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Should I quit motorcycling?

9K views 68 replies 46 participants last post by  purplebear69 
#1 ·
I suppose every motorcyclist has their moments when they ponder this and mine came this week. My dad was in a motorcycle accident and even though his injuries were relatively minor (7 broken ribs and collarbone), he's been in the hospital for 4 days. He will be fine, but it just makes me take a step back and think how easily it could have been me and how easily it could have been much worse. Now I just can't shake the feeling that I won't be able to enjoy it the way I did before. I know everyone has to determine their own risk tolerance and I would guess many of you will tell me exactly that, but it's the first time in 10 years of riding that I've been confronted with this reality head one. At the end of the day, I'm just stirring the pot to see what other have to say about this issue.
 
#2 ·
My dad was killed in motorcycle accident almost 10 years ago. As much as I loved my Dad his accident really has no bearing on what will happen to me. People die in cars, trucks, trains and airplanes. Sometimes ****ty things just happen.
If you can look at it that way and not let it bother you, no, you shouldn't give up riding. If that is the first thing that comes to mind when you pull your helmet on and it becomes a distraction, yes, stop riding because then it will suck the fun out of it for you and become a source of anxiety instead of source for pleasure.
 
#5 ·
If the risk outweighs the reward for you, then give it up. There's nothing magical or noble or sacred about riding. There's nothing to prove. If it's not fun (enough) anymore, do something else. Maybe a convertible, a classic car, a new hobby, whatever. There are a ton of ways to enjoy the day.

It's your personal decision, doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. (Unless you unnecessarily care about what other people think.) You'll have people prod you, mostly to get you to validate their own decisions. Screw 'em ;)

We are bad at assessing risk though. Just because Dad got hurt doesn't mean your risks changed. The vast, vast majority of us get through it unscathed. Even most of the dolts with shorts and flop-flops. I bet your skills are gear are above average, so your risks yet lower.


Hope Dad recovers without too much pain and discomfort!
 
#14 · (Edited)
Well said.
I was almost killed in 1971 on a Triumph.It is SO MUCH a personal decision.I rode again as soon as I could.Then I didn't ride from about 1980.Took it up again about 1990,All personal decisions.
Good luck with whatever YOU decide,don't let anyone sway your decision,and best of luck to your dad too.I had three broken ribs and I know how much fun it is.Tell your Dad sneezing is fun while they're broken :surprise:
 
#6 · (Edited)
Think of it this way- if it were *you* in the accident, would you want him to stop riding?

On the other hand, here's a set of numbers (figures for the US) to ponder:

In 2015 there were about 88,000 motorcycle accidents to include death or injury.

In 2015 there were about 1.3 million attempted suicides to include death or injury. (.2 million- 200,000- of these had no 'plan' prior to the attempt.)

So, you stand a MUCH greater chance of just deciding to off yourself than being killed or injured in a motorcycle accident.
 
#8 ·
Had an interesting couple of conversations the past couple of days on this subject. 1st one was with my Uncle. His son had a nice Victory that he had done a stage two two upgrade on and put lots of miles on it over the years. Well. one of his buddies was killed on a bike recently and he gave up his bike and bought a Slingshot to ride. I'm thinking it's more protection around him and still gives him some wind in his hair.

The second one was with Brother Dear who has been into bikes and worked in the "business" all his life till he retired about a year or so ago. He's got a stable of bikes numbering 10 or so right now. His most recent buy was an old Triumph Trident that needs some work to get it going. He said anymore he would just as soon work on his bikes as ride em which struck me as odd, but to each his own.

My personal experience was I was kinda scared about getting on my 07 Bonnie when I first got it new. Sure enough I did get into an accident with it inside of a year and as I was laying on the pavement making sure I was alive and no pieces of me was on the road I felt kind of elated. I had survived like all the other accidents I had been in even at an advanced age. Not that I didn't have scrapes and some physical problems but all in all I was OK.

Still riding.... albeit a bit slower.
 
#10 ·
I'm a firefighter, and couple of years ago, we responded to a call involving a couple in their 60's who were involved in a seroius crash. They were both transported to a trauma center where the woman ultimately died of her injuries. During our next shift her son, a paramedic in a neighboring state, stopped into our station. He thanked us for doing what we could for his parents. Then he said "my mother would have preferred to die on that bridge in her sixties on the bike, than live to 90 in a nursing home".

It was incredibly moving and there wasn't a dry eye in the place. So I guess my point is that there is a difference between living and being alive. If you value the thrill over the potential danger, keep riding. If not, pack it in. It's all about what makes you happy.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Well I'am 63 years old and here is my take. I've ridden and raced for 50 years .I still ride.

I have had some bad accidents on the road...3 times. If you look deep enough you can always find some rider error,
I have had 24 surgeries yes 24 , count them up on your fingers, it takes a while. Borken arms, 2 clavicles, ribs, skinn and bone grafts and i lost a right leg in the process.
Do i still ride you bet i do. Riding defines me not the mishaps. Its part of my personality and what i Love to do.
Motorcycling is not for everyone, allot of people try it and scare themselves and that's it.
When I lost my lower right leg to a complicated surgery (doctor left a staph infection in my lower right leg) It lay dorment for 23 years and it came back in a big way and they had to take my leg.
At first i didn't think i would ride again, the thought was crazy right at first, then it seemed more crazy not to ride.
I decided not to be controlled by my fears of what might happen. refused to have fear have its way. So i ride still, did a enduro Sheet Iron 300, numerous track days, dirt biking and much touring. **** can always happen and biking not for everyone. If your riding skills are not that good seek some insurrectional track days learn more. Choice can go either way but dont let Fear be your decider, cause it will always chase you in life.
 

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#12 ·
Pondered the same thing at 20 while lying in a hospital after being rear ended on the freeway by an 18 wheeler. Those thoughts quickly led to what bike I was going to get when I got out with the insurance money. Rode another ten years, gave it up for twenty and just got back into a year and a half ago. Funny how I didn't miss it much while not riding and now I can't remember why I ever gave it up. It's a hobby for me, not a lifestyle of way of life.
 
#15 ·
It's not a permanent decision. I've quit before. The reasons were valid to me at the time. Each time I later changed my mind and started riding again. I don't know why riders getting hurt is always blamed on the bike, or why something happening to someone else affects your decision to ride, but it's your decision to make. Quit riding, and wait a few years. They already have ABS, selectable power modes, ride by wire throttle, stability control, cruise control, cornering ABS, air shifter, linked brakes, slipper clutches, ride height control, air bags, and self cancelling turn signals. I figure a couple more years I won't even have to show up.
 
#17 ·
If you're a married man with a family, motorcycling (even for recreational purposes) is not a good idea. When I was in that stage of life, my riding days were severely limited to be sure. I never completely gave it up, but there must have been a good 10 year stretch where I hardly rode any motorcycles at all. Now, both my (grown up, 40 YO) Son and I ride together, because it is our "quality time".
 
#18 ·
If you're a married man with a family, motorcycling (even for recreational purposes) is not a good idea. When I was in that stage of life, my riding days were severely limited to be sure. I never completely gave it up, but there must have been a good 10 year stretch where I hardly rode any motorcycles at all. Now, both my (grown up) Son and I ride together, because it is our "quality time".
I have a cousin who rode while all three of his kids were growing up. Your time may be limited, but I do see how that makes it a bad idea.
 
#19 ·
Back in my teens I never expected to see 20 , when I hit 20 well no way could I make it to 30 . I'm still here still ride like a maniac ( maybe not as often ) , over the years I've lost good friends along the way some their own fault and some the fault of others . Not once have I considered stopping , to me that would be a kind of living death . I don't smoke ,drink or do drugs my vice is bikes . Stay alive, stay switched on, be aware that yes you are more at risk on a bike as opposed to in a box .
 
#21 ·
My brother was killed on a bike back in 1989. I was on the back of the bike riding pillion at the time.

I still ride today. Each to their own but you need to make your own choices for your own reasons.
 
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#23 ·
Thanks for all the discussion guys, I'm actually really enjoying reading everyone's responses. I have to admit that I think much of my reluctance to ride is coming from outside influences. My mom and my wife have always been generally supportive of my riding, but after this they're both becoming fairly vocal that they'd really like to see my dad and I both give it up. And then even my grandparents getting involved, basically saying told you so. They can't fathom why we ever did it to begin with and really don't get why we'd even consider doing it again.

The interesting thing is, someone asked what my dad thinks about it and he's so far been dead set that he is not going to stop riding. Maybe there's something about going through a serious accident yourself and surviving that makes it easier to go back to it than it does for the people on the outside. I never worry about myself when I'm out there, I only worry about him and I imagine he feels the same way. My heart tells me to keep riding, I think I just need to get back out there for a ride and see how I feel about it. Like someone else said, the risks haven't changed for me just because this happened.
 
#30 ·
Thanks for all the discussion guys, I'm actually really enjoying reading everyone's responses. I have to admit that I think much of my reluctance to ride is coming from outside influences. My mom and my wife have always been generally supportive of my riding, but after this they're both becoming fairly vocal that they'd really like to see my dad and I both give it up. And then even my grandparents getting involved, basically saying told you so. They can't fathom why we ever did it to begin with and really don't get why we'd even consider doing it again.
d.

I have heard the same rhetoric from my family members. :rolleyes:



This space intentionally left blank.
 
#24 ·
Nothing wrong with a good scare. I'm due for one myself. Keeps you honest, a more defensive and aware rider. This may do that for you.

I get to ride with my Dad about once a year. He's well into his 70's now, still in good health but isn't up for long days. For a while I worried about him, but now I figure he's all grown up and I should let him make his own decisions :) Those are treasured times though.

Not sure what I'd do if wife was against my riding. I'm sure there will be strong opinions on that. I tend to think if she felt strongly enough, I'd just quit. With no hard feelings, she does a lot for me too. But for average-level concerns, I'd probably just tell her to suck it up :)
 
#36 ·
Nothing wrong with a good scare. I'm due for one myself. Keeps you honest, a more defensive and aware rider. This may do that for you.
I get a good scare most days that I ride to work, including yesterday.
 
#25 ·
Giving up!



Listen: I broke my back and my neck over 37 years ago and asked myself the same question! I have since come off once on black ice, and had a few near ones since, Now after 8 years+ of no motorcycle I got me a bonnie, cos there's nothing like riding "safely" ish Only Now I have chopped of three of my fingertips on a table saw, I am now getting so that I can just operate the clutch again and raring to go! Chin up eyes open head up and off you go! Cars Routers Saws Women: all sorts of hurt and damage can come from any source or pull the lid over and get a buddy to bang the nails in now>:):wink2:
 
#27 ·
While lying on a gurney waiting to have triple bypass surgery, my son asked if I was going to ride again. My answer without hesitation was yes.

To each his own. I've lost several friends to bike accidents and had a few myself.

You have to make your own decision, the heck with what anybody else says or does !
 
#28 ·
Turning 67 next month. I've had to low sides and was able to walk away. Lucky I guess. The last one was a couple of summers ago. For awhile I was a little hesitant on my left hand curves, but got over it. Never thought about, not riding . I guess if every time I got ready to ride I thought about my mortality I would stop riding. That hasn't happened yet.
 
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