Crashed after 3 months...

[GixerJockey]

OP... go buy a new bike. And then go bang some "strange".


You'd be very surprised how theraputic both of those actions can be.

[greenmonster]

rule of thumb I have always used, among others...ride as if you are invisible to cagers, trucks, etc...ALWAYS assume they don't see you....keep your head on a swivel.

[mzdagrl]

If you care deeply for your girlfriend, then definitely talk about this. You can't live in a box or live for other peoples happiness. Ultimately it is your decision on what you want to do and hope that your loved ones love you enough to support you in that!

Exactly. If it's something you love, she doesn't have to be on board, but she does have to accept it. If she can't, then she isn't the right one. Goes with everything, not just motorcycles. At the risk of dumbing down the conversation too much and comparing apples to oranges, compare your desire to ride with her desire to (watch The Bachelor, go shopping with her girlfriends, have brunch with her mom every Sunday, whatever thing she might do that irks you but you tolerate). If she can't see that you each make sacrifices and compromises....then....

I am fortunate that my husband rides, we began riding basically together (he got a jump start due to finances), and it is something we enjoy together. But there are things we disagree on. He wants to go skydiving. I think it is a whole boatload of unnecessary risk (not to mention my phobia of free-falling). The risks associated scare me as we have a child and I don't really want to lose him. I have expressed my concerns, but I won't forbid him to it because I trust he will take the steps necessary to enjoy this activity in the safest manner possible. The decision, ultimately, is his and I appreciate that he takes the time to consider my viewpoint, just as I know he appreciates knowing that although I may not support it, I won't fight it either.

[StrayNut]

Screw the girl.

I think it's implied he already is?

Mom's first words at the hospital? "Heal up and get back on the horse."

Your mom is awesome.

The decision, ultimately, is his and I appreciate that he takes the time to consider my viewpoint, just as I know he appreciates knowing that although I may not support it, I won't fight it either.

I think this is spot on. A lot of managing people's worries is about making them feel heard, and showing that you're trying to meet them halfway by minimizing the risks as much as possible (takes a lot of explaining).

About length of time... after the one crash where I broke my leg, I went about a year before getting on a bike again. Big mistake. It was freaking terrifying. And then years later, after buying my next one, it took me a really long time to get some of the skills back. Some of it comes right back, but things like balance and smooth throttle/turning took a while. Contrast to my other two crashes where I picked the bike up and got right back on, and aside from being a little sore it's like it never happened. I'd listen to these other guys and get back on ASAP.

[OreoGaborio]

Your mom is awesome.

I thought she was gonna show up at the ER and pop me in the jaw... or worse

[Karate.Snoopy]

[dontpanic]

1. Get a new bike.
2. Get the bike you want, not the one others tell you to get.
3. Raise your level of awareness as you ride. Not only do you notice potential danger, but cornfields, flowers, smells, temperature changes, etc. (It's a neat world we live in.)
4. Practice accident avoidance techniques. (I've been riding for 33 years and still practice using manhole covers as pretend danger spots to avoid.)

[Karate.Snoopy]

I would recommend MSF courses and Total Control Clinic by Lee Parks. Quick stops and everything.

[DZircher]

Guys you forget this is his first crash. It took my mom 8+ years of riding for her to understand that it's something ill never stop doing.

Imagine my parents, "Dana, you're a 48 year old woman why on Earth would you take these risks?". Somewhat silly really.

[GixerJockey]

Imagine my parents, "Dana, you're a 48 year old woman why on Earth would you take these risks?". Somewhat silly really.

There's no way you're 48...

[Tricky Mike]

I think you're all nuts.

[dontpanic]

I thought that was a given.

[PainfullySlow]

Screw the girl. Don't let others control your life. If you want a bike, get one. If you don't want to settle for a cruiser, don't.

This, exactly.

[gadget]

Don't let other people dictate how you live your life.

If you want a sportbike, get one.

You only get one life to live.

Why would you let someone else decide how you would want to live it?

There was a funny episode on the Big Bang Theory yesterday.
Penny and Leonard went to the movies but since they were not "dating", sex was "off the table"

The whole date's conversations went something like this.
"We never went to the movie that I wanted to see because I wanted to have sex with you."
"We never ate were I wanted to because...I wanted to have sex with you."
"I went shoe shopping with you because...I wanted to have sex with you."

Trust me, life is a lot more fun with a girl that wants to do the same things as you...

[KB]

Just get a cruiser zx-14 and be done with it.

KB

[DucDave]

If you have a fire in the belly to ride nothing will stop you. If you don't, and have the self awareness to know that, you shouldn't be riding. So many people take up motorcycles for all the wrong reasons. Don't be one of them...

[OreoGaborio]

Everything in life (and relationships) is a compromise.
The trick is to do so without compromising who you are
If you have to compromise who you are because of who you're with, well.... then you've got a choice you gotta make.

[DZircher]

There's no way you're 48...

You're right, I turn 49 next month.

[Ducati999]

You should get a new bike when you are ready. Tell your girl the new bike has traction control, ABS and a slipper clutch so it will be much safer than a cruiser and will have less weight to stop plus better brakes! Great reason to buy a new 636 or Triumph 695 or Ducati 899 or...... I had 3 crashes on the street in the 20 years I have been riding and was able to ride home from all 3 (thank god) so get back out there asap! and ride safer!

[gadget]

You're right, I turn 49 next month.

rock on!

[ZX11D]

Get backon ASAP. I got out of the hospital and called a buddy on the way home, he met me at my house and I climbed on his bike... Took a few weeks until I got insurance to buy me another one...

The day after I got out of the hospital I rode a buddies bike with my cast propped up on his crash bar. Wife damn near left me but I`m riding today. Just do it !

[gumby]

Looks like the OP's girlfriend won't let him use the computer anymore either.

[Falko]

It's on the nightstand under the jar that holds his balls....

[OreoGaborio]

[markbvt]

Here's the tough part: Riding is unnecary risk to most of the population. Driving, the kitchen, knives, stairs, showers, etc are all "givens" in the hazards of life. I know most of us would consider riding part of that. But you will not convince an opposing party of this. Especially if they do not ride, and/or do not want to. So, gotta get create with the excuses.

No, you've just got to get firm with your response. Tell her you love riding and you're buying another bike, end of story. It's not her decision, it's yours.

--mark