Why Do We Ride Motorcycles?

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by Alaskan, May 7, 2013.

  1. Alaskan

    Alaskan Member

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    How many times have you heard non-riders ask why you ride? "It is dangerous!" they exclaim. "Isn't life dangerous enough without adding to the risk?"

    I have considered responding to the question with, "Oh, is it dangerous? Wow! I didn't know that! Thanks for the information." I have also considered listing reasons for my obsession with riding, such as lower fuel costs, easy parking, fellowship of other riders, lower environmental impact, ease of commuting, and fun. But these are mere excuses.

    No, the main reason I love riding is precisely because it is dangerous and difficult. Nothing can be assumed - the road surface, obstacles, every corner, every shift, every stop, every start, every idiot in an SUV. Everything about the ride is demanding and every risk must be recognized and evaluated and managed. When I am riding I don't worry about the job or my kids' grades or the dandelions in the backyard. Riding requires complete attention. No daydreaming allowed! Nothing is more satisfying than entering a corner on the right line in the right gear and at the right speed. That takes full concentration, and that's what I love about riding.
     
  2. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    Great topic, and i agree 112.5 % with your thoughts.

    Why.......... is I'm so poor a 24 year old 'cycle is my only motorized transport, don't live on a bus line, and walking is so much damn slower.:crazy: And i'm lazy too. Can't afford no fancy motorcar on my SS checks, and cars are just "foul-smelling armchairs on four wheels" anyway !! **



    POP QUIZ: identify that quote.
     
    Last edited: May 7, 2013
  3. rangemaster

    rangemaster New Member

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    'The reason I do it is because if you do it wrong, it will kill you.
    If you think it's too dangerous then go home and cut your lawn and leave us to it.'
    - Guy Martin
     
  4. Durk

    Durk New Member

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    Because life sucks and it's pretty much the only time I am alone and happy.
     
  5. pacemaker

    pacemaker New Member

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    Because I can.
     
  6. DCS

    DCS New Member

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    Ouch durk!

    Rangemaster and Guy Martin and Alaskan pretty much nailed it.

    I also own 2 SUV's. One has a treefitty which I stomp all the time. The other is a 1990 runner, great climber and hunting rig.

    Lighten up.
     
  7. samboss260

    samboss260 New Member

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    To pick up chicks..... although my wife belts me when she hears this...
     
  8. NormK

    NormK New Member

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    Buggered if I know why I continue to do it, at the moment I have a badly busted up leg that has so much steel in it that it will be so heavy I will probably limp. I have busted up and plated both hips and a busted up ankle but I still do it. Don't ask me why. And from the broken hip, broken ankle and this broken leg the total damage to the 3 bikes was under $150. Infact when I broke my second hip the bloody bike wasn't even running, went to get on it and the sidestand folded up. still don't know why I do it.
     
  9. Mohawk

    Mohawk New Member

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    I prefer to reverse it & ask why don't They Ride ? But then I don't do golf, because I don't like it ! simples :)

    Pretty much everyone that I have given a ride on the back of my bike over the years always say "wow that was fun" & then temper it with "and scary" ! And that gentlemen, is the whole point, most things in life are boring & sanatised beyond belief. We as a species have NOT evolved to be slaves & live a boring live, we evolved to live in a dangerous environment & most get a kick out of some adrenaline in there system & riding a bike, immediately gives you a small dose to keep you on your toes.

    It's a very involving experience & you don't spend long thinking about other things, like flying an old world helicopter if you take your eye of the ball it will kill you !
    Nothing like a good dose of concentration to mclear the mind of all its niggling woes !

    As the Sun Screen song goes, "do something everyday that scares you & remeber sun screen" :)

    Have fun, be safe & just a little scared......
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2013
  10. John451

    John451 Member

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    While important to be continually mindful of its danger, I ride a motorcycle because riding is the place I've always been internally happiest.

    Magic moments with your children and Family are always special but different, sometimes it's important be selfish for your own sake and there is truth in the old saying " you never see a motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatrists office "
     
  11. JacksonAces

    JacksonAces New Member

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    Because I live in Europe, and here in Italy, gas is E 1.65 ... per Liter.

    That and there is nothing quite like riding through the Alps.

    ~Jack
     
  12. GreyVF750F

    GreyVF750F Member

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    If you have to ask why???? Then you still don't understand......grasshopper :cool:
     
  13. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    Thats it in a nut shell...combine everyones post...except for Derks...he needs therapy
     
  14. Metallican525

    Metallican525 New Member

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    Because "as I shifted in to 6th gear, I couldn't remember a damn word she said" Can't remember who's avatar that was, but it's a good one.
     
  15. Robclo

    Robclo New Member

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    Because in 2008 Canadian law abolished all restriction of speed for 2 wheeled vehicles.
     
  16. highway star

    highway star New Member

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    Because it's EXHILARATING! Been riding for 42 yrs.
     
  17. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    Got ya beat....49 years here in SoCal when it was nutten but horse ranchs and orange groves...shit I would fix 5 flats aday from the ranchs throughin nails
     
  18. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    Robclo.....is that true?
     
  19. zombie

    zombie New Member

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    SSSSHHHHHHHH!!!
    Now they will all want to come up here.....
     
  20. Robclo

    Robclo New Member

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    The German and Italian motorcycle manufacturers targeted Canada to test future models, lot's of lobbying monies got dumped into 4 Province's, they new Quecec would follow suit, and volla, no more restriction of speed outside city limit's.
    Although, UFO sightings went up significantly.
     
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