A few questions and concerns of a new guy.

Message

jonnythan · Mon Jul 07, 2008 2:16 am

Silverstein wrote:I might not be able to find a close MSF course, my only option may be a Rider's Edge course from a Harley shop, would that course be sufficient enough? Would I also get the same benefits on insurance and waivers that the MSF course offers?

(If the benefits are applicable of-course.)

Yup. MSF and Riders Edge are basically the same thing - only difference is that in the Riders Edge classes you ride a Buell and they apparently take some time out to show you the Harley shop

Silverstein · Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:58 am

Ok, I'm scared again, I studied how to not be a motorcycle sandwich at an intersection, and got through that, now I'm scared of becoming a motorcycle pancake. Someone got rear ended in front of my place on the highway trying to turn off the highway. If the person who got rear-ended (van), was on a bike, the person would be gone most likely.

How do I keep this from happening to me, since I live off the highway?

Mon Jul 07, 2008 12:22 pm

Silverstein wrote:I might not be able to find a close MSF course, my only option may be a Rider's Edge course from a Harley shop, would that course be sufficient enough? Would I also get the same benefits on insurance and waivers that the MSF course offers?

(If the benefits are applicable of-course.)

Where are you? (Fill in your profile and you may find some riding buddies too) Have you visited www.msf-usa.org for the course locator?

P

Mon Jul 07, 2008 12:25 pm

When you're in your car, start thinking like a motorcyclist... watch for the idiot stuff that cagers do.

Keeping your head on a swivel and expecting folks to do stupid stuff that will endanger you will go a LOOOONG way in helping to keep you safe. No guarantees, of course.

Oh. And plan to spend money on good protective gear. . . like my sig says.

P

Silverstein · Mon Jul 07, 2008 12:30 pm

R3sp4wN wrote:I highly suggest the Shadow. I have a 99 Shadow and it cost me a little less than $3,000. It is a great bike for beginners; I just started riding, myself, about 4 months ago.

Yes I love how shadow's look, especially from the 90's, If I can I'll try and get a Shadow over a Rebel.

Silverstein · Mon Jul 07, 2008 12:38 pm

Wait, I know the Rider's Edge costs almost 300 dollars, how much does the MSF BRC course cost? Is it free or will it be similar in price?

Silverstein · Mon Jul 07, 2008 12:39 pm

Lion_Lady wrote:When you're in your car, start thinking like a motorcyclist... watch for the idiot stuff that cagers do.

Keeping your head on a swivel and expecting folks to do stupid stuff that will endanger you will go a LOOOONG way in helping to keep you safe. No guarantees, of course.

Oh. And plan to spend money on good protective gear. . . like my sig says.

P

Would protective gear actually protect me if I got rear-ended? Or am I just pretty much going to get fatally hurt no matter how much gear I have in a high speed crash?

matthew5656 · Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:27 pm

When you're stopped anyplace where cars must eventually pull up behind you, keep your bike in gear and stay on the lookout for that guy who can't find the braking mechanism in his vehicle. You have a better chance pulling away safely from a hazardous situation while remaining in first gear instead of clicking up to neutral. The only time I allow my hand off the clutch is at a long light, and after a car or two have stopped behind me.

But try not to focus on the worst case scenario of everything. Too much anxiety during the ride may lead your mind into more trouble than you might expect. You think?

Brackstone · Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:52 pm

Silverstein wrote:
Would protective gear actually protect me if I got rear-ended? Or am I just pretty much going to get fatally hurt no matter how much gear I have in a high speed crash?

If you have CE Approved Spine and Elbow protection and a good helmet that will help.

But honestly unless the guy is doing like 25Mph and you're at a dead stop you won't get hurt that bad. Heck even at that speed unless you have sissy bars or something else propping up your back I think the bike is going to take the brunt of the blow and you'll probably end up on the guys hood.

Anyone with experience getting rear ended while sitting on a motorcycle at a stop light can feel free to correct me.

Like others have said try not to stress out too much. If you are afraid of getting rear ended stay in gear. Remember on a motorcycle you can get yourself out of situations easily cause you are so small.

I had one close call on my motorcycle that I would have never been able to avoid if I was in a car.

Silverstein · Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:13 pm

matthew5656 wrote:When you're stopped anyplace where cars must eventually pull up behind you, keep your bike in gear and stay on the lookout for that guy who can't find the braking mechanism in his vehicle. You have a better chance pulling away safely from a hazardous situation while remaining in first gear instead of clicking up to neutral. The only time I allow my hand off the clutch is at a long light, and after a car or two have stopped behind me.

But try not to focus on the worst case scenario of everything. Too much anxiety during the ride may lead your mind into more trouble than you might expect. You think?

Yes I agree I shouldn't focus on worst case scenario, but I've never rode a motorcycle in my life and I'm not prone to take any risks, BUT, I'm trying to break thru this negativity I have about the inherent dangers of motorcycling and have ordered the Proficient Motorcycling book to learn more.

I am talking about being rear ended when I'm pulling off the highway , what do I do if someone isn't paying attention to my breaking (ie: eyes not on me or the road) and how do I keep this from happening?