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From: mcgeer@ucbvax.ARPA (Rick McGeer)
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Subject: Re: Automatic High Beam Flashers
Message-ID: <10413@ucbvax.ARPA>
Date: Tue, 17-Sep-85 21:18:56 EDT
Article-I.D.: ucbvax.10413
Posted: Tue Sep 17 21:18:56 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 19-Sep-85 05:15:07 EDT
References: <692@ihu1g.UUCP> <793@ihlpa.UUCP>
Reply-To: mcgeer@ucbvax.UUCP (Rick McGeer)
Distribution: net
Organization: University of California at Berkeley
Lines: 19


	I'm considering buying a motorcycle for commuting in and around
Berkeley, California.  I don't think I'll ever have it out on the freeway.

	Now.  I'm ignorant.  My wife, family, and friends have all unanimously
urged me not to do it.  The claim is that it's dangerous.  Is this really true?
Statistically, are there more fatal or (worse) crippling injuries from 
motorcycles than automobiles?  Can you reduce your chances by any or all of:
headlight modulators, paranoia, helmets, leathers, boots and gloves?  How
would you rank these, and other factors, in terms of safety enhancement?  (that
is, critical to merely helpful?)  Should I start off on a 250-450, or a larger
bike?  And are there any driving techniques, other than a general "be paranoid"
that measurably improve your chances of survival?

	BTW, I'm going to take a Motorcycle Safety Federation course in either
October or November.

				Stayin' Alive,
				     Rick.