44 years ago, I rode a Suzuki 185 street/trail bike. My friends had bikes and we rode practically every day. I was riding one day with my sister on back and a guy turned into us head on - classic “I never saw you!” response. My sister ended up in the hospital for 16 weeks in traction and I hadn’t ridden since.
My youngest son, 20 years old decided he wanted to ride, took the MSF course and bought a Suzuki Volusian. I followed him a few months later and now ride a 2003 Honda VTX 1800c.
Full disclosure, I’m still terrified by other (car) drivers on the road. I’m ATGATT and a bright vest - I don’t worry about my skills anywhere near as much as I do other riders. I’m 6’ 235 so though not “overbiked”, I do spend quite a bit of time working slow speed maneuvering, emergency braking and swerving drills.
Glad to have found this group. Anyone out there with a similar story would love to hear how you got back up on the horse.

Hello Bill, welcome to the VTXOA!
That oncoming vehicle turning into your ROW is a killer.
Glad y'all survived.

Many years ago, near hits from people in rural areas on a cross road when I am on a state highway.
They did not stop for the stop sign.
In this day and age many do not stop when they make a right turn.

Lights are my friend.
Before I added aux lights I would ride with High beam on in the daytime.
If I thought someone was going to make a turn a little L/R on the handlebar to put some light in their eyes.

Since then I have added aux lights.
It helps immensely.
Riding in the late evening into night I dimmed them down a few weeks ago.
Two vehicles at different places created concern.
I should have left my aux lights on high power setting.
It was a Friday night and people going places in a hurry.
Stay alert! Observe. Plan for action.

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Welcome to the forum! First, I'm glad you're back in the saddle despite your horrible accident. It sounds to me like you're doing the right things by taking the MSF course, gearing up, practicing skills and making yourself as visible as possible. As Hans said, more lights increase visibility, but you're wise to be vigilant at all times, day and night.

There are lots of YouTube videos about riding skills and safety. Some are better than others. Watch some of those when you can. My personal favorites are MCrider and Motorman.

For keeping your bike in top shape, you've found an excellent resource in the VTXOA. Many folks here with many years of experience and lots of solid, practical advice.

Finally, the more you ride and practice your strategy and skills, the less terrified you will be, but a little healthy fear and constant awareness is healthy for safe riding. Enjoy the ride and be safe. Welcome!

Welcome. I had all the ts Suzuki's out there except the 185 I did not.

Welcome from Daytona Beach, enjoy and ride safely.

Welcome to the forum, Me and my 04 1800 was broad sided by a full grown Rottweiler one morning on my way to work around 4am. While I was still in bandages from the road rash I bought my current bike. Ride safe. Just an added note, this year my 07 Avalanche was totaled by a cow less than a 1/4 mile from the same spot on the farm to market hwy.