Crashes, Falls and Drops

**nerrrd** · 18th May 2013, 08:10

Motorcycling's a risky business, no doubt, it's also a very personal one IMHO. So I wouldn't worry too much about what's happening to the people around you, since when you're on the bike it's you and only you who can manage your own risk. We all make mistakes, though, being human, so nothing is 100% safe, and learning from other's mistakes can be helpful.

I'm another who's been fortunate enough to have been riding mostly in and around Auckland city for 20 odd years or more and had one low speed crash on the road in that time - my own fault. Other than that I've managed to manage the risks in a way which works for me: ride well within my abilities, don't assume anything when it comes to other traffic, make sure I position myself where I can be seen or others expect to see me etc.

Last time I ended up with the bike on the ground was in front of a line of traffic at the entrance to a service station after a brain fade going over a wet plastic judder bar

...I wish that had been my own driveway.

**BigAl** · 18th May 2013, 08:16

The environment plays a big part in risk involved for collisions eg riding in traffic, slippery conditions etc. learn to identify these and ride accordingly.

Drops and single vehicle crashes are usually solely the riders fault and once again try to learn how to identify, eg instruction, track days.

Saying that 'shit always happens' and in 25+ years riding I've only dropped a stationary bike once and had a minor drop of traillie on the road(front wash out on metal at night)

Fwiw

**CBR4ME** · 18th May 2013, 08:43

Seven years On the road 100000km under my belt & no problems then one day i drop the bike in the driveway while moving it to take a photo.

**Juniper** · 18th May 2013, 08:47

Originally Posted by BigAl

The environment plays a big part in risk involved for collisions eg riding in traffic, slippery conditions etc. learn to identify these and ride accordingly.

Drops and single vehicle crashes are usually solely the riders fault and once again try to learn how to identify, eg instruction, track days.

Saying that 'shit always happens' and in 25+ years riding I've only dropped a stationary bike once and had a minor drop of traillie on the road(front wash out on metal at night)

Fwiw

Fwiw?

Ok hearing these I've not had crashes posts are comforting lol.

Does anyone know our stats? How many riders we have currently and how many crashes and fatalities we have a year?

**duckonin** · 18th May 2013, 08:51

Originally Posted by Juniper

But some of these riders were/are seasoned riders that know what they are doing.

Were / are seasoned riders. I would think not..

Go get yourself some good training. No substitute for time on the road and a quick mind set. But first you have to have a few clues about what you are doing.

**Maha** · 18th May 2013, 08:56

Originally Posted by Juniper

Fwiw?

Ok hearing these I've not had crashes posts are comforting lol.

Does anyone know our stats? How many riders we have currently and how many crashes and fatalities we have a year?

Don't get caught up with statistics, your concentration should solely be on you not becoming one.
If the subject matter is of concern to you, can I suggest that you get in touch with a Licensed Instructor for a couple of hours (maybe more) tutor?.. there are Female Instructors near you.
Being such a new rider and riding with other new riders all the time will not help further your road craft...or ease the intimidation of riding with cars (other bikes) around you.

http://www.rcsom.co.nz/

**CBR4ME** · 18th May 2013, 08:59

Originally Posted by Juniper

Fwiw?

Ok hearing these I've not had crashes posts are comforting lol.

Does anyone know our stats? How many riders we have currently and how many crashes and fatalities we have a year?

No idea on the Stats of crashing and fatalites ...... But i can tell you my stats on how much fun & enjoyment i have every time i swing my leg over the bike ...... approx F@#KIN HEAPS

**Juniper** · 18th May 2013, 09:11

Originally Posted by Maha

Don't get caught up with statistics, your concentration should solely be on you not becoming one.
If the subject matter is of concern to you, can I suggest that you get in touch with a Licensed Instructor for a couple of hours (maybe more) tutor?.. there are Female Instructors near you.
Being such a new rider and riding with other new riders all the time will not help further your road craft...or ease the intimidation of riding with cars (other bikes) around you.

http://www.rcsom.co.nz/

Why would I want female? My advantage is that I don't have a penis to worry about squishing into the tank. My disadvantage is lack of strength.

Though yes I do need to get proper instruction. Mates or random people on KB lol offering and all that is fine and dandy but yes, your right instruction would be good.

I want to be a statistic. A statistic of riders who have not killed themselves or others and have not seriously damaged their bikes but enjoys riding on a regular basis.

I do tho still want to know the other stats.

**Maha** · 18th May 2013, 09:30

Originally Posted by Juniper

Why would I want female? My advantage is that I don't have a penis to worry about squishing into the tank. My disadvantage is lack of strength.

Though yes I do need to get proper instruction. Mates or random people on KB lol offering and all that is fine and dandy but yes, your right instruction would be good.

I want to be a statistic. A statistic of riders who have not killed themselves or others and have not seriously damaged their bikes but enjoys riding on a regular basis.

I do tho still want to know the other stats.

Any Licensed Instructor will be suffice. I now firmly believe that's what you need for typing such things as ''Like the gentle egging to push limits'' and ''That's why I bought leather. I want an open casket'' coming from a new rider maybe just bullshit/bravado and hype, but do yourself a favour and put paid to those comments by enrolling sooner rather than later.

**nodrog:Me** · 18th May 2013, 09:40

So you know DMNTD then? Say hi for me.

**davebullet** · 18th May 2013, 09:41

I've had about 3 stationary drops (all within the first 6 months) and one crash in about 6 years of riding. all were 100% my fault. a bad rider crashes and blames someone else. a good rider may crash but acknowledge he was to blame. a great rider realises he can prevent "accidents" and never crashes

**davebullet** · 18th May 2013, 09:44

Originally Posted by Juniper

Why would I want female? My advantage is that I don't have a penis to worry about squishing into the tank. My disadvantage is lack of strength.

Though yes I do need to get proper instruction. Mates or random people on KB lol offering and all that is fine and dandy but yes, your right instruction would be good.

I want to be a statistic. A statistic of riders who have not killed themselves or others and have not seriously damaged their bikes but enjoys riding on a regular basis.

I do tho still want to know the other stats.

my partner is slim and rides a 230kg bonneville no problems. it comes down to technique and planning ahead (ie. don't park down a slope facing downhill etc..) and that applies to all of us really. once you get experience, good mentoring and develop technique and confidence, you won't worry about strength.

**Juniper** · 18th May 2013, 09:57

Originally Posted by Maha

Any Licensed Instructor will be suffice. I now firmly believe that's what you need for typing such things as ''Like the gentle egging to push limits'' and ''That's why I bought leather. I want an open casket'' coming from a new rider maybe just bullshit/bravado and hype, but do yourself a favour and put paid to those comments by enrolling sooner rather than later.

Sorry I my not have introduced my morbid, sadistic, sardonic and totally inappropriate sense of humour and seriousness of the Internet.
If my comments seem off or strange it probably means I am taking the piss while analysing the seriousness (or lack there of) of the situation or topic.

I commend you on your wonderful memory. And yes as I have said I have taken heed of your advice and will seek out an instructor.
Though I still do enjoy my gentle egging. As without it I would sit there looking at my bike still too scared to get on it. But knowing someone else is just like me we can take the steps together. Like planning to go to lessons together so that we aren't there by ourselves.