I know how you feel about the motorcycle, I had one before I met my wife. I had to sell it for money in order to move to be closer to her before we got married. I loved that bike and I really miss riding. I would love to have one now but I know first hand the damage they can do. I wrecked mine and broke some bones and had some serious 'road rash' from it. They are great but they are very dangerous also. The reason I don't have one now is because of my kids. In this nation, other drivers don't respect motorcycles like they do in other countries so it makes driving them very dangerous. My suggestion would be to just hold off on it and look into getting one when your kids get older. Another idea would be to get a dirt bike or 4 wheeler if you have access to some land to ride on. If you do get a street bike, come to terms with not 'if' you wreck but 'when' you wreck. Wear a helmet and get some leather gear to reduce the damage and take safety driving courses.

I love it and miss it and hope to ride again one day but not till the kids are grown up.

I have wanted a bike as well for a long time and was never in a position to own one.  Now I am and my wife totally forbids it.  She says that she does not want to have a vegetable for a husband.  I know that I would invest in leather, helmet and other good safety gear as I know that others do not especially look out for bikers.  I know I personally do however, I also know that I am the exception to the rule.

Then there is the other good point that was brought up and that is our children.  Do I seriously want to risk them not having a father for their entire lives if God forbid I got into an accident on the bike and it was fatal?  Not sure I would want my children to have to deal with that.  I have also thought of getting a dirt bike as well however, those are able to be just as dangerous as well.

Your topic and the responses so far have giving me new things to contemplate that I had not be previously thinking of.  I hope my little two cents worth is helpful to you as well.

I used to ride a motorcycle. I also used to be a instructor/coach with my state's motorcycle safety program. (I highly recommend signing up for a course when/if you decide to get your license.)

The problem is that no matter how careful you are out on the streets there will always be other drivers who are completely oblivious to you. They'll cut you off in traffic, turn immediately in front of you, etc.

In a car or truck, this can amount to little more than a fender bender, but on a motorcycle (no matter who is at fault), the motorcycle rider ends the loser.

Granted, I've met people that have riden their whole lives without an accident, and I've know people that have been seriously hurt and/or killed on motorcycles. Only you can decide what level of risk you're comfortable with.

By the way, my driver's license does say "organ donor" on it. I figure I can't take them with me, right?

FWIW, I too used to want to ride a motorcycle...so I went out and bought one.  LOVED IT!

I then bought a bigger one.  Faster, rode nicer, looked better.  LOVED IT EVEN MORE!

I would always respond to people who questioned the safety of my motorcycle by saying that: 1) I never drank anything when riding; 2) I paid supreme, extreme attention to what I was doing and rode cautiously; 3) motorcycles have much better responsiveness than cars and I can 'ride my way out of any trouble'; 4) I wear a helmet, pants, leather jacket, gloves, etc. etc.

Then, one clear, sunny, gorgeous 60 degree day, I was riding along down a 4 lane highway.  It's an old highway, with no divider, and houses on both sides.  Narrow lanes, no shoulder, and these really pretty brick and stone walls along the houses.  As I rode along, I had oncoming traffic coming towards me when a car backed out of a driveway on my right.  So my options were (from left to right: 1) brick wall; 2) head on into oncoming traffic; 3) broadside car that backed out into both lanes; 4) brick wall.  I chose option #3, and applied maximum braking force (without locking up) that I could, hoping to get stopped.  Using my bike's excellent braking, I did get stopped.  However, the car behind me did not, and ended up swerving around me and hitting the car that backed out, broadside.

There are situations where, no matter how careful you are, the other idiots on the road will take you out.  I put my bike up for sale that week and haven't ridden since.  I really, really miss it...especially on warm, sunny days when I'm going somewhere by myself.  But it's just not worth the risk to me.  Bike riders who have ridden a lot say that it isn't if you're going to have an accident...it's when.

i like all of your comments, especially what Coach Mike said.  However, I just don't feel right about getting one right now.  Coach Mike said that you should enjoy yourself because there are no assurances, and I agree with that.  And it isn't like my wife has really forbid my getting a bike.  She's just made it known that she'd prefer that I didn't get one because she doesn't think they are safe.  I realize that I am a rather accident-prone guy, so I need to take that into consideration.  I think that "when and not if" view to motorcycle accident definately applies to me.  I've even been known to fall down the stairs once.  I think that its a risk i just don't want to take.  Yeah, I don't want Sophia to miss out on her daddy should something happen to me on the bike, but I also don't want to miss out on future memories with her because I chose to get the bike.  I think I'll just hold off for a long while and wait until she's grown.  I am comfortable with that decision.

I agree that they are dangerous and am glad to hear you have decided to hold off on getting a bike.  If you didn't have any kids I would say go for it, even though I would not.  Then again, I have no interests in having a motorcycle.  I did have a Minibike as teenager.  That to me is more fun, and less dangerous.  To each his own.

My suggestion is use this to get something else you want.  Maybe a 50 inch Plasma/LCD TV.  How about a new fishing boat?  The thought of you wanting a Non dangerous item in "exchange" for giving up your cycle dreams should be such a relief she will give in to the new safe purchase.  Just a thought.

I've been on motorcycles longer than most of you guys have been alive.. Over the years, I've seen how dangerous it has become riding one today.  Especially with cell phones, texting and the way cars are built to be so quiet, controllable and powerful.  We bikers call them cages..

Two years ago, I was sitting in traffic, stopped for a light on my new Goldwing when a young woman drove into me.  She was passing in a no passing zone straddling the double yellow lines.  I never knew what hit me.. I heard a "bang", thinking (what the hell was that?).. and was looking up at the sky from the road. This is after never, ever having a cycle accident.. Wasn't even my fault.. Get this,, the driver told the cops she never saw me..

This is the kind of incident bikers need to be aware of along with the unconscience ones on the highways..

None the less, it didn't stop me from riding.. The insurance company paid for a new bike, medical costs and a settlement. 

I believe that if you want to do something with your life,, do it..  You can lose your life while laying in your bed or crossing the street.. there is no specific "end date" on your birth certificate.  Enjoy your life as best you can..

I do not ride but do other risky things like surf and extreme sports.  I think you should do it.  You are a man and in need of adventure.  I totally agree with the statement goldwing made, drivers today are getting even worse than in the past.  Everybody thinks all the signs are layed out for them, cell phones, texting etc.  If you want to get one than do it; it is not being selfish.  If anything it would be teaching your daughter to pursue her hobbies and dreams.

Brad

I couple years ago I purchased a 1980 XS650 Special2 for $400.00 and ended up sinking close to $5000.00 in parts to restore it. I found that I enjoyed working on it more than riding it and feel guilty that it's in the back yard. It's not the same as before when I wasn't a Stay at Home Dad. I haven't got the time or energy now to ride it. When I do there is always that thought in the back of my brain, "When is a car going to hit me?" I'm 48 now and started riding at 15. I know how much my child loves me and how much she would be hurt if something were to happen to me too. Besides that with the economy the way it is we could use th money much more than the bike now. Money wasn't a problem when I spent it but it became one. I can't even afford the cost to place a ad in the local paper to sell it now.