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Post by jrsharp21 on Jun 10, 2008 15:19:49 GMT -5
So I got my M1 permit today. So I can now ride during the day (no freeways).
I know what model I want now. I think I know where I want to get it, but I just can't pull the trigger.
My mind keeps dwelling on the safety of scooters. It keeps going back to what happens if I get hurt or die. With a wife and two little kids at home, this just sits on my mind.
But then I think what happens when gas is over $5 and maybe even gets into the $6, $7 range. What will I do then? Plus scooter prices will double. So if I don't buy one now, I will be paying twice the amount in the future.
Any thoughts or opinions? Anyone have these same fears?
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Post by gusset on Jun 10, 2008 15:39:29 GMT -5
I'm not going to tell you that you should pull the trigger on a purchase. Personally, I spent a lot of time researching riding safety (safety related web sites and forums, the book "Proficient Motorcycling" by David Hough, etc.), and then bought more gear than I might otherwise have, before I got my bike. Then I took the MSF Basic Rider Course as soon as I could get into one. It made the startup costs several hundred dollars higher, but I feel a lot better prepared than if I'd just bought a scooter and took off into the wild blue yonder without studying up. I found out just how ignorant I had been about what it means to ride well.
I know of riders who have insurance policies that have coverages specifically directed at riding. Maybe that's something to investigate.
It's good that you've got a "big picture" point of view.
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Post by maverick on Jun 10, 2008 17:04:01 GMT -5
I'm in the EXACT same boat as you. I want a scoot because of high gas prices, but also fear of what could happen. I think about some idiot in a Navigator talking on a cell phone while putting makeup on, turning me into a hood ornament.
Gus is right… Get into a safety class (which I plan to do) and get some good gear (which I’m researching now).
Two other things you can do to minimize your risk is to:
1. Pick out a loud bright colored scoot and gear. This will make you easy to spot in traffic.
2. Avoid busier streets as much as possible. I will drive an extra few miles to take less traveled and congested roads.
I feel confident if I do all of the above, I will be OK. I’m not 20-something going 100mph on a crotch rocket. I’m a little older, and a little mellower… I will be on a scooter riding on 30-35mph lightly traveled secondary roads (mostly)…
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Post by WarrenS on Jun 10, 2008 22:05:30 GMT -5
Nothing in life is completely without risk. I have been a rider of cycles and scooters for more than 50 years. You have to learn to be the best rider you can be. Nobody is going to look out for you. You have to look out for yourself. The scooter has good acceleration, braking, and maneuverability. These are the qualities that you have to learn to use to protect yourself.
Frankly it frightens me to see so many new riders that are moving to scooters to save money. I feel scooting requires a focus and commitment that some are not willing to make.
If you feel you are up to it then do it.
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Post by benrama on Jun 11, 2008 1:32:18 GMT -5
If you're the kind of car driver that's been in a wreck because of "not seeing" something, then you should probably stay away from scooters. If you're an aware, sane and safe driver, then that should carry over to two wheels. There's a ton of safety info out there, and a MSC never hurts anyone, even car-only drivers can benefit.
Also, not to sound morbid, but I read a suggestion on another thread that applies to everyone with a family. Update your insurance. Life as well as medical. If the unthinkable does happen, at least loved ones won't be left in the lurch.
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Post by newc77 on Jun 12, 2008 7:45:04 GMT -5
One of the first things in the riders class books is a discussion about risk. Driving is a risk. Two wheeled riding is a risk. Each person should weigh heavily what their level of risk is and if they want to assume that risk. I think it is SMART to think long and clearly before pulling the trigger, so I think you guys are right on.
IF you do pull the trigger: safety course, correct riding gear, medical insurance check, read and learn all you can about scooter and two wheeled riding.
Tom
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Post by scootingranny on Jun 12, 2008 17:25:22 GMT -5
I'm quite a bit older than you--my kids are all grown and on their own and I have two wonderful grandboys, so our concerns are, in a way, a little different. I am still concerned about safety and I try very hard to be a defensive driver on my scoot and/or in my cage so I do understand your concerns about safety.
Advice from granny--take the MSF course. Then after getting some skills, some expert advice and some experience, make your own, personal decision about investing in the experience by getting your own scoot. A little bit of fear is a good thing, but a lot of fear can hold you hostage and paralyze your decisions. Life is too short to deny yourself a life experience and you will be able to judge your suitablility for scooting a little more objectively after the classes.
I really believe that scooting is like anything you want to work at in life--you keep learning each time you try and that's ok because it's part of the experience. I used to be terrified to ride in winds over 30 mph but I'm working on becoming a stronger, more confident rider and that's what riding, to me, is all about. Getting better and being stronger in my skills and confidence.
I hope scooting is for you because it's great fun. Ok, off my soapbox now.
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Post by mortar235 on Jun 13, 2008 1:07:38 GMT -5
get the scooter, if you decide not to ride it, like you said the price will double in a little while so you can just sell it and make a profit
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Post by gottascoot on Jul 3, 2008 22:26:45 GMT -5
I want to learn and share more about being safe on/off the scoot as well, the world is changing all the time.We all need to keep our eyes open every where we go,you cant be a shut-in,however when we go out we got to keep you eyes pealed even in a cage.when you get a scoot,get up early and ride it on small roads on the weekend so you can get the "feel" of what it can and can`t do. Don`t go out in busy traffic until you KNOW you can handle it. the MSF classes are backed up and there is a long waiting list in most places, however each thing you learn no matter how small it seems is good. I`ve been riding for 45 years and I thank God for every day just to get up in the morning.Dont let money force you to take chances you dont feel you can handle, alot of us rode when gas was 20cents@ gal. I see alot of people out there on scooters/cycles that have such bad riding habits that you can tell they are new or just real lucky. scoot- smart or stay in a cage. see ya gotta scoot---
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Post by griff10 on Jul 4, 2008 18:39:59 GMT -5
Take the MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) course and then if you still are afraid of riding, don't.
You have to be 100% to safely ride, if you're spending all your riding time thinking about what could happen, it's more likely that something bad will happen.
The MSF course is excellent and calms many prospective riders fears.
But, riding is not for everyone.
Bill H.
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Post by gy6rocket on Jul 6, 2008 22:37:22 GMT -5
If you are not 100% aware of your surroundings while riding, chances are you will get splattered. I agree riding is not for everyone, and taking the MSF course would be a way to see if you are ready. There is a lot to learn about safe riding but it really all comes down to the rider in the end. For instance, I've never come to a stop w/o checking my mirrors. Even when I'm at a light I constantly check the rear view mirrors. If some crackhead is rolling up way fast I'm ready to get out of the way and let him smash into the next car, if its an even closer call, ditch the bike and jump out of the way. I would not think twice about sacrificing my bike to save my body, hell I would do it just to see the crackhead total it so his insurance company can buy me a new one.
/end rant, sorry.
Don't fear the machine, scoots don't kill people, people kill people.
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Post by griff10 on Jul 7, 2008 3:56:21 GMT -5
Good point that GY6 talked about. Should add that when you're in traffic, don't just pull up so you're in the middle of the car in front of you. If some idiot comes up and doesn't stop you're then stuck with no place to go. Hang back a few feet and stay to one side of the car, then if you need to you can pull around to the side of the car in front and let that car take the hit.
Bill H.
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Post by kink on Jul 9, 2008 9:16:03 GMT -5
When I was learning to drive a cage I took a Young Drivers defensive driving course. It was very very helpful with regards to tips on how to spot potentially bad situations, communicate effectively with other drivers, and protect yourself from aggressive drivers. I use all of those skills while riding my scoot.
I'm not going to lie, I feel I need to be extra careful and aware when riding because visibility is an issue. It's a bit harder for a driver to see a smaller vehicle. Also, some drivers also seem to view scooters as toys which are not deserving of the same right of way courtesies as a car. I've had several issues with people looking straight at me and then pulling out in front of me anyways.
This is where warstein's comment comes into effect. Your defense on a scooter is your increased agility and maneuverability. When used to good effect you can avoid situations which might otherwise be very annoying/dangerous.
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Post by griff10 on Jul 10, 2008 3:56:22 GMT -5
>I've had several issues with people looking straight at me and then pulling out in front of me anyways.<
Careful, thinking that is going to get you hurt or worse.
Drivers often look like they are looking right at you, what is really happening is they are looking for a car or truck and don't see one so they don't see anything at all. The scooter just doesn't register. They are looking right past you, not at you. Always assume that drivers don't see you, you'll be far safer riding this way.
Bill H.
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Post by scootingranny on Jul 10, 2008 10:12:12 GMT -5
at 8:00 tonight (central time) the History channel is having a program entitled "Modern Marvels" and a section of that program will be about the latest in motorcycle safety gear. This is the original air date so it should be informative. Their commercial shows a motorcycle slamming into the side of a car so it may be something that's kind of an "owie" to watch but hope it will be worth the time spent to watch it.
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Post by greginhershey on Jul 15, 2008 21:15:16 GMT -5
I have my permit (for PA) as well and I am waiting to get my scoot. With a family, the safety issue did cross my mind but I think it's like someone else said- There are risks to everything. Be aware of your surroundings and practice whenever you can.
I've always been a defensive driver in a cage and I don't plan on changing that when I'm on the scoot.
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Post by texianmw on Jul 16, 2008 23:26:08 GMT -5
When I began working many years ago, my foreman told me about the machinery that I would have to work on. Very dangerous machines. But what he told me back then has always stuck with me, "Respect what it can do , but don't fear it." A m/c or scooter is just the same, a machine. Understand it, know its limitations but learn and master it.
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