This week on MCrider we talk about an MCrider video that was banned from YouTube and we look at 5 signs that may mean riding a motorcycle is not for you.
Forum members check out this link for a more detailed discussion of this video.
Traits of people that should not ride a motorcycle.
You lack self-discipline.
Riding a motorcycle requires the proper technique. I teach technique here on MCrider but it a small part of riding safely. Beyond that, it is showing proper self-restraint on the road. If you can’t control the throttle hand, riding a motorcycle is not for you. Once you learn the fundamentals of control it is road strategy that will get you the rest of the way.
You are a know it all.
Passing the basic rider course does not mean you are a fully qualified rider. It is the first step and a very small one at that. Statistically speaking riders who only pass the Basic Riders Course are no safer than riders who don’t. Take more advanced training, practice on your own with the Field Guide, if speed is your thing…get on a track and take a track day to get that speed out of your system.
Near Misses
You have a lot of near misses in your car or you often suffer from road rage. It is one thing to have a fender bender in a car, it is a whole other story on a motorcycle. Your driving habits are a decent predictor of your riding habits as a rider.
Road Rage
If you are prone to road rage and protecting your 12 feet of turf in the car, you might need to think twice about riding a motorcycle. Because more people will cut you off on a motorcycle than they ever do in a car. You have to have the temperament to deal with it. Road rage and motorcycling have no place together…in fact you guys with the road rage need to do us all a favor and take the bus.
Self Control
You think motorcycles are all about doing burnouts, riding wheelies and going really fast splitting through traffic on the highway. Any rider with a small amount of skill can get a motorcycle up to speed and ride it straight down the road. Add a little more skill and they can ride it really fast in a straight line. Oh man, that throttle feels really good rolling on it going down the highway.
Keep learning.
I am a fairly proficient rider but I know better street riders than me, I know better track riders than me, I know better riders in the cones than me and I can learn something from all of them. If you don’t know better riders than you, you need to get out more.
Your first motorcycle is a 600cc or up sportbike. I have nothing against sportbikes. I think they are the most beautiful bikes designed but they are not starter bikes. If you have ever heard someone say, Man, don’t buy a small bike you will get bored with it too soon and want something different…and you followed that advice. It might be time to look in the mirror.
Does that mean if you buy a larger bike you will crash and kill yourself? No.
Tip for safer riding
Start small
But for the general public, there are some tried and true practices to follow when you are starting out…and this is one of them. There is a lot of wisdom in starting with a smaller bike and working your way up.
Train
Throw in a curve sharper than the rider expects, or a car pulling in front of them, or gravel in the road, or a dog running in the road,
or,
or,
or
We could keep going all day. Our rider is not prepared for that and they crash and die.
And the world losses a person that can never be replaced. A unique person who I believe in spite of their flaws is created in the very image of God and has the capacity to reflect God in a way that no other person can.
Life is precious…You only get one shot at it. If you mess it up because you are too proud to listen and learn…motorcycling is not for you.
