Sometimes I get a little depressed reading of all the road carnage out there. In a way it's good 'cause it keeps me on my toes, but reading too much of it starts to get me too paranoid.

So I really appreciate when I hear that someone has been riding for 40 years, or someone is celebrating their 60th birthday by driving cross country, etc. Reaffirms the positive.

How many years have you been riding? Actual years of butt in the saddle? Also, if you have one, what is the one or two tricks you have developed that has kept your rubber side down all these years?

I did a search and haven't seen any poll like it yet.

Anyway, thanks for contributing. Ride on. :tour

10 years off and on, but 6 of thoes years were on the sportster, oh if you count dirt bikes and such, than its more like 22 years.

Since i was 7, but that was a dirt bike, then mostly off and on, I last started riding 9 years ago, ben in the saddle whenever i can.

I am by no means an expert, I learn new things and improve all the time.

38 years. Never been hit (knock on wood), but I've had plenty close calls. Nothing wrong with being a "little" paranoid. I ride with the assumption that every 4 wheeled vehicle on the road will kill me, if given half a chance. I just try, as much as possible, to not give them that chance.

44 years here...28 bikes so far...a mixture of dirt and street experience, with five years racing motocross...I felt so much safer racing where at least most knew a little about what they were doing...out on these streets you can't be complacent for even a second! If it's not a teenager text-messaging while driving, or the soccer Mom with a cell phone in one hand and a Starbucks Latte in the other, or the bluehair with fused vertebrae in their necks so they can't turn to look, it's a flippin' war zone out there! Be as defensive as you can at all times...once you get past all those crazies, then you can take a deep breath and start enjoying why we're on these steeds!

I first started riding when I was 13, so I've been at it on and off for about 44 years. My first rides were on a single-cylinder motorized bicycle and a ball-busting Cushman rigid scooter, then started on the Honda 50s and the small Yamaha's. I raced for a couple of years on Ducati 250's and 500's in the 1960s, but it was all closed-circuit courses... never on the open streets with racing action.

As far as advice I've given to others... I always assume that cagers cannot see me at all, so I do everything I can to allow a buffer zone around me to make sure they don't encroach into my lane; and the other item deals with mental attitude - - - Don't ever allow yourself to be in a hurry. If I'm having to make a "deadline" or "rushing to an appointment", I don't ride. It's probably a stupid axiom, but I want my riding to be totally free of "gotta-get-there-itis." I ride now for sheer pleasure and just to enjoy the road. I ride to work at least once a week, but they don't care if I'm late or not, so I never have to hurry.

'Not being seen' - and - 'having to hurry' are two of the reasons I hear all the time in association with people who have been lucky enough to survive an accident.

- - - Ride safe... With fists in the wind.... :tour

J.W.

This is my first bike and I have been riding for a whole nine months now, so Look out!!!! All this experience will slap you in the face :laugh

As far as advice goes, many will say "ride like you're invisible." That's sound advice, but I take it one step further. Ride like they're trying to kill you! The other thing I might add (and some will argue) is that avoiding trouble is more often achieved with the throttle than the brake. It's good to have a solid emergency stop in your quiver, but getting the hell out of the way in a hurry is often faster and more effective. Oh yeah, take the MSF course too.

Started :tour riding:tour in high school 1970 and rode for the next 12 years started on a Yamaha then a Triumph a BSA and my Ducati. I had maybe a 10 year span where I didn't have a bike but on a return trip to Greece picked up a small scooter or two and a larger bike to tour Santorini :wonderlan kind of forgot how much I liked to ride. So over the past four years I picked up a Scooter or two and my "Sporty" :frownthre do I see a pattern developing here? My saftey tip for :tour riding :tour "COUNTER STEERING" :eek: :eek: :eek: learn it :eek: love it :wonderlan it can save your life or it can :censor kill you:gun .

:gun rICK:gun

My first (and only) accident came as the result of the VP of my insurance company pulling out in front of me from a side street. I laid the bike down since it was my only option, and came out basically unscathed. It took all of two days to get my claim taken care of, handled personally by Mr. VP himself. He was very nice about everything, he knew he blew it. That was about 20 years ago, still think about it everytime I ride. Invisible is good, but I always watch a vehicle's wheel as I approach, if they're moving, watch out. Watching a drivers eyes doesn't tell all, watching those wheels at least gives you a chance.

Ride like they're trying to kill you! effective
must watch the road well ahead of what you would in your cage... always leave yourself an out, wether by throttle or by brake...

started riding in 1972 got into the moto cross craze then progressed to dirt track . like planb I felt alot safer on the track than I do on the road . I have been down in the dirt and had dunlop tracks across my back , had gravel picked out of my hands and head and rolled down the asphalt , I found out I am allergic to it I get a rash . what i have learned from all of this is to trust your gut. be prepared at all times . planb and quirk are both right on the money. the only thing I can add is a clear mind and a sense of your surroundings are necessary to execute the riding tips they have gave.

boought my first bike in 76 kh400 triple, got my second kh750 triple in 78 , got my kz1000 ltd in 79 , got my XL1200R two weeks ago.

I started riding in 79 and have yet to learn how to drive a car but I don`t think I ever will. A bike is more fun anyway and I`m set in my ways now.

About 28 years - only 2 accidents worth mentioning, both involving cagers pulling out in front of me. No major damage to me on either occasion, but totalled my bike in the first event.

My advice is the same as the others - ride like every other vehicle on the road is out to kill you.

Cheers,

Brett

I had my first 2 wheels when I was 11 it was a Sears mini-bike, I had a couple of dirt bikes when I was a teenager. I bought my first street bike when I was 15. You could ride a Motorcycle (Honda 400) back then at 15 on a learners permit and didn't have endorsements then.

I have had all different kinds of bikes and I am enjoying the Sport the most.

29 years on a combination of street and dirt.....something over 300K miles on various bikes.

My advice. Ride like no one can see you, and DON'T ride if you are not physically/mentally ready to handle it. Take a break, take a car for a day whatever....but be ready in case some other driver is not on top of their game.....

Mav

I'm just a cherry in the bike world; just over a year now with the Harley, and prior to that, one year with a 'Wing. Haven't had enough war stories yet (knock on wood) to dispense any secret tips. I just use the same approach as everyone else: assume you're invisible. The only cager that is guaranteed to see you is the man in the nice blue suit with the radar gun on his dashboard and a 9mm gun on his belt.

I started riding 11 years ago when a $500 Kawa that cost $98/yr to insure was the only transportation I could afford. I read a quote in the July issue of Motorcyclist this weekend that really resonated with me:

"If you ride a motorcycle often, you will be killed riding it. That much is sure as night follows day. Your responsibility is to be so vigilant and careful as to continue to push that eventuality so far forward that you die of old age first."


Here's to everyone here making it to old age first.:chtwo

Started with a minibike at age 10 in 1966 and hit the hiway in '72 of age but was riding all over the local paved county roads by '70.:shhhh :smoke

I figure I've done about a half million miles on the tarmac :tour

I have been on a whole bunch of bikes starting with a late 1960 Honda 90 trail. I was 13 or 14 years old. I have had dirt bikes and several street bikes. I fell in love with my first a Harley 1975 FX Shovel that my older sister paid for but mess up in less then 100 miles. It's still in the family and my older brother rides it now. Still a great old bike. I got my 1200 custom in October 2003 H-D just got the rubber mount version to my area. I had read alot about the changes and just fell in love with the way it looked and rode. I have about 20,000 miles on it now. I ride in West Virginia and the riding season can be touch and go some time but I try to ride 12 months a year. My riding advice is to check out all of the riding education information online and talk to folks that have been around riding a long time and learn all you can learn. This helps with some riding circumstances that you can avoid. But nothing helps more then just getting out there and riding and getting comfortable with your ride. Learning your capabilities and that of your ride.

I have been give some riding advice from more experienced riders in the past and some are thing that come to me when I'm out there trying to enjoy the experience.

LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES
RIDE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT
HATE TRACTOR TRAILERS

But for me I think that this sums it up for me.

LIVE TO RIDE RIDE TO LIVE

I started riding when i was 5yrs old (rupp mini bike) moved up to dirt bikes and raced bikes for over 12 yrs total, bought my first street bike at age 15, permitted and licensed at age 16 before i ever had a drivers permit.:tour Numerous bikes later including 3 H-D's i still get back to my roots and enjoy the sporty the most.:clap

20 years, seem to be outclassed by most.

about 5 years legaly. ive got about 20,000miles of riding under my belt over the years but most of my bikes were play bikes. only the last three were road bikes. one of which couldnt go faster than 60mph(tw200). hopefully will be riding for a long time to come.

I started riding in '76, but stopped in '88 (though I kept the bike until '90, just didn't ride :( ). Started again in '04 and still going.

Guess you could say I've been riding "full time" since I purchased a 1200 FX SuperGlide back in 1972. Had Harley's ever since.

I rake up around 20K miles each year, so that's at least half a million miles over the past 34 or so years.

Had a couple thousand 'close calls' but (knock on wood) I've never been involved in major accident with another vehicle.

Spent most of my life in rural areas, away from the metropolitan areas, so I've never been around a lot of heavy traffic conditions that many experience. I don't mind passing through a larger city, but I wouldn't want to stay there.

I just assume that everyone, in every type of vehicle, is out to kill me, so I ride according when around traffic. Defensive driving is where it's at. ;)

Started riding in 66, streetbikes, took some time off riding and now back in the saddle, about 21 years worth.

Been riding since 1995. Got my fathers hand me down 1000 AMF Soprtster he bought new in 1973. Rode her for 4 or 5 years...gave it back and just bought another one in feb of 2006 (you know got married, built a house, ect...between 2001-2006). I have rode dirt bikes and four wheelers since I could walk. Mostly got involved in Harleys becuase the old man has had a Harley since the sixties and its something he and I can always enjoy together.

Messed around on various mini-bikes and small dirt bikes as a kid, and also putted around on my Dad's HD 350 a bit, but only been ridin street since last summer. I also crashed last fall. Road hazard situation with panic braking puts you down quick. Learned alot from that.

Took the Basic RC last summer, and the Experienced RC this past weekend. Practicing emergency responses before you need them seems real smart to me. The course happens to be on my way home from work, so I plan to practice when the course is free.

BTW, getting some twisties in here and there sure helps too!:tour

I got a suzuki gn125 when I was 14 and rode it between my dad and brother on local roads, then before I turned 16 I bought and sold a 750 kawasaki and a 600 katana (actually sold the katana for a little more than I paid). Then when I was 16 and had my license I got my sportster. I'm 22 now so that's about 8 years.

I rake up around 20K miles each year, so that's at least half a million miles over the past 34 or so years.

Had a couple thousand 'close calls' but (knock on wood) I've never been involved in major accident with another vehicle.

Spent most of my life in rural areas, away from the metropolitan areas, so I've never been around a lot of heavy traffic conditions that many experience. I don't mind passing through a larger city, but I wouldn't want to stay there.
;)

Damn,sounds just like me :D
Glad I live in the sticks! :)

a few months...
for the rest of my life

On and off since 1968. Rode a couple Kaws, a Triumph in Germany, a Yamaha, Honda 750 and I'm on my second sporty....:banana:banana:banana

Got my licence in 1972 and have been riding since...with the exception of 1996-2004. Got in a bad accident in 96 and swore Ide never ride a bike again.. Then in 04 I got the itch again...

Wow. If you combine the first two catagories, it accounts for almost 1/3 of all respondents.

Then it jumps again to the 25 to 35 range, which makes a little more than the other 1/3 of respondents.

So far.

Interesting. :rolleyes:

I started riding in 1959 @ 9 years old. We'd take turns pushing each other on a Triumph 200 Cub that had No motor:roflblack BUT we learned how to throw it around, etc. Progressed through LOTS and LOTS of different bikes.
Raced flattrack for a few years. We had a Kawasaki dealership in 1964, before anyone had a clue who they were.

My "TIPS" for the street: Ride like you are in a race! That doesn't require going fast....it requires being ALERT, looking for The Hole, looking for trouble, and having an escape path. Trust Nobody from a side road, and AVOID riding alongside another car as much as possible. I always stay back even on interstate until I can pass cleanly and quickly. The last thing I want is some dimwit to run me over because he swerved into me. I am what some would call an "aggressive" rider. BUT.....if most really watched how I ride....they'd also realize I try to avoid as many vehicles and their mayhem as possible.
I am a believer that when God calls your number............:)
If I get it someday while riding....it probably will be because I earned it.......probably not because some Bozo took me out (at least I hope not!)
Be SAFE
Bruce

Since I was 14...

Breaks in between, but over 30 years now...

Love it...

On and off since I was 8 yrs old. 42 now.

Got my first bike in 1970. always had a bike since, not always had a car. DC

Sometimes I get a little depressed reading of all the road carnage out there. In a way it's good 'cause it keeps me on my toes, but reading too much of it starts to get me too paranoid.

So I really appreciate when I hear that someone has been riding for 40 years, or someone is celebrating their 60th birthday by driving cross country, etc. Reaffirms the positive.

How many years have you been riding? Actual years of butt in the saddle? Also, if you have one, what is the one or two tricks you have developed that has kept your rubber side down all these years?

I did a search and haven't seen any poll like it yet.

Anyway, thanks for contributing. Ride on. :tour
Actually, this is my 4th year on the bike.I took the safety course a few months after I bought my Sporty.I know thats not a long time but there are things I do to try and stay safe.I dont ride at night.I dont ride if there is even a chance of rain.I slow down when I am coming up to an intersection.I stay away from people on cell phones and I pray that I make it back safe!

The only cager that is guaranteed to see you is the man in the nice blue suit with the radar gun on his dashboard and a 9mm gun on his belt.


Huh, dont even trust the cops. One of the things I thought when I first started riding was well I dont have to watch out for cops, They Know how to drive and they will See me. That thought lasted untill the day one cut me off doing a left hand turn going to Dunkin Doughnuts. I sh*t you not. I followed them untill they pulled into dunkin doughnuts. 2 cops got out, the driver was a women. I asked her if she knew she had just cut me off. She mumbled something and I asked her again. At this point they started to get a Cop attitude and I decided that leaving was the better part of valor. Trust NO Cager.....


LV

38 years. Never been hit (knock on wood), but I've had plenty close calls. Nothing wrong with being a "little" paranoid. I ride with the assumption that every 4 wheeled vehicle on the road will kill me, if given half a chance. I just try, as much as possible, to not give them that chance.37 years. Also never been hit and I agree COMPLETELY with everything Opiewon said....good advice.

8 months here for this newbie. Learning more and more every day.

It will be 1 year in 2 weeks here. I rode all winter, as long as it was above 30 and not icy and only came up to 6000 miles in a year. But it's my daily commuter and I go weeks without driving the car. (which is good because hubby and I share the car but the sporty is all mine)

Got a new honda xl70 for my bday in 1976.
Rode that for many years, then got my
MC license in 1981. Owned a few bikes off
and on since then.

1 year, 356 days.

dropped once turning right at 10mph....with 19,999 on the odometer

Not counting riding minibikes and dirt bikes when I was a kid, started riding in 1978...have not been without a bike since....:tour

I've been riding for about 35 years. My first street bike was a 1965 Honda 305 Scrambler. Rode that till the wheels fell off. Bought my first new bike in 1975.It was a Yamaha 650. Ran real good until a car pulled out in front of me... Had to buy a truck to get around until I was well enough to get another bike. I think the biggest trick I learned to keep the rubber on the ground was not to drink and ride. I was a slow learner:frownthre. I haven't hit the pavement since 1976 and I would like to keep it that way. I ride defensively and always try to have an escape route. Maybe a little paranoid but still alive and riding:tour

Started riding in September of 2003. I always assume the worst case scenario when riding. Example; a car waiting to pull onto the street on which I am traveling. I always assume they don't see me and will pull out in front of me, so I try to always have exits and escape plans in the back of my mind. (Like knowing what's in the lanes next to me, is there a guardrail next to me, can I speed up/slow down to avoid hazards, etc.)

Huh, dont even trust the cops. One of the things I thought when I first started riding was well I dont have to watch out for cops, They Know how to drive and they will See me. That thought lasted untill the day one cut me off doing a left hand turn going to Dunkin Doughnuts. I sh*t you not. I followed them untill they pulled into dunkin doughnuts. 2 cops got out, the driver was a women. I asked her if she knew she had just cut me off. She mumbled something and I asked her again. At this point they started to get a Cop attitude and I decided that leaving was the better part of valor. Trust NO Cager.....


LV


Shoulda got her car/badge number and filed a complaint. Regardless of what some of the boys in blue may think, they are not above the law themselves.

I'm surprised to see such a dip for the years 1981-1990 (16 to 25 years of riding). Can anyone explain what happened?

I'm surprised to see such a dip for the years 1981-1990 (16 to 25 years of riding). Can anyone explain what happened?

I hate to answer my own question, but those might have been the "granola" years in the U.S.

I'm surprised to see such a dip for the years 1981-1990 (16 to 25 years of riding). Can anyone explain what happened?

That is interesting....

Maybe quite a few people rode for 10 to 15 years and moved on to other things, or lost the 'biking bug'.

Could be they traded their Harleys (or whatever) for new Lincolns. :D

Only the 'diehards' hung in there and continue to ride after 25+ years.

http://dogsdoom.com/PI/1200sig6.jpg

That is interesting....

Maybe quite a few people rode for 10 to 15 years and moved on to other things, or lost the 'biking bug'.

Could be they traded their Harleys (or whatever) for new Lincolns. :D

Only the 'diehards' hung in there and continue to ride after 25+ years.

Yes, true. While it could mean that lots of people quite riding for 10 years due to marriage, kids, jobs, etc., I'm wondering if there was a shortage of new riders who started riding during those years, making up for the ones who gave up the two-wheel for the four-wheel mode of transportation.

Or, because this is a Harley site, during those years the Asian bikes where coming into their own with their sportbikes and that took a real bite out of cruisers for a while. Just a guess.

That is interesting....

Maybe quite a few people rode for 10 to 15 years and moved on to other things, or lost the 'biking bug'.

Could be they traded their Harleys (or whatever) for new Lincolns. :D

Only the 'diehards' hung in there and continue to ride after 25+ years.


... and seeing that a 1/4 of all respondents have ridden 5 years or less, it looks like HD has come back in a big way.

I've been riding for 6 years and had one accident that I could have probably avoided had I kept a little farther back; someone slammed on the brakes in the middle of the fast lane of a highway and I laid the bike down. It was totalled but I was fine.

First lesson learned was the buffer. I've even pulled off the road onto the shoulder or into a parking lot or side street for a minute or two if there's someone near me that I just want to let pass and get away from. I also will never ride if I can't allow myself more time to get to my destination that I would normally give myself in a car. I won't ride if I'm rushed. And I won't ride during rush hour or even any hour on weekdays usually. The people in my area are insane.

There will always be more people in the five and under group.
10 years from now it will be the same.
Many bikes get bought on an impulse, much like many boats.
They get used heavy for a couple of years, then the owner finds
new interest. Lives change married, single, divorce, kids on and on...
Just look at the miles on many/most older used bikes, many 20 year
old bikes don't have 20K on them.

... and seeing that a 1/4 of all respondents have ridden 5 years or less, it looks like HD has come back in a big way.

You also have to consider that during the past 5 to 10 years owning a Harley has become the thing to do, almost like a 'fashion statement'.

Previous to that many riders considered Harley's 'rude and crude' expensive machines that required constant maintenance, and spent more time in the shop than on the street.

Times have changed..

I'd think a good portion of the 1-10 year people are partially because of how you don't have to camp out and then wait 6+ months for the bike to arrive to get a harley now. It's just a go in, pick your bike, pay, leave.

I've been riding for 6 years and had one accident that I could have probably avoided had I kept a little farther back.... First lesson learned was the buffer. I've even pulled off the road onto the shoulder or into a parking lot or side street....

This is a GREAT piece of advice for newer riders or any of us who have been up on two wheels for a few decades.

When I'm running the twisties through the San Bernardino Mountains, I'm constantly finding Cager Clowns who think I want to lead the race down the hill and they want to see if they can keep up. Nothing like trying to concentrate on curves and seeing the glint of a chrome bumper just behind you.

That's when I usually pull into a turnout to take a couple of quick pictures and have a sip water. As I mentioned before, I don't like to get in a hurry for anything when I'm on the Hugger... it's there for the fun of the road, not for installing headaches from high-tension romps down the twisties from the 9K-foot level of the mountains.

By the way, I get screen credit for the new descriptive term involving lame-ass drivers: Cager Clowns...! :roflblack

- - - Ride safe... With fists in the wind.... :tour

J.W.

On the stree about 6 months, including the dirtbike about 3-4 years, i would have started sooner, but they wouldnt give me a liscense until i turned 16 lol.

A long time when I was young and still am after some 40yr's in the seat.

Grayfeather

I agree w Crosscheck,
don't let those horrible spinner wheels nail you. The cage can be moving and the wheels look stopped or vice versa.
Matt

I bought my first bike in April (883R) and got my motorcycle license 2 weeks ago.

i bought my first bike in 1969, a new 750 honda
i have had a few starts and stops as far as owning bikes.
if i have one safty tip it is. just becouse you have the right of way or you are going the speed limet does not mean JACK.
never ride faster than you can get out of a situation. flick the high beam on and off if you have doubt about a car in front of you. never take a blind curv faster than you can miss sand on the turn etc. ride smart [never been down]

Maybe 20 years altogether. Rode hard between 1970 and 1985 and then stopped.

Got back in the saddle in 2003. Only pleasure riding now.

Watch their wheels - not their eyes. Wear bright colors.

I voted 1-5 because this is my first street bike and I have had it a year now. Rode and raced dirt bikes for many years when I was younger but a lot of years in between then and now.

Two riders who have been scooting for 46-50 years. Awesome!!

:clap

I bought my first bike in April of this year, Honda Rebel. Just to see if I like it enough to ride..Went to the Harley dealer on June 14 and bought my sportster. I almost feel more relaxed on my bike than the car. Maybe it's because you are more alert on the bike and too relaxed in the car....having a blast I know that!!

Started riding in '66 (XLCH), been riding on & off since then. My advice, ride defensively, don't ride beyond your capability (you should know that), don't show off for anyone, especially yourself!

Coming up to 3 years now. I started on a Dragstar 125, then soon after I passed my test I got the Sporty. The bike's restricted to 33 bhp for the first 2 years, but come the end of November I'm gonna whip that sucker out and do the stage 1. :banana

24 or 25 years on the sportster, depends on how ya count it, oh before that? 5 years on a virago 750 and 10 or so years with a ymaha 500 triple and a year or two with a CB450.

One year as of June and 10700 miles so far:smoke

not to mention all the crazy animals that can't make up their mind which side of the road they want to be on.Just when you thought you've escaped the crazies on a lonesome country back road here comes the wildlife.

Ive Been Riden Bikes Since I Was 5 Years Old I Started On A Honda Z50
Monkey Bike Now Im Nearly 40 I Own A Sportster Sports 1999 Model

35 years , started with a 1969 honda 90

Started riding in 1969. Bought a POS Yamaha 350 "smoker' with a red candy apple tank with chrome side panels and rubber knee pads. My budy who was teaching me how to ride said I should lean the bike in the direction I want to turn. No countersteering for me back then.

---
Dennis
'05 XL883C

Just posted this in the 'Do you have a license' thread; Seemed appropriate for this thread, too!!

Got my first bike at age 14, but didn't get my license 'til 15; Minimum age then for a license was 15 years and you were restricted to 5hp 'til age 16. I've never let them lapse.

BTW, it was a brand new 1965 Honda Sport 50. (Yep, I've been on two wheels for over forty years!)

Just posted this in the 'Do you have a license' thread; Seemed appropriate for this thread, too!!

Got my first bike at age 14, but didn't get my license 'til 15; Minimum age then for a license was 15 years and you were restricted to 5hp 'til age 16. I've never let them lapse.

BTW, it was a brand new 1965 Honda Sport 50. (Yep, I've been on two wheels for over forty years!)

WOW! You are old! Wait a minute, on second thought you are just a voice of reason and experience. I've only been riding 2 years less then you. I got my license at age 14 on a brand new Yamaha 60 cc. After turning 16 I took over my father's Yamaha 305 cc.

That was sort of ironic considering that my first time riding was in the late 1950s on my father's Electra-Glide. But I don't think that counts for this thread because I was riding on the gas tank while my father drove. Since beginning riding in 1968 I have owned bikes from all the big four Japanese, 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 cylinders, air and water cooled, street and dirt, even desert raced in 1974 and 1975.

An accident while racing in 1975 left me unable to ride, or much of anything, for 3 years. But since then I have had several bikes. And late last year I bought a 2005 883c, because it is yellow, and rubber mounting.

35 years ago I was putting on about a thousand miles a month while attending college full time at UNLV, and working in a bakery 60 hours a week. That is one of the benefits of living where there is year around day and night riding. But now some of the passion is gone and also for other family reasons my riding time is not nearly what it used to be.

I get a laugh when I read comments by some newbies. They have no idea what is was like back in the days when I, Dallas Retro, and others rode the wave of the Japanese invasion. I don't mean this to disparage anybody, but you have no idea how good you have it today. It is much easier to accumulate the miles on today's machines then it was on the 'model-Ts' we rode years ago.

Ron

My first Bike was a 50cc Puch back in 1980 when I was 15. It had 1hp (maybe a bit more, cause I tuned it up quite a bit) Then I moved to Luxembourg and got a 9hp Suzuki 65cc when I was 16. That bike was FAST. I had it up to 65 mph on a regular basis. Very illegal...Then when I was 18 and got my first car I stopped riding for some reason. Picked it up again in 2004. It was pure hell getting a licence in Sweden. I mean, when I first got on those 750cc Suzukis that they had in driving school, it felt perfectly natural. But it still took a couple of months and several 1000$ to get my licence. Bought my 1200R in nov '04. Put 10,000 miles on her in the first season. Love it.

I"ve been riding for a little over a year and am having the time of my life. Spent most of my adult years raising a couple of great kids. I took the MSF course and then my boyfriend helped me with lots of practice in a nearby parking lot. He was an awesome coach! I have 5600 miles on my bike now. It's fun always having a riding partner.

Started riding dirt bikes when I was 8, I'm 40 now. Damn that is a long time ago.

Like they said, the cagers are trying to kill you. Always remember, car vs. bike, car wins. It doesn't matter who's at fault, especially if you're dead. I drive a tractor trailer all over the US, and I get to see all kinds of driving. Just be aware that many people are terrible drivers and are OK with that. They don't look at driving as a skill to be learned and improved upon. They view driving as time to catch up on their phone calls, reading, etc. They really are trying to kill you, or at best not trying not to kill you.

I took my grandson to the two-day MSF street class a few months back.

After the class 'graduated' on the last day, the last thing the trainer told them before they left was: 'Remember, when you get on a motorcycle, you become invisible'.

I couldn't have said it better!

I have ridden 33 yrs as a licensed rider, and 6 or 7 yrs before that on mini bikes, dirtbikes as well as a small street bike; I have been very lucky and have not had any accidents, but I generally ride conservatively and try to be safe. That's not to say I don't enjoy a good run through Deals Gap, or some other curvy road, but even then I try to be as safe as possible... Even though I have been riding for a while, I have just now started to pick up on some of the finer points of riding and know that I still have a lot to learn. I plan to do a track day, one that is instruction based, to further my riding education in the future.

I have been riding dirt and street for 38 years. I have a scrap book that I keep accident reports in that I cut from the newspaper. Dang thing is thick, real thick. The reason I keep it is to understand what happened to other riders. I also have copies of the 1989 Hurt study conducted by the University of California and the 2004 MAIDS study conducted by the Association of European Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) with the support of the European Commission and other partners, I refer to both all the time. These are the accident bibles and the information within them should be known by everyone that rides on the street and wants to stay alive. I have one trick and that's coming home safe after every ride...... I figure that's a neat trick....

Bought my first bike in 67 (a Suzuki X6 Hustler - 250 two-stroke). Totalled that bike within two months - but that was a real wake-up call for me (as far a MC safety was concerned). So, I've been riding just shy of 40 years now.

26 years this past May.

I started riding a Bridgestone 100 that my friend had when i was 11 yrs old....Raced motocross at 13 till 19, started street riding at 16. My first street bike was a 81, 750 Seca. Sold it before I was killed on it...lol, just got back on a sporty 4 yrs ago.
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/medium/100_0946smaller.jpg

I just started riding. Learned/ took class last october got a bike this may :D

I got my first motorcycle in 1960. A 1958 matchless. I have not been whithout a motorcycle sense then.

I feel soooooooooo special being in the 5%er group.........
We need more poll takers so I can sew on my 1%
patch :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack

I'm 54. I got my motorcycle endorsement at 18. I've always ridden on the street. Dirt bike riders amaze me still. I've been on the drag strip but not a flat track or road circuit. Expect the unexpected, be vigilant and never be silly. PS first bike 1969 Norton Commando.

Got my first motorcycle in 1992... rode up until 2000, then took time off the road until this summer with the new Sportster... so almost ten years, plus a couple summers as a teen on a badass PUCH moped... that's right... a PUCH. I have the exhaust burn scar on my right ankle to prove it, too!

http://bilder.vgb.no/2117/img_4393324020551.jpg

____________________________________

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/thumbs/Cat_Burglar.jpg 2006 Sportster 1200 Custom, Vivid Black
Taxes paid: Ness Big Sucker, Samson BigGuns3 Slashers, HONK HONK Stebel AirHorn :burnout
Cat's Litter Box (http://xlforum.net/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=8623)
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/Let_Me_Out.jpg Let me OUT! I wanna go ride my Sporty!
Got a cat the other day. Had to swerve to get it, but I got it.

[QUOTE=Clarinetcat]Got my first motorcycle in 1992... rode up until 2000, then took time off the road until this summer with the new Sportster... so almost ten years, plus a couple summers as a teen on a badass PUCH moped... that's right... a PUCH. I have the exhaust burn scar on my right ankle to prove it, too!

You gotta explain how you burned your right ankle on a left side exhaust. Must have been a mighty drunk kinda day huh?? LOL

Pirate

You gotta explain how you burned your right ankle on a left side exhaust. Must have been a mighty drunk kinda day huh?? LOL

hmmm... good point... exhaust in the pic on the.... left.... <checking ankle>...
Burn scar.... on the .... right....

:wtf ?!?! Hmmm... I coulda swore it was an exhaust pipe, maybe my model had pipe on the other side? <pic isn't my actual moped, but it looks the same> Musta been the engine then. :shhhh

I got on my first motorized two wheeler when I was 8 years old and today I turned 49 so I guess its been 41 years. My how time flies I started on an old 5hp minibike and have been on a motorbike ever since, I rode trailbikes until I was 16 and then a mixure of bikes after that, some time I am going to sit down and try to remember all the different bikes I have owned. I grew up in WV and at that time if you got your operators you were licenced for any thing motorized so I rode on some trail/street bikes until I was in my 20s. Anyone who has ever rode in WV know it is a great place to ride and back then there were far fewer people and all the roads were what we now concider back roads. I remember in the summer taking my younger sister on the back of my bike to a crystle clear creek and swimming and the farmers never even minded. Also taking my young loves on the back on long trips through some of the most beautiful scenery in the USA. It's nice to think back, I have been very lucky in life to have been able to have ridden a motorcycle for as long as I can remember, in such a wonderful place.

today I turned 49


Happy Birthday! :cheers

thank you very much

40 years for me, 1 slide-out crash (bald rear in the wet 1st gear) on the street, lots of learning wipe outs in the dirt. No paint exchanges w cages so far. Matt

Yikes!

Well here's a picture of me and my SECOND Harley, a 350cc Sprint (single cylinder, terrific torque in 1st and 2nd and a real dog after that!!!). First bike I actually owned was a Honda 50 around 1966. First Harley I owned was a 125 "Rapido" around 1968.

First Sporty was a '68 XLCH (approximate date) that I babysat for two years for a shipmate who went to 'Nam. He returned. THAT WAS AN AWESOME RIDE AND I NEVER LOST THE LOVE!!!

Guess that means about 40 years... Damn.

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/Sprint_Rev.jpg

I've been riding since 1973. I started on a '73 Honda 350 twin. it wasn't bad around town but if you got up to 50-60 mph it vibrated so bad your hands and feet woud go numb. I agree you have to ride like no one sees you. Check every driveway, parked car, intersection, on coming traffic and constantly look behind you and beside you and always expect the unexpected. Always riding like you don't have the right of way. It takes a little work to ride safe.
And my favorite - "LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES"

40 plus years. Started out on a Honda 90T back in the early 60's when my father was a Honda dealer.

Two dudes've got over 50 years riding. Holy schmoly. I hope we all get there.

Hello All!
Brand spankin' new here! Rode a little single lung suzuki savage a few years ago, sold it and stopped riding for a while. Met and fell in love with someone who is convinced that 2 wheels=bad things. But after much discussion and research, i am going to put the deposit down on a brand new XL883L Sporty today. I have been reading every scrap of advice I can lay eyes on. Just want to thank you all for the great advice and safety tips! Looking forward to many more hours spent here
It's in this gal's blood.
I have to ride!
Cheers to you all!

I'm 38, started ridin when I was about 11 on a Honda 50. Then, got into motorcross and started riding a Yamaha Yz 80, Then a Bultaco 125...Mainly dirt bikes .. really to many to name., But now I ride a 06 883 custom.. That's all

Let me put it this way, I remember crappin my diaper and thinkin it sure made that hard harley seat more comfortable. I'm about fifty. So, let's see... That means I've been riding for a few months now.

Lead

I've been riding since 1974. Friend had an old Honda XL 100 that he let me learn on. My first bike was a 74 Honda TL 125, 2nd 73 Suzuki TS 100, 3rd Suzuki PE 250, 4th 79 Kaw SR 650, 5th 80 Kaw KDX250, 6th used 79 Kaw SR 650 same everything as the first SR 650, 7th 91 KDX 200, 8th 82 LTD 1000, 9th 93 Kaw ZR 1100, now a 2004 HD 1200 Custom.
Time to settle down with this one and keep it for a long time. I'm a grandpa now and I want my grandson to ride it some day.

Um, what time is it?

I started riding seriously in 1968.My first solo ride was a age 12 on my uncle's 1960 fl(not the ideal learner's bike!!!).
I ride within the speed limit,assume that 4-wheeled traffic does not see me,and watch my mirrors.I also "dress for the slide" so that I can "enjoy the ride".
I took the MSF course in 1999,and learned(and unlearned) a lot.I recommend it highly.
Clark

Since July of Two Thousand and Six!

Since July of Two Thousand and Six!
A seasoned biker then! :D

Over 40 yrs. for me and I ride more than I drive.

When I was 14 (1964) my brother told me if I could start his 1952 Duo Glide he would teach my how to ride it. My other brother had a KHK at the time. When the movie the Wild Angles came out in 1966 I went to see it and bought my first Harley that same night. All I remember was that I was 16 and my first vehicle was my Harley. My 1947 45 cu WL served me well for the next 6 or 7 years. Since then I have ridden many bikes from 50cc to the big twins. From stock to chopped to full dress and a XLCR. Now I am enjoying my 883 XL. 11,000 miles in the past 10 months and wish I could ride it more.

Quick cop story. Was on my way to the Harley dealer to buy 2 screws. Good excuse for a 90 miles ride. Got pulled me over and the nice officer told me my tag was expired. He checked my license and registration and told me to get it taken care of. Told me to have a nice ride and wished he wasn't working so he could be out riding.

since before I was born, mom was a prego when I started

I still have that same bike !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

42 years and countin'

I just staarted riding, I am 42 years old with three kids and go about riding my bike the same way I do everything else that is dangerous with life, with a good educated respect. I took the MSF course and ride like nobody out there sees me. I also know my limitations and do not ride past my experiance level. I want to see those three kids grow up.

My very first time (no not that) riding was on a two year old 1956 Triumph 650, I believe it was the Thunderbird. Since then I've been hooked and have owned Triumphs (2), Nortons (1), BSAs (1), Royal Enfieds (1), Maicos (1), Hondas (4), Yamahas (1), Suzuiks (3), Sportsters (2) and a Chushman (wadda hoot that was, ever seen a Chusham do a wheelie, well neither have i)

I've had a little 49cc scooter for the past couple years and put on far more miles than the 05 Sporty I just bought. I would have to say having throttle will be a nice option along with brakes that actually stop in a timely manner.

As far as riding a motorcycle, it has been a couple weeks now. I have not forgotten about all the things I learned riding bicycles and the scooter in traffic - no one see's you - and the ones that do sometime's just don't care.

It can be scary out there but the good outweighs the bad for me. I've only been hit twice riding a bicycle but came out fine so far.

The first m/c that caught my attention was a Sportster. That was more than 30 years ago.

The first m/c I owned was a 1970 Honda CB450. In the interim I've owned 1 Norton(the only one I regret selling), 1 Triumph, 1 Ducati, 1 Moto Guzzi, 1 Suzuki, 1 Kawasaki, 1 Excelsior Henderson(I'm not kidding), 2 Yamaha's, 4 Honda's(including the 450), 5 BMW's(presently own an '00 R1150GS w/over 82,000 miles) and FINALLY, as of last Friday, my very first HD, and first love, a Sporty - an '06 XL1200R!!

I feel like I've come full circle and it only took 30 some odd years and almost 20 bikes!?!

It's kind of scary to realize I've been riding for 36 years. And 30 years ago I was lying in a hospital bed wondering why I was there instead of the morgue. All I could come up with is that God's not finished with me yet. I was doing 85 and passing a car when he decided that's where he needed to turn. I totalled the bike and the car but fortunately not me or the girlfriend. :danceman
I don't think I want another 36 but I'd settle for 20!

2 weeks and almost 1000 miles.

I have had two major wrecks in thirtysix years and both of them were my fault.

I Started in 1982, age 41. I'll ride till I can't. :tour

Been riding 17 years now, and I didnt read all the posts, but if someone out there didnt bring this piece of advice to the table yet, I would like to point out that the second you think you've seen it all or know it all on a bike, Stop Riding.

Thats just about the time you will kill yourself.
In my line of work an old timer told me that and I stick to it, because if you keep stop learning, you are gonna get hurt. Too many variable out there to think that you've come across everything.

Theres another old saying that comes to mind and it kinda crosses over in this case.

"There are old pilots and there are bold pilots, there are no old bold pilots"

37 years and I learn something new every ride.:tour

3months and 3,000 miles. I have driven other bikes but never owened one till now. I drove around on a tricycle in the philippines a few times, thats their short trip taxi a 135 honda 4-speed 2 stroke with covered sidecar. Man did the locals stare at me in disbelief, It was fun.

I started when I was about 10 on dirt bikes... them through my teen years I didnt ride much... I started riding again in my mid twenties and now I'm 38. ... I have been in one accident about 2 months ago.. Some one cut me off on my Sporty.. I went into a ditch and bent my forks and dented my tank.. The bike wasnt that bad .. but I was really sore for a couple of weeks... Fixed her in 8 hours and was back on the road in no time... I have had many close calls... but you always need to be alert!!! Just enjoy the ride and wear the helmet... it saved my life. I love motorcycling and this way of life .. I can't let the accident psyche me out .. Lifes to short enjoy it ... but DONT RIDE IN FEAR!! you will screw up that way!!!

I've been operating a bike since I was about 5, XR75, and I'm almost 26...so 21 years...

Been riding for nearly 25 years, and still learning hints and tips.

I used to only have a scoot as my only mode of transport so did the 12 month of the year thing in Scotland ... you can work it out for yourself.

I tried to give it up this year when the Doc told me that I had to minimise the damage to my bones (austio arthritus), but its been the hardest thing I have ever done .... quiting smoking was easier ..... so I went out and picked up the Duke and I'm looking for a good deal on a Sporty as I type.

i cant ride all year like I used to, my back, shoulder and hands wont let me, so I do the cage thing when the weather is Arctic.

Got my first bike summer of 63 at 15 1/2 years old. A 200 Triumph Cub. Before I was 16, I moved up to a gold and white TR6, lot of fun at 16.

Started in the dirt, racing motocross in 1972.... Damn I'm getting old ! (edit: have not rode constainly since then)
My part of riding safe - Always wear gear w/ armor, fullface..
too old to give a crap about lookin like a Harley rider or lookin COOL ! I'd rather be alive, look like a dork, make it home and live to ride another day.

Last spring, went to an HD open house, had some guy walk up to me and say, "What's a man on a Harley doing with that much helmet ?"
I asked him if he'd ever been "down", he said "no". I said good for you, but I've had a helmet save my life three times (so far).... and he interupted me and said, "Oh, sorry man ! I didn't know"

And that was no BS, I have had a helmet save my butt 3x, I've argued with an EMT because I didn't want him to cut my bloody T-shirt off, because I couldn't get another one and I've also jumped out of a moving car, because I recognized the mangled Custom Sporty in the middle of an intersection !

The main reason I get to ride home, park and take my helmet off..... Is like my dad used to say, "It's in the books" (meaning when it's your time to depart this planet, It's your time....), .....for me, I believe God has got me home safe, inspite of me AND every cage out there ! You go with what works for you ! Ride Safe :tour

Been in the saddle since 1968. Ridin' the open road since 1975. Built my first "bike" from a Boy's Life Mag mail order plan. Steel frame chopper w/ 45* rake and 8 hp B&S motor/ centrifical clutch and friction pad brake. What a first ride!! :chop

I rode all of my high school years back in the 70's, just got the sporty in August of this year. I ride as much as I can and am very cautious. At times other riders call me grandpa, oh well, cagers want to kill you. I did drop my bike back in high school when I was in a hurry to get through a yellow, only to see a cop in the opposing lane. Tried to stop in the rain and down she went, me running after it. Picked up the the bike and resumed present course. Lesson, don't hurry as was stated earlier.

Hi,
I've been riding since 1966. I've put a lot of miles on a lot of bikes. One reason I'm still riding is that I'm careful too. I takes a long time to grow another patch of skin after you fall so ignore em and ride safe. As far as I'm concerned, grandpa is an honorable title if it means you are riding within your limits and not letting somebody else tell you what to do. Ride safe and enjoy your Sporty.

Watching a drivers eyes doesn't tell all, watching those wheels at least gives you a chance.

I think we all have numerous stories of SOLID EYE CONTACT, only to have the cage zombie pull right out in front anyway - they KNOW they are unlikely to be hurt, so they frequently lay all the responsibility on the rider. And the too often told, "I didn't see him officer" works wonders for not getting a citation or getting it swept under the carpet in court. An unfortunately large percentage of Americans have the attitude about any type of "risky" activity, that if you didn't participate in it, you would not be hurt. And if you do the risky activity, you should be prepared to be injured, crippled, or killed. And while they are not necessarily the same cage goons who run people down, they look upon bicylists, motorcyclists, skiers, and parachutists, etc. as inherently "unsafe" persons, and find it difficult to hold a "safe" driver truly responsible.

Well tonight was my first time getting hit by a cyclist who burnt the red light.
He had no lights . I checked all the cars , safe, I looked back to see if my daughter was coming cause the light was green to cross. I step down the curb and he hit me; not hard but still. During my first driver training in the late 70's it said driving is a privilege not a right. Last year when I getting my beginner motorcycle license it was still in the text << privilege>>. On top it stipulated that anyone out an about were to abide to the same rules of conduct on the streets and road. No where does it says you OWN The Road.

I started riding street bikes when I was 15 I am now 55. . Iv'e crashed more than once in my 40 years of riding, broken both legs ,ribs, coller bone and back. (different accidents) And yes I read the statement act as though they are trying to kill you. Good advice, "CAUSE THEY ARE" ...... LOL

Hi,
I've been riding since 1966. I've put a lot of miles on a lot of bikes. One reason I'm still riding is that I'm careful too. I takes a long time to grow another patch of skin after you fall so ignore em and ride safe. As far as I'm concerned, grandpa is an honorable title if it means you are riding within your limits and not letting somebody else tell you what to do. Ride safe and enjoy your Sporty.


I could not have said it any better.I've been riding since 1965 same
attitude as you.

On the other hand................
I've taken my chances and been damn lucky that I'm still around to post here.
BUT....<-----BIG "but here", Knowing when to stretch your limits or
wait another day is a very good thing.
Most my crazy moments have been in a controlled situation and
absolutely no alcohol or drugs involved.
(Not that you can't celebrate later...LOL)

I AM LIVING PROOF THIS METHOD WORKS.

Listen up youngins

Well I started riding in 1957, but stopped in 59, started again in 68, stopped in 72, then started again in 01. Being conservative in nature, I only put 6 years on the poll. I guess I could have put 49 years if I count from when I started.

Been riding since 1974. Took the MSF course in 2005. Learned a couple of things even. Still (always) learning! :tour

Been riding since 1974, started on dirt when I was 5 y/o my Step-Dad was a rider belonged to the Lost Souls. I rode a lot on the back with him, so he bought me my first bike when I was five and have been riding ever since.
As soon as I got my license I was on the streets riding mostly old CB’s, but always wanted a Harley.
I bought my first in Feb. of this year, my Wife and I have put around 5,000 miles on it so far. Had a real close call less than a month after I got it’ was cruising up Rt. 60 wife on the back when an older man in an F-150 decides to make a left turn aprox. 30 feet in front of us.
Got on both brakes and the clutch, was staying up right then saw that we where going to hit the bed of the truck I let off the front brake and went into a skid, figuring I would rather hit tires first and push off of the bike. But at the last second the truck cleared our path, dropped two gears cracked the throttle and up righted the bike, pulled off the road at the Go-Mart we where in front of and took a breather. I thought my Wife’s ridding days were over, but she climbed right back on, saying if she didn’t do it now she would never be able to again.

I have laid a few down but that was in my younger days, raising cane and drinking all of the time. Being drunk on a scoot isn’t the smartest thing I have ever done.

Sorry for being so winded, I guess what I am trying to say is you have to be alert at all times. You can’t be foggy from alcohol, checking out the lady’s as my Wife says to me, and just being haphazard when you are ridding. You have to anticipate the worst at all times and plan for it. No one out there is watching out for you but you.

Be safe, keep the rubber down and ride.

15 years for me..on and off, mostly off though TBH . Only around 4 1/2 years since I started riding anything over 200cc .Since then been riding pretty much the whole time.

37 years off and on, last 8 on a 1987 XLH1100.

Bam. How ya like that one!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/SamIsenhour/Buell/myfirstride.jpg

I dont like giving up my age these days, but this pic was at the tender age of 4. Here's my Pop!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/SamIsenhour/Buell/dadsscoot.jpg

Man the 70's were trippy. Check the big wheel in the background. That was really MY first bike.

I put 21-25 years...about 20 on the hardball, but at least 25 counting dirt time. As far astricks,I always try to putmyself in a position where I can seetheeyes ofpeoplearound me...either in the mirror (mine or theirs) or direct line of sight. This in no way means they WILL see you, or that they willpay attentionif they do...but it increases the odds I think.

I have ahad my share of spills in the dirt, but nothing serious on the street. (knock on wood)

I've been riding for 7 years now. I got my first street bike when I was 18 and now I'm 25. I've probably ridden about 35,000 miles on the road and I'll be riding until I can't anymore. I've fallen before, but nothing more than some scrapes and always my fault. Everyone has had close calls. Just be careful on the road. That won't save to all the time, but it will go a long way to keeping you safe.

Remember... "The same thing that makes you live can kill you in the end." - Neil Young


Chris
2005 883 Custom soon to be 1200

Been riding for about 16 or 17 years now, can't remember exaclty. Best thing I did was a rider course. Taught me to keep my eyes open and not let the girls distract me too much.

Been riding for about 38 years, but have put the most miles on in the past 20 or so.

Lots of good advice from folks that know here. You owe it to yourself to take the MSF rider course (not just the book one). It has saved my life on numerous accounts. I've only had one crash so far. I was passing a slower moving vehicle when a kid in his dad's pickup came down a driveway and turned out right in front of me. Not sure how fast I was going (60 +) but I got the bike slowed down to about 30 by the time I hit.

I never left the bike. Ended up with a cut on my left pinky, a broken right thumb and a few scrapes and bruises on my shins. Could have been a lot worse.

In retrospect, the accident could have been avoided had I not tried to pass on a stretch that a residence or two. (also speaks for the "don't be in a hurry" others have mentioned.)

A fella once told me there are two types of bikers. Those who have had an accident and those that haven't had an accident... yet.

JC

43 years, 24 bikes. First one a 1966 Yamaha 100cc 2-stroke. Curently an 1982 Honda CBX (ride to work every day). 2 Honda Turbos, and a 2006 1200R XLCR replica. Raced desert at one time. Liked my superbike, but too old (60) now to ride really fast. Ride defensively 24/7! Superbike

i started riding on the street in 05 when i got my sporty. i have been in the dirt for yeart though. dave

My 1st ride was a rupp mini bike in 1963, then moved up to honda 50 'sport', NOT the step thru 'girls' bike .(he he)Then a 160 honda, next was a 350 honda dresser. At 17 I got my 1st Sporty, 1965 model. That would have been 1970.Rode that for a couple years and somewhere in that time i picked up a 1 lung 250 harley. I can't remember why I quit riding, but got the bug again in '04', and picked up my current ride; much hotter than my old sporty, but still kinda the same ride. adding up, about 15 years total. For me, I ride like I'm in a war zone and ALL other riggs are the enemy, trying to kill me and my job is to escape unscathed. That being said, when your number is up, there ya are!

On and off since 1962. Most of the time on a motorized two-wheeler. A LONG list of memorable machines. Started on a Whizzer/Schwinn hybrid and ending up with a tricked-out Harley Sportster.

Ah yes, life is good.

1.) Rupp mini bike at age 8 or 9,
2.) Penton 80
3.) Yamaha RD200 (my only transportaton at 16 years)
4.) Honda CB 360
5.) Kawasaki 450 LTD
6.) Kawasaki KD125
7.) Honda CR125
8.) Home with the XL1200 C.

Spans about 20 years.
edit: check that 30 years :censor

Just 5 months for me. I'm still learnin' but trying to keep aware of my limits and ride well short of them! I've already had 3 incidents a couple of which were mostly my fault and one when a cager turned left right in front of me, then "froze up" when they saw me coming and stopped dead center in my lane.

I hate "talking" about this stuff -- I don't want to jinx my good fortune thus far! :D

16 pages of replys and haven't seen this posted yet.
It's worth saying.

There are Old Riders
and
There are Bold Riders
but
There are no Old, Bold Riders.

Something to ponder, Huh ????

That's a good one Jimbo. I've heard this before and I believe there is more truth to this than what most would like to believe.

I have always been watching for the other guy when on two wheels. The more I ride the more I watch for the two wheelers when caged also.

One of my best freinds, Roman, took me for a ride in '98, taught me to ride, and I was hooked ever since. Back then a few of my freinds rode. My riding buddy, Roman passed away almost 2 years ago. Now, I'm the only one that still rides.

About 9 years...

I always pay attention to the vehicles around me, crossing, turning, etc. It's a little crazy driving around the cities in the midwest... had a semi jack knife into my lane while I had a passenger, had a Cadi blow a red light and barely miss me in the intersection, countless drivers coming out into my lane when they make a turn, and people passing in the exit lanes or on the shoulder during rush hour (bumper to bumper)... not to mention the bikers that like to ride on the white line, in between cars.

I started riding dirt bikes in 1970 and have been riding ever since.....I raced a bunch in the late 70s... cafe', motoX and road racing.....till I took a bad high side and ended up in ICU..... now the racing is in stock cars (NA$CAR) and the bikes are for the ride.....

Ww

rode for 26 years only 15 with my own bike. went down 2x's first time racing a rain storm home storm won I did a 90 mph flip into a ditch(rode it in was that or go down on blacktop and gravel) with 4ft of water in it. The bad thing was I knew better than that on that road and stilll tried it anyhow. 6 broken ribs dislocated and broken collar bone about $1000 to the bike. 2nd time coming home from York bike week a set of railroad track caught me by suprise the trachs ran parrellel with the road and when I caught the point the wood around was so rotten as soon as the front tire hit the wood blew out caught the rim and tossed me and the wife just a couple scrapes but that same tracks took out 20 bikes in 4 days and the camn cops wouldn't shut the road down so needless to say I stay away from that road LOL

Been on dirt bikes longer than I can remember. Rode on the street intermittently from 16-23 (had a hard time keeping a driver's license), and then been on the bike as often as possible for the last 7 years.

Wow. I'm surprised at all the 1 to 5 respondents.

I've been riding since I was sixteen. 24 years...

I am not ridin, I am sitting in front of this damn laptop.

Been riding on and off for over 20 years now. When I first started riding (about a dozen bikes ago), I was told "ride like they're all out to get you". I guess that philosophy works, because I'm still here. Has several near-misses, and laid a bike down once (because I did something stupid). Don't feel bad, it was a Kawasaki.

Pay attention to your surroundings, and some day you'll be a grey haired grumpy old bastard just like me!

still new at this

I started with honda CB100 when I was 16, now I'm 37, so it makes... Err... 21 years and 10+ bikes.

18 years. Started @ 17 years old

I you count dirt bikes I have been riding for about 35 years. Street about 25 years.

I have been riding Harley's since 2005, but I did ride dirt bikes in my early teens.

Riding motorcycles since i was 18 but i started on dirtbikes when i was 7. It helped out quite a bit when the street riding began.

Started riding in 1975 with a Yamaha Enduro 100. I bought it used for $325.00 at a dealership that is still open, Haps Honda. Old man Hap has got to be in his 80's and he still rides a three wheeler

I always ride like the cars around me are out to get me.

Passed my test in 1967 so been riding for 40 years with a break when children came along!

I started riding motorcycles on the street in 1968, if minibikes don't count. If they do then 1964. In 1955 I started riding on a 3 wheeled bicycle wo/ a motor and I am sure I will end up on a trike, God willing.

I got my Motocycle drivers license on May 20, 1970. One day after I turned 16.

That's 37 years. Over those 37, I've had 14 motorcycles.

started riding on my dad's Indian, over 45 years of riding for me.

I started riding in 1961 while in the Navy and stationed in Sasabo Japan. Needed to be able to get around in my off time. I got my first motorcycle (a used small Honda) and learned to ride dodging Jap Kamazee taxi dirvers with a death wish and fell in love with motorcycles and have been riding eversense. Steat time? Probably well over 250,000 miles. Good advice? Put your feet down when you stop.

Hang in there :tour

:NE6:

"How long" is tough for some of us who've had a hiatus from riding. I started riding as a young adult and stopped when kids came along -- didn't feel right about taking the risk, which is significant in the NE where traffic is downright aggressive. With the kids grown (they wouldn't miss me as much since they know EVERYthing and they'd appreciate the life insurance), I started riding again.

Sometimes -- maybe I've watched too many X-files or movies (like Final Destination), I weird myself out before a ride thinking I may be getting a premonition of impending disaster. Maybe...today is my day...should I go for a ride? What if...? LOL.

My advice for staying alive is not that original -- I really do treat every encounter with a cage like a battle and they're trying to kill me. My latest is the highway merge where these cage-clowns come off the entrance ramp and immediately cross two lanes before assessing what the highway traffic is doing. Get caught in a blind spot and your dead meat...:frownthre

Been riding for about 40 years now, quite a few of them with a M/C as my only tranpotation. Been hurt a few times. The old left turn in front of ya trick... The "I didn't see you" bullshit.
Best advise I can give is PAY ATTENTION... to everyone around you.... They will kill you if you let them:bump

About 54 years. Started out on a Whizzer. It was pushed more than rode. Some homemade motorbikes, Cushmans (Super, Highlander, & Eagle) Allstate scooters (those Vespa looking things) Harley 165, an old sportster (I don't remember the year) an old AJS 400 or 450 (don't remember) big Harley 74, I bought a new out of the crate 1968 Triumph TR6-C, A Bultaco 175 detuned for woods rideing, some more Harleys and now 95 Sportster. I'm not done, there'll be more. I haven't thought about all that stuff in years.

Ol Rip

been 20yrs ride near every day lost lotta friends which is sad but i live in county louth ireland which has the worst accident history in country bad roads bad drivers.have near misses just about every other day got wacked 3times in 2years after a 15year stunt free hope to get further this time.dogs/cars /trucks.hospital here call bikes widow makers but im 3rd generation on bike just born and bread i guess.nice to see poll of you old school boys still in the saddle.

I've only been riding for one year. My gramps 71 and has been riding for years or something. Hes the one that got me into it.