I learned on dirt bikes when I was 11. Rode street bikes when I got older, but now... street bikes scare me. I've lost too many friends on them. Dirt is much more forgiving than pavement or cars!
Its true, the road is very dangerous for a biker. Thats why I am of the firm belief that loud pipes saves lives. My first Harley was an 883 Sportster and it was so quiet that it sounded like a rice burner. Couldn’t have that! Found an add on Ebay for some mufflers for that bike the was guaranteed to p*ss your neighbour off. Thats me!!! I let the missus ride it one day and from my house I could hear her down shifting for some curves about 3 miles from the house.