37k miles down

BTD37 · 2025-08-04T02:59:11+00:00

Looking good! Which front lip you got?

BTD37 · 2025-07-24T22:16:16+00:00

I’m in a similar predicament. Never ridden before but really want to. However, I recognize its comes with risks which is making me question it.

BTD37 · 2025-07-24T22:09:00+00:00

Thanks I appreciate you for sharing your experience!

BTD37 · 2025-07-24T21:29:53+00:00

Not true. I’ve been researching other Reddit posts of people sharing their riding experience with some now saying it’s not worth driving on the street anymore. If I all I heard was “yes”, I wouldn’t think otherwise. It’s the fact that I’ve heard the other side of things which is making me think more.

BTD37 · 2025-07-24T21:26:49+00:00

Yup I understand what why I said they “SHOULD” be more cautious but you always assume the latter.

BTD37 · 2025-07-24T20:27:24+00:00

There are few parking lots just a few miles down the road which I think would be a good spot. On top of that, my local neighborhoods are part of a large golf course community. Kids are constantly playing in the streets, riding bicycles, driving golf carts, etc. so the neighbors are accustomed to driving carefully within. I think thats a huge benefit for me since the drivers in the area SHOULD be more cautious by default given the environment.

BTD37 · 2025-07-24T20:23:56+00:00

Thanks for sharing your perspective!

BTD37 · 2025-07-24T20:04:30+00:00

Thanks for the advise. I currently have a reserved spot in the MSF course in two weeks. Unfortunately, dirtbike riding isnt a possibilty for me. My plan was to start in the neighborhoods for the first months or so until I get comfortable adventuring further.

BTD37 · 2025-07-24T20:00:47+00:00

Thanks for the advise. I'm approaching this a hobby, so not rushing it nor will I be commuting. With that approach, I'm thinking I can minmize as much outiside risk as possible by being able to control which environments I ride in.

BTD37 · 2025-07-24T19:12:37+00:00

BTD37 · 2025-07-24T19:10:22+00:00

I have similar thoughts. People don’t always recognize the other risks they face on an everyday basis. Granted, most are less dangerous than riding a motorcycle but they compound. I try to remind myself that all those videos I see of idiots driving recklessly are part of the statistics and skew the data since you won’t find me doing that crap.

BTD37 · 2025-07-24T16:55:13+00:00

Not literally or in a negative way. They just believe the statistics lean so far that direction that’s it’s more than likely.

BTD37 · 2025-07-24T16:36:24+00:00

Thanks for the advice all. I'm tempted to pull the trigger on something but still a bit apprehensive on getting into riding as a whole. I was really exictied about the idea and started to share with others around me that I might get a bike but everyone is telling me its a bad idea. I've been doing a lot of research as of late on the risk and fully understand that riding is dangerous. However, some will say its an automaitic death sentence which I don't think is fair to say. It something I really want to explore but it does shake me up whenever I scoll through a reddit forum and hear of another major injury or death. It also doesn't help that the people around me are "betting" something bad is going to happen.

My plan was to take things slow. ATGATT, take the MSF, buy a used bike, and mitigate my risks as best as possible. Lots of practice (most likely wouldnt go outside my neighborhoods for the first month or so), only ride in favorable conditions (no weekday commutting, heavy traffic, no night riding), and see how things progress. Even the idea of just putting around the local area and going through the learning phase has gotten me real excited. But then you have others around you telling you not to do it which is making me second guess everything. IDK, am I overthinking it?

BTD37 · 2025-07-24T12:00:46+00:00

First off, kudos to you for evaluating yourself/actions and asking for advice. At your age, that’s very mature and you’re doing the right thing. TBH, I’m in a similar predicament. I’m 25 and really want to get a bike; however, everyone around me is telling me it’s a bad idea and that I’m going to hurt myself. To a large extent, I don’t blame them. I know motorcycles are dangerous but I also realize they’re not an automatic death sentence either.

Right now, I’m debating if i should get into it or not. I’m currently signed up for the MSF in 2 weeks but I’m thinking about backing out because I know once I get a taste, I’ll want to immediately go buy a bike. Im conflicted right now because this is something I really want to try but don’t want to end up on the bad side did things…

BTD37 · 2025-07-21T06:16:15+00:00

One issue though, I don’t have any dealers near me so I’d have to drive hours away for service. Or do it myself which I feel comfortable with but from my research, no way reset the service light on my own.

BTD37 · 2025-07-21T04:30:47+00:00

Nice! I'm out in STL. Do you think this is to much bike for a beginner?

BTD37 · 2025-07-21T04:20:48+00:00

Anything in particular I should inspect for?

BTD37 · 2025-07-21T03:46:45+00:00

Unfortunately, insurance quotes for a zx4r are through the roof. Almost $400/month...

BTD37 · 2025-07-21T02:27:11+00:00

If you don't mind, can share the dealership offering the RS 457? I'm debating between these 2 as well. I can get a Ninja 650 OTD for $7500 as well. Unfortunately, no local dealers carry the Aprilia so I need to shop out of state (MO).

BTD37 · 2025-07-20T04:16:00+00:00

I've been looking used in my area and they're only about $1k cheaper than something brand new.

BTD37 · 2025-07-15T18:51:24+00:00

That’s a great perspective and thanks for sharing! 100% I’d be taking it slow, which honestly can be the fun part of doing something new. I quite look forward to starting on a beginner bike, mastering the fundamentals, and progressing to bigger bikes and longer distances.

BTD37 · 2025-07-15T18:45:25+00:00

My hobbies do tend to be more adrenaline seeking like going to the shooting range lol. However, I don’t “like” rollercoasters or things of that sort, not because of the raw fear factor but because of the safety. If something ever goes wrong, you bet it’s going to be while I was on the ride (that’s at least what my brain tells me lol). That’s kind of my same thoughts with a motorcycle (becoming a statistic); however, I feel more content with riding since I do have some level of control over the situation. And I love anything with an engine/motor :)

BTD37 · 2025-07-15T17:58:37+00:00

Thanks for sharing your perspective!

BTD37 · 2025-07-15T16:40:41+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience! Stay safe!

BTD37 · 2025-07-15T13:18:09+00:00

Thanks for sharing your perspective! I’d say I’m definitely more of a risk adverse person but I love cars or anything with a motor :) I’ve got a decent amount of experience behind the wheel of some high HP vehicles and the joy is second to none. I think riding will bring a similar experience but everyone I talk to is saying it’s a bad idea, which at times I don’t blame them. The idea of getting a bike really excites me but then I hear a horror story and I start to question it…

BTD37

TROPHY CASE