Are Motor Bikes Really Dangerous?

1. 61

   theirishobserver.posted 15 years ago

   I tend to think motor bikes are safe, it is the actions of thoughtless drivers and sometimes carless riders are what is dangerous, my Kawasaki 250 has never been crashed and I have been riding it for almost 20 years.....

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      SimeyCposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Yep - I tend to agree with you. Motorbikes are very safe if driven correctly; if the driver is poor then you'll likely see a crash!
      
      I also agree that it's other drivers that make it more dangerous - most don't take enough care and attention around motor bikes!

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      Poppa Bluesposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I fell off mine, a Kawasaki 350 triple, when the back went out from under me on black ice on a straight away. I remember doing 360s on the side still holding unto the handle bars, my legs straight behind me while still in my lane and cars coming towards me in the other lane. I got up and drove it home and never rode in the winter again.
      
      They're as safe as anything else you do that involves risk. Still you don't have control of what others do and on a bike, if you're hit, you're likely to get hurt worse then if you were surrounded by a cage.

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      LaMamaLoliposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Please don't jinx yourself. A family member had been riding his for 20 years and was a sensible rider, yet died in a crash- he was hit by a car. You may be a safe driver, and maybe it is usually "other" road users which are the danger, but the fact remains that its the motorcyclist who will come off worse. Take care of yourself.

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      freeeasycouponsposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I think Bike is not a Dangerous.

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      cocowboyposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      With the proper safety precautions (helmets) and proper lessons they are rather safe... the problem is when people don't use their head and out drive their conditions....      the other problem is that drivers of cars and trucks aren't used to looking out for objects smaller than them....    I have been in a couple scrapes, but i had my helmet on and I am still here and a kickn.

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      Glenn Raymondposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Hey!  It depends on who is riding and who is driving those cars.  The purpose for a big loud bike like mine is, people see and hear you coming.  Also, it is not a matter of "if" you go down, but a matter of "when" you go down.  You have got to know how to react and be ready to react quickly.  If one does not have quick reflexes and several good plans in mind, it could be very bad.  I have also known many beloved riders who have lost their lives because they wore a helmet.  They might protect your head a tiny bit, but they snap necks in nothing flat.  If people do not wear their heavy leathers, they can kiss their skin goodbye.  Yes, I do plan on writing about all of this.  But for now, I am new and still have some things to complete and things to understand about all these Affiliates.  Let's please stay in touch.  Cheers! Glenn

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      dreamdairyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      you are right, its not the bike but the rider who crashes it. Motor Bikes are not dangerous

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      dannyjohnson1027posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      i think motor bikes are not safe.A lot of accidents involving motorcycles are mostly death. 
      
      

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   thooghunposted 15 years ago

   I agree with Irish, unfortunately at least over here ( I live in Rome ) your skill has little to do with safety, it is the actions of other drivers that make biking a dangerous habit.

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3. 61

   theirishobserver.posted 15 years ago

   SimeyC how are you - looking forward to St Patrick's Day

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      SimeyCposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Of course! Got my Guinness ready, my Guinness Recipes ready and a green hat......I do have Irish blood so I'm allowed to be Irish for the day!
      
      Of course, I doubt the Guinness will last this weekend, so I may have to by more, and more and more!
      
      How are you? Great painting BTW - I'm looking forward to seeing it in its full Glory...

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4. 61

   theirishobserver.posted 15 years ago

   Is Rome really as difficult to drive in as it appears on TV

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5. 60

   m.zeshanposted 15 years ago

   Yah, because it has only two wheels, if you can balance it, it will be better for you, other wise it is very dangerous because you are open on bikes, if any car or motor can hit you, after that you will be on ground.

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   theirishobserver.posted 15 years ago

   m.zeshan - thanks for that comment - but I think you will find that statistically - you are more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a car - I suppose it depends on where you live

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7. 61

   theirishobserver.posted 15 years ago

   SimeyC - I am certain that you have Irish blood - Im sure the Guinness will go down a treat - it wont be long now

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   ohoxposted 15 years ago

   oh yes, motorcycle are safe..depends on how you drive it and where you drive it..as theirishobserver said.
   here in Indonesia we must use big helmet (half full helmet) for requirement. if not, you must pay some fee to the police. it is a bit danger riding motorcycle in here. there is a lot of motor rider  which in some city, the road always full of motorcycle. motorcycle only have 2 wheels, so it really depend on your agility ride motorcycle. unless, you got hit by a car or something. thats a different matter. so ride with safety is a must.
   
   safety to the first

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9. 60

   dongatelyposted 15 years ago

   I've been riding big motorcycles since 1955 and have not been seriously hurt - but I think motorcycles are definitely more dangerous than cars.   You have to ride defensively.  You never know what the other person is going to do.  But the fun of motorcycling makes the risk worthwhile.  after all, you can't go through life never taking a chance.

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    Mental Inkposted 15 years ago

    I've been riding for more than 24 years. I've had a bad wreck and have lost friends; some due to their own stupidity and some due to the negligence of others.
    
    But I've also lost friends in regular car accidents. That said, there are only two types of riders; those who have wrecked. And those who are going to.
    
    So, I do not think the bike itself is what's dangerous; it's the skill of the rider combined with the awareness (or lack thereof) of those driving around us. Problem with the bike is that you're simply less protected in the event of an emergency.

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       foreignpressposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Excuse me!? 24 years?!! Looking at your photograph, you're not old enough to been riding 24 years. Maybe 4 years. That was a typographical mistake you made.

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          Mental Inkposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          foreignpress - u are TOO kind, but alas, that is not a typo. If it were I'd be deducting years, not adding them.
          
          But thank you ;-)

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11. 0

    Kathryn LJposted 15 years ago

    Motor bikes are not dangerous, if you don't ride them.  Pavements are not dangerous, if you don't walk on them.  Its all about risk assessment.  Some things are just more risky than others.  Yet, you could choke on an extra strong mint and it no one is there you will still be going to the choir invisible.  Disability after the accident, now thats what you need to worry about.  Mind you, heroic CPR after the extra strong mint choking could lead to the same senario.  Good luck guys!

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    WHoArtNowposted 15 years ago

    I have a car for the week, and a motorbike for the track at the weekend. I will not ride a motorbike on the road. I've been ridding for 3 years starting off on motor cross bikes and I've never crashed, yet I know the moment I go on the road,some idiot not paying attention is going to knock me off. So I play it safe (and enjoy the bikes full potential!) I keep it on the track only.

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    borge_009posted 15 years ago

    It will depend on the driver.  I have seen so many motor bike accidents almost everyday in our country, gruesome accidents.  The drivers should always practice safe driving

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    Chaotic Chicaposted 15 years ago

    My step father always told me that 'if I taught you how to drive well, then the only person on the road I have to worry about is the other driver.'  I think that about sums it up, if you drive safe, you'll be able to spot and, hopefully, steer clear of those that are not.

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    Greek Oneposted 15 years ago

    I have yet to talk to any person who has told me they have died while on a motorcycle

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       Chaotic Chicaposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       LOL!  I should hope not!

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       andromidaposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       me too greek

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16. 0

    StormRyderposted 15 years ago

    I don't think motorcycles themselves are dangerous but careless auto drivers and inexperienced motorcycle riders are!!!

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17. 61

    Padrinoposted 15 years ago

    Firearms don't just go off.
    
    A spoon didn't make Rosie O'Donnell fat.
    
    And a motorcycle is not dangerous by itself.

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       Chaotic Chicaposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I couldn't have said it better myself!

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    Cagsilposted 15 years ago

    Are Motor Bikes Really Dangerous? No. They are harmless until one gets one. Once someone gets one and begins driving it, does it become dangerous.
    
    Should one be responsible about riding one, then the dangerous nature of a motor bike is lessened.
    
    On another hand, there are plenty of people who do not respect motor bikes or the riders, because they are not more aware. There are more accidents of motor bikes, due to other people negligence than to self issues.
    
    The bike itself isn't dangerous.

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    Lady_Eposted 15 years ago

    They are not dangerous - they just put the rider in a Vulnerable position because Motorists aren't often aware of them.
    
    Stay safe.

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20. 0

    sneakorocksolidposted 15 years ago

    Only the ones that crash.

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       Chaotic Chicaposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Even then it's not the motorcycles that usually hurts you-it's the pavement!

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    Will Apseposted 15 years ago

    I seem to remember that 1 in 3 accidents in London involves a motorcycle. Given how few motorcycle that there are that is worrying. I can also tell you in Thailand where about 70 per cent of people use motorcycles, fifty people die on a motorcycle every day. That is carnage.

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    ab420posted 15 years ago

    Irresponsible motorcycle riding is always dangerous, but responsible defensive riding with proper gear is not as dangerous as some of the cars / drivers on the road.

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    Falsor Wingposted 15 years ago

    I do not beleive they are considered more dangerous because they are more likely to get in accidents. Their dangerous reputation comes from the fact that if you do get hit, even grazed, the blacktop will sandpaper through skin muscle and bone.

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    Chaotic Chicaposted 15 years ago

    Most riders, in my opinion, are safer when on their motorcycles because they are more alert and pay closer attention to the road and what other vehicles are doing in case the other driver does not see them, which is often the case.  Those that stunt ride in traffic and race off the track are temtping the odds and gambling with their lives and they are the ones who are dangerous.  A rider needs to know his/her limits and ride accordingly.

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    TheGlassSpiderposted 15 years ago

    I suppose I'll be the voice of dissent here. I don't understand how on earth they're still selling the things, really. I get the point of wanting to be free and it's fun and all...but seriously, you can't buy a car without a windshield, seat belts, air bags, crumple zones, safety testing, steel cage..blah, blah, blah...How on earth is it even legal to let someone drive on two wheels and a motor?
    
    I was engaged to be married once upon a time. He was a great guy, very responsible. Safe motorcycle rider. He was hit head on by the driver of a car who couldn't stay on his side of the road. He died instantly.
    
    I'll never be convinced they're safe. And I'll never ride one.
    
    Just my two cents. Ya'll have fun and be safe.

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       Chaotic Chicaposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I am sorry for your loss.  There is an inherant (sp) danger and you do bring up a valid and interesting point regarding safety features.  I am glad they are not illegal but I can see where one would question that.  And never worry about putting your two cents in~that's why we're here!

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          TheGlassSpiderposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Indeed, I love this community!
          
          Thank you for your condolences and kind words. I am not so much against them that I would ever campaign for them to be illegal (to each his own, you know)...it just *does* surprise me that someone else hasn't pointed out the safety feature issue. I do know that plenty of people have wonderful experiences with their bikes and never get harmed or cause it...I just couldn't ever bring myself to ride one. Call me chicken...you'd probably be right
          
          ETA: And, just BTW, I was just as chicken about them before my fiance's wreck as well...he got quite a laugh out of the fact that I wouldn't ride with him...LOL

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26. 69

    The Time Riderposted 15 years ago

    They are as safe as any other activity that involves speed & the slightly protected human body. Life is inherently dangerous.  Statistically you have a better chance of getting seriously injured or dieing in a home accident.  Look at all the fun stuff; water skiing, snow skiing, football, ice hockey, etc.  So you can either live your life, determine your own acceptable risks and enjoy your life or you can just stay home .... no wait, you can't go there either because you might get injured or killed.
    
    We're all here on borrowed time so why not enjoy the ride where ever it takes you!

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    MikeNVposted 15 years ago

    They are "safe" in the same way that guns are "safe".

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    dugger62posted 15 years ago

    lol- yeah its the other drivers you have to worry about.

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       habeeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Exactly! My ex was injured badly on his motorcycle when a car crashed into him. He actually went through the car's windshield.
       
       My current husband had a big cycle - a Goldwing - that he had ridden for years without having an accident. One day on his way to work, he hit a patch of gravel as he was taking a turn and lost control of the bike. He had terrible pavement burns, broken bones, and a punctured lung. He spent weeks under a burn tent. If he hadn't been wearing his helmet, he would have been killed.
       
       Bikes are more dangerous than cars because they offer no protection in a wreck. I'm not saying people shouldn't ride motorcycles. I believe people should have the right to do so, but it can be dangerous.

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    tedcantuposted 15 years ago

    It depends on who is driving it -- !! But seriously, the answer to your question is yes. YES. and YES!!!  Motorcycles are a serious risk.

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30. 0

    dnrkrishnan25posted 15 years ago

    no..it always safe....by the way handling by us...

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31. 69

    mkottposted 15 years ago

    Motorcycles are safe in a perfect riding enviroment.  With that said that rarely happens.  The main thing is know what you are doing as a rider and then always ride defensively.  There are risk in many things we do and this is one of them.  Be smart, be safe and wear protective gear.  You may not get hit by another motorist but satistically if you ride long enough, often enough, you will go down.  Hopefully when you do, you can get the bike up and continue on your ride with a few scrapes.
    
    Happy riding and keep the rubber side down. 

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    rambrose57posted 15 years ago

    Motor bikes are safe if driven safely and you don't get a bike too powerful for your experience level.

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    michifusposted 15 years ago

    There is nothing dangerous about motorbikes if they are driven properly, however the problem is with other drivers. Bikes can be very hard to see, and can be perfectly covered by a blind spot.
    The problem is that only a slight knock and you and bike get separated, and if travelling at speed that is often all that is required for serious injury or death.
    
    I live in Spain where the moto is king - Scooters are everywhere and are a great way to get around and are easy to park. They are perfect for zipping through a line of traffic between cars, and this is a major problem, as any car driver has to take special care when changing lane as there is usually a bike there. Not all drivers are as vigilant as me.
    
    There are a great deal of accidents with bikes and scooters, however since scooters outnumber cars where I am, relatively speaking there are probably fewer bike accidents than there are car accidents when you take the numbers into consideration. The problem is that bike accidents tend to be more serious for the rider.
    
    On balance, bikes are great, but if you want to get about safely, it is probably best to go by car. A steel cage offers a far greater amount of protection than , well, nothing!

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    tobey100posted 15 years ago

    Raced for 12 years, bike owner for 23.  You WILL have a tumble sooner or later.  Happens to every rider.  2 broken legs and one arm over 23 years is pretty good.  I'm still alive and I still ride.

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    Rochelle Frankposted 15 years ago

    It's not ONLY the other drivers that are a concern. 
    A couple of years ago I saw a motorcycle hit a deer. It was about 1000 ft. in front of me in the oncoming lane.
    
    I thought the bike had exploded because there were parts flying everywhere... motorcycle parts and deer parts. The rider was knocked across the road-- and still alive and consious, but hurting badly when I stopped. His helmet had been knocked off in the impact.
    
    Luckily, the car behind me belonged to an off-duty emergency medical tech.  I don't know what happened to the man, but the bike was in many pieces, scattered among the deer guts and limbs. The animal had suddenly jumped into the road for the last time.

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       tobey100posted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I broke a leg hitting a rock the size of a marble.  It don't take much to put you on the ground.

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          Chaotic Chicaposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Agreed~my husband actually hit a buzzard while riding!  He turned around to kick it to make sure it was dead then went on to work with blood on his shirt and face.  He's a very experienced rider and handled it well but you should have seen everyone else when he walked in! LOL He just went into the restroom to wash off and, as I happened to be driving behind him on my seperate way, I brought him a spare shirt he had in the van.  All is well that ends well but you do have to be careful.

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    zeestkhanposted 15 years ago

    Yes. Motor biking is really danger. Yesterday, one of my friend got an accident while returning from school on bike, A car hit him, and his arm is broke now. He is ok by grace of God. BUT, he has lost his one arm. It will take 1 year to rehabilitate.
    Biking can be done but in very care manner, very active and attentive. I wish all the bikers best of luck

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    MikeNVposted 14 years ago

    Are guns safe?  It depends on the owner.
    
    But no matter how great or safe you drive... when johnny cell texter is looking down at the screen, misses the red light and plows into you... you lose.

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    Mishaposted 14 years ago

    People who survive several years of riding a bike tend to become very safe drivers

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    SomewayOuttaHereposted 14 years ago

    you have to be always on the look out for what is happening in front, beside and behind you and good over the shoulder checks - not just a little glance or only looking in the mirrors.  and be really careful going through intersections.  Highway riding is much safer than riding in a city any day. There are Too many people not paying attention to their driving I find; drifting over yellow lines etc. and not taking corners very well - so defensive riding is pretty important - no daydreaming allowed! LOL and...when you are a woman on a bike - some people just get too close to take a look unfortunately.  I have techniques to get people to back off when they want to 'look' because when they are looking they are not paying attention to the road.   my 2 cents.

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       erin_transportposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I own a company in Northern Ireland that hires out motorbikes to (qualified) riders who wish to take part in a track day. We have seen all levels of experience and as of yet not had any mis-haps.  Its really a personality thing, attitude and confidence on the track are key. We provide throughout the day inspiration to customers and also solid advice regarding racing lines and safety. On our track days the only competition is between you and the stop-watch. Taking 5 seconds off someones first session to their end of day session provides the rider with added confidence when they leave the safe haven of the track. Everyone realises that the roads are completly different to tracks. But track time and experience gathering WILL hold you in good stead when you come across a situation that requires instincts and fast reactions.

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          Glenn Raymondposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          It depends a lot on the skill of the rider.  In a lot of ways they are dangerous, but a lot of it comes down to common sense.  I've been riding since I was a kid.  I've gone down a few times, nothing serious.  You have got to have good instincts and use them, as well as being able to think and react quickly.  Surviving going down requires knowing ahead of time how to react when you go down.  And know that it is never a matter of "if" you go down, but "when" you go down.  This is a wonderful question.

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             J13Smileyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             Very true that it's when you go down!!  Alot of people in this world don't look out for us riders.  For instance, the last lady who made me crash said she didn't see me when she cut me off.

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    kromedomeposted 14 years ago

    I'm young(22) and have only been riding for a couple years, and have already noticed how easily we are missed. There has not been a week where I have not had a close call from other drivers not paying attention, be it oncoming traffic in a 2-lane crossing the yellow line or drifters on the highway. And its for this very reason I don't ride around like a reckless fool. I was taught to drive like a trucker, and between that and going through the MSF course, I feel confident in my abilities and awareness around me, especially anticipating the mistakes of others. But I have to agree with the majority on this thread that, yes, bikes are safe as long as you don't ride like a fool and are prepared for the worst

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    BlackBikeposted 14 years ago

    I think the main modern safety feature of motorcycles are tyres. They are so good and grip for so long, it allows very fast riding to be fast providing you are not an idiot with it (full throttle mid corner when turning for example).
    
    Motorcycle clothing and helmets are now also so good that they can prevent most injuries too. The only time they don't work is when your body has an impact with something solid like a wall, tree or another vehicle. If you have the space to slide then it is relatively safe considering.
    
    Motorcycles being dangerous is due to lack of observation by road users (the motorcyclist and other road users alike). Although nearly all motorcyclists I know are very careful and with good reason too!

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    tobey100posted 14 years ago

    Oh yeah!  Just ask my insurance company and orthopedic surgeon! 

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    psycheskinnerposted 14 years ago

    I think it is weird to say motorcycles aren't dangerous because it is the other person that causes they accident.  Even if that is true, accidents happen and people on motorcycles have more serious injuries and are more likely to die.  So that makes them more dangerous.  It is a matter of fact, not fault.

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    CarInsuranceqposted 14 years ago

    I don't think that bikes are dangerous. But they are undoubtedly driven dangerously. None of the vehicles are dangerous.If becomes if it has a dangerous driver behind it's wheel.

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    Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

    My friend's 17-year-old son was killed on one (and I don't think there were any other drivers involved), so, naturally, I think "dangerous" (certainly for teenagers anyway). Of course, I have first-hand experience with people in a small car being killed, so I think they're dangerous too (just not as dangerous as "bikes").

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    Samual007posted 14 years ago

    According to me bikes are not dangerous and not safe too. motorcycles should have a good grip of tires which is very important. tires allows rider to do very fast riding. one of ma frnd broke his leg hitting a rock. its really painful for him..
    Cheap ATVs

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    Home-Bernadetteposted 14 years ago

    It is not the motorcycles that are dangerous, it is the other drivers

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    louisxfourieposted 13 years ago

    I have to agree with the majority on this thread say that, yes, bikes are safe as long as you don't ride like a fool and are prepared for the worst.

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    imkdposted 13 years ago

    I love bike riding and love to ride it badly. I don't think that bike riding is dangerous. It safe but believe in yourself.

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    Rain Defenceposted 13 years ago

    I know motorbikes are not safe. But life's not safe, sooner or later something will kill you. I'm still going to get one as they're so much fun to ride.

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