Thinking of a Motorcycle...Stupid Decision?

[Slava]

The one thing I would note for people considering a bike is that you can buy a used bike for cheap as compared to a car. Its not like you have to spend tens of thousands and then lose a pile in depreciation. I bought mine used and figure that if I decide its not for me (unlikely at this point!), then I could sell it for basically the same amount next year or the year after.

[MoneyGuy]

Originally Posted by Slava

I got a cruiser, its a Suzuki C50T. Its not obnoxiously loud, but it looks like it would be. Its actually pretty quiet. I was worried about riding in traffic, and I think that is normal, but to be honest now that I've done so a number of times its really not scary at all.

I will definitely go for a ride with you moneyguy. Not this weekend, but we can meet in Red Deer and head out west for a ride for sure!

Let me know when you're ready.

I'm glad I was able to help you a little to get started. Welcome to the fraternity.

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by Table 5

What did you get?

I like the idea of motorbikes and I'm sure they are fun as hell, but I can just never get over the safety aspect of it to go down that route...so I have to admire from afar. But I'm definitely a little jealous of anyone who does.

That's exactly how I feel. They do look wickedly fun to ride, and I too am definitely jealous of anyone who does ride one. But I just can't bring myself to trust the people on the road enough to ever feel comfortable riding one.

[ranchlandsselling]

Especially nowadays with cell phones being in 50% of drivers' hands.
Or would that be 25% because each driver usually has two hands?

[Nehkara]

I've worked in healthcare too long to ever recommend a motorcycle to anyone. Lots of horror stories. Also, a few from friends.

All of that said, I realize they're not motorcycles but I have had a fascination with the Can-Am Spyder for a long time:

[Slava]

^ So just out of curiosity would you ride one of those instead of a motorcycle? What about that would make you feel more safe?

[Nehkara]

Originally Posted by Slava

^ So just out of curiosity would you ride one of those instead of a motorcycle? What about that would make you feel more safe?

Not necessarily. I just think they're really cool.

I don't think they are a lot safer than a motorcycle.

Maybe a little bit in a few areas:

Some of the motorcycle injuries I've heard of in my time in healthcare have been related to road debris... things falling off of or out of vehicles and impacting the rider. There is somewhat more protection with the Spyder because of the position of the front wheels and the shape of the front end.

Also, it might help a being a little bigger in terms of visibility to other drivers.

There are probably cases where the added stability would also help in dangerous situations.

Overall though, to reiterate, I don't think they are a lot safer. There's still a good chance that if you get into an accident you are dead.

[Northendzone]

don't forget that loud pipes save lives, invest in pipes........

[CalgaryFan1988]

Originally Posted by Slava

The one thing I would note for people considering a bike is that you can buy a used bike for cheap as compared to a car. Its not like you have to spend tens of thousands and then lose a pile in depreciation. I bought mine used and figure that if I decide its not for me (unlikely at this point!), then I could sell it for basically the same amount next year or the year after.

I bought a bike, drove it for 3 years and sold it for profit. There are great deals to be had when buying a bike. Particularly if you buy it at the end of the season, or during the winter.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

That's exactly how I feel. They do look wickedly fun to ride, and I too am definitely jealous of anyone who does ride one. But I just can't bring myself to trust the people on the road enough to ever feel comfortable riding one.

I wouldn't want one, but not because I don't trust other people; I'm more worried about myself. I love things that go fast and I know I'd be cranking on the throttle all the time. It would be impossible for me to go the speed limit. I have to watch myself in my car...I can't imagine what I'd be like on a bike.

[MoneyGuy]

The Spyder is a motorcycle. It has one more wheel, but it's still a motorcycle.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

The Spyder is a motorcycle. It has one more wheel, but it's still a motorcycle.

Disagree, it can't lean and corner like a motorcycle. Its more like a seadoo with wheels.

[Table 5]

I'm no arbiter of cool, but the Can-Am Spyder kind of screams "Cialis commercial" to me. It gives off that old guy trying to be young again vibe...kind of like when you see a yellow Corvette.

[combustiblefuel]

I don't see the problem with getting a bike . I've always had one since I was 8. Yes there are risks. Just gotta be alert and take the proper safety courses. Wear a helmet and Always wear full leather when riding. I already have to ride my bicycle in Traffic which produces no noise for people hear.Even tho a lot of people hate the noise of loud pipes on a bike that's what they are for. Its not to be a complete jerk and have them for fun.

[combustiblefuel]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Disagree, it can't lean and corner like a motorcycle. Its more like a seadoo with wheels.

So trikes aren't real motorcycles then either? Or how about motorcycles with a side car you can't lean on those either.

[MoneyGuy]

Originally Posted by combustiblefuel

So trikes aren't real motorcycles then either? Or how about motorcycles with a side car you can't lean on those either.

He knows it's a motorcycle. He's trying to be difficult.

[vanisleflamesfan]

1. Get a Harley.
2. Replace, as quickly as possible, every single item of clothing that you own that does not say "Harley Davidson" on it, with one that does.

The worst thing in the entire world is if there is even one person in the world that does not know that you own a Harley.

3. If you encounter a blind person who cannot immediately tell that you own a Harley just from visually reading your clothes, be sure the tell them, in as loud a voice as possible, about your Harley.

Harley.

[To Be Quite Honest]

Viper Dimondback... Me wants.

[Vulcan]

How about the Harley fake ponytail.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by To Be Quite Honest

Viper Dimondback... Me wants.

Looks nice but I think there is too much of a rake for my riding type.