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Motorcycles - There's no feeling like it, you get time to unwind and be in your own head if you need it, or you can push the envelope and empty your head of eve

Motorcycles - There's no feeling like it, you get time to unwind and be in your own head if you need it, or you can push the envelope and empty your head of everything but the road. The maintenance / mechanics side is really rewarding as well.

IkmoIkmo 11y ago
It's one of the few reasons I regret living in a very urban area in Europe (Amsterdam), there's very little space. I'm completely fine with that in terms of a home, I don't need a massive kitchen and massive bedrooms etc. But I really wish I had a garden and a garage. If I had either of those I'd love to get into motorcycles. Without them, it just feels like my expensive toy is out there on the street and if anything ever happens to it, I can't tinker away patiently, I pay a guy to fix it or rent a workspace and fix it on a timer. I've watched a ton of videos on repairs and maintenance and modifications etc. I can't imagine really enjoying it that much if that element is removed. Beyond that I'd be pretty scared of riding a lot. Does anyone have some statistics on this? I always had the impression that even if you ride perfectly, you're vulnerable to other people's mistakes. Bf of a friend of mine got killed that way.
- jgroszko 11y ago
  I also live in an urban area (Chicago) and started riding about 3 years ago. So far I've had spaces in parking structures where I could do some less involved things (changed my own oil a few weeks ago, wheee) without raising too many eyebrows. I'm currently condo shopping and one of my requirements will be an indoor garage space so I can continue doing this, so it's do-able in an urban environment. I guess I don't really know what condo garages are like in Europe though... As for risk, there's the HURT report in the US that came out in the 80s but nothing nearly as comprehensive has been done recently. I just make sure to always wear All the Gear, All the Time (ATTGATT), and always ride sober. Even one drink is pretty noticeable. So there's ways to substantially reduce the risk.
- Derpdiherp 11y ago
  I live in the UK and I don't have a garage either, I'm fortunate enough to live on a quiet enough street off of main roads though, so I do all my maintenance on the street. It's ok until the wind gets up, and genuinely pleasant in summer. So far as being vulnerable - yes you are. This is something you have to come to terms with, there are many biker safety courses out there designed to make you a better rider, police riding courses are very good, and so are some advanced ones - they'll teach you how to ride defensively, how to read the road as best as possible, danger assessment etc. That said, there is always a chance something out of your control could happen to you, but the same could be said for walking out of your house every day, we do what we enjoy because we enjoy it - you must assess the risk vs reward and decide if it is for you. My advice? If you honestly have an interest, try a beginners course, even if you don't initially intend on getting a motorcycle it will give you a little taste of what it is like and let you make a slightly more informed decision.

IkmoIkmo 11y ago

It's one of the few reasons I regret living in a very urban area in Europe (Amsterdam), there's very little space. I'm completely fine with that in terms of a home, I don't need a massive kitchen and massive bedrooms etc. But I really wish I had a garden and a garage. If I had either of those I'd love to get into motorcycles. Without them, it just feels like my expensive toy is out there on the street and if anything ever happens to it, I can't tinker away patiently, I pay a guy to fix it or rent a workspace and fix it on a timer. I've watched a ton of videos on repairs and maintenance and modifications etc. I can't imagine really enjoying it that much if that element is removed. Beyond that I'd be pretty scared of riding a lot. Does anyone have some statistics on this? I always had the impression that even if you ride perfectly, you're vulnerable to other people's mistakes. Bf of a friend of mine got killed that way.

jgroszko 11y ago
I also live in an urban area (Chicago) and started riding about 3 years ago. So far I've had spaces in parking structures where I could do some less involved things (changed my own oil a few weeks ago, wheee) without raising too many eyebrows. I'm currently condo shopping and one of my requirements will be an indoor garage space so I can continue doing this, so it's do-able in an urban environment. I guess I don't really know what condo garages are like in Europe though... As for risk, there's the HURT report in the US that came out in the 80s but nothing nearly as comprehensive has been done recently. I just make sure to always wear All the Gear, All the Time (ATTGATT), and always ride sober. Even one drink is pretty noticeable. So there's ways to substantially reduce the risk.
Derpdiherp 11y ago
I live in the UK and I don't have a garage either, I'm fortunate enough to live on a quiet enough street off of main roads though, so I do all my maintenance on the street. It's ok until the wind gets up, and genuinely pleasant in summer. So far as being vulnerable - yes you are. This is something you have to come to terms with, there are many biker safety courses out there designed to make you a better rider, police riding courses are very good, and so are some advanced ones - they'll teach you how to ride defensively, how to read the road as best as possible, danger assessment etc. That said, there is always a chance something out of your control could happen to you, but the same could be said for walking out of your house every day, we do what we enjoy because we enjoy it - you must assess the risk vs reward and decide if it is for you. My advice? If you honestly have an interest, try a beginners course, even if you don't initially intend on getting a motorcycle it will give you a little taste of what it is like and let you make a slightly more informed decision.