Are Motorcyclists suicidal?

[Vit0r]

After a self evaluation I began wondering about the state of mind of other bikers out there. I wanted to get into their psyche so I had to evaluate myself first. I came to the conclusion that I for some reason have very little, if possibly, no fear of death. Strictly relating to motorcycles, if I were to die on a bike in the near future I would have no regrets. Call me crazy but I can't explain it, I really can't. When people talk about their deaths I'd rather go out in a blaze of glory than peacefully in my deathbed. People who get on bikes know the risks, so why continue? I think everyone who rides is a bit suicidal, whether they realize it or not.

[Ninja Geoff]

I duno about you. but when i'm fuly geared up, i feel bullet proof and tend to ride a bit harder than normal. Though it is on the dirt.

[stock28]

I have no intentions of dying on my bike or anywhere else soon for that matter. I always wear full gear and I know the risks, that's why I always ride defensively. I'd much rather die an old man in my bed then go out too soon in a blaze of glory.

[gsJack]

..................Call me crazy but I can't explain it, I really can't. When people talk about their deaths I'd rather go out in a blaze of glory than peacefully in my deathbed....................

Works for me at age 90 or so, but not now. I'll keep wearing my helmets and other gear till then.

[Mustang]

I respectfully disagree with the original poster. Rather than suicidal, I think humans have an deeply ingrained self-preservation instinct that has seen us through some challenging times as both a society as well as individually.

If anything awareness of your own mortality comes with age (actually knowledge and wisdom, but thats a whole 'nother post) which is why you rarely see a thirty five year old popping wheelies on a crowded highway while doing 70 mph.

Oddly enough I find bikers more cautious and aware when it comes to driving skills than the average car-only driver, simply because we know we're more vunerable.

Now contentment with life becuse we know the pleasures of riding......that I totally agree wth!

[Sev]

We aren't seeking death, we're seeking the thrill of the risk. No one here wants to die on their bike, but knowing that it's a possibility means that we feel a little more alive when we're doing it.

Fear releases endorphins into the blood stream, same as speed does. Your body naturually pumps out everything that you need to get high, you just need a way to make it happen.

Whether it's jumping out of a plane with a bag full of cloth strapped to your back, screaming down the highway on your bike, or shooting down a mountain on skis the realization that you could die means you're that much more aware that you are alive.

[cb360]

The thrill of living life is good enough for me. Death will come whenever it wants, but I don't think for a second that I don't have any control over it. If I walk over to the 99 bridge and jump off I will die. My decisions affect my life. I plan on living for a good long time and enjoying every minute of it. I accept that riding can be dangerous, but I have no death-wish or misplaced desire to go out in a 'blaze of glory.' There's nothing glorious about dying on a bike, especially if you are doing something stupid that caused the death in the first place.

[9000white]

get you a couple of experiences at being close to death--your bravado might show itself.

[Kal]

I'm not suicidal.

I just want to live before I die. End of.

[jmillheiser]

I dont have a death wish. I just want to enjoy life. Hiding from any and all risk will likely lead to a very boring life.

I do gear up when I ride out of personal choice. I enjoy riding but still choose to minimize the risks of riding. I dont feel bulletproof when geared up and on the bike, but I do feel safer and more comfortable on the bike.