I have owned a few bikes before but after I was in a hit and run in 2016 I decided the risk wasn’t worth it. I owned two bikes after the hit and run but I didn’t enjoy it in the same way.

3 years later from when I sold my last bike, I bought my first new vehicle ever, a 2023 KLRs.

Stay safe, you can’t live your life scared but always be cautious. Super excited for all the adventures ahead.

    • SokathHisEyesOpen@lemmy.mlEnglish
      3·
      9 months ago

      Get a bike cover! I have my dual sport in the backyard under a $25 Amazon bike cover and it stays pretty clean. Spiders set up shop under there, but they’re easily dealt with.

  • SokathHisEyesOpen@lemmy.mlEnglish
    3·
    9 months ago

    Welcome back. I used to own a KLR and it’s honestly my favorite bike out of everything I’ve owned. It can do just about anything, and it’s a total tank.

    I get ya about it not being the same. I’ve lost two close friends to motorcycle accidents and I definitely can’t ride like I used to. I think too much about my family while riding now. But I can still have a pretty good time just cruising around about half as fast as I used to go.

    • thisisnotgoingwell@programming.devOP
      4·
      9 months ago

      Thanks. Balancing cautionary fears and risk is delicate. But I’ve learned that risk really gives life flavor… can’t live happily without it. Just need to always keep your ego in check

      • SokathHisEyesOpen@lemmy.mlEnglish
        2·
        9 months ago

        I agree. When I moved across the country several years ago and stopped engaging in my more adventurous hobbies, I developed some really unhealthy behaviors trying to fill that hole. Now I do stuff that’s actually pretty safe, but feels adventurous, like rock climbing, and riding responsibly.

      • GbyBE@discuss.tchncs.de
        1·
        7 months ago

        And - I guess I’m preaching to the choir here - wear appropriate gear to protect yourself, maybe even look into an airbag vest. Those things offer quite a bit of extra protection for your upper body, neck and some even to your hips and tailbone to a certain extent.

        I got a Helite Turtle 2 myself and don’t ride without it.

          • GbyBE@discuss.tchncs.de
            1·
            7 months ago

            The ones made by Helite also have user replaceable CO2 cartridges, so you can easily (takes 5 minutes) reset the vest if it isn’t damaged. After 5 inflations they say to return it to them to have it checked properly.