The Emotional Thread that Ties us to Motorcycling

[Kframe]

Originally Posted by miker

Kris, you really should credit the writer when you plagiarise their work. "Zen and the art....." If I'm not mistaken

It is, however, one of the best descriptions of why a person rides. The other? Ask a dog why they hang their head out the window of a moving car, they're the only other beings who might understand it.

Mick

You're right, that is where I "heard" it.

-K

[mistermellow001]

I really can't say if there's a common thread, but others may feel, as I do, that motorcycle riding is like a drug - a unique concoction of design aesthetics, the sound, the power and the wind. The experience of cutting through space feels like my little secret, a pleasure that only I know, and the guy sitting inside the car next to me doesn't understand. I am not him, and he is not me. My swiftness is negotiated and shared between me and my Bonneville, and the open road in front of me is all mine.

[iceman]

..... its a feeling thats hard to put into words but involves the power,sound,sights and smells,camaraderie,danger,and satisfaction in getting it right.

Its not for everyone - but after 20 years without a bike - I know I am a biker

Sure there are risks but thats part of the challenge -to deal with them.

Grant

[steventhechef]

You hit the nail on the head Ice.

The buzz I get riding is like taking speed (not that I have ever done that of course, just from what I have heard ). Everything is going around you in slow motion while you ride about in wonderment at the world.

Time to think, time to feel, time to soak it up.

[shhs97]

All those responses are very well written and...theatrical. I am somewhat more simple. Car/Truck: 20mpg Motorcycle: 40 mpg. I've taken the Trident on severl long trips just because it meant a difference of $50 bucks in gas.

Also, if you want to go a little deeper...how many people bought their bikes (and still ride them) because of how you think OTHER PEOPLE will percieve you? Are you sure its the wind and freedom and adventure that makes riding your bike fun? 100%? or is some of it fun because you like the way you think others view you?

[Old Scratcher]

Also, if you want to go a little deeper...how many people bought their bikes (and still ride them) because of how you think OTHER PEOPLE will percieve you? Are you sure its the wind and freedom and adventure that makes riding your bike fun? 100%? or is some of it fun because you like the way you think others view you?[/quote]

I used to cop crap like that when I drove a convertible (Mazda MX5), & my answer is still the same as it was then.
I couldn't give a rat's rectum how other people percieve me, though I do care how I look on my bike/car (but that's entirely for my benefit). I'm also not trying to pick up girls (or boys), prove that my bike's faster/shinier/better/costs more than other's bikes, & I'm quite satisfied with the size of my manhood.
I like to ride because it's F.U.N. It's that simple, & requires no more analysis.

[Whisperinsmith]

Funny how posts come along just as one has a similar thought. Just yesterday I was smiling at the thought that motorcyclists cut right through the social spectrum. It's very rare that you encounter a fellow rider who isn't willing to share conversation about bikes. No matter if the other rider is a bank president, surgeon, electrician, student, plumber, scientist or just hard core drop-out. They all love to talk about motorcycles. Not many other social endeavors bring such diversity together.

As has been said often, to me it's as close to the feeling of flying while still on the ground. Glide baby, glide. Swoop and roll. Lean and smile.

I want to go ride now.

[StreetT675]

I started riding out of necessity (I went to college a fair way from where I lived) it was cheap and a quick way to get there. Mow I ride for the pleasure of it and occasionally into town to avoid parking charges. Today I went into town for an appointment and was walking past a gardener, a stone flipped out his mower and just missed me, we got talking and he had a Buell was there a good 30 minuites yabbering away and yes he as a great bloke funny how many motorcyclists are

[walt]

Originally Posted by shhs97

Also, if you want to go a little deeper...how many people bought their bikes (and still ride them) because of how you think OTHER PEOPLE will percieve you? Are you sure its the wind and freedom and adventure that makes riding your bike fun? 100%? or is some of it fun because you like the way you think others view you?

My first bike was a bobbed '54 650cc Triumph I bought back about 1962-63. I thought it sounded great and it sure looked cool to me. What others may have thought never occurred to me. I didn't even know how to ride.

After a month of "lessons" from a fellow serviceman I soloed, and a whole new world opened up for me. I never felt so free. Any problems of the day disappeared - it was just me, the bike, the sound, the wind, the roads - you could go on and on.

Today? I guess I am now maybe more conscious of how the bike looks, but about everything else I still feel the same.

[denman13]

I second Hedge's comment that it is simply a singular experience. While riding, my entire mind is usually focused on one task and it quiets the chatter of everyday life. Some folks have their iPods, BlueTeeth , and other gadgetry designed to make two-wheeled multi-tasking easier but when I get on the machine there is only me, my Trumpy and the road. Period! Pure zen!

It is also said that motorcycling is the closest experience to flying while on the ground. I believe it.