Do You Have a Motorcycle Death Wish?

#motorcycle #motovlog #royalenfield
Hearing people tell me how dangerous riding a scooter or motorcycle can be is a common occurrence. Yet I seldom quiz people on why they think that and perhaps more importantly why I think riding isn't some subconscious death wish on my part. In this video I talk about some of the thoughts I've had on the subject.

[@samuelfink4799]

Great video! I watch your videos more for therapy than I do the content which is what originally drew me to your channel. Having lost my wife back in 2012 to a brain tumor I rarely think of my own passing, albeit I’d be lying if I sometimes to a certain extent don’t crave it for the peace it might afford me. Just when I talk myself out of buying a form of two wheeled transportation because I’m cheap, you as well as others remind me of the value it affords you. Keep up your channel, you’ve been given a gift which I doubt you realize you possess and it’s far more than the motorcycle/ Vespa content.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks! One of the reasons I ride is for the therapeutic value. Life is chaotic at times a a ride down a country lane or in the woods does wonders for my well being. I'm sorry for the loss of your wife. I can't wrap my head around it sufficiently to say anything helpful. Making a decision to buy a scooter or motorcycle can be difficult on many levels. I always try to share the idea of the value it brings in terms of appreciation of life. Regardless of almost anything you might ride save for some over the top powerhouse riding can brighten existence. I appreciate the kind words regarding my channel and the content I produce. I find the construction of the videos almost, ALMOST as engaging and therapeutic as the rides themselves!

[@MotoOffroadAdventures]

Yes well said. You and I are a lot alike. I am all about the off-road ride. I am never the guy who wants to go fast on the highway. I ride safe and never override my skills.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I agree -- not overriding my skills is how I roll. If I'm in a hurry I tend to leave the scooters and motorcycles in the garage.

[@kz1000st1]

I have never thought of riding as a Death Wish in the 61 years of doing it. I learned a lot racing on dirt in my youth and learned more once I started riding the streets. people say you can't control everything but so far I've become adept at observing situations and thinking worst case scenarios to take actions to prevent injury. My late wife once said, "Riding a motorcycle has made me a better driver." She picked up on things that car drivers are not even cognizant of in general practice. Maybe if you stuck people on a bike for a year before they got car licenses motorcycles wouldn't be dangerous at all.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I've never thought of riding as a Death Wish either. But many non-riders I talk to think I must have one. How else can someone make a choice to do something so patently dangerous? It's that irrational conclusion by others that I was wondering about. Lots I can do to manage the real risk attendant to riding as you suggest. I'll have to think about the notion of people riding before driving. I kind of suspect that people who are bad drivers are such for reasons other than skill training. Something in their personalities that keep them from appreciating that there are other people in the world as important as they are. Maybe...

[@twloughlin]

"I don't have a death wish. I value my life, and I ride accordingly." That's the money quote! Regardless, as I believe I once commented on the blog, every time I pull on my helmet, I mutter to myself the words of Old Lodge Skins in "Little Big Man" (Chief Dan George) - "Today is a good day to die." I think it helps me to prepare to be extra cautious, while also being aware that, no matter how careful I choose to be, the reality of death is always there. BTW - new 360° camera?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The easy stuff first -- I've had the Insta360 camera for about a year now. I try and use it without introducing a lot of the strange perspectives it can produce. I've already scuffed one of the lens so I have to be careful how I position it so I don't get a big blur on the important content. A 360 camera can do a lot of cool things but it really slows things down in the editing process since you have to manage and export the footage in a separate application. The harder part, the death wish stuff. I'm not sure what I think about a good time to die, but I can relate to the idea that there are good ways to die. Both my parents suffered long, agonizing deaths. Those are the experiences of nightmares. And my father-in-law died while laughing on a phone call with a friend while sitting in his dining room. Suddenly there and then gone. No fear, no expectations. After my heart attack in 2015 I spent some time thinking about death and being overly aware of that muscle beating in my chest. But faith allowed me to surrender that line of thinking and pay more attention to the moment in front of me. We're all different in how we think about our mortality and take actions in life. I find I am continually examining my own choices and move forward as best I can to live the life I've been blessed with.

[@captainjim605]

Beautiful fall colors, nice back roads... deathwish? Nah, looks like a delight!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I feel blessed riding through the mountains here. No death wish!

[@bryangibson6856]

A wise man once said. “Life would not be worth living if Risks were not involved”

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I agree with the sentiment. I’m not sure how wise he was, but it was Charles Lindbergh, who said: “Life without risks is not worth living.”

[@bryangibson6856]

After Almost 100 years the exact statement was bound to change lol. Thanks for clarifying and identifying the wise man who coined the phrase.

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

I heard that some people live their life in management of fear. That the run aspects of their lives through their fear filter. So those people see motorcycles as highly risky. I like my motorcycle its fun and therapeutic to me.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Well said. I like my motorcycles and scooters too. And riding is therapeutic!

[@Winterbiker333]

Beautiful ride. Agree with your take on the therapeutic aspect of riding, that to me is what riding is all about. Not the destination, but the chance to be alone and to enjoy the environment we exist in.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I need to find time to be alone. Thankfully my wife understands. A lot of people find it strange but that's ok. For me it works.

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

It's a very oersonal decision whether to take a risk to any action sport or not to. I jave to agree, choosing an area to ride in that isn't over run with traffic is key. A great thought provoking topic.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You're right. At the end of the day we each need to make our own choices and decisions about risk. But there sure is a lot of pressure and bad information out there.

[@iggyzorro2406]

1. headline is false advertising: I kept waiting for Charles Bronson to be your guest star - 2. I have a recording of that Satee piece on piano and it's no where near as spooky as on your cello recording - 3. funny you should post this today - I was zipping around a curve this afternoon on the 300GTS thinking how much faith we riders must have in others: the road surface is clear and dry for good traction on curves, most other drivers will actually see us and try not to kill us, the bike will be reliable and not break down in the Pennsylvania hills 20 miles from a main road but 20 feet from a bear cave; or in the Florida jungle next to an alligator pond...nice vid - thanks

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I thought about the title when I wrote it but thought that not many would make the Charles Bronson connection. It was made 50 years ago! The music service I subscribe to for music has a lot of classical variations of music like the piece from French composer Satie. Another little obscure detail you picked up on. I thought it appropriately spooky! It does require some level of faith to ride I think. Faith that generally people will follow the rules of the road, faith that my machine won't abandon me, and faith that if some unforeseen obstacle presents itself that it won't eat me!

[@joeh773]

ooh, scary Halloweenie video! Couple points: 1) That Insta 360 sure can iron things out, seeing how the stick shakes during the ride... In the footage from it, your helmet stays put, but your handlebars are all over the place :) Interesting. I'm toying with the idea of buying it also. 2) What do you think of the new 452cc water cooled single Himalayan coming? I hope it is even bigger hit than the original. Remembering what my cb300f could do, the current aircooled 411cc is pathetic for me (I know, I know, how dare I contradict the many sermons on this channel ;-D ?), even if it sounds right. I don't need 700, 1,000, or 1,800ccs, around 500 to have a little reserve for quicker passing over 80mph will do,. 3) And why w650 instead of Int650?

[@rb196441]

I'm 59 years old and have ridden motorcycles most of my life. I couldn't tell you how many "close calls" I've had. I love riding. Like you,I ride in winter also. I wish more people would get out and enjoy riding,give it shot. Great videos 👍

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for your kind words about the videos I share here. I appreciate them. Close calls can certainly scare a person away from riding. So far my close calls have been with animals. A definite variable in our field and forest landscape. But I continue to enjoy riding so I'm not yet to the point of being scared off.

[@rb196441]

@@ScooterintheSticks I live in the mountains of S.C squirrels are notorious for running out in front of you. 🤣

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@rb196441 I see a lot of squirrels and groundhogs. But it is the deer that worry me most. They just "appear" as if by magic. And there are so many that the southern end of the valley I live in is called "Venison Valley." 😂

[@steve00alt70]

Whenever someone brings that topic up about I used to and I knew someone. I bring up the classic of you could die from a heart attack, or the moment you step out of your house you may never come back. And then they have no answer to that.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Yeah, that's true. As humans we are just terrible at assessing risk. I am statistically more likely to die in a car accident than I am on a motorcycle but that's only because of the dramatic difference between the number of drivers versus riders. The reality is the sum total risk in my life is cumulative. Riding just adds to it. Perhaps the issue I didn't cover very well is when a spouse grows uncomfortable with their partner riding. The selfish response would be to say it's my life and I'll do what I want. Or maybe try to explain what the risks are. Or maybe decide that the stress and anxiety in a partner because of riding isn't right to inflict. Not every reason to stop riding is about the rider's health. It can also be about a spouse's health and needs. Life is tricky!

[@michaelsupple6081]

This was a very insightful video. One with which I wholeheartedly agree. It reminds me of an experience I recently had. In November of this year I Tboned an SUV that failed to stop for a stop sign while riding one of my bikes. It resulted in a broken wrist, tailbone and a couple of days in the hospital for some other annoyances. Of course I had to make a couple of obligatory calls to family members, one being my older brother. As he picked up the phone the first thing I said was...Bro I have something to tell you but first you must promise you won't say "I told you so.". Following a brief silence he reluctantly agreed to my stipulation. I then told him I was calling from the emergency room followed by the gory details. As you might guess he was one of those that thinks I have a death wish. It's not the first time as I was also a skydiving instructor back in the 70s. I think it boils down to this. You basically have two types of people. You have your natural optimists and your natural pessimists. You and I my friend fall into the first category. If we didn't we wouldn't be riding motorcycles or jumping from perfectly good airplanes. :) Ride safe my friend.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I wasn't always optimistic. In fact there was a period of time before I started riding that my colleagues as work called me Gray Cloud. I was the one who was always looking at the pitfalls and problems in a proposal or project. Positive words seldom passed my lips. And then I started to ride. It wasn't long until they started calling me Mr. Positivity. It was funny at the time but I know now that riding released a lot of negative energy from me. And unshackled me from the past and freed me from living in an unknowable future. Riding planted me squarely in the moment in front of me where life takes place. And it was filled with joy and excitement. Thank you for reminding me of that.

[@ricksanchez2983]

I get a kick out of each time you put on the requiem music. Lol May we all keep safe and above ground.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

😂 I try to use that kind of music sparingly! I must confess, my own personal preferences, are often drawn to those darker tunes…

[@heckadude]

Another fine topic and episode, Steve. I always admire the production quality of your videos; the blend of music and visuals hits just right. As my teenage son would say, “it’s a vibe!”

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks. Making videos has become a creative labor of love. But as most creative activities go there is a continual striving to do something different. At least for me. I'm currently sketching out ideas to make something different. I don't know what it might be but hopefully it will still have "a vibe!"

[@andrewparry814]

Another lovely video with beautiful scenery and wise words. Many thanks Steve.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SCALE_SLOTCARS]

Your last words says it all Steve ..."Ride safe". Speed plays such a huge part in motorcycle accidents. Single vehicle accidents involving motorcycles most of the time its rider's driving beyond their skill to control their vehicle. Even on KZbin there are tons of channels glorifying speeding by both men and women alike , and unfortunately we see their demise all too soon and the statistics once again go up 🤷 The pack mentality and peer pressure to drive faster to pull wheelies etc . I can safely say i would be the slowest and safest rider I know ,and for this in years gone past i got a constant ribbing about it .well, even being safe and also sticking to the speed limits ,I still had three accidents, every time a car pulling or crossing in front of me but in each instant I was driving at a safe speed and yes I had back injuries but im still knocking around . How often do we hear ...Ahh David was a great rider ,he could do 160mph and wheelie at 100mph but David ain't here anymore ,and yes maybe a car did pull out but Davids odds were stacked against him ! I can go on but I wont but it drives my crazy how so many glorify speed 🤔 the benefits of motorcycling are wonderful as you have said Steve .i have myself took a break from riding a few times after one too many cars have tried to take me out but I always go back after missing the joys of riding ...great post Steve and...Ride safe ! 👍...Harry

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I suppose watching KZbin videos of people racing and crashing on public roads gives us all the chance to do a little vicarious rubber-necking. There's something almost hypnotic about watching disasters. None of it seems to affect my own behavior on the road aside from reminding me to pay attention, be careful, and assume no one sees me. While I have had some near misses with deer and a few cars my riding life in terms of accidents has been uneventful. I hope it remains that way!

[@SCALE_SLOTCARS]

@@ScooterintheSticks I agree about trusting no one and self preservation is key .Even when they look at you I've still had folk pull out . Where I live now feels a lot safer away from city traffic , motorways and large volumes of vehicles. Your location seems idyllic for gentle riding and exploring and the roads even the smaller ones like in today's Post look in very good condition with lovely surface finishes....beautiful to see with the fall colours and forest surrounds. I know from your previous posts you can also enjoy getting off the beaten track in those state forest's....wonderful 🤗

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@SCALE_SLOTCARS It is hard to trust a vehicle stopped at an intersection waiting to make a left turn in front of me. As you say, one always seems to not see me. There are some rough roughs here. I tend to stay away from them when I'm riding alone.

[@trickster11300]

Love your vids. I live in the south of France and have many miles of roads similar to you. As a Brit retired to a more calm area I have a similar outlook to riding as yourself and derive the same benefits. Long may you produce this type of content. Regards, Mike.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks Mike. I hope I am fortunate enough to be able to ride for many more years. One never knows though. I'll just take things one ride at a time.

[@Fourwedge]

Fun to hear your musings!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for watching. And listening!

[@oscartravis5740]

I think if everyone rides within their capabilities then the death wish is abated, albeit you can never account fully for random factors like other motorists, weather and hazards on the road. In an enclosed vehicle you're shielded from all the nuances of motion. Motorcycling exposes you to it. That's the payoff between fear and freedom, and personally it's worth it and where I find peace.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I agree with the idea that riding a motorcycle exposes you to the nuances of motion. And because of the vulnerability its as if I find myself hyperaware of the world. It's a good place to be. Riding within my capabilities is a continual goal. It is easy to get sloppy though so I need to practice and be thoughtful in how I ride. Many things to manage even on a relaxed Sunday afternoon ride!

[@oscartravis5740]

@@ScooterintheSticks Absolutely 😄😊

[@gerardgerard5681]

Hi Steve! Yes the other drivers don't see you!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I can't count on being seen. I have to make additional arrangements!

[@EpicAdamMotovlogs]

You made some good points. I start work at 6am or 10am and the traffic is hugely different at those times. More people speed at 6am because there's not much traffic and pedestrians. The country lanes near me actually have a 60mph speed limit and some people look at that as a target when realistically 30 or 40mph is a lot safer

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I see the same here on country lanes -- big pickup trucks barreling down the way at high speeds. It's as if they assume they'll never encounter any obstacle in life!

[@joeblow1934]

Love the vid and love the music track too!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you.

[@danielcarroll5667]

Well said my good Man !

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you. Slow and steady is my motto!

[@roywalls5595]

Right now not able to ride because of the weather and I till waiting for parts come in from Italy for my Piaggio Mp3 250 IE! 😊

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I hope the parts arrive soon and the weather breaks so that you can get back on the road!

[@CharlieTheAstronaut]

I mean it is not that weird. I ride a VZ800, so I am not a speed freak or racer or any of the sort, I have lost 2 buddies in motorcycle crashes, one lost control in a low speed turn, because there was some sort of sludge on the road, and he sadly slid under an oncomming car. The other one was frontally hit by a car that was all the way in his lane in a curve. I have been hit by cars on traffic lights twice (both times from the side), I have had people turn into me on the freeeway, I have had people overtaking in the oposite direction, heading for me full frontal, expecting me to go slightly off the road to avoid them. Riding simply is inherently more dangerous. I don't know a single rider who has not crashed at least once, I have had 2 minor crashes myself, one was when a car swerved in front of me and hit the breaks in an act of road rage, I managed to slow way down, hit him at maybe 5kmh, but I dropped my bike and had slight damage, it was in the middle of the city and in front of a police officer no less... The other one was with my wife on the back, when a police chase made a semi in front of me hit the breaks hard on a wet rainy day, I kept sliding and had neither left nor right to escape, so i took the full impact with my hand stretched out golding the bar, to push my wife back as far as possible and prevent her from getting severely hurt. I hurt my right wrist for life with that one. The point is no matter how safe you are, how much experience you have and how many advanced driving courses you have completed. There can always be that one complete idiot in a car, and if you encounter hi while on a bike rather than a car, your chances of having a bad time are much higher. Nice Royal Enfield by the way, I have many friends in india that ride these :) Stay safe out there!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I appreciate them. Sludge, liquid manure, and loose gravel on the road is a common occurrence here. And as you say, even at slow speeds when you're leaned a bit the wheel could slip. Blind curves require special attention. After nearly 70 thousand miles on two wheels I've not had an accident yet. Traffic is generally light here so that helps. And I've never witnessed any road rage here. I'm grateful for that. You're right though that even the best skills and approach are not a guarantee that I won't be in an accident. I can reduce the statistical odds but I have to remain cognizant that I am assuming some level of risk. The Himalayan is a fine motorcycle. I hesitate to say great because it just invites specification comparisons. But for the riding I do, it is a great machine.

[@dewipeach]

Death Wish vs Wrong Motorcycle. Steve just my thought.. there's also lack of experience if just Sundays or Sunny day rider and to how much training one has had or how much one continues to learn.. that's the hard way if by mistakes...! Like the fellow said "had a close call" case is what at the time was his issue. Most people who claim riding is dangerous base it on reports, lack of own experience or happened to someone they'd known... Case with my wife.. her brother was Accident prone, even with a bicycle, yet was an Interstate Trucker out of Texas back Home, go figure. Mine, my younger days was closed out on what we've in the UK a roundabout, guy drove straight into my lane, never saw me, left little option where to go.. down or in coming up clipped his bumper with the fork, jerked crossed behind the car and up an opposite entrance lane by time stopped, luck to hit no other traffic, went on to ride a go many more years, until family commitments... I've since returned due to in part to a Himalaya, (why I'm here) best of all, all-round in class of it's own.. still an issue though the Wife.. and UK Weather. Stay safe and out there. Cheers Davey

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for commenting Davey. I appreciate the notion of the wrong motorcycle. I had a section for that but didn't like what I said. It was incomplete and more rambling than usual. So I cut it. But I see a lot of riders who seem to be on the wrong motorcycle for the wrong reasons. The close call idea is everywhere. It becomes mythic in both the riding and non-riding world. I try now to say much about it since what does it really matter? It's beyond my control a lot of the time. The Himalayan is a fine motorcycle and by all accounts an extremely understated machine. You have to work hard to have it get away from you. But I understand your wife's concerns. Mine has the same ones.

[@dewipeach]

Hi Steve, you're welcome, thank you for reply. Alot of our understanding and commonsense comes from being not just Riders, but in most parts Drivers of other kinds of vehicles. There's a UK Vlog on all the classes and tests from AB 50cc basic and limits max Kw for A1 125cc, limited A2 600cc after the A' pass its unlimited bigger bikes. A comment was made elsewise it would be like passing your car test in a compact and next day buy and think you'll drive a Porche, you'd likely soon end up in a tree. Would be the same and curb appeal of a big bike (beyond ones' skills) and the need it's to be ridden fast...! Alot is what Manufactures try in marketing to sell you, point a GS is practical as off-road ADV Bike for anyone with a license. I'm rambling too. end on that note. Cheers Davey

[@flatgrindrides]

I’ve found that it’s very difficult to communicate effectively with people on this topic. People have deeply held beliefs which are often irrational. Speaking generally, people tend to not do a very good job at risk assessment, or even behaving in ways which are consistent with their ideas about risk exposure. Somehow, we seem to have devolved into a “safety” culture and many of the interventions and behaviors people adopt provide minimal or no actual safety benefits. Humans are a funny bunch. The bottom line is that you control your exposure to risk. As you say, when where, and how you ride, if you choose to ride at all, determine your level of risk. I’ve seen hundreds of crashes in KZbin videos and almost every time you can see the situation developing and know what is about to happen (and how to avoid it). I think I’ve only seen one video where I was surprised, and said to myself that was totally random, and there was almost nothing that guy could do. (He was stopped at a red light, and a car came flying through the air from the other side of the intersection, and landed on him. It was like a meteor strike!) A complicated and sometimes emotional topic. It will be interesting to see what sort of responses you get.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I agree with everything you've written in your comments. Especially with the idea that as humans we don't assess risk very well. We'll worry about terror attacks, commercial flying, mass shootings, or the apocalypse, when our risk is far greater driving our cars, getting in and out of the bathtub, or from an angry encounter with a family member or neighbor. All sorts of irrational thoughts and actions of which I cannot dissuade or change in the minds of people who hold them. And those KZbin videos.... man, it's crazy the situations people get themselves into.

[@vincenz0]

This is a great subject for a video. Many of my family members are very afraid for me knowing that I ride motorcycles, even though I do not ride sport bikes and that the Himalayan is the most powerfull bike I own. They keep reminding me of how dangerous it is. In my opinion, they do not understand how much it helps with mental health. In my case, riding a motorcycle has helped me get in better physical shape and do exercise on a regular basis so that I stay in shape. Also, I think it's very important to ride "defensively" and always anticipate if other drivers have noticed you (or not), particularly at intersections in the city. For anyone interested in the subject of motorcycles and mental health, there are a couple videos on "eveRide"'s channel that are really interesting about the subject. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKGQXoKXpq5qaq8

[@ScooterintheSticks]

My parents were dead set against motorcycles. I would sneak around and ride motorcycles of friends. This family fear kept me from buying a scooter until I was 50 years old. I missed a lot of moto-therapy over the years! Thank you for the link to the eveRide video. I just watched it. Nice to have some well thought out messages that are grounded in research. While they probably won't dissuade anyone convinced motorcycles are bad it was good to hear the benefits I'm gaining.

[@pnwoods]

Well, ... the background music certainly won't inspire viewers' convictions toward rider safety. Pretty morbid stuff.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I struggled with the music. The topic was not upbeat so the typical music I use seemed wrong. But you're right, the darker music isn't inspiring. Not that I was trying to inspire anyone. Just experimenting with the creative process and sharing my thoughts during a ride.

[@puffybodie5282]

Meh people are full of bs in general 🙂 There is over 8 billion of them, not possible to listen to all of those "good tips" 😀 Personally bicycles, rollerblades, ice skating, horse riding is way more dangerous then driving supersport bike on the streets......

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I know more people injured riding horses than I do riding motorcycles. Probably due to working in agriculture most of my career!

[@puffybodie5282]

@@ScooterintheSticks As I always say - I can't drive what is more clever then me 😀

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@puffybodie5282 😂

[@roywalls5595]

And I live in the country away from big city lives and I wear orange gear so deer hunting think other hunters riding on my atv then a motorbike! 🙏🛵

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It's still rare that hunters here contribute to riding problems but it still makes sense to be a color that can't be confused with a deer. My Pine Green Himalayan doesn't help but the Hi-Viz jacket and helmet do!

[@roywalls5595]

@@ScooterintheSticks I agree bright colors on the jacket and helmet and I added Leds to my helmet for braking and turn signal 😉

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@roywalls5595 What brand of helmet lights do you have?