Motorcycle Forum / General / Sportbikes / November 2006

In order to keep from having oh sh.t moments, I generally think about
the laws of physics and where I'll end up if I lowside and where I;ll
end up with the inertia I'm carrying, usually it's a tree or rock, and I
figure how much force I'll hit it with.  That generally stops my oh sh.t 
moments from happening.

But this seems to imply that there's only one lesson to learn: "motorcycles
can be dangerous". There are many situations where they can be more
dangerous than usual, that often people don't realize the dangers until
they've either heard stories or had those experience themselves.

My point is that one scary moment isn't going to teach you everything you
need to know about riding safely.

And my other point is that it's possible to learn from others' experiences
if you seek out the instruction, whether it's a well-written book or a
professionally conducted class.

Learning from others' mistakes (or near mistakes) often works, although
learning while under stress usually has a more lasting effect, which would
support your idea that everyone needs to have their own close calls to truly
get the message.

MSF training could have been helpful. I can't see how it would have made
things worse. But if a person relatively new to riding decides to enter a
corner at near 90 mph, it's obvious that safety and prudence weren't major
factors in the decision. That's a problem with impulse control.

Exuberance overriding common sense. It happens all the time with people
(especially younger ones) doing anything exciting, whether it's motorcycling
or skateboarding or having unprotected sex and making unexpected babies.

I'd agree...that info would have been extremely helpful!!

I have a few more bits of info now...she entered the corner at about
80-90 miles an hour and ended up going into a tree. I don't know how
tight this corner is but apparently it was too much!

From what I hear she seems to be doing better now but did sustain
quite a few major injuries from that impact.

Makes me wonder if I had been there yet if I could have prevented it
as it was my intention to go talk to her once I am back in Florida and
see where her skill level is at. Knowing her and seeing the bike she
was riding I did not believe that she could handle it.

This is one of those times where I truly do hate being right...

--
Stephan
2003 Yamaha R6

kimi no koto omoidasu hi nante nai no wa
kimi no koto wasureta toki ga nai kara

MSF course isn't going to help with someone intent on riding way over
their head.