!) told me: The vast majorıty of bıke accıdents are `sıngle vehıcle ıncıdents` meanıng they`re usually down to rıder error so: Rıde safe and you should be fıne.
4: Get good protectıon ın terms of leathers etc. It makes a huge dıfference.

Matt,

My missus says "ditch the bitch" and do what you want to do!

Mines never slapped a ban on me for any thing except spending all the cash and "wandering"

My girlfriend wouldn't get closer than 100 meters to a motorbike 5 years ago, now she's the one who annoys me every single weekend to have a spin around, she even wants to ride the 1150GS.

People are afraid of the unknown, but when they understand what motorcycling is about 99% of 'em love it!

A lot of poeple who do not ride have a lot of misconceptions about bikes that make them more fearful of it than is really warranted. Here are some actual things that have been said to me from non-riders:

"One little pebble and you're going down."
"If you crash you will definitely get hurt."
"I guess you have to give up the bike now that you are getting married."

We all knwo that people fear what they do not understand. Some non-riders can not understand how this bizzare contraption can balance itself on 2 wheels at speed, or how one can survive an accident. With cars it is easy to explain away with airbags and cage talk. Bikes also have answers, but they require more effort. If you can get your gf to stop with the "inconsiderate" and "death wish" and ultimatums nonsense long enough, then maybe you can explain some things, if she'll listen.

I know whole families that ride bikes and make quite the friendly family time of it, from the father right down to the 4-year-old. Now that is quite a different image as compared to the one that may be in the heads of many non-riders.

Even though I've ridden a lot and feel very confident on a bike, I still find myself getting scared sometimes thinking about the "what ifs," usually when I'm not riding. Twice people have crashed while riding with me. I've crashed 3 times, fortunately always with practically no injuries. My mom's uncle crashed his bike and died. My little brother crashed his bike while riding with me and was in the hospital for 3 days - he fully recovered but has not ridden since. This all gives me quite a bit to think about. And after all this you'd think my mom is a wreck with 2 of her son's still riding bikes. But she doesn't seem too stressed about it these days. I guess she can see the other side, too. She's seen us Come back from long trips in one peice. She's heard me talking about bike safety just as my wife has and so they know that I really think a lot about it. They know that I don't do really stupid stuff like drink and ride. My mom sees the pictures of us on our bikes in all kinds of beautiful places, and can see how much enjoyment that brings us. My wife knows for herself how enjoyable it is as she rides on the back quite a lot. It takes some strength to put that over the fear. And that is why the ultimatums are so out-of-place. The people who love you should want you to enjoy your life. That may sound a bit manipulative, but it isn't when put together with a more reasonable understanding of the risk level.

You can use statistics to support either side of the motorcycle safety debate. The most determining factor of your safety on a bike is YOU, not other riders, and statistics are based on other riders. If you are an idiot, stick to cars, better yet, save the rest of us and don't drive at all. If you've got a brain, and use it, any vehicle can be reasonably safe. Unfortunately stupid people are too stupid to realize how stupid they are, as is evident by the driving behavior of most people on the road. We all have stupid moments. Anyone can make a mistake. There is always some risk. But use your head, seek out formal training, wear protective gear, ride within your limits and THINK AHEAD. Riding ability doesn't come from instinct and talent, it comes from training and thinking.

I can understand why people don't want their family riding bikes. My wife is really pushing to ride her own bike and yowsa that make me nervous!

I have similear experiences to fcasado. My wife didn't ride bikes before we met and now she is always asking to go on weekend rides as a passenger and is eager to start a long trip with me. We've been talking about the transam trail. And like I said in my previous post she also wants to ride her own bike. It is the same story with my older brother who is married with a kid and they both still ride their bike together. It is such a great experience to have together. It's a shame to be scared away from such a great experience by stupid people who rack up bad statistics or just simple fear of the unknown. That said I never really encourage anyone to learn how to ride motorcycles. It is one of those things that you really need to put the effort into learning about in order to be safe, not just take it on as a casual hobby.

some good advice here. Im lucky as my wife lets me do what I want.

Life is short and is to be enjoyed, my Mum never let me have a bike, so when I moved out I did the test and then bought a scooter, I forgot to tell he it was 800cc! She sort of got used to the idea by then.

Grant makes a good point that whilst accidents do occur many many accidents can be avoided, you will realise after good training how much is in your hands (athough clearly not all accidents can be avoided).

She´s your girlfriend so you have to work with her on helping her get over her problem (and it is a problem and it is hers and not yours). These days personally I just tell people straight what I think. I have to say im sick of being told by obese smokers about how dangerous bikes are.

welcome to the family!

bob

Hmmm... Interesting....
 

Hiya,

We'll I've read quite a few of the replies on this post and to be honest.... skimmed few some of the others.....

We are quite lucky as Trent and I had both been riding for a while when we got together at 20... Trent since he was aged 6 and I since I was 15 (we're from small town NZ!). Personally I think that by learning at such a young age we were able to bypass the "fear" that so many friends have gone through from learning, getting licenced etc at a later age. I wouldn't be keen to have to go through it all again now.

So, at 35 years old, about 10000km into our trip from UK to NZ (yep we took the scenic route) I had a bit of a spill in Turkey. Nothing major, but gave me a bit of a fright. When I was talking to my Dad about it a couple of days later I realised how lucky I was to have had parents who when I said at 15 "I wan't a motorbike" didn't try talking me out of it instead made me do the whole thing properly (as well as paying for it myself!). Good gear, extra safety courses etc... My Dad's attitude when I spoke to him from Turkey was if you're gonna ride halfway around the world then chances are then you've got to take to good with the bad. Once again though, I say this incident was nothing major.

We were just lucky that by the time the idea for our trip came around we were both already riders!!!!

It's a real bummer when people are held back by other people's fears. I still freak out when my husband and my brother are out on their roadbikes on a Sunday afternoon in south east England... But I'm afraid that is my nature.

You can't make someone live your dream as much as you can't make them live yours.

Just my 2 cents worth....

Jacqui

This is what most people think.

"Riding a motorcycle is bad. It's dangerous !
You should take up a healthy wholesome sport like horseback riding.
Those bikes are dangerous, I saw that on TV"

Below is part of an article about the "safe sport"
from http://www.hughston.com/hha/a.horse.htm

Horseback Riding
Injuries and Safety Tips

An estimated 30 million Americans ride horses each year. However, more than 2,300 riders under the age of 25 years are hospitalized annually because of horseback-riding injuries. The reason is that some activities, such as jumping and cross-country, are inherently risky because horses can weigh up to 1,500 pounds, travel as fast as 30 mph, and stand as tall as 3 meters high. Most injuries result from falling off the horse, which can lead to severe and sometimes fatal injuries.

Believe it or not!
Horseback riding carries a higher injury rate than motorcycle riding. On average, motorcyclists suffer an injury once every 7000 hours of riding. By contrast, an equestrian (horseback rider) may have a serious accident once every 350 hours.

I have really enjoyed reading all the comments to this thread and to hear a bit about other people's experiences. I am of course fully set on taking my license this summer.

I will never be able to convince my partner to ride a bike, however. She is quite a "girly-girl" and do not even now how to ride a bike :smile3:. I just need to make her understand that motorcycling can be relatively safe; and I hope I will be able to. All your points about motorcycling as a lifestyle are very useful.

By the way, and slightly off-topic... I think motorcycles seem the perfect combination to an alternative way of life and something I am dreaming about doing, namely scaling down the way I live (less materialism and live-to-work mentality), instead I would only work for a certain number of months each year, saving up, followed by a few months of travelling with my bike on the cheap. This is something I'd like to do in a couple of years time... in the meantime I will try the life of a homeowner in London. Also - the thread http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-lifestyle-458 shows there are a large amount of people on this forum that are already doing this to a smaller or larger extent.

Best ,
Toby

Worries? Plenty!
 

Hello all!
When my ex-girlie was out on her Ducati on her own, I was worried sick. Litterally. When we were out riding together, she always drove up front so that she could decide the riding pace.

The same goes with my brother, when he`s out riding alone, I can`t sleep. Literally.

BUT, I worry less when we`re out together because then you get to know their driving pattern and can keep an eye on them. Take your girlfriend out for a ride, on a road not too dense with traffic.
Ride very carefully and slow. 80km/h feels very fast for someone who`s never been on a bike.
She will then experience for herself that it is not a near death experience everytime you`re on a bike and she will worry less. Still worry, but less!

Good luck, hope everything sorts out well for you and your missus!


Regards
John

Blackmail is that, no matter how it is said
 

Manipulation by threat, avoidance, or withdrawal is one sure sign that the relationship is in trouble already. It is blackmail. Here is where it gets downright gritty. I am not young. I have grandchildren nearly your age. You only have one life and that should not be lived in fear of making someone angry or irritated. It should not be lived to satisfy the threats or blackmail of someone else. Harsh? Darned right. I have been married five times. Each time the ex threatened to leave if I didn't 1. quit riding. 2. give up tobacco (I did 30 years later) 3. quit planning on traveling the world 4. give up extreme skiing 5. give up skydiving-----note that nothing I did except for the tobacco was by itself injurious. When they told me they would leave I always asked them how much they expected to get out of the divorce.

"If you loved me, you would not do this." I replied. If I didn't love you I would have already ended the marriage because I don't like being blackmailed or manipulated.

One life. You choose. A girlfriend who has already exhibited controlling tendencies, or a great life memory wandering the world and in all likelihood, meeting some beautiful mind who wants nothing more than to share the joy. walk away now. It is not worth surrendering.

Your life, your choice
 

Interesting thread…. Not sure who wrote this, maybe Jean Cocteau? "L'amour, ce nest pas de se regarder dans les yeux, c'est de regarder ensemble vers la meme direction" which roughly translate as "love is not about gazing into each other eyes, it's about watching together to (toward?) the same direction", seems to me that you and your G/F may have completely different goals/objectives/dreams in life. If she dreams of mortgage/career/babies while you dream of working on and off and travelling… you have a "situation". Anyway, personally I will never let anyone, ever, dictate what I should or shouldn't do with my life; or do what is expected of me because of social pressure. It happened in the past and made my life hell.
One piece of advice is "be careful". I had many girl friends in the past who got "accidentally " pregnant by their boyfriends so that they could catch him. Men can be so naïve sometimes! Considering your G/F seems a bit controlling she might consider this "trick"!
And for the record I am very happily married and been together for >10yrs. We've always supported each other in any new wacky plan or idea that we may have, no matter how weird it was. He likes skiing, I like horse riding. He goes off skiing once a year with his mates and I go riding. So far I am the one ending up many (many") time in casualty after a horse riding accident!
Enjoy your life!

rider choice
 

I am always surprised to see people having the same problem like you do. I started riding as a kid and convincing my parents was not easy but as an adult you should not have to convince anyone, if you are safe and let people know about it they will trust your judgement and even if riding a bike seems dangerous they will know that you are able to pursue your dream and be safe. We are educating our kids to be afraid of everything (activity, stranger, other countrie ,religion...) when in reality there is not much to be afraid of , the motorcycle community is a like a brotherhood we share the same pleasure in been free and it is a great feel to explay it to others. I sometime wonder why people like us riders wave at each other or stop to meet or help and the rest of the people just live in fear and hate, maybe everybody should be on bike?

Hendi

If Simon Pavey is still doing the courses in Wales (he might be in Queensland at the moment, not sure). Say hello from John Rigoni, Kevin and Steve from Caringbah Motorcycles in Sydney.
You won't find a better, more entusiastic instructor than Simon, he's been riding all his life and never had a real job unless bikes were somehow involved!

Re: Bike safety...how come no one ever refuses to get in a car?
Everyone knows someone who's been killed in a car smash, yet friends and relatives drive to the funeral...weird.

Good luck in wales, hope it's sunny and dry for you.:thumbup1:

Are you sure?
 

Hmmm riding at 50mph for 7000 hours equals 350,000 miles... Who here has done that mileage without falling off?

On my R80 55,000 miles and my R100R 215,000 I have dropped the bike 5 times at a stop in my garage and parking lots.
Thats 270,000 miles without an accident (I must have dropped the bikes on purpose).

I've got over 300,000 kilometers on my BMW R 650LS, I've never dropped it.

I only expect to drop dirt bikes when I'm howling along forest tracks.

I think the last time I dropped a road bike was back in the early 80's.
Let the clutch out too fast on a loose gravel surface and the bike slid out from under me. I was in my mates driveway at the time.

And no one will accuse me of being a slow rider either. Especially not the NSW Highway Patrol.

I've probably done a million kilometers I assume, been riding since 1978.
Did not have a car for over 20 years. Don't have or want a car now either.

I know several other people who have never dropped a road bike at all.

We could also break dropping down into...it falls over in the garage or slips on a loose surface...or you have an on road accident, regardless of who is at fault.

A woman knocked me off my bike in my first three months of riding, way back in 78...I was actually going too slow, if I had been roaring around like I normally do she would have missed me completly.

Some blokes say to me...everyone has dropped their bike...to which I reply really? Then point out people I know who have not.
Then they be-little them with comments like they don't ride it enough, or fast enough, etc etc.
Makes them feel better inside I guess. Tossers.

I can't see the point about the discussion if you have ever dropped your bike or not...that has nothing to do with how you ride, you do have to pay a lot of attention when riding, but that's the same when you're driving a car. Actually riding a bike made me a better driver, as I'm always aware of what's around.

I've had two accidents in 6 years as a rider (broken hip and ankle), one wasn't my fault at all and the other one I could've avoided if I wasn't too lazy, but did they make stop riding? No, just made me more cautious, and the important bit is that both accidents were in Brazil and on my first year riding (18yrs old by the time).

We do have to understand that IT IS dangerous to ride a m'bike, but so is to drive a car, and what others have to understand is that we take the risk BUT we do take care. And I totally agree with what Hindu1936 said about manipulation and luckly I've never had that problem with my G/F, but did with my mum (mind you, I can't just get rid of her :) ), so I had to explain everything to her and now she understands and even supports me!

I know this has been said before and I realize you have probably taken this advice already, but DON'T LET OTHER PEOPLE TELL YOU HOW TO LIVE YOUR LIFE! You only get one chance down here (that is if you're not a buddhist of course) and if you don't live your dream you'll end up old and unhappy. That said, you have made the right decision. Get your license, get your bike and keep the rubber side down. Not all accidents are avoidable but most are if you refrain from switching the on/off switch on your brains to the 'off' position every time you drive your bike (or car). I know some people who I can tell for sure will get seriously injured or killed on their bikes because they drive like shit. I know some people who will some day kill or injure somebody else while driving their car because they do frequently make use of said on/off switch and drive even worse than shit. But as a biker you will learn to 'read' traffic, to know what is going to happen next, to sense whether that car in front of you is going to do something stupid or not. This does not come overnight, you will need lots of experience but if you take it slow you will gain experience with every driven mile.

I've been driving for seven years now, usually ~10,000-15,000 km per year and have had one single accident in my early days that today I would have been able to avoid - soccer mum ignored my right of way (she was coming out of a tiny street onto a big, three lane road) and I crashed into her. Ever since I have always kept at least half an eye on the side roads and have been able to avoid similar accidents several times during the last few years. This is what I meant by 'reading' traffic, by getting a sixth sense while driving. Luckily enough my dad is also riding and has been for over 35 years now - and has also only had one accident so far which was unavoidable (slippery road) and nothing happened to him. He totalled his bike (in a fit of overzealous self-assessment his bike decided to dare the oncoming traffic on the left hand side of the road instead of the grassy field on the right hand side) but was not injured himself at all. And due to this background my dad even supported me when I told him I wanted to get my license, mom wasn't too happy about it at first but she has gotten used to the fact that neither my dad, nor my brother, nor myself have ever had an itch to end up fragmented into several pieces of human being on the side of the road - she has realized that we're very cautious and safe on our bikes and even joins us every now and then.

So much for the family side. On the other side I have a few friends who are worried sick everytime they realize I'm riding a bike. I have gotten the usual arguments already listed above and have gotten sick of repeating the same answers over and over again. They seem to know some crazy f....ers on racebikes who manage to squeeze out more than 300 km/h on the Autobahns and are proud of it whereas I keep telling them that I do not have that kind of suicidal drive but prefer to go slower than I would have to.
And here's I think the biggest misconception out there. When was the last time you read a story in your local newspaper or magazine about travellers on motorcycles going slow, being safe and travelling long distance? And when was the last time you read a story in your local newspaper or magazine about a moron who killed himself (and/or others) on his 180+ hp bike trying to be faster than superman himself? Think about it.

If she's so dead set against bikes, she's not going to be interested in checking out a CBT-type class.
I say go ahead and take the course. If she gives you a hassle over it, is she really someone you want to spend the rest of your life with? This time it'll be getting a bike, but it won't be long before she'll be laying down the law over something else...

I´ve been riding every year of my life since I started out on a Honda PW50 when I was 5. Now that adds up to 17 years, so I usually encounter very little resistance, mostly people just tell me to be careful... but where´s the fun in that? For this reason, I never had to worry about family (my parents were the ones who put me on a bike to begin with), friends or partners holding me back.

Sure it´s dangerous, but LIFE is dangerous. There´s the saying "better to be safe than sorry", but if I stopped riding, my sorrow would far outweigh my safety.

priorities and girlfriends
 

It sounds to me like you need to get your priorities straight bud.
If the girl says no, then you gotta go!
You can always get a new one...

Cheers!

Not only was my wife against me getting a bike, but the in-laws weren't too keen on the idea either. I convinced my wife to ride 2 up after about 3 months. She never looked back and has now been riding her own for about 5 years. He Mom & Dad are proud of her doing it and her Dad finally confessed that he used to ride an old Royal Enfield back in the day in England. he crashed and was afraid to get back on, but he knows what his little girl is capable of. But she's still his little girl and will always be a little apprehensive about her riding.
She took the MSF course at the University of Guelph so her Mom & Dad are OK with it now.

Me. (hmmmmm............."Too few characters for my message to be accepted)
How's that???

individual choice pure and simple...with every gem comes a curse.

I started bending pipe and brazing/welding frames together around the age of 10 or so powered by lawn mower engines...and Thoreau tells the tale of who's more likely to cut themselves with a knife...the one gifted with one, or the one who mines the ore, smelts, casts, sharpens and made his own.

then we drifted thru all the incarnations of motorcycles since the mid 1960s. dirt probably taught the most about reflexes and off camber acrobatics. I got to the point where motorcycles were as close as breathing in and out...and made the folly of thinking I was too good at it to ever get in trouble...one night in the rain when even the tractor trailers were pulled over, I was riding on thru. arrogant maybe, but just supremely confident.

then at age 50 on a brand new BMW RT with killer brakes, I hit a deer that came out of nowhere. an eye opener...I learned all the skill in the world is no defense against the statistics...I still ride lots, but it left me in constant chronic pain with a bent back and I move much slower because I never ever ever ever want to hit another one of those bastages...doctors are useless and there's apparently no fix for me...just one of those things you have to "live with". I'll be 55 next June and every day (without fail) since the deer has been tricky. I won't preach, but you will hear my voice as long as I have a heartbeat...like it or not.

folk's fears are founded and can't be dismissed out of hand by any thinking person...just as bull headedness can't be relied on as ability. the truth always lies somewhere in the middle.

you make your choice... just be fully aware I was a master of the craft and got humbled...so with the choice comes the possibility of the heavy negative...and experience nor skill is a defense...lots of "masters" get humbled.

as long as you accept that with maturity, you make your choice.
those people "against" have as much of a point as all of us "for".

even with the limp and shuffle, I'm "for"...but less naive.
there is also the possibility of sailing thru unscathed...but that hasn't been my personal experience.

my only advice is learn ALL the nuts stuff in dirt first where it doesn't hurt as much, then ride well within your ability around other people.

what's the saying?

there are bold pilots,
and there are old pilots
but there are no bold old pilots.

Just do it
 

I was lucky. Got a course to learn how to ride a bike in the UK because I'm a cop.

Never had the urge to before that but at the age of 28, having never ridden a bike before, I passed my test in a week and then did 2 more weeks blatting round North Wales on a 500cc twin.

Was converted the very first time I opened it up.

Now 42 andhave a Triumph Sprint St. Don't have a car and do over 6,000 miles per year.

You will love it, if she really loves you, she will let you do it too!

Biking and spouses
 

Hello All - this is my first post - Don't ya Know!

I read this thread and it brought back a lot of memories. I have been riding for around 28 years. Rode many models of bikes over the years from 125 dirt bike to the very scary V65 magna - It was interesting being able to burn rubber in 3rd or 4th gear.

I had sold one of my bikes just before meeting my wife and did not have one when we got married. After we were married a while I had met this guy who had a CX-500 in a barn in Wisconsin and said he wanted $500 for it. I told my wife about it and she was very angry and had 2 reasons... They were dangerous and I just wanted it to pick up chicks - ok, she was very jealous!!!

Still I ended up getting the bike and it worked out ok, but it took a year to get her to go on rides with me. After a couple more years I had a lot of trouble getting her to dress appropriately for riding. She always wanted to ride wearing shorts and a scarf. I had to get serious about putting on the riding gear - every time.

I have spilled the CX twice in the last 10 years. both were low speed spills. The first time was when I tested it out. The front brake was sticky after sitting for too long and I hit pea gravel on the street. The second time was the worst ever - A 90 pound German Shepard ran into the side of the front wheel. Ended up with a broken collar bone. I have spilled at least 7 or 8 times in 28 years - usually doing something I should not have been doing.

My wife passed away 5 years ago now and I do a lot more traveling these days... I am probably going to be in NC in June and am thinking about going to the HUBB meet... Next stop Chichen Itza!!!

Most of All... Have Fun! :scooter:
Bruce... kb0pgo

yeah its a hard thing trying to convince someone that riding a bike is safe. its not. and things can go very wrong.

if you live life looking at what can go wrong then you've missed the point of it all together.

buy the bike. you've probably bought it already. this post if quite old...

r

travel
 

And of course, even if the partner likes the bike idea and goes along with the idea of traveling, then you BOTH have to endure the comments from people you meet that it's unwise to travel no matter what the mode of transport! If it's not one thing people warn you about it's another.
You can't win, just follow that heart!
Lorraine

girl hates bikes
 

Is this one of those situations like [ No matter how good she looks you know she's making some guys life a living hell?]
I got my !st street bike at 18. I'd been riding scince 12.
When my car died I rode to get anywhere and everywhere. It got to the point when I was in my early 20's if I showed up with someone in a car people would say "You don't look right without your bike."
I married one who doesn't complain abput the riding, but she does call me selfish when I go off for days or weeks at a time. I can't argue with her about that, but I'm not likely to change my ways either.
Good luck, it sounds like you're going to need it.

Whenever I go for a ride of a few weeks or more (once or twice a year) I come back five or more kilos lighter - a point I mention regularly at home. When my wife gets tired of seeing my fat gut she'll suggest that perhaps its time for me to hit the road. I get sore stomach muscles pushing my gut out all the time....

Distance riding does some to have a wonderful slimming effect...

slim fast the easy way!!!!!
 

:D

Now, where's my bike????

Look Toby...don't take this the wrong way, but your girlfriend and potential bike choice are high maintenance.
Go Oriental...they're a lot less maintenance...

All kidding aside...safety is a relative thing as many on this board have pointed out. I think your girlfriend is right on this one but in an obtuse way. Both you and her need to work through this issue together. The issue isn't necessarily the motorcycle per se, BUT how you will make decisions.

If you think this is your decision alone to make, you have to communicate that to her. But if its an experience you wish to share with her, you must make her part of the decision making process. In doing so, both of you will learn a lot more about safety, motorcycling, etc. before picking up a bike.
Picking up a bike is a f*%ing blast, but a life changing experience; and in doing so, you must change the way you go about life, if you plan to ride more than a few miles/kms.

For me, this meant developing a process of assuring I made good decisions... I know this sounds obvious, but it isn't always. As I got more miles under me, I learned how important this was and is whats keeps me in the saddle. Nobody's perfect but if you make good decisions more often than not, karma/luck will hopefully bail your ass out of the bad ones...

Lastly, safety is an issue of comfort/risk management. Choosing to take risks doesn't make one more daring, courageous or inconsiderate than another person; it makes one a bit more alive! And if you want to keep enjoying this feeling, just be thoughtful and calculating when taking those risks. Again sounds obvious, but will keep your ass in the saddle.
Hope this helps...

I am 24, and have been riding since 17, and had a full licence from 18. I didnt do my car test until I was 22.

The bike (R1150GS) comes everywhere with me akin to a pet dog. Granted I am not in the situation that you are in where your in a relationship and your considering getting a bike. For me, the status of a bike in a relationship is non negotiable.

My 0.02c

Mike

before time runs out
 

I'm 26, from the uk, riding a triumph bonneville from canada to argentina.
Currently posted in Panama city while organising the jump to Columbia.
Throughout my travels through central america I learnt that according to the mayan calender the world will end in 2012.

This also seems to correspond with the peak of world oil supplies.

So theres no time like the present.

When I was 18 years old (I'm almost 50 now) and bought my first bike (the age limit in the Netherlands to ride a motorcycle is 18) my parents were very worried.
Three things happened that changed that a bit;
A shopowner that lived on the other side of the street told my mother not to worry. He had seen me driving and told here I was driving carefully and not like an idiot. Having someone else tell her that, made here feel better.

My father used to read loud every newspaper article about bikers getting killed in accidents. I started to reply with reading loud every car related fatalaty and after a few weeks he got the message.

Then he told me that statistics prove that riding a bike is six times more dangerous then riding a car and I replied that in that case he was much more in danger then I was, because he was doing almost a 70000 km a year in his car and I did only 9000 a year then. :-)

Its been a year now??
 

Toby

Its been a year since your original post, and you're still getting advice. Did you do your CBT and test? How did they go? :scooter:

For what its worth, I had a wife who hated me having a bike - we negotiated and she ended up getting her own licence.

She hated me going off alone - we negotiated and she started travelling with me (a different experience).

She hated many other things I did/do - I asked what she had ever seen in me. I think she was one of those people who see a person as a blank canvas - "I could turn him into something I really like". As I was/am happy with what I am this grew tiring. Our marriage didn't last.

The present Mrs MarkE accepts me for what I am. I know there are things she doesn't like, but she is willing to accept them, and I am in the same position with her. I try to be diplomatic, but the only restrictions I accept or impose are (1) monogamy, (2) honesty and (3) no surprises. It works for us.

No brainer
 

I'm with Dodger

Hey Toby,i'm very intrested,as i'm sure everyone who replied to you post from 1 year ago,how did it go?So if your still loging on let us know?Did you get the bike and keep the girl or vise versa????

Ferchrisakes, you are 20 odd years old and a five year girlfriend, are you serious about her or what, your living in London which I think is more dangerous than riding a bike, your going to get stabbed, shot or ran over by a red bus, I'm knocking on 60 got a licence 4 years back never regretted it, now on second Harley, spent 28 year in a job which was a grind, now want to go on a long tour but still in a sort of rut. Looking back at you, you have one go at it, do it while youth is on your side, read these posts and bloody well go and do it. As the Aussies say 'Just shoot through.

Absence Makes Hearts Grow Fonder
 

Last year I rode from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego (Blog at www.simongandolfi.com). This month I pick up my bike in Ushuaia for the ride north to Duchess County, NY.
Against are my ex of 27 years who argues that the journey is too dangerous for an old man.
My present wife of 25 years is delighted to have me out of the house for a few months and favours the ride.

Its got to be done cause you can.
 

Hey Bro, got to do it while you can.

Not a simlar quandry as in a girlfreind in tow. But had to convince my mother that it was a good idea! I am 37 she is past he 60's. But then I rememberd that when my mom & dad were young, 60's I guess. My dad used to travel 300 - 400 miles every weekend to court her on a Vespa in India!

She did not have a problem then so why should she have a problem now, with her mature! Ha Ha ! son going travelling. And now she is convinced.

Do it Bro, somethings are in you genes.

Cheers Mojo.

So how did you get on?
 

Come on Toby, we are all waiting - did you do as the advice quoted here or are you now married/mortgage/perhaps a kid (and no bike!!!)?

Dave

Thank you again for all the advice!
 

Hello all,

Many thanks for all the advice, it's been great to read about everyone's experiences and views and opinions.

Here is an update:

It took a long time but my girlfriend eventually realised that my motorbike interest was going to be more than just a fad and has now accepted it!!

I make a point to email her when I get in to work so that she won't worry I have had an accident :-)

I am still riding a Yamaha YBR-125 and absolutely love riding it, despite its reputation as a dull bike. I have been commuting with it for almost a year and still look forward to the end of the day so that I can go on my 30 min journey back home.

I passed CBT in June (if I remember correctly) and am currently deciding between going for a DAS course or just get a restricted license (doing the test on my 125cc). Cost plays a big part in this, as the DAS would set me back at least £500. I am planning to get my license before summer is over.

Last week I handed in my notice at work (mundane office job as a marketing manager), I have saved some money that will cover the mortgage for a while and will take it easy for as long as I can... I definitely am looking to travel and have been inspired by both German touring magazines (less speed-centric than the general UK bike magazines) and of course the Horizons DVD.

Now I just need to decide on a bike, I guess it all depends on which license I end up with. I've been thinking of a shorter European trip to begin with, probably riding from London to Sweden to see my parents.

So as it happens my girlfriend has come to accept my new interest and the plans I have for the next few years, and in the end she has proven very understanding, being fine with me "just taking it easy and doing my thing" for the next year or so.

Best,
Toby :mchappy:

Thanks for the update - nice when a thread stays current!
 

Hey Toby,
That's great - good news indeed and glad that it has all worked out for you!!!

Keep riding with the rubber side downward and you won't go far wrong!
Good luck with all your plans for the future.

Cheers,

Dave

Thanks for the update, sounds as though things have worked out very well.

Just want to add this; I'm not sure how it works at all in the UK, but I think it would pay, i.e make sense/be beneficial, to have the fullest version of a bike license that you can get. Mostly just for travel insurance purposes - I've found it seems to be cover for full licence, or no cover at all.
But others can correct me on this, it's just my thoughts.

Best of luck

give it a shot
 

do it, mate, get your licence and go somewhere.
if you love it, if motorcycling's in your blood and heart then you'll know, and you'll want to do it forever.
if it's not in you, you'll know that too after a few rides, and guess what the answer is then?

others' opinions have no bearing on this. it's you, yours. if they want to share it, great. if they want to can it without knowing what it's about, different story.

one more thing: if it is in you, if you're a motorcyclist, then ride every time like you want to ride when you're seventy.

keep it upright! (except when cornering...)

andy.

:welcome:

Just wanted to let you know...
 

I am now a happy and proud holder of a full motorcycle license. I did a three day DAS course and this morning I passed my practical at Pinner Test Centre with 2 minor faults.

Time to start looking through those motorcycle ads!!
:mchappy:

Up the ante!
 

Don't know if this thread is still running or being viewed, but just wanted to put in my two cents worth, (or 0.08 pence if you're a brit)

Sounds like the bikings in your blood, but I don't think anyone knows until after their first accident. Some stay on (if possible) and learn from it. Others give it up. Not for everyone I guess. Lot of good advice here for first time bikers, I just had advice for the Mrs.....

My experience,

Age 16.5 start biking (after 1st lesson - bought a bike, rode around on my learners permit, 2nd lesson - licence) of course my Mum hated it and said I should quit.

Age 18 started rock-climbing. Mum hated it said I should stick with the bike.

Age 20 started skydiving. Mum and girlfriend hated it and said I should stay with biking and rock-climbing.

Age 23 started B.A.S.E. jumping. Girlfriend left me, (well actually told me to choose, HA! bye bye) Mum, begged me to give it up and asked me when it would be enough.

I've now been travelling Europe, Russia and Asia for 4 years (working along the way). My Mum loves my bike and is proud of me, (although I miss B.A.S.E a lot) and has even seen me skydive a couple of times.

De-sensitize...... that's the key!

Keep the rubber side down bro, and join the the world of travel only truly experienced on 2 wheels.:mchappy:

Congrats Toby - nice going!:thumbup1:

From that badge thingie that you are showing with your name, it looks like you will be getting a Honda of some sort!

Keep trucking,

Hi Camtracey,

Yep, I reckon they all get read by someone!

Nice post BTW - it all makes perfect sense to me.

Cheers,

Buy the bike and let the chips fall as they may!
 

Now Kelly, she was dead set against riding motorcycles. Her first ride was, I'll say, quite an experience for her! After some thrilling straightaways and a few good hairpin turns, we finally got back to the house. I got off the bike and asked her how she enjoyed the ride? Before she could answer, of course, I had to uncuff her and pull the sock out of her mouth.

Yes, I got a Honda CBF500 in the end, and I'm very happy with it. I have proudly put a Horizons Unlimited sticker on the top box but have yet to make it out of this country :blush:. Hoping to cross the channel for the first time come spring

its a no brainer dude :)
 

so then, what ya gonna do? :helpsmilie:
if my girlfriend tried pulling something like that i'd quit my job, give up the lease on the flat and blow all my savings on a 12 month RTW trip..........

that was 2 years ago and i spent most of it in Oz. honestly was just the best move i could have made, definetly the best year of my life and i have not looked back since. :cool4:

i'm 29 have been riding bikes for about 7 years and i will give you the same advice i gave a friend of mine. treat everything on the road as if its trying to kill you, look for clues (when filtering observe the direction of cars front wheels as it gives you an indication to their direction), never assume you have been seen until you make eye contact with the driver (until then keep a finger or foot hovering over the brake), make yourself seen, be 360 degree aware, being hit from behind is not your fault but thats no good if your hurt.

ask yourself questions constantly i.e. why are these cars slowing?
a shadowed section of road in winter could well equal ice (as the sun does not get to it), a drain mid corner in the wet could surprise you as could something as innocent as a crisp packet in the dry. :funmeterno:
if you cant see the face in the wing mirror of the driver in front then he/she cant see you!
i nearly knocked a kid off his scooter a while back cos the idiot hid behind a car that was turning left, i couldn't see him and so pulled out - my fault, but he would get hurt.:nono:
most of what i've read here rings true, good kit costs! buy a brightly coloured helmet as that is the 1st thing people look at and a decent back protecter.
i like to think if the worst happens then at least i can say i could not have done more to protect myself.

read 'bike' magazine as there is many tips about staying upright, but from my experience the best teacher is yourself and riding bikes is a learning curve(you will become a better car driver).
as long as you learn you will make mistakes, its part of life.

i cannot recommend a track day enough. whatever bike you ride you will learn more about riding it in 1 day than ever before. it was only when i started doing these that i realised the importance of being smooth, theres more grip than i realised and its a whole lotta fun! :mchappy:

whatever we do has an element of risk to it, this is offset by the rewards that it offers. biking is all about freedom and for me this went hand in hand with finishing both my job and with my girlfriend. im not saying you should do the same but it sounds to me like you have an itch that need to be scratched? :eek3:
:wave: :wave:

Hey Mardathuna, welcome to the forum. :welcome:

Some good advice in your post. I share your attitude that when riding, I treat everyone as oblivious / an idiot / dangerous threat, and I try to foresee any potential danger.

Yep, it's true. Still trying to reach a conclusion on that one. :rolleyes:

Lets not kid ourselves...
 

You know why there is no website dedicated to Round The World Volvo drivers????

Cos this dude's missus is right! Come on guys, let's admit it and getit all off our shoulders.

Bikes are dangerous... that;s why I love em.

Add: a third world country where some people are battling to feed their kids + some political dissent + corruption + flexible road rules + "life is cheap" = Moto travel is a bit more dangerous than motorbikes.

That's why I love it.

But she's still right!!!!!

Now there's a thought! :rofl: Grant should start that one.:rolleyes2:

It not that dangerous get a paper from LA USA look at all that crime, killings, rape, kidnaping, people shot, run over. Thats LA some are in Hollywood and Disneyland.

Get all the crime reports for a week tell her about it, not where it is but just what happened and tell her you want to go there. She will freak then tell her you want to take her there she will think you have gone mad. Then tell her it gust LA and Hollywood but she is right Disneyland just dangerous for her.

Then there is the Brits.
Look at all the crime and killings in the UK and Ireland in the last 20 years. Bombings political unrest killings sounds like a vary dangerous place to me.

Yore not safe anyplace its all in your head. :rofl:

Hi Maria,
Great quote, it was actually by the aviator and author of The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

Oops, so my reply is nearly 2 years late but I feel a need to justify my half PhD in literature! :-)

Well done that man.
 

Just found this thread............. Good on you. Get yourself over to France this summer. Even if it's just a day trip to get some duty free.

As to milage and dropping bikes thread, my '98 DR800 (owned from new) has been over twice in 32,000 miles (that's fate tempted then), both within 5 minutes, when I let my son have a go............

Soft sand and he was only 15 at the time. But he's not been on her since.

People go around the world on C90's............

Buy a map of Europe and some drawing pins. Blindfold your girl and get her to stick a pin in the map........then go and see where she picked.