I don't know if this has ever been a thread before, but I think it would be good for potential riders to listen to some advice of others on this forum and to think about a few things before purchasing. I believe that some people really don't need to be a rider and would be better suited as being a passenger. Since those that usually go from being a passenger to a rider are women, these thoughts I have are particularly for ladies that decide "oh, I'm ready to get my own bike!" Here's a few red flags that I can think of even on top of taking a MSF course.

You might not need to ride a motorcycle if:

* You have a bad driving record in a car. This will probably carry over to you getting hurt on a motorcycle. Slow fender benders in cars is one thing. A slow speed crash on a bike is going to most likely cause injuries.
* You're someone who really doesn't pay attention your surroundings.
* You are a "clumsy" person.
* You can't ride a bicycle very good, especially at slow speeds. A motorcycle is really just a larger heavier bicycle. If you can't ride a bicycle that well then you don't need to ride a motorcycle.

Any other thoughts?

 

Stay of of motorcycles if...You have that "It can't happen to me" attitude.

 

Never drive under heavy influence (alcohol,drugs)
Never if you have a chance to get laid
Never if other things just need to get done.
Never if you are uncomfortable with some mechanical issue with bike.
Never ride if you feel guilty because you may not ride enough

 

Some people simply don't have the aptitude to be a 'rider'. Simple as that. Not being an ***, I know people personally who should never consider it. And I'm not being judgemental either. You can look at the kick panels of their car and see that they have no idea how close they are to curbs and such...

 

If you are always in a hurry.

 

Hemorrhoids !!

 

If you are legally blind you shouldn't drive a bike.

 

if your currently taken medication for E.D. you shouldnt ride a motorcycle
if you still wear a pocket protector and have a bandaid wraped around the bridge of your glasses you shouldnt ride a motorcycle.
if your 25 or older and still havent gotten laid you shouldnt ride a motorcycle.
if you think your 85 year older neighbor is picking on you, you shouldnt ride a motorcycle
if your wearing shoes that do up with velcro, you should ride a motorcycle

 

Good points here.

As for me, I don't think you should ride a bike if:

You ever stop being cautious of it.

You decide to ride just because your friends ride.

You actually think you know which way that deer will run.

You believe in that old saw that having an accident is inevitable, regardless of how you ride or what you do.

 

You should not have a bike if you:

Don't know how to check the oil.

Have to ask, which oil should I use.

Have to ask, Where do I put the gas cap.

Have to ask, What size trailer do I need.