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Had a nasty off in July and am now only just fit enough to get back on a bike and to think about replacing the one written off. But common sense (not normally a problem ) is knocking on my door and saying "you've been lucky - call it a day".

The accident was not my fault at all, but that doesnt really help. I've had enough close calls from winding the throttle open so it was just bad luck that she crossed the double whites into the side of me when for once I was being slow and sensible.

But she wrote off the bike and almost all my kit so effectively the decision is whether to start again from afresh.

Dont really know why I'm posting this here since it has to be a personal choice. Nevertheless comments would be appreciated.

I can guess why, I was like that 32 years ago after a nasty car accident, I think the problem was that it was 9 months before I could drive again and I kept on putting it off. Eventually I was told that its just the fear and if I tried it again it'd soon become natural. It also made me a better driver.

So I'd just say, wait until the weather improves and then take it easy, maybe hire a bike for a week and ride it when the roads aren't busy.

Good luck whatever you decide

lazarus wrote: Dont really know why I'm posting this here since it has to be a personal choice. Nevertheless comments would be appreciated.

There is also another option rather than give up completely - keep riding but keep it off road - ie motocross / enduro / trackdays / road racing / minimoto / trials

Accidents still happen, but I feel its safer and more predictable than road riding (and a load more fun), and if its an organised event medical cover on the scene should it be needed.

Stick two fingers up at the Devil. Buy a Hayabusa.


But seriously, Hope you find your solution Laz. Maybe just get something to 'enjoy' now and again. You never hear of Harleys being really smashed up (i dont anyway) With one of those you could spend more time cleaning it than riding, yet still have a machine that's enjoyable when you do want a little outing

lazarus wrote: The accident was not my fault at all, but that doesnt really help.

.... In some ways, I think this can make it worse.
If you know it's your fault and you know what the problem was, it's in your control to do something about it. If it's someone else's fault, then you have less control.

But, note, I did say "less control" rather than "no control". I don't know whether you've done any advanced training but that can certainly help you to think about your riding/driving to make yourself more noticeable to other road users (and I'm not really talking dayglo here ... unless you like that sort of thing) and help you to predict / avoid hazardous situations.
I've never done an advanced course for bikes but at work we have had some advanced training for driving cars - much of which is transferrable.

The off-road suggestion may well be a good one - I know of at least one Aprilia forum member that has all-but given up road riding ('though not completely) and gets his 'fix' on the track.

What I do know is that when I've gone without a bike for a long time (kids growing up & other half saying "NO") I was climbing the walls. I'm so glad to be back on 2 wheels again.

There again, you must do what's right for you - we all know there is a level of risk involved.

Then again, what's the worst that can happen? .... with a name like Lazarus the end is not necessarily the end! (Although, please don't say that I pursuaded you to put this to the test).

I know it is slightly different as I have not been involved in an accident (well not since my big one many years ago), but funnily enough I have decided to give up or more to the point retire from motorcycling, and strangely enough after 37 years on riding, it doesn't bother me at all.

I developed this condition around the middle of last year preventing me from riding, so I sold the bike rather than just let it rot, but now I am fit to ride again, I just don't have the inclination or desire even though the wife keeps nagging me to get back on two wheels again

Like Lazarus has said, it is a personal thing, and I always thought that I would be riding until I croaked, but at the moment riding is just not floating my boat, and I don't know why.

Well, yes I do actually but I will keep those thoughts to myself for now, but the whole point is I understand where Lazarus is coming from.

Good luck with whatever decision you make

Thanks folks. I would have had a go at off road, but the damaged leg / foot most definitely isnt up to that. I have in fact been out on a bike ( Ihave a Norton Commando in the garage and didnt feel at all nervous. But at the same time, I didnt feel drawn to it either.

Maybe it will change when the weather changes but for the moment I've become a forum-only rider.

P.S. I've done the IAM D-Rider. Possibly could have been better positioned more to the outside of the bend - but she would still have hit me since she came right across to my kerb!

Time they fitted rotary cannon to bikes

Gio wrote:Time they fitted rotary cannon to bikes

Did you mean something like this:
http://tailgunnerexhaust.com/media.php

or should we all carry a pillion who is both a clergyman and a member of an organisation for businessmen ??

D-Rider wrote:

Gio wrote:Time they fitted rotary cannon to bikes

Did you mean something like this:
http://tailgunnerexhaust.com/media.php

or should we all carry a pillion who is both a clergyman and a member of an organisation for businessmen ??

Like this http://www.combatfilms.com/cfrtv_archive_0005.asp

I ride to get to work rather than for pleasure (although I get lots of pleasure from the commute), so my situation's different, but I've found with many of my interests that they wane after a while and I get into something else. Why should biking be any different?

Yes, the only one ( ignoring beer and sex) thats stayed with me through life has been messing around in boats aka sailing. And even that has waxed and waned.

As you don't currently have a bike or any gear, you don't really have to make the decision now do you? The weather's atrocious, there's really nothing to make you want to ride.

I suggest wait and see - you'll know soon enough when you're out in the car on a nice day and there are loads of bikes about, whether you wish you were riding instead of driving, or whether you sit back in the car and think "ah yes, I remember it well......."

But don't spend the insurance money on something else just yet - just in case!

BikerGran wrote:As you don't currently have a bike or any gear, you don't really have to make the decision now do you? The weather's atrocious, there's really nothing to make you want to ride.

I suggest wait and see - you'll know soon enough when you're out in the car on a nice day and there are loads of bikes about, whether you wish you were riding instead of driving, or whether you sit back in the car and think "ah yes, I remember it well......."

But don't spend the insurance money on something else just yet - just in case!

You are, of course, completely right BG. Come the first decent day, I will want to be out on bike or boat again.

Lot of similarity between them really. On a boat you spend most of the year waiting for the day when the wind is not too strong/ too weak, in the right direction, and you dont have other committments. Same with bikes - they're not much fuin in winter or in the height of summer, or when its raining, or the roads are too straight / crowded. But that one day when everythhing is right - is there a better way of enjoying yourself?

Hi Lazarus

Think I've probably spent a disproportionate amount of time looking up from the ground and I'd go with the others. Wait for the good weather, if you get jealous of the bikes (when you're in your car), go out and hire your dream bike for a weekend. A bad knock always gives us the collywobbles but it usually fades with time. The big trick is to remember that the only reason we ride bikes is 'cos we like it. The weathers usually crap, the roads always are and 50% of the UK's drivers shouldn't be allowed in charge of a shopping trolley. No reason to put up with that if you don't fancy riding anymore!
Good luck with whatever you decide (and glad you're on the mend)