I'm thinking about getting a motorcycle after graduation and plan on taking a safety course during my 30 days of leave. Anyone have experience with owning, operating, and maintaining a motorcycle as a young JO?
Well, I guess I'll be the voice of the other side.
I've had a bike for years, never dumped it, never hit.
I have to admit some things as well, far too many riders are idiots. They ride too fast, cut in and out of traffic, think it's cool to ride on one wheel, and basically think they own the road.
While most accidents involving bikes are not the fault of the rider, it doesn't mean the rider couldn't have done more to avoid the crash.
My basic rule for riding is to always ride like everyone else on the road is trying to kill you. Don't ride a bike like you drive a car. While the black leather jacket looks nice it also makes you nearly invisible to other drivers. Wear that dorky neon vest with reflector stripes, it may not look cool but people will see you.
Don't follow too close, don't cut through traffic, don't speed by a line of slow moving cars, they won't see you and merge over and then "Boom" not your fault, but not a smart move that could easily get you killed.
There is a sense of freedom on a bike, some confuse that with a sense of invincibility, your not. There is an urge to out do the other riders when your in a group, resist that urge.
I was probably the most boring bike rider around, the bottom line in that statement is that I'm still around.
If you want a bike so you can ride like those guys you see in the movies, don't get one.
With a bike you have to be about 10 times a defensive driver then you are in a car. You don't want "But it wasn't my fault" etched on your tombstone.
Bottom line, motorcycles can be great, low fuel cost for commuting, easy parking, and a lot of fun, if your willing to suppress the urge act like a maniac.