I believe bikes are worth the risk in terms of a few things for me personally: 1. It gets me motivated to go out since your view isn't being blocked by being inside of a car which means travelling down to Wollongong a breathtaking experience, especially anywhere like the Blue Mountains or the coast of Sydney. It's just more immersive. 2. Got me back into photography, and getting started with content creation 3. Biker community here in Sydney are just so chill, the head nods that I receive just make me happy. 4. I was always introverted, and never was interested in getting friends, but riding motorcycles with others has been quite fun with the many different routes / locations we go to every week + I'm slowly making friends which is always great, especially ones who are in the same boat as you.
Because there is an element of risk is what makes riding a bike so exhilarating..Car drivers can never comprehend the thrill of smoothly negotiating a series of bends,.... right gear, correct line, that smooth transition from left to right...Perfect coordinations... As one in fact. I've been riding since 1962. In that time I've fell off twice and hit by a car once, not seriously I'm happy to say. Falling off teaches you that however minor it may be, it hurts!. After 61 years I'm reaching the end of my Motorcycle journey ...From Sixties Rocker to Gentleman rider....Motorcyclists, Last of the Free Spirits... Its been wonderful...
Took ten years off after a nasty wreck (9 months of hospital and rehab and out of work), watch out for careless/distracted drivers... Back at it for a bit over a year now and loving mostly every minute of it. Still a bit tense when riding in town, but it is getting better! I can't see my life, even as I approach 40yo, without a bike. Though I will never judge someone for making the choice to stop riding, we all have to find that perfect balance for what is best for us. Thanks for the great video!
22 year old, new rider. Ridden for just under a year. It'll be a year on the 3rd of June. Being honest here, I've had two crashes. The first one was my second month of riding and I was ran off the road by teenagers in a white car. I was nearly paralysed with three spine vertebrae fractures. And I did not hesitate after 2-3 months of recovery to grab my helmet and get back on that engine. The other accident was minor, a learning experience, 3-4mph in 4th gear around a roundabout, around 3-4 months into my motorcycling journey. I would never give up this hobby. It's become a part of my life. It's also my way of transport. I'm TERRIFIED of driving cars. Unable to see all around the outside of a car really weirds me out. I guess that's just how my brain is. When I'm on a motorcycle, I feel like I'm aware of everything. In a car I feel I'd end up in a worse situation than my bike. Riding is my pride and joy in life. It's there for me in the morning to go to college, it's there after college to de-stress me after a long day. It's there for me when I have a bad day, an argument with a loved one, a boring day. Stay safe riders.
I'm skeptical you were "run off the road by teenagers" without video. Young guy, new to riding, the odds you were minding your own business in traffic and carefully riding are low.
@@aluisious You can be skeptical if you want. Not your life not your story. But if you want context: I was on the road to my village which is a 60MPH quiet-ish road. Just a long narrow but curvy road with nothing but farm fields surrounding it. The teenagers I mentioned came in a white ford car. Not sure of the model. They overtook me but held position going down this road right beside me. Opened the windows and begun to yell at me. Then 3-4 seconds later, I was ran off the road. I have the damn medical records of the incident. A guy found me whilst I was laying on the side of the road. Felt like a small tree stump was in my back so I asked him to move me. He had to phone the police because he previously phoned an ambulance for me, but the ambulance service said it would take 40-50 minutes for them to show up. You can be skeptical all you like. It doesn't change the truth of what actually happened.
@@dylanarchangel2673 why didnt you slow down to end up behind them instead when they were next to you? that would be my first thought, or increase speed to not be next to them
@@dumbodum I don't know why I didn't slow down. I didn't increase my speed either I was kinda just.. Blank. This was my first month of riding, AND the first time anyone tried doing something stupid towards me on the road. I guess I just didn't know how to handle it and kinda just stared at them confused. Then the crash happened.
It's interesting to hear your perspective on riding, especially about the risks involved and how they weigh against the passion you have for motorcycles. For me, riding isn't just about the thrill-it's a crucial part of my daily life, particularly as a practical response to the commuting challenges in Melbourne. When you discuss the dangers of riding, it reminds me of the early days of driving a car. Initially, every drive feels risky, every decision momentous. But over time, driving becomes second nature; the risks are still there but they don't occupy your mind as constantly. That's how riding feels for me. It's a calculated risk, one that has become a normal part of my day, much like any car driver would feel. Specifically, in Melbourne, where a normal 20-minute journey can extend to 30 to 60 minutes due to peak hour traffic congestion, riding a motorcycle offers a significant advantage. It allows for easier navigation through traffic, significantly cutting down commute times and not just during peak hours but also in general day-to-day travel. It's not only about enjoying the ride; it's about the efficiency and the practicality of getting to work on time without the stress of sitting in a traffic jam. Your concern for safety is completely valid, and it's a big reason many people decide to hang up their helmet. For me, the decision to keep riding is about balancing that risk with the benefits it brings: convenience, the enjoyment of the ride, and a sense of freedom that's hard to get in a car. Sure, I'm cautious and conscious of the inherent dangers, but these have become a backdrop to the benefits riding offers in my daily life. Like you, I've made peace with the risks through safe practices and gear. The way motorcycling integrates into our lives can vary greatly from one person to another. It's not just a hobby or a lifestyle, but sometimes the most practical choice for daily commuting. The decision to continue riding or not is deeply personal and, as you said, not made lightly. I respect Dreamless YT's decision to step back, but for now, I'm still all in, making the most of my riding experience while staying as safe as possible.
I initially rode bikes at 16 for transport, got the bug for it. at 17 got a 125, passed my test and got a TZR250. Loved it. Then I got a car and as it was novel used it more. My bike got stolen :( , had a car and couldn't afford to replace the bike. Then life happened and it took 32 years before I decided I really wanted to bike again. I am risk adverse too. However my kids are now both 20+ and I have disposable income. So I am back to biking (CBR650R 24 model). Like you I wear all the gear all the time, including a Helite e-moov airbag backpack. I am an advance trained and tested driver and this translates onto bikes. I have fun, but I am not reckless. I am taking more advanced training for biking all the minimise the risk. I am 50 years old now and I will stop riding when I find I cant be bothered to put on all the gear and lose the spark. Hopefully not until im in my 70s !! Good topic, like your content.
Fourteen years ago, when my son was born and I had four kids all under six, I made the decision to give up biking. It just wasn't the right time or priority back then. But now, I'm excited that I'll be buying a bike soon and getting back into riding. I can't wait to hit the road again.
Dependent minors? Give it up. Your life isn't only your own anymore and you OWE them your survival--you're right that it's about priorities. Once your kids are young adults it's time to rock 'n roll :)
In many Asian countries, two-wheelers like motorcycles and scooters are essential for daily transportation due to several practical reasons: affordability, convenience, and efficiency in navigating congested urban environments. Motorcycles are generally more affordable than cars, both in terms of initial purchase and maintenance. In cities where traffic congestion is a significant issue, motorcycles allow individuals to move more freely, avoiding long traffic jams and reducing commute times. In contrast, in Western countries, the situation often differs due to various factors like urban planning, climate, and cultural preferences. Cities in the West tend to be designed with more space and infrastructure that favours cars. Additionally, stricter safety regulations and concerns, along with weather conditions that can make riding motorcycles less practical year-round, influence the preference for cars. Public transportation options are also generally more robust in many Western urban centres, providing an alternative to personal vehicle ownership. There's also a cultural aspect to consider. In the West, motorcycles are often seen as a leisure activity rather than a necessity. This view means that when the negatives-such as safety concerns-outweigh the positives, people might choose to give up riding. Conversely, in many Asian countries, motorcycles are a staple of life, relied upon for daily chores, commuting, and even business operations, making them indispensable despite any associated risks.
I've loved anything on wheels growing up, ironically my first crash on the motorcycle which would of made most people quit (Hydroplaned like 50-75m on the freeway), actually made me know that im a ride for life person. I was riding normal and that 10 percent chance that I crashed due to something unavoidable. Did not see the oil because it only started raining. For me its ultimately a "Shit happens" because I was actively riding safe that day as well... The only reason why I would hang up 2 wheeled motorcycles is if I physically could not ride anymore, so both arms disabled/gone.
My mate is giving up too he’s selling his bike just as he said to me to get a bike too sad time but that’s he’s choice he loves 4x4 more than bikes he’s decision totally respect that looks like I will have to get out in groups now until my brother turns 18 so he can get his motorcycle license hope to see u out some time stay safe brothers
Except for a stretch of 5 years, I've always had a motorcycle or scooter of some sort since I was 16. I do think that going fast on the street, or riding on stroads, is quite dangerous, but in general anything automobile related is quite dangerous.
In NZ I chose to get a scooter because I was sitting in traffic watching all the bikes cruise past. and I couldn't move in the car. and on the scooter, the 15km trip that takes 50 to 60 minutes, gets cut down to 35 minutes at the most. So the next step was obvious, a Motorcycle licence and a Motorbike. that can be used on the motorway, the open road, and being someone of above the height Motorbikes are designed for. a Taller bike that happens to have what could only be described as All Terrain Tyres is the answer! (although it would be so much better if the front wheel was swapped with it's street oriented little sister and only be 17inch instead of 19inch, and the rear shock & spring swapped out with the same bike (it's just too damn hard, as it's designed to carry more than just a rider!) Public transport? Hell NO! where there are train stations there are much higher Crime rates, The busses are nothing but a hazard and a deliberate Impedance to the flow of traffic, I will Never use public transport, it is just a way of FORCING people to use and Pay someone else to get us around when we have the capability to do it ourselves for much less cost, time and hassle! Oh Yes, Peak traffic hours (not just 1 hour but several) I hate using the car on the Motorway during afternoon peak... and I won't do it on the bike, the morning is not so bad, but by the time the afternoon comes, people are so much more aggressive and deliberately cut everyone else off, noy just bikes!
Once you get on a bike and get your licence to ride that's it the bug gets you you will never stop riding a bike that's how I feel about my riding experience on two wheels.
No question, riding is a higher risk than driving a car. The number that often is tossed around in North America is that it is 27 times more dangerous. However, if you drill into the data a little, it's incredible how many motorcycle deaths involve unlicensed, untrained riders. Alcohol and other drugs. Speed. No gear. These are all things under our control. So it's possible to get your own risk to a level much below the average. I personally find that to be an acceptable risk compared to driving. Besides, an F150 could blow through an intersection and end me in my car just as easily.
The only reason I could think I would hang up the helmet at this point in my riding journey would be financial. And that is purely because of this cost of living crisis we're in. I've just traded my Focus XR5 for a second bike and can barely afford to keep both bikes registered, let alone put in any money for maintenance and repairs. Sure, bikes are cheap... UNTIL you need to fix something! But still I push through, putting as much of my pocket money as I can spare aside. But the real question is - If I can only afford one bike, what do I keep, the Honda or the KTM??? 🤔🤔🤔
Well, the risks are part of the experience that makes riding fun. I mean is it fun to ride slow? For many, no, not at all. It is fun haul ass. But hauling ass adds significant risks. Risk/challenge/mental focus/adrenaline/fun all tend to move in the same direction on a sliding scale, to a point. At some point, which is different for everyone, you move into reckless/irresponsible/dangerous/scary. Some have a very low threshold for where this point will be reached, some much higher. I think the point is determined to great extent by knowledge, experience, and skill level. Therefore, the inoculation to the risk is to acquire more of those things. The best thing IMO is high-end professional training on a race track if you can afford it. Once a rider's understanding and skills at the limits of traction are at a high level, what typically happens on the street is like slow motion. Downside is street riding can then become somewhat boring. If a rider doesn't have the budget for such training, tremendous gains can still be made by studying any of numerous books on sportbike riding/racing/cornering theory and then performing deliberate practice of the techniques. The online Champ School course (School of Champions) has outstanding content on the theory and understanding of motorcycle dynamics, and is affordable. I started riding at 10 years old, almost 50 years ago. I can't imagine no longer riding a motorcycle. It is literally one of the best parts of being alive.
Life is a minute at a time. A second if you must. Dont go without knowing you enjoyed your life to its fullest no matter how quick it may pass/ when ur gone, ur gone. And u wont remember if you past at 20 or 90 So have fun Atleast go smiling And never go when someone needs to wipe ur a$$ thats borrowed time.
People who have an appropriate amount of fear for something are usually the right ones to do it. Doesn't mean it won't hurt em. But I think it means the risk then becomes the same as anything else in life. The people who turn into statistics are the once who ignore their fear.
Most people die while lying in a bed. I injured my right knee badly while walking on a gravel road. You can't live imbedded in cotton without taking any risks. We ain't going to get out alive anyway.
What about if there was an earth quake or some other event or you got alszhimers or the many other disease or if you rode a bike and it kept you sane and young. Being a biker is accepting yes what if but life is what if. Face it one day you are going to die somehow
Walk away from bikes and they weren’t in your blood in the first place….. simple as that……. You dipped yer toe in the water and it wasn’t for you…. No shame in that! Thats just the way it went…. If you come back you’ll be welcomed back with open arms… if not….. just keep an eye out for us in your mirrors in yer cage eh? 😂😂😂
Well, I’ve been commuting on my bike daily for the past five years and, surprisingly, I haven't had any accidents. While I always try to be vigilant and aware of my surroundings, I know that not all factors are within my control. There's a bit of luck involved, and the actions of other drivers play a significant role too.
That’s rather negative and not necessarily true. I’ve enjoyed more than 40 years of riding, including commuting up until my recent retirement. The last 22 years have been on my CBR1100XX without incident. I do make an effort to maintain my riding standard with regular training which I think has payed dividends.
