Riding Motorcycle is it worth it?

[kapache]

Hello Ya'll,


I relocated about a week ago to Texas from Comifornia. I was told by few folks that drivers here are crazy stupid(excuse the language). I read the DPS handbook, and aside from no line splitting most riding laws are about the same as California. Apparently motorcycles here need to get inspection just like cars. Are there riders here that can shed some light on riding here in Texas?




Thanks,

 

[mroper]

What part of texas you are in . There are some great riding places all over the state. two good rallies one in austin one in galveston every year. Yes motorcycles need safety inspections. Now if that was your only vehicle and you are going to commute with it in a Major city I would say no . otherwise heck yea

 

[kapache]

Hi,


I live in Burleson and was planning on using it to commute to Dallas when I need to handle things for work. I work from home, don't go out as much except when there's emergencies at work, I might be force to ride when the wife is using our car.


Thanks for the reply.

 

[BRD@66]

It was worth it to me for 43 years. I recently quit riding but it wasn't because of bad traffic, it was just a personal decision.

 

[kapache]

It was worth it to me for 43 years. I recently quit riding but it wasn't because of bad traffic, it was just a personal decision.

Honestly I love riding, and I don't want to quit yet, but at the same time I want to play it safe.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

I put 65,000 miles on one of my bikes in 5 years.
Of course it was 98% weekends & holidays only, & all of that was out on country back-roads.

I sold all my bikes in 2005.

I would hate to drive in Dallas on a motorcycle.

 

[kapache]

I put 65,000 miles on one of my bikes in 5 years.
Of course it was 98% weekends & holidays only, & all of that was out on country back-roads.

I sold all my bikes in 2005.

I would hate to drive in Dallas on a motorcycle.

Thanks for the feedback I drive Monday and was kinda hectic, seems ill need to buy a car .

 

[cbigclarke]

I put 65,000 miles on one of my bikes in 5 years.
Of course it was 98% weekends & holidays only, & all of that was out on country back-roads.

I sold all my bikes in 2005.

I would hate to drive in Dallas on a motorcycle.

Or Houston
Or San Antonio
Or Austin

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[ZX9RCAM]

Or Houston
Or San Antonio
Or Austin

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

This goes without saying, lol.

 

[boomgoesthedynamite]

I am in the same situation. I rode a lot on california freeways and never had a problem; people drive fast but stay in their lane. My take on the north dallas area is people think they can save 15 seconds by switching lanes all of the time. Also, I can't count the number of times people shoot from the hammer lane to an exit across 4 lanes of traffic. The final thing that keeps my bike on the battery tender most of the time is the quality of the roads; even the cracks and potholes are bigger in Texas.

 

[lonestardiver]

I live out West of Fort Worth and ride to work in Arlington from time to time (100 miles round trip). It saves me a bunch in fuel plus the road therapy value. Now on the other hand, there are some BSC people out there and it is not the same as it was 5 to 10 years ago. As long as everyone is moving along and you don't have some a__wipe thinking they have to be one up on everyone and be in front just to be in front it is not too bad. Keep your head on a swivel...keep it moving. Watch for junk in the road. You find alls kinds of stuff in the highway these days.

 

[kapache]

I am in the same situation. I rode a lot on california freeways and never had a problem; people drive fast but stay in their lane. My take on the north dallas area is people think they can save 15 seconds by switching lanes all of the time. Also, I can't count the number of times people shoot from the hammer lane to an exit across 4 lanes of traffic. The final thing that keeps my bike on the battery tender most of the time is the quality of the roads; even the cracks and potholes are bigger in Texas.

LOL Indeed. I notice the exit across 4 lanes in the middle of traffic.

 

[Bozz10mm]

You have to ride with a lot of paranoia. As if everyone were out to run you over. They aren't, but it seems like it. Take defensive driving to the extreme.

 

[kapache]

You have to ride with a lot of paranoia. As if everyone were out to run you over. They aren't, but it seems like it. Take defensive driving to the extreme.

Jeez I think I am better off putting the helmet away. A buddy of mine that relocated months ago did the same. I didn't believe him the stories he told me as he tends to exhagerate things, but I guess he was right.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

Jeez I think I am better off putting the helmet away. A buddy of mine that relocated months ago did the same. I didn't believe him the stories he told me as he tends to exhagerate things, but I guess he was right.

I occasionally rode to work, but not too often, maybe once a month.

 

[oohrah]

Welcome to Texas! Check these rides out:
Devil's Backbone, south of Johnson City
Three Sisters, Leakey area
Rio grande road from Lajitas to Presidio

 

[lonestardiver]

once the weather settles down some I'll be riding more often. I try and beat the crowd in the morning by leaving the house around 5:30 for an hour ride in. Biggest problem I have at that hour are critters. Deer, armadillos, raccoons, opossums, cats, dogs, coyotes... I can then usually miss the afternoon main madness as well. Timing is everything. Just can't seem to have enough lights on the back for people to see though.

 

[BG1960]

I went a couple years without a vehicle when I first got my Harley (2000). Rode all over Houston doing my thing. OL got pissed when I was out riding in 26° weather, got a used Cherokee for bad weather. Over the years I noticed that people were getting more and more aggressive about bikes. Had a HCSO deputy in her personal vehicle roll right out in front of me. Bitch just looked right the F at me and decided I could stop for her to cross the street. No one in front or behind me. Over the years, it's gotten much worse. I don't ride any more, I damned near get hit two or three times a day on my 54 commute. And that's in a lifted lime green Jeep and a lifted bright red Titan.

 

[Younggun]

I avoid riding on the interstate or in major cities.


I can do it and have, but avoid it because it takes the joy out of riding.

It's just too much work.


Sent from my HAL 9000

 

[kapache]

Thank you so much for the information guys I really appreciate your advice.