Motorcycle

[jmick101]

I am looking at moving to a SF for dental school. I noticed that a lot of students drove motorcycles. I was wondering how people felt about this - feeling safe riding around in big city traffic on a bike, what's parking like, gas, etc.? Also, what is a good bike for a beginner?

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[thewatchtower]

i know this dosn't really answer your questions but in OMS the other day we were shown some pretty nasty pictures of what or professor called "Donorcycle" crashes.

 

[jmick101]

Yeah... My buddy did nursing rotations in the ICU and he said that a large percentage of the folks in there were dudes who had crashed on their motorcycles. Kinda freaks me out.

 

[DS1guy]

Don't get to freaked out by all those crash stories and pictures. Riding a bike on the road does require you to pay more attention to your surroundings. Basically because a lot of times, other drivers just can't see you as well. As long as you're careful, and don't ride like a jack@$$ you'll be fine. It'd probably save you a bunch on gas, especially if you can ride it most of the year. If you have no riding experience I would recommend staying away from crotch rockets and such. They're usually just way to quick for a beginner to handle and they can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. If you do get one stay around 600cc or so and don't buy like an 1100. I would recommend something like a Honda Shadow or something comparable. My buddies' dad used to have one and it's a really good beginner bike.

 

[Jone]

get a motorcycle that is as LOUD as possible. if it's not loud, modify the muffler to make it that way. sure it's annoying to other drivers, but it's safer since other drivers will actually notice you.

 

[thedudeabides6]

I am currently in dental school in SF, and I thought about buying a motorcycle for a while. It would definitely be nice to have, but I eventually decided against it just because I think they can be too dangerous. Plus the weather is not like Los Angeles, for example, so I think that could get real old while driving a motorcycle. The public transportation system in SF is pretty good, so that is usually how I get around. I also live w/in walking distance of school, so no commuting necessary for me.

 

[rambo2006]

I ride a small 50cc honda ruckus to school in Minnesota. The nice thing is that I can park it at the bike racks right by the school. If I come on the bus or car, I'll still spend the 10 minutes either walking from the parking ramp or waiting for the bus. It takes me a little less with the scooter thought. I've rode it during undergrad all winter long. I'm starting to question whether I should just take the bus this year or ride the bike.

 

[crazy_sherm]

At UOP, we don't have student parking for cars, but there are about 30 spots for motorcycles/scooters that is jammed packed everyday. It's not only limited to students, several faculty and staff also commute via motorcycle to school. Just a few months ago, one of the students organized a group ride and one of our instructors showed up with his bike to school us on the trails.

My commute via bus to school takes about 45 minutes, but riding my motorcycle only takes me 15. Parking is pretty difficult in SF, especially for people who don't know how to parallel park or have a car longer than a civic.

Of course it's not without it's risks. Even though tons of people ride bicycles and motorcycles/scooters in the city, drivers still suck and will cut you off all the time. You'll have to ride as if you're invisible and always expect the most ridiculous moves by cagers. Almost everyone who owns a motorcycle has at some point laid down their bike, sometimes not moving at all and sometimes moving quite fast. It's a risk you come to grips with and know will be likely be inevitable, though it might not happen for a long time. There are people who ride bikes for 10+ years and then one day, hit a slick patch of oil and lay it down.

If you've never ridden before, I advise taking an MSF course and starting out small and used. Something like a Ninja 250 is a very popular starter bike. The engine doesn't have much power making it very forgiving of newbie mistakes. It's also relatively cheap, so when you drop it, your wallet won't be hurting. It's always cool to get the newest 600cc supersport, but be aware if you don't have a garage to park it in at night, more than likely it will get stolen very quickly. 100+hp and such strong brakes are also not confidence inspiring for new riders. If you do decide to move to SF and get a motorcycle, check out www.bayarearidersforum.com for more info on bikes.

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific SF-UOP-Motorcycle related questions.

 

[dentalman]

I am a strong advocate against motorcycles. The risk of death far out outweighs any benefit. Don't do it.

 

[Cyclysm]

I ride a small 50cc honda ruckus to school in Minnesota. The nice thing is that I can park it at the bike racks right by the school. If I come on the bus or car, I'll still spend the 10 minutes either walking from the parking ramp or waiting for the bus. It takes me a little less with the scooter thought. I've rode it during undergrad all winter long. I'm starting to question whether I should just take the bus this year or ride the bike.

i have a 250cc honda reflex. it is a classified as a motor scooter, but it goes 80+ MPH. having the extra power is nice. i love it because it has enough room under the seat to store my helmet, gloves, rain jacket, etc. also, if your articulator box isnt too big you can shove that under and take it home. there is also a seat for a second passenger that can be used to lash bags/books down on. it wasnt cheap, but it will pay for itself eventually in gas savings i am getting about 160 miles per tank. some people look at me funny with a "why dont you have a real bike" kind of look, but i say who cares because i can trasnport all my stuff under the seat. it cuts my commute down from a 30-35 minute drive/bus trip to 10 minutes where i can park literally next to school, that is until it gets too cold to ride in the winter.

 

[chucktaylor]

Dude, motorcycles are dangerous but as long as your safe, you'll be fine. I've been riding crotchrockets for over 5 years now and have riden everything from 600cc to 1000cc liter bikes..the 1000cc (R1 for example) had way to much power for me..i could pop wheelies in third without clutching..the 600cc I felt was perfect..never came off the ground unless I really wanted it to..

so if u were like me and wanted to get a crotchrocket..with a budget of around $4500-5000 I'm guessing..get either a 1999-2003 Yamaha R6 (the black raven is sick)..or get a Honda CBR 600rr..both bikes have good power but not too much..the r6 is known more for handling but the 600rr is a smaller, more comfortable ride in terms of seating.

good luck bro..and always wear a helmet..it is a pain in the ass, it gets hot and sweaty but atleast u dont have to worry about being brain dead or crippled..ive lost too many buddies because they weren't wearing one..plus, I lost too many contact lenses because they'd fly right out of my eyes even with riding glasses..

 

[scalpel2008]

Dude, motorcycles are dangerous but as long as your safe, you'll be fine. .....ive lost too many buddies because they weren't wearing one..plus, I lost too many contact lenses because they'd fly right out of my eyes even with riding glasses..

hmm...

 

[dentalman]

Motorcycles are safe as long as you are the lucky percentage who hasn't had an accident ... yet. Just because you know someone or you, yourself have driven for years without an accident does not mean that riding a motorcycle does not significantly increase chances of death or and accident. It does increase your chances. It is not a guarantee, but chances are increased significantly. That is what makes me think it is not worth the reward.
The arguments I am hearing are like saying that smoking is not risky because my grandpa smoked for 100 years and died of old age. So smoking is safe.
But if the reward really outweighs the risk for you, then go for it. Just my own thoughts.

 

[hoboken]

i know this dosn't really answer your questions but in OMS the other day we were shown some pretty nasty pictures of what or professor called "Donorcycle" crashes.

"orthopedic resident training device"

 

[Boxsterluv]

Vet student here, dropped in because of the motorcycle headline; I am considering purchasing one as well.. The thoughts that I've had so far are that obviously there are risks and benefits to riding a bike - they are lots of fun and cool and efficient and a cheaper form of transportation, vs the fact that if you are in a wreck, there is a much higher probability of death/maiming.. As far as accidents are concerned, I've pretty much come to the conclusion that there are two types of riders out there - those that have had an accident already and those that haven't had theirs yet. As for the previous comments, I certainly agree with the poster that advised taking the motorcycle safety course - not only do you learn a lot, but in some states that counts as the ability portion of getting your motorcycle license, so all you have to do is the written portion.. I DO NOT agree with the poster that said get the R6, or any other 600cc or greater bike.. Start small then trade up, starting big like that is the fast track to a lifetime wheelchair or worse! ACK! Anyways, the point of all this is to be sure to make an informed decision, and since it is inherently dangerous, minimize as much risk as you can.

 

[4thQtrDreams]

I am looking at moving to a SF for dental school. I noticed that a lot of students drove motorcycles. I was wondering how people felt about this - feeling safe riding around in big city traffic on a bike, what's parking like, gas, etc.? Also, what is a good bike for a beginner?

Im in the same situation.. been wanting a bike.. mainly attracted to them due to their overall efficiency.. and ive learned to be a very patient & safe driver in a car.. i think that would translate to safe riding....

If i were to get into UoP id definitely look into it... just seems like the perfect cheap way to get around; and something very romantic about buying and maintaining a little cheapo bike that would get me around my 4 years of dental school... Ive never ridden but every time i see a Monster or a Speed triple on the street i have to stop and admire..

If i stayed in NYC i would not for several reasons the main would being that my entire family would probably chain me up in the cellar if they found out.. Kinda silly at my age to be worrying about what my parents would say...

Is Vegas to hot to ride a bike?? I Interview their at the end of November 😀

 

[L8DYV]

how bout one of them 750cc scooters? honda silverwing 750 or suzuki 750? those seem kinda bad ass and easy to ride?

 

[DS1guy]

Like I said before, don't get scared listening to people telling stories about how scary and dangerous motorcycles are. I would definetely take a motorcycle safety course, and always always wear a helmet. I think it's absolutely stupid not to. And riding a motorcycle is not comparable to the dangers of smoking at all. Like stated earlier, as long as you know how to ride, PAY ATTENTION to EVERYTHING on the road, wear a helmet and don't ride over your head, you'll be fine.

 

[pacbum]

so i'll be completely honest...

i have a car and i have a bike. if i end up going to school in SF, i'm bringing my bike for sure. it makes life 10x easier (i.e. you don't have to deal with traffic and parking) and to be completely honest, it's as safe as you make it. granted if an accident happens, it will be worse than a car accident. however, most of the time, accidents can be avioded if you are more alert, cautious, and not riding irresponsibly. i have never had any problems, but i ride safely. it's when you start getting too comfortable that accidents happen, so basically, just never let your guard down. it's not like driving a car i think where you can zone out and still manage to drive automatically (you know what i mean), you really have to be in control. that said, i really recommend it as long as you're safe. i started on a ninja 500, i think it's a great beginner bike. it's a very forgiving bike, so it's perfect for a beginner. the problem with SF is it's pretty hilly, so you need a 500cc bike bc it has a little more torque. i thought of getting a ninja 250, but i think in SF it's really important that you have have that little extra power to get you out of trouble. it has just enough to get you by, but not enough to kill you. oh the 500 is a very comfortable ride too, not like many of these super sport bikes. well, good luck, if you need any other help on bikes or any questions, let me know.