...i was thinking....maybe encourage her to do/get something you have always hated....

 

A great bonding experience even if neither of you ever ride.

 

make sure she doesnt read these forums either

 

And yet another difference

Me - Love gadgets and technology

Her - gadgets/technology....... what?

 

I dont own a bike, but if you want one go for it! She'll come around. Just like everyone said. Show her you are serious about safey.

 

My wife was also very concerned when I told her I wanted to buy a sportbike ~4 years ago. I had ridden dirtbikes for 20+ years (and still owned one) which was OK with her, but she did not want me on the street. I agreed to purchase and wear safety gear on every ride, and also took the advanced MSF course. I also read the book "Proficient Motorcycling", which does a great job in explaining motorcycle dynamics, potential accident situations, statistics, etc. I also avoided the highways during rush hour as they can be pretty crazy here in the Boston area. A track day will be the next thing on my list. 4 years later, she is OK with it, but still worries if I am not home on time. Also, the following forum were helpful over the years:

www.cbrworld.net

Most folks suggest purchasing a small, (relativly slow), easy to handle bike like the Honda Rebel for your first year, and then upgrade to the sportbike / cruiser of your dreams after a year or so of saddletime experience.

BE SAFE! Don't forget your gear, and as advised above, ride << 80% of your ability.

 

You guys have given me way more help than I expected. Thanks for all of the good advice!

 

That's one of the things that is really good about this forum

All of it, not just the bike section.

Imagine walking in to a pub / bar and asking random strangers for advice

This virtual world rocks

 

seems like everybody here is Pro for the bike, what a suprise... its the bike forum

personally i have ridden street bikes since i was 17 (now 21 on a 600rr) and about a total of 20,000 miles on the road plus track days and have been involved in 2 accidents.

1st accident was 6 months after i got my first bike (ninja 250r) hit a rock on some canyon ride, had a tank slapper and lost control.

2nd accidnet was when i was 20, in a group ride and another bike lost control and hit me. (broke my left clavicle in 7 pieces, 3 road rashes, got a titanium plate and 6 screws *probably 5 lbs lighter than stock bones*)

not to mention a ba-zillion close calls that gave me chills down my back...

dont want to scare you away from the 2 wheel world, but this is reality... you will crash

i think you already know all the good things about riding so i wont talk about it.

my advice is, look at both the negative and positive sides of riding before you make your decision. (if you can live with some permanent road rash,a plate and some broken bones) then by all means go for it. dont forget about finical problems as well, you may have to take some time off from work when u get hurt too



Personally, i choose the wife anyday over the bike... life is not always about speed and fun. I have made my decision long time ago that when i have a family or get married, that is the day when i'll stop street riding (only ride dirt and maybe track days). But until the day i say "I DO"

keep shiny side up and 1 wheel down

 

Motorcycles...the good..the bad..the ugly. I think I can paint a true picture. I took a MSF course 8 years ago...I ride. My husband raced. Motorcycles can be safe...gear is important. My husband ran off in turn 6 at Road Atlanta at 140 mph during the GNF...no injury. The track is pretty safe...the road out there isn't. He was hit last year by a mom in her mini van while he was going to work. 30+ years of riding/racing didn't help him. He's OK now but the injuries were the worst ever.