INTJs and motorcycles?

[Reptilian]

Recently one of my family members bought me a motorcycle as a gift. Its just a 250 ninja, but its still scary as hell to ride. Has anybody else here had experience with motorcycles? I just want to know everything that I can before driving one of these things again especially if having an INTJ personality can affect your driving somehow, possibly with thinking too much or something along those lines. I do enjoy riding it and I am definitely taking my time with the learning process. I just want to add that driving my motorcycle is an incredible experience. When im driving, I have no choice but to keep my mind completely focused on what is going on with the outer world. When driving its like I just feel more in tune with the earth and even the sky, its pretty incredible especially knowing that I could die at any moment.

[Jonathan Brewer]

Wapiti will no doubt chime in on this one. Personally, I would only ride one if an emergency dictated it as a necessity. Then again, people call me paranoid because of my constant observations concerning possible risks. :blank:

[Quite8the8bell]

I don't find any interest in motorcycles or anything of that sort. There isn't any thrill to it and I feel awkward on one; it's just bleh.

[Synchronicity]

I love motorcycles, even though I've never actually ridden on in my life. I like them because they look cool, are fuel efficient, and let you feel the wind as you ride. They're also cheaper than cars, which is nice.

Out of respect for my parents I have never bought one, but one of these days, when my career is in order and I've become financially stable and independent, I will license myself and buy a Japanese crotch rocket. I'll also probably get a DNR for my wallet in case the unthinkable happens.

Best advice is to just be safe, and don't ride it if you feel uncomfortable with it. I probably wouldn't want to drive a motorcycle if I didn't feel the need to have at least a little bit of risk in my life. Right now I have pretty much none. Since I have fairly severe ADD I've had a lot of practice from driving on keeping my mind focused and attentive when I'm on the road, so it'll probably help me when I take on the much more dangerous task of riding a bike. Sounds like you're doing fine, though.

[Cincinnatus]

I've never felt the need to get a bike, but a close friend of mine rides his constantly. In the four years he has had it, he has been in one serious wreck. It wasn't his fault; he follows the rules of the road quite closely. It truly was an "accident," but put him out of commission for about a month and totaled the bike. He got another one all the same, and rides around to different Harley dealerships across the country to this day. He simply enjoys it.

I, on the other hand, am content with driving my car around.

[Charly09]

Definitely not too good for dreaming, especially if it is a fast motorcycle. But it is great fun and one of the few things I do which always put a grin on my face. It also gives you a great spirit of freedom. I always thought it is the perfect INTJ hobby since you don´t have to talk to anyone. I own a 81´ Honda CX500 and recently got a Kawasaki 1000 with 105HP, which is great fun especially in the twisties.

Take your time to learn to ride properly, that will definitely pay off. Enjoy your Ninja

[BillyGoat123]

I dont ride on-road, but I've road quads, three-wheelers, dirtbikes my entire life since I was about 5 years old. Its not quite the same as riding on the street, but a 60hp 250lb dirtbike in the trees and hills can be a little bit iffy too.

The biggest thing is to GET COMFORTABLE, and KNOW YOUR LIMITS! Don't do anything your SURE you can't pull off. If getting comfortable means having to ride it like a moped to get to an open parking lot where you can just do circles, starts, stops and get use to all the controls (Front and rear brakes, throttle and clutch feathering, gear changes, etc) then do it. Don't let friends or other people push your boundaries and skills until your completely ready for it. Practice using all the controls and knowing what your limits, and what the bikes limits are for each. Practice and learn the weight of the machine and how it effects you doing things.

[GrnEyz]

Here's my Harley VROD.... bought it in eBay from a guy in Miami, flew down, and drove it bak to Tennessee. My ass was sore for a week....

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It's an awesome bike... designed by Porsche.... it's much closer to a sport bike than a Harley cruiser. Top speed 140.

[eri]

I probably shouldn't even post here cuz y'all will just laugh, but maybe it'll be good for you... I have a little motorbike, Honda Wave 125cc. I live in southeast asia and don't own a car, for now. I've had this almost three years (starting my third rainy season now). I like it because it's fun, and even though I don't drive it very fast, it feels like I'm going a lot faster than I am.

I learned to drive it at the age of 30, in the traffic here- but I was real chicken at the beginning, because it was really hard to judge the traffic spaces and I didn't want to try anything I didn't know for sure I could do. My third time on a bike (a borrowed one, too; I got friends to teach me in residential streets with no traffic), I took a spill... and got all the scrapes infected.
I like the fact that I can get through heavy traffic a lot faster than the cars...
Also I like the feeling of my own little world, and no need to talk to anyone, except myself.

[BlackOp]

I used to race motocross....which is a pretty hairy sport. I am a very skilled rider..had broken bones, been run over by multiple bikes, locked handlebars in mid-air.. and still would NEVER do street. Its common knowledge that its not "if"...its when. You most certainly will lay it down eventually....sorry to say.

[Reptilian]

I know, I have already laid it down. I was going into a turn driving way too close to the edge by accident, ran over some gravel while slightly learning and the thing flew out from under me. Luckily it just went into some grass and the only damage it caused was to the plastic front left turning signal, but that was only like $25 to fix. Although I didn't really get hurt or anything, it was still a major wake up call for me. Something so simple caused that accident, and I cant imagine what the consequences would be in the middle of traffic on a major highway or something like that. Since then, I have been taking it very slowly and have been getting as much advice from the pros as I can. The main thing like one of you mentioned for me is just to get used to the weight of the bike.

[Tenacious B]

I'd recommend parking your bike for a while and signing up for the MSF safety course: To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

This course if very helpful in teaching proper riding technique and is a lot of fun. Most insurance companies will give you a discount for having passed the course.

Also, invest in some good quality gear - full face helmet, gauntlet gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. Don't skimp on the pants and boots, as many people do, since many crashes (lowsides) will involve one of your legs getting stuck under the bike.

Some of my favorite gear stores: To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
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[eri]

Good helmets, please. Head injuries are bad. I've seen enough of that for this lifetime.

[BlackOp]

I know, I have already laid it down. I was going into a turn driving way too close to the edge by accident, ran over some gravel while slightly learning and the thing flew out from under me. Luckily it just went into some grass and the only damage it caused was to the plastic front left turning signal, but that was only like $25 to fix. Although I didn't really get hurt or anything, it was still a major wake up call for me. Something so simple caused that accident, and I cant imagine what the consequences would be in the middle of traffic on a major highway or something like that. Since then, I have been taking it very slowly and have been getting as much advice from the pros as I can. The main thing like one of you mentioned for me is just to get used to the weight of the bike.

Yeah...you are only one pothole or snowsalted corner away from getting hurt. Better hope there are no cars behind you when it happens. Doesnt matter how skilled you are...you lose front wheel traction and you're fucked. BTW, never use your front brake in a corner...:p

[Tenacious B]

You can use the front brake in a corner if you know what you are doing, which most people don't. The MSF teaches how to come to a stop in a corner.

[Ralphamale]

I'd love to own and ride one, but I'm always scared of the possible risks. How much of a risk is there really, if I am not an idiot about it?

[Wapiti]

Wapiti will no doubt chime in on this one.
I'm half tempted to not post here because you wrote that but I can't help it.... Mototrcycles, must ride.....


Personally, I would only ride one if an emergency dictated it as a necessity. Then again, people call me paranoid because of my constant observations concerning possible risks. :blank:
I'll just call you a wuss and post away.

Recently one of my family members bought me a motorcycle as a gift. Its just a 250 ninja, but its still scary as hell to ride. Has anybody else here had experience with motorcycles? I just want to know everything that I can before driving one of these things again especially if having an INTJ personality can affect your driving somehow, possibly with thinking too much or something along those lines. I do enjoy riding it and I am definitely taking my time with the learning process. I just want to add that driving my motorcycle is an incredible experience. When im driving, I have no choice but to keep my mind completely focused on what is going on with the outer world. When driving its like I just feel more in tune with the earth and even the sky, its pretty incredible especially knowing that I could die at any moment.

A free Ninja 250! Hi, my name is Wapiti, will your family adopt me?

What you have there in bold I find to be the biggest thing for me. With me, my biggest problem is not so much thinking too much but rather allowing my mind to wander - that is a bad thing on a bike in traffic. Those few times I let my mind wander and I didn't stay focused on what I was doing - those have been the near fatal times. But staying focused on the outer world and being in tune with the earth and sky, it's like artwork and you're a part of it. It's hard to describe that aspect of it to people.

I drive almost daily, in heavy traffic. The main thing I find myself doing is I'm constantly looking in cars, in the car windows. Checking out who's on the phone, who's listening to music, who's smoking, what they're smoking. I find such an overload of surroundings on the bike that I never pick up while driving a car. Because that one time you miss the guy on the cell phone in the white 3/4 ton Dodge diesel - long bed - single cab, who suddenly decides to come across 3 lanes on the freeway and nearly takes you out - you never forget those days. That was nearly 3 years ago. I should have seen that guy coming but luckily I'm still here. I bet I could still make him out in a lineup. I've had several, more serious, close calls since then but the early ones you remember well.

But there's much good advice here. Know your limits. Be careful with the front brake in the corners. Watch the gravel in the corners, especially on that Ninja. I like Ninjas. I think the 250 is a good starter bike for the rockets.

I remember my first time in traffic, stopping at a stop light and cars pulling up beside me and behind me. I was scared out of my mind. Now, my co-workers think I'm a psycho knocking on their windows doing 85 on the freeway. Just kidding.

And those motocross people - their nuts. But yes, it's a matter of when, not if. Get yourself a nice padded jacket and some good gloves. I wear my gear even though it's hot as hell cause even just a little road rash sucks. Drive safe.

[Vagrant]

While it certainly isn't the same thing -- some of it does apply. I regularly longboard, and whenever I can get the money to afford safety equipment, will start doing serious downhilling.

A lot of the trick to anything that carries an element of danger, such as downhilling, motorcycling, etc, is to not let your fear overcome you -- the most dangerous thing I've found on a longboard is the person riding it. A lot of the obstacles are merely mental. However, you need to trust yourself and follow through -- the more confidence you place in your abilities (not overconfidence though), generally the fewer accidents you have and the less damaging they are.

[rwyatt365]

Wapiti beat me to it, but I'll add my 2-cents.

I've been riding since the late 70's. I've only owned street bikes, but I've had all manner of bikes over the years. I got addicted to sportbikes by way of a Honda VFR750 (the mid-80's 750 v-4), now I have a Suzuki TL1000S that scares the crap out of me on a regular basis (V-twin, 1000cc, 102HP, wheelie monster).

I second what Wapiti wrote earlier; keep your mind sharp, and your eyes open. Look beyond the obvious and learn to "read" people. I would add that you need to know your bike as well. Take time to learn what it can, and can't do. Know it's limits, and what it feels like at those limits. And - most importantly - know yourself. Are your skills up to the capabilities of the bike? If you don't know, don't assume. You can hurt yourself just as badly on a 250 as you can on a 1000. It's real easy to get into a "hurtful" situation because of over confidence.

But, even with all that being said, I wouldn't trade riding my bike for anything.

PS - I hope to get mine on the road this week. New tires, new jacket, new year.

[doublejava]

I took the safety course - definitely worth the investment!! One thing the instructors said that stuck out in my mind, so I'll pass it on to you: Consider yourself invisible. Seriously, car drivers half the time will barely notice you til they're right on you. So YOU need to be always on the defensive.

Have fun with your 250. You'll probably want something more powerful as your skill level increases. We just sold our YZF 600 and are currently shopping around for a cruiser (maybe 2)....

[paleoeco]

Enjoy!

I had a motorcycle all through college. It was cheaper to own during my poor years, and I loved the feeling of being out on the open road with the wind in my face.

I do miss it something terribly.

Definitely take the safety and riding course. It will pay off huge dividends in your well-being.

[rwyatt365]

+1.6 million!

Always assume that people don't see you - even when they are looking directly at you. People get used to only seeing things of a particular size and shape. Here in MI, there is about a 1-2 month "training period" where people have to become reacquainted with the concept of motorcycles after a long, hard winter.

[qwerty123]

I stick to cars. Less fun, more expensive, still quite dangerous, as Jonathan Brewer said, better for those risk adverse INTJ's.

I would love a bike, but I don't trust myself, nor do I trust the others on the road.

[Reptilian]

Thanks everyone for the replies and I have considered and read everything here.

But staying focused on the outer world and being in tune with the earth and sky, it's like artwork and you're a part of it. It's hard to describe that aspect of it to people.
This is exactly what I meant, and it is pretty incredible.

[dogwoodlover]

I've really wanted a bike for a good while now. A nice crotch-rocket.

The problem is, I am quite capable of nearly killing myself in my KIA Sportage--I fear that if I got a bike I would not be able to resist trying to outrun cops and what not.

That and, I'm a bit of a pussy when it comes to new physical tasks. I would eventually get comfortable with riding, but I think for a while I'd be scared shitless to go anywhere.

[Elfrun]

I. Want. Your. Family!

[frontier]

Dislike them. You can't really turn off because every simple mistake on the road can literally kill you. Driving a car you have more time to react.

[Bobert]

Yes, please do the safety course. I've ridden dirt bikes and such, but I'd still take a refresher course before going on road. I have kids now, so that's changed my priorities a bit. (I'd still like a Boulevard ;) )
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If you plan on highway use, (speaking from touring bikes perspective) I suggest a windshield if it doesn't already have one.

[Maedhi]

Ah, motorcycles. The greatest sense of freedom I have is when I am riding. The voices in my head take over completely when I am riding at a slow and steady pace, spirited riding keeps me focused on the road and the traffic.

Other than the imbeciles we share the road with, I find a wet road to be the biggest risk. City roads particularly are very slippery since a lot of vehicles deposit oil on them, it doesn't take much rain to give you that 'Can't stop this thing we started' feeling. That said, riding a motorcycle on a wet road is a very satisfying exercise of skill. Watch out for front wheel lock when braking into the turn, and rear wheel spin when accelerating out. I usually first use gentle engine braking in wet conditions, and apply the brakes later. Also, when you are first starting out on a motorcycle, be aware of your position in relation to the dividing line of the road. When leaning through a turn, your wheels can be on your side of the road, while most of the motorcycle and you will be on the other. I once collided with another motorcycle coming in the opposite direction through a very tempting S bend because we both made the mistake of leaning onto the wrong side of the road.

The riding section of the Sport Rider website has many useful tips to keep you riding safe and sensible. The magazine might be worth a look too.