Topic: Scare tactics//Statistics//New Rider//

[Bailgang]

 I was riding my 750 which at that time was still new to me and I ended up sailing through a ditch at 60mph...

I'd say that was a close call!

Oh it most definitely was. After catching up with my kid at an intersection he amusingly saw the clumps of grass in the crash bars and header of my 750 and said "what the hell is that?" and I said "just shut up and I'll tell you about it later". I was still coming down from the intense hit of adrenaline.

[BobbyR]

In my own humble opinion what all these contradictions mean to me is that how I react to a given situation is something that is gradually being honed by experience because each one is unique in it's own way which pretty much throws out any golden rules because of all the variables involved. With only 5 years in the saddle I still have a lot of learning to do and I actually like opposing points of views on this subject because each has valid points to consider ...... but it can get confusing. I look at it this way, if I've made it to my destination safe and sound without a scratch on me, my bike or anyone else then I must have done something right, got damn lucky or a combination of the 2.

I think that you have summed up what it takes to be a good anything. We all learn if we are lucky and smart enough to acknowledge lessons learned as they come along.
Every time I pull into the garage after a ride I consider it a successful mission. It;s a habit I picked up a long time ago.

[BeSeeingYou]

Maybe we need a definite definition of what a close call is.  I will offer up this, "If you have to throw your underwear away after the ride you had a close call."

[Retro Rocket]

Maybe we need a definite definition of what a close call is.  I will offer up this, "If you have to throw your underwear away after the ride you had a close call."

And if you don't wear any.....check your socks....

[70CB750]

In my own humble opinion what all these contradictions mean to me is that how I react to a given situation is something that is gradually being honed by experience because each one is unique in it's own way which pretty much throws out any golden rules because of all the variables involved. With only 5 years in the saddle I still have a lot of learning to do and I actually like opposing points of views on this subject because each has valid points to consider ...... but it can get confusing. I look at it this way, if I've made it to my destination safe and sound without a scratch on me, my bike or anyone else then I must have done something right, got damn lucky or a combination of the 2.

Every time I pull into the garage after a ride I consider it a successful mission. It;s a habit I picked up a long time ago.

Every time, before I leave the house on motorcycle I ask myself if this is the day when I don't come back.

[BobbyR]

In my own humble opinion what all these contradictions mean to me is that how I react to a given situation is something that is gradually being honed by experience because each one is unique in it's own way which pretty much throws out any golden rules because of all the variables involved. With only 5 years in the saddle I still have a lot of learning to do and I actually like opposing points of views on this subject because each has valid points to consider ...... but it can get confusing. I look at it this way, if I've made it to my destination safe and sound without a scratch on me, my bike or anyone else then I must have done something right, got damn lucky or a combination of the 2.

Every time I pull into the garage after a ride I consider it a successful mission. It;s a habit I picked up a long time ago.

Every time, before I leave the house on motorcycle I ask myself if this is the day when I don't come back.

Every time I leave I fully intend to come back. I pay attention and do what I need to make that happen.

[Vicman]

Maybe we need a definite definition of what a close call is.  I will offer up this, "If you have to throw your underwear away after the ride you had a close call."

And if you don't wear any.....check your socks....

What about when you pinch a hole in the seat? I've done that twice

[evanphi]

Every time I leave I fully intend to come back. I pay attention and do what I need to make that happen.

That is the correct attitude, I think. Always plan for a successful mission.

Always kiss the wife and kid goodbye, and tell them I love them, though. There are unplanned #$%*s on the road, after all.

[70CB750]

Every time I leave I fully intend to come back. I pay attention and do what I need to make that happen.

That is the correct attitude, I think. Always plan for a successful mission.

Always kiss the wife and kid goodbye, and tell them I love them, though. There are unplanned #$%*s on the road, after all.

I am not leaving the house thinking kamikaze  - it is just a thought I have. 

[evanphi]

Every time I leave I fully intend to come back. I pay attention and do what I need to make that happen.

That is the correct attitude, I think. Always plan for a successful mission.

Always kiss the wife and kid goodbye, and tell them I love them, though. There are unplanned #$%*s on the road, after all.

I am not leaving the house thinking kamikaze  - it is just a thought I have. 

I think the same too, of course. For me my best attitudes for anything I do have always been to complete it at whatever cost, rather than expect to not finish and be fighting the whole way down. Depends on my mood that day... :|

[calj737]

Since we've transitioned to our attitude while riding, mine is pretty pragmatic: treat it like a gunfight; win at all costs, cheat if necessary. Has kept me alive and well for 35 years of riding.