Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: potential new rider, bike crash, responsible driver

Question
Hi there.  I really, really, really want to get a bike and have ALWAYS been fascinated by them. Now I am looking at smaller, old hondas (79-82 or so) However, I am a 24 yearold female with a very worried boyfriend and mother that need to be convinced they are safe.  Do you know of any website or anything that provides (hopefully encouraging) statistics regarding the matter?  Or any words of wisdom for me to convince them I would be a safe rider.  My boyfriend had a friend in a terrible bike crash years ago, and thinks I am just being stupid.  Thanks so much.  Elli  

Answer
The statistics are not very encouraging. Motorcycling is a risky activity, and riders are far more likely to be injured or killed in a crash.

But what people don't understand is that a motorcycle is a lot like a gun. It's just a piece of metal that does what it's told. It is what the operator does that makes it a dangerous weapon or a useful tool. Your attitude and respect for what the motorcycle can do is really what separates the riders who die in crashes and the ones who enjoy a lifetime of fun and adventure on two wheels.

If you are a good, responsible driver there's no reason a motorcycle has to be dangerous. Take the MSF basic course, take your time learning to ride it, practice your skills, and work hard to avoid putting yourself into bad situations.

If on the other hand, you are a poor driver, or you tend toward irresponsibility and thrill seeking (you have to be honest with yourself) a motorcycle can get you into a lot of trouble, a lot of pain, really fast.

You sound like you have a good attitude towards riding, so my recommendation is go for it. But you must always know your limits, the limits of your mind and body, the limits of the motorcycle itself, and the limits of the road and traffic, and remain within those limits. A rider who crashes has gone beyond one or more of those limits.

Best of luck,

Pat