Been riding since I was 12, got sponsored to road/drag/motocross race for a few years (Kawasaki and Yamaha) and I've met the ground rapidly more times than I care to remember. The worst I got hurt was on a bike when I was t-boned by a cage, and some of the most fun I've ever had has been on a bike. Racing any format is a blast.
Motorcycles have taken me places I'd never have known about, introduced me to new friends everywhere I've lived, and sometimes 'ride therapy' has been what kept me sane. I've had great times on bikes, I've had some that made me laugh out loud into my helmet because just riding them was so damn much fun. I've had little bikes, still have two XR250Rs, and big bikes, up to 1205cc (race bike) and my KTM 990 that would go 100mph on dirt roads. I've been clocked at 151mph on a dark night, and the worst dirt accident I ever had was at zero mph.
Riding a bike, you're outdoors. You smell fresh cut grass, the temperature changes going past an orchard with the sprinklers on, and you pay more attention to the weather overall.
Are they dangerous? Can be. ATTGATT, All The Gear All The Time. Full face helmet, boots/gloves, armored jacket, kevlar jeans. As I get older I'd rather sweat than bleed.
Keep your stories about your buddy who died, seen that- right in front of me. Don't want to hear about the guy you know who lost a leg or broke every bone in his body, whatever. Don't want to hear about the time you wrecked horribly, unless there's a lesson to impart. BTDT, got the scars. I'm going to ride, and have fun, as long as I'm able. I accept the risks. I'll be riding until they have to lift me on/off, then I'll buy a sidehack and find a pilot.
1911fan