Triumphrat

harsha · 03-06-2012, 09:47 PM

When ever i say that i'm planning to get a motorcycle for myself to any one around here , most of the people warning me saying that "riding in US is dangerous , be careful" .

Mostly their concern was that car drivers are not used to see motorcycles much on road ,especially on East

Any comments or opinions ??

Though I already decided to get a scrambler , but i want to see what u fellow bikers say.

About me ,yeah I do know to ride motorcycle well

, I did a Leh-Ladkah trip when i was in India .

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=480486

tomfleming · 03-06-2012, 09:57 PM

People are conditioned to say that reflexively. They heard it a million times growing up. But let's say biking is 20 times more risky than car driving; 20 times a small number is still a small number. Avoid alcohol and wear a helmet, don't wreck it all by yourself (single vehicle wreck due to stupidity) and now you're probably 10 times the risk of a car.

williamr · 03-09-2012, 07:07 AM

I've ridden a bit in the States, and in general I've found that road layouts make it safer than in the EU. Driving standards are not as good, but again that's ameliorated by better layout with better sight lines - more space available - and there's nothing in terms of stupidity or inattention an American driver can do that some EU drivers don't do.

In general, if you ride to the same standard I think the States is a touch safer. If you haven't learned to cope with traffic and poor driving, then it probably isn't.

Rob

Wolfpack94 · 03-09-2012, 07:50 AM

Motorcycles get the same reaction from the majority of people just as guns do. Those who have had a bad experience or are ignorant of the subject assume that the items are always dangerous and scary. A lot of it comes down to just general public perception and lack of education on the subject.

Ropeferry · 03-09-2012, 08:15 AM

I agree with the average statistics stated above, but there are many factors within your control that can mitigate your risk. It will not be zero, but you have the power to mitigate.

I will be far more likely to hit a car pulling out in front of me when driving my car. When on my bike I'm totally focused on every car coming from the side. I have an out planned. When driving my car, I am far more casual and trusting that they won't pull out.

Just my opinion.

jac55 · 03-09-2012, 03:44 PM

I haven't rode in the states, but to be honest I haven't been riding to long up here in Canada. My dads been riding for quite some time and has made a few treks through north eastern US, vermont/new york and said it was beautiful. He didn't mention anything about much danger but he wasn't really riding through any big cities, mostly in rural areas.

Thruxtonbill · 03-09-2012, 06:24 PM

At the 2:15 mark

You Tube

Wheelhorse · 03-10-2012, 10:21 AM

I wonder what ever happened to the guy in the red pickup truck?

Unfortunately he screams disgruntled red neck because his wife or mother wouldn't let him own a motorcycle and Harleys don't corner like them there crotch rockets.

Harsha, it depends where you motorcycle at in the US.

I always give this advice to anyone, if you haven't passed the state test on your own motorcycle---usually applies to people with bigger bikes, then you shouldn't be on it.

IF you've been out of the saddle, take a refresher course.

IF you have some years under your belt, take an advanced rider course | track day.

Education is a life saver; read | learn | apply.

Never think that there isn't ONE thing you could take away from a class; this attitude may cost you dearly one day when it pertains to motorcycling. If for nothing else, its always best to stay sharp.

I've seen the most deaths/accidents caused by a left turn in front of a cyclists ( never saw the cyclist ) and cyclists hit from behind while waiting at a red light.

When I'm at a red light waiting and I see cars coming from behind, I start tapping my brake to pulsate the rear light...cagers usually respond to flashing red lights. I'm also in first and ready to move over if I don't see the approaching vehicle nosing or slowing down.

Whenever approaching an intersection, don't expect the adjecent vehicle to see you or to stop...you have to ride on Super Defense.

This is a good read about the fear driven mentality of the US and motorcycles.

http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=3178

harsha · 03-22-2012, 12:47 PM

Thanks for your views/comments guys.

I bought a Matte Khaki Scrambler this week to try and test it my self

.

Billbikes · 03-25-2012, 11:53 AM

The U S is such a wide and varied place. It looks like you're from Jersey City, and I'm sure riding in that area may be a bit more dangerous than others, with all the people(and cars) crammed in such a tight place.

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