Also, as los said, literally the worst thing you can do regarding motorized transport is drink and ride a motorcycle. 90% of all motorcycle fatalities are alchohol related.
agreed. Driving a car drunk is different than a bike. I hate to admit it, but I've done both. However, when I rode my bike I had way less to drink and thought I was good to go (no buzz) but, like carlos said, I noticed half way in to my ride that I wasn't as crisp in my reactions. Since then I decided zero alcohol (not even "just one beer") when I ride my bike.
As far as the msf course goes. 1. it's required for military to get on post. Actually, it's required for military...per
iod. 2. while some points are lame for those that have been riding a while, there is always something to be learned (or re learned). I grew up riding dirt bikes and now I've got a cruiser and sport bike and I was reminded of things that I just take for granted.
sorry for the hi-jack, but this is in regards to safety...
For those with sport bikes, I HIGHLY suggest getting some coached track time. If you think you can ride fast and/or that you're good, think again. I've always rode balls to the wall on the street with my gsxr (and it's not just another 600 by the way) and thought I was fast, but my coach made my lap times look like I walked them. You learn everything from body position, to braking, to choosing the right gear, to choosing the right line. All is done at your pace (you're learning curve and how fast you are daring on your bike). The best part is, 1. no pesky cops to deal with, 2. when you wreck (yes it will happen) it's really just your bike that needs repair since you're on a closed course.
Now you're thinking, "I'll never race on the track, why spend $200 for a track day when all my riding is on the street?" Well, using techniques I've developed on the track, I've saved my keester numerous times! After some time on the track you learn and feel the limits of you AND the bike. When you get in a situation that requires the most of you and the bike, you don't go, "oh crap! I don't think I can make it". Instead, you just go ahead and make it work (which may mean dumping, but you'll even know how to do that).
As long as you know the limits of you and your bike, and keep your head on a swivel looking out for those pesky people who think the world revolves around them, you will save yourself a world of hurt. In my experience and MHO the more work/effort you are putting in to your riding, the less chance of something wrong happening, at least nothing that could have been prevented/avoided.
