We Sometimes Fall Part X
This is part X (and the final part) of a multi-part series of discussions which will cover some of the things we CAN control when we ride to help us prevent a fall.
We Sometimes Fall Because we think we're racing. If you want to drive aggressively, you need to take it off the street and head to the track. It costs money to put your bike on a track, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. Many local racetracks have 'track days' where any normal Joe or Jane with the proper gear and safety equipment can take their bike on the track.
If you ride fast, you will almost certainly crash at some point. Crashing on the street usually involves two different impacts; you and the bike hitting the ground and sliding, and then you and the bike hitting another object after hitting the ground and sliding. Riding on a track provides a much safer alternative. In the event of a crash, your chances of walking away from it with minimal damage/injury are exponentially better than crashing on the street.
So spend a few bucks to get the proper gear for you and your bike. Then pay the track fees and get out there and see what you can do. You'll soon find that there is only a very small percentage of people who are capable of out-riding their bikes. The better rider you become, you'll start seeing just how capable your bike is.
Your own personal limits are likely going to be the deciding factors in whether you have a successful ride. Your limits will expand every time you get on the bike. When you start getting closer to the limits of the bike, you'll become a better rider. There's nothing wrong with pushing your limits, just make sure you do it purposefully and constructively.
Hat tip to Chris Williams, WERA AM #337 for the inspiration to write this series.