Two wheels bad.Or, why I am a gigantic wuss.

"titsinmymitts" (titsinmymitts) 03/31/2015 at 19:29 • Filed to: None

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So, as I’ve posted about on Oppo before, I was scheduled to take the MSF course this upcoming weekend.

For multiple reasons, I no longer am.

Some of it came down to cost. To really get into the hobby in a smart way (good gear, etc.), it looked like it was going to take about $4,000, on the conservative side. To get the bike I wanted, it looked closer to $6,000. That’s not including bike maintenance, insurance (which is cheap, admittedly), new tires for bike, etc.

Another part of it came down to how often I’d actually be able to ride. I work in sales and spend a good chunk of my time on the road, so safely commuting with ATGATT and then going to client facing meetings just wasn’t very sensible. So, that left pretty much just the weekend. While I have some time on the weekends early in the morning, a lot of my time is spent with friends, family and dog. I also couldn’t see myself enjoying the bike during random trips to pick up groceries or whatever, which was also a factor.

My girlfriend also wasn’t very happy about me riding, either. And by “wasn’t happy,” I mean she was livid.

But, the main factor that made me pull out of the course and, by extension, no longer looking to purchase a bike anytime soon, was one simple fact:

I just don’t trust myself on a bike.

One of my favorite things to do on the weekends when time permits, or on my way home from a meeting is to do some street hooning. Nothing too crazy, but I’ll rip through some corners at extralegal speeds on country roads, or ring the Focus out to double digits. The Focus lends itself to some of this hooliganism and I enjoy it immensely.

I know that kind of shit would be extremely dangerous on a bike.

Bombing unknown roads and ringing out even a 650 like I was looking at would be multiple times more dangerous than in a car. A little bit of gravel (all over the place in Iowa) or some sand in the road could mean a really shitty lowside and crash. Sure, good gear helps a ton, but it probably wouldn’t help all that much if I hit a guardrail or other object at speed.

But the threat of serious injury or death from doing that kind of shit wouldn’t stop me from that behavior. Hell, it’s still fairly risky in a car and I still do that shit. Combined with the fact that a bike is miles faster than a car and takes more skill to corner with, and I could see where this was going.

Listening to Zack Klapman recall the horrific bike accident he had when he was starting out on the Hooniverse Podcast also really sealed the deal for me. Zack seems like a smart guy, and after hearing how he approached bikes in much the same way as I planned to, but ended up in a crash and breaking some 21 bones made me stop and reconsider.

So, I’m out of the two wheel game. Maybe not forever, but definitely for the foreseeable future. Bikes are fucking awesome and are by far the fastest vehicle you could get and enjoy on public roads, but the risk/reward ratio was just a bit out of whack for me.

I’ll have to stick with having fun on four wheels. I’m thinking an STI and some serious autocross. Or maybe a shifter kart.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 19:36

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How about a 125cc bike? You can still have lot's of fun, but they ain't that fast.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 19:37

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I quite like putting around on my little old Kawasaki. I know that Peter Black is going to disagree with me (listen to him, not me), but FWIW, I've never bothered getting the gear or the license or anything. I don't think that cops even notice you on a motorcycle unless you're being an idiot. I was riding for a month without realizing that my idiot brother took the license plate off without issue if that's any indication of how little they care. That being said, your mileage may vary, and while I don't recommend such flagrant disregard for the norms or laws, it hasn't caused me grief yet. That being said, I ride a little old Kawasaki from the 70s (KZ400 to be precise), ride kind of slowly and defensively, and am more than happy doing 45 in a 45. 45 on my little old bike feels like 100 in a car anyway.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 19:38

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" I just don't trust myself on a bike."

yup. that's it.

Xyl0c41n3 > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 19:40

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TL;DR. But how about you not use the word "pussy," eh, Tits McGee?

titsinmymitts > Xyl0c41n3 03/31/2015 at 19:42

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Better?

Sorry if I offended.

titsinmymitts > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 03/31/2015 at 19:45

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Ehh, I'd be worried about that small of a bike in my area, which is full F-150s and F-250s doing 85 on backroads and highways. 125 wouldn't have enough power to get out of its own way.

Thought about a 250 and was leaning towards it, but was reading how a 250 won't teach throttle control or brake modulation the way a 650 would as you pretty much have to use all the throttle all the time and you'll never get in trouble doing so. A 250 is kinda like the Miata of bikes.

Xyl0c41n3 > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 19:45

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Much. Gracias.

yamahog > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 03/31/2015 at 19:46

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I don't think that cops even notice you on a motorcycle

uhhhh weren't you paying attention the FBI is literally tracking us as suspected gang members

/s

but just like with cars, anything sporty-looking is indeed a cop magnet.

titsinmymitts > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 03/31/2015 at 19:46

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Haha, sounds similar to a good friend of mine. He rides an R1 now and still has never gotten his license. He's been riding for years without issue and just has an expired permit that he uses if he gets pulled over.

The cops don't care because they think he won't hurt anyone but himself if he crashes. Debatable if that's really true.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 19:46

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Ahh. Fair enough :)

yamahog > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 19:50

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Thanks, it would've been kinda ironic too seeing as I have one and ride anyway. It never got the memo about being a synonym for cowardly I guess :P

ttyymmnn > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 19:54

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Here in Austin, we've lost four riders in three days. Only one was the rider's fault. I don't blame you. Bottom line, if you don't trust yourself, don't do it. You've got a good head on your shoulders.

RiceOwl > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 03/31/2015 at 19:57

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I used to ride in regular jeans until I read this Ride Apart article:

https://rideapart.com/articles/why-w…

The author was wearing regular jeans and went down at around 40mph. Asphalt feels the same whether you fall off a Grom or ZX-10.

DoYouEvenShift > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 20:00

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Ive always liked sport bikes myself. Never ridden anything with less than 4 wheels though.

I do stupid shit on 4 wheels, so, I also dont trust myself on 2. So Im definately gonna stay on 4 wheels.

titsinmymitts > ttyymmnn 03/31/2015 at 20:02

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Four! Holy crap.

Thankfully, I have yet to see a bike accident in person. But, it seems there are a lot out this season and I have a feeling there will be a few before the year is done.

Have yet to see someone in anything resembling ATGATT.

bob and john > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 20:02

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LOL who the FUCK told you that!?!?!? The only difference between the 2 is how fast you are going if you fuck up.

JESUS thats like saying a miata isnt going to teach you throttle modulation or brake modulation the same as a hell cat. (And no, you dont need full throttle on a 250 all the time)

if you REALLY want, get a 400 super moto or a GS500

God dam...slap whoever told you that

titsinmymitts > bob and john 03/31/2015 at 20:05

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Haha, was reading a few stories on 250 ownership who said going from the 250 to a bigger bike was a struggle because they never had to watch their throttle inputs as closely.

Was on a couple of forums. You know how forums get.

titsinmymitts > DoYouEvenShift 03/31/2015 at 20:07

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Yea, I'm a huge sport bike fan as well.

I rented out an Aprilia RS50 when I was vacationing in Florida many years ago. Was a ton of fun, but I had zero gear on when riding it and still did some dumb shit.

Was good fun, though, and got it up to an indicated 70 mph.

DoYouEvenShift > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 20:12

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That looks fun, and not gonna lie. A bit tempted for my 30 min commute to work. In Florida haha!

bob and john > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 20:13

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How about this. compromise. Go out on the track. Do a beginner track day. They use 250s. you can rent the gear and everything.


As for the street riding. Eh. I'll admit I do my fair share of stupid crap. As long as you keep your head on a swivel (and i dont mean like in a car where you check your mirrors every minute or so. I mean the kind where i MIGHT see my speedo once every 15 seconds) And Keep good positioning in traffic, you are arguably safer then a car.

Wilsonic > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 20:18

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I would not say that it takes $4,000 to get into the hobby. It took me about $1200 ($600 1981 Honda CM400, ~$250 worth of gear (off-brand stuff but still high quality (and DOT approved) and the rest is tag, insurance, etc). I rode the CM for several years and got a Magna for $2000. In the whole time I've been in the hobby I have not spent $4,000 (excluding gas and regular maintenance). So I wouldn't let price discourage you. Entering the "smart" way, I still see you spending only about $2,500 combined for a good condition Ninja 250 and name brand gear.

Maybe your desired bike is driving up your price of entry but 1) you'll want to start out on something slow/ disposable and 2) even when your skills build, a faster bike is still cheap. I consider the Magna too fast for the street despite being only $2000. It just never stops pulling!

Confidence is key though and its good that you are able to admit that you don't trust yourself. When you see people on a bike that lack confidence, it is obvious and it is scary.

titsinmymitts > bob and john 03/31/2015 at 20:18

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I think the compromise is doing the MSF course. I'll have to sleep on it.

My post from yesterday still holds true. I can't really get excited about any cars anymore.

My friend was talking to me about the power/weight of the new 570S. I kept reverting to "well yea, but the S1000 would still stomp it at a Nissan Versa price."

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 20:19

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Went through the same thought process a few years ago. I don't trust myself to be perfectly sane and logical on a bike. And I don't trust other people in cars - I see so much idiocy driving around it's quite reassuring being on the inside of a big metal box that is very visible.

Keeping the fun on 4 wheels is far more forgiving from pretty much every aspect (except cost, maybe).

titsinmymitts > Wilsonic 03/31/2015 at 20:19

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I was looking at an SV650, but a Ninja 250 would probably be more prudent. I could probably pick one up for $2,200.

CRider > yamahog 03/31/2015 at 20:22

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But does it qualify as gigantic? If it's not drive-thru it doesn't count.

yamahog > CRider 03/31/2015 at 20:26

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Uh, what? No. I know you're joking, but... *cringe*

bob and john > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 20:34

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here is part of the problem I think...

you are looking at it PURELY from a performance and 'ohh I can go SO much fast then x car or 1/faction of its price"

Thats not the point of riding, okay? The crazy ass performance is a by-product of us being human and wanting to be faster then the dude next to us. The point of riding is to be free of a cage. Be able to lean into turns and Be part of nature, not just looking at it through a screen.

I'll admit that while I do wish i could get everyone on a bike, there are some people that dont belong anywhere near one. The guys who look at it from ONLY that point of view make up the majority of those who i would say dont do it. If thats the main reason you arent doing it, so be it. I can 100% respect that decision.

again for crashes. I dont think its really tht big of a deal if you pay attention. which on a bike is actually way easier. no phone, AC, GF, radio to distract you.

yes the speed (once you get higher up) is great. thats thats not really the point.

as for hooning in a car VS a bike. hehe. take the roads on a bike at 1/2 the speed you do in a car. it still going to be 1000s of times more fun.

sorry for snapping earlier, but what you said was really....dam man.

CRider > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 20:35

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Haha, was reading a few stories on 250 ownership who said going from the 250 to a bigger bike was a struggle because they never had to watch their throttle inputs as closely

So it's better to go into the touchier bike without any experience on a smaller, more forgiving bike?

The reason you need throttle control on a 600 is because if you nudge the throttle on one you'll accelerate into triple digits before you know what just happened. On a 250, you can whack the throttle open without going straight to jail.

Wilsonic > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 20:36

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While I was in college, my roommate and I daydreamed about getting GSXR 600s. The justification was the 600 was a "beginner" bike because it was the slowest GSXR model and we would work up to a 1000. I told this to someone who was an avid rider and he pointed at me and yelled "SQUID!" about 5 times. It was embarrassing but it probably saved my life.

Years later, I couldn't see myself on a GSXR 600 now. I know an SV650 is not as fast as a GSXR 600 but unless you grew up riding dirt bikes, anything will feel like a rocketship to you right now. Also, having a fast bike now, I miss being able to wind through all the gears and being only a little above the speed limit. Now I break the speed limit in second gear. The faster bike is less fun, which is something I never thought I would say.

Sorry if I'm talking your ear off, I love talking bikes.

The Compromiser > CRider 03/31/2015 at 20:58

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So it's ratio centric?

titsinmymitts > bob and john 03/31/2015 at 23:00

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Yea, I think you kinda hit the nail on the head there.

I think it's the performance that intrigues me the most with bike and not really the riding experience, which you're right—that is probably the wrong way to look at riding.

It's probably similar to how some people say a certain car is a better "driver's car" than another. A Honda S2000 would get womped on track or at the strip by a Camaro SS, but the experience is altogether more engaging due to the S2000's chassis, handling, etc.

I guess if cost was no issue and I could have a car that pulls the same acceleration figures as a bike for the same price, I don't know if I'd still pick the bike.

It would probably be a good idea to revisit taking the MSF course at some point just to see if I like riding. My only riding experience was with an Aprilia RS50, and I must say that I did have a ton of fun riding it, even if I rode with zero gear on like a dumbass.

titsinmymitts > Wilsonic 03/31/2015 at 23:04

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No worries man.

Unfortunately, I don't have any dirt bike experience. I have miles more car experience than I do any sort of riding whatsoever (unless you count pedal bikes, which I don't).

If I ever do get on two wheels, I'll start out with a 250 and just build up from there. There's a lot to learn and it's probably best to start out slow rather than start out a little too fast and get hurt.

titsinmymitts > DoYouEvenShift 03/31/2015 at 23:05

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My buddy lives in Florida and has vowed never to get a bike due to the drivers around there. Says it's terrible.

You wouldn't want that thing for commuting any sort of distance, but it would be a fun little neighborhood toy.

DoYouEvenShift > titsinmymitts 03/31/2015 at 23:10

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Yeah, its kinda crazy. The drivers are more aware of their surroundings than where I used to live lol. Those drivers just plain didnt pay attention while behind the wheel. Here they think the road belongs to them.

Tripper > titsinmymitts 04/01/2015 at 08:38

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Aw man re consider! I have always steered away from bikes, almost all of my close friends had 600 crotch rockets still in or right out of high school! I always figured that I was risky enough with the cars, so I ought to leave the bikes to my loony friends.

However, I have always kind of wanted a motorcycle. We had a little xr70 dirtbike when I was in college in VT, it was slow but so fun to ride!

Anyway long story short, I'm 30 now and my fiance and I have been tossing around the idea of getting a scooter for the past few years. Last week I went to a motorcycle store to buy that scooter and ended up leaving with a Honda Grom.

It is so fun to ride that I have been suiting up in all my snowboarding gear and riding it around in 30-40 degree weather! I picked it up a week ago and I've already clocked 85 miles! Sometimes I have to stop myself from laughing so that I can concentrate on riding properly!

It is true what you say about the cost of the gear. I have already spent nearly 1/4 of the price of the bike on gear and I don't even have a jacket yet.

titsinmymitts > Tripper 04/01/2015 at 19:59

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Yea, good gear is expensive. You can find deals on Craigslist or eBay if you know your exact size, but I don't.

Revzilla will let you ship stuff back to them, though.

Tripper > titsinmymitts 04/02/2015 at 07:22

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Yea sizing is tough with motorcycle stuff, I need to try stuff on. Plus I needed help from a decent sales staff as this is my first bike. I live near RevZilla's Philadelphia showroom, definitely worth going in if you're near Philly or Las Vegas.

titsinmymitts > Tripper 04/02/2015 at 10:16

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Sadly I am from the flyover state of Iowa.

We have a few good shops in my area but finding a shop with a wide selection of gear is tough. A lot of the stuff they carry is for lots and not necessarily for safety.

greenagain > titsinmymitts 04/04/2015 at 21:49

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My girlfriend also wasn't very happy about me riding, either. And by "wasn't happy," I mean she was livid.

Aside from your other reasons, there's your main problem right there. Your balls in your girlfriend's purse is no way to start your adult life.