Cars R OK, but what kind of motorcycle do you have

The two biggest causes of motorcyle injuries are rider inexperience and rider impairment. Car drivers are a major road hazard, but they can be dealt with by sober experienced riders. It's easy to ride a motorcycle, but it takes skill to deal with traffic. My girlfriend just got a Ducati and I've been teaching her what I know. The vast majority of the discussions are about traffic awareness and having the confidence to properly react to the unexpected.

I've been riding for over 25 years and have had nearly a half dozen minor get offs. While I attribute my longevity to my sharply honed rider skills there is an element of luck. I'm just glad to keep on riding.

My very first motorcycle was a BMW. Here's the reason I got it.

I had a friend who lived on E. 93rd and when I visited him I always checked out the BMW with the Earles fork parked on the sidewalk a house down from my friend's. Winter comes and the bike never moves. Whether it's raining, icy or covered with snow, the bike sits there uncovered. It's now towards the end of winter and I'm sitting on the front stoop when the owner of the BMW comes out. He dusts the bike seat off, fiddles with the carbs and the bike started on the first kick. I was totally blown away! I had to get me one.

Personally I think you're a little crazy riding in urban areas in bad weather. One of the most memorable rides I ever took was in 8" of fresh snow thru the upper Eastside into Central Park. I took a few laps around the park slipping and sliding the whole way. The park was nearly deserted except for the cross country skiers and occasional dog walker. In the northern parts there wasn't even tire tracks in the snow. I used my legs as outriggers and rode until my feet got frozen.

Stay crazy!