I've been riding motorcycles a lot the last 3-4 years.
Although it is dangerous, you can maximize your safety by taking riding courses, and taking it easy on the street.
By always wearing the correct gear, and by keeping very aware, and always calculating a way out (recommended when driving cars as well), you can still have fun and minimize your chances of getting seriously hurt or killed on the street.
Racing should be left for the track - I do a lot of motorcycle track days and hold an AFM (American Federation of Motorcyclists) competition license.
Over the last 3 years, I took the California Superbike Level I, Level II, and Level II classes, attended Novice and Intermediate schools (2 days each) held by Keigwins (local (CA) track provider), and and spent a whole lot of time on the track to hone the skills I learned at these schools.
Lately I've been doing more track riding and less street riding, as I can get the enjoyment of speed there, while minimizing the risk of serious injury. I've come off the bike twice in 3 years of track riding, and didn't get hurt at all.
If it don't kill ya, it makes for a great story!
