Why don't more performance car enthusiasts ride motorbikes?
Discussion
Hungrymc said:
How many motorcyclists say they ride for the sheer speed? The speed is fun, but very secondary to......
The “experience” of riding a bike.... That is an even bigger gap to modern cars compared to cars of 20 years ago.
This is the perfect distillation of the matter at hand. Speed is utterly secondary to the enjoyment of just riding a bike. Particularly as cars have only bloated to new levels of bulk and numbness in their response, the tactile sensation of riding and the enjoyment it provides is more vital than ever. There is a bike for every occasion. I love sports bikes but I'd jump through hoops for a chance to cross America on a Goldwing.The “experience” of riding a bike.... That is an even bigger gap to modern cars compared to cars of 20 years ago.
If you can't get your balls out of your wife's purse though, cars are a decent second.
Rawwr said:
This really needs to stop. It's fantastical to think bikers ride for speed.
Eh? I think I can count the number of times I've seen a bike sit in traffic obeying the limit on one hand! They're ALWAYS speeding everywhere. Speed is a definitive reason to ride a bike let's be honest!thecremeegg said:
Eh? I think I can count the number of times I've seen a bike sit in traffic obeying the limit on one hand! They're ALWAYS speeding everywhere.
I saw a car breaking the speed limit once, though I'll freely admit that it may have been a dream. Then again, if you're doing the speed limit and a bike is doing the speed limit a mile away from you, you wouldn't know about it, would you? I mean, that's just science.thecremeegg said:
Speed is a definitive reason to ride a bike let's be honest!
No. It's not.thecremeegg said:
Rawwr said:
This really needs to stop. It's fantastical to think bikers ride for speed.
Eh? I think I can count the number of times I've seen a bike sit in traffic obeying the limit on one hand! They're ALWAYS speeding everywhere. Speed is a definitive reason to ride a bike let's be honest!No?
Interesting topic.
Since a young age watching the old 500 MotoGP class with the likes of Doohan, Kenny Jnr, Criville, Gibernau and a young Rossi I have always loved bikes.
Going to see the World Superbikes in its glory years with Neil Hodgson winning at a packed out Brands Hatch was a particular highlight, and the longing for a Ducati 996 has never really gone away. When I first saw a Paningale Tricolore I thought it was one of the most amazing looking machines in the world.
However, I have never even so much as considered actually buying a bike or learning to ride. The main reason for me is that they are too much of a compromise for my lifestyle. In my opinion they are too impractical to use as a regular mode of transport and too indulgent as something fun to play with on the weekend.
The beauty of the performance car is that you; can do your commute, weekly shop, visit friends/family with your partner/wife, go on road trips or touring holidays, stop off for lunch somewhere quickly and comfortably, all with such ease that a bike just seems like hassle. That's before you have to think about the additional costs of servicing, maintaining and insuring a second vehicle and more importantly storing one which is no easy feat when you live in a flat with no garage.
I am sure that the feeling of riding a bike at speed down a nice road is enthralling but I get my weekend kicks from racing 2 stroke karts and for me that experience can never be replicated on public roads. Battling for positions within a pack of 30 karts, matched by drivers within a few tenths of a second, inches from the ground is something I wouldn't want to give up. And once again the beauty of the car is that I can enjoy driving to the various circuits whilst carrying all of my race gear and accompanying luggage so it becomes the best of both worlds.
I have huge respect for bikers and enjoy seeing them out on the roads but ultimately I still have no real desire to find out for myself what it is like.
Since a young age watching the old 500 MotoGP class with the likes of Doohan, Kenny Jnr, Criville, Gibernau and a young Rossi I have always loved bikes.
Going to see the World Superbikes in its glory years with Neil Hodgson winning at a packed out Brands Hatch was a particular highlight, and the longing for a Ducati 996 has never really gone away. When I first saw a Paningale Tricolore I thought it was one of the most amazing looking machines in the world.
However, I have never even so much as considered actually buying a bike or learning to ride. The main reason for me is that they are too much of a compromise for my lifestyle. In my opinion they are too impractical to use as a regular mode of transport and too indulgent as something fun to play with on the weekend.
The beauty of the performance car is that you; can do your commute, weekly shop, visit friends/family with your partner/wife, go on road trips or touring holidays, stop off for lunch somewhere quickly and comfortably, all with such ease that a bike just seems like hassle. That's before you have to think about the additional costs of servicing, maintaining and insuring a second vehicle and more importantly storing one which is no easy feat when you live in a flat with no garage.
I am sure that the feeling of riding a bike at speed down a nice road is enthralling but I get my weekend kicks from racing 2 stroke karts and for me that experience can never be replicated on public roads. Battling for positions within a pack of 30 karts, matched by drivers within a few tenths of a second, inches from the ground is something I wouldn't want to give up. And once again the beauty of the car is that I can enjoy driving to the various circuits whilst carrying all of my race gear and accompanying luggage so it becomes the best of both worlds.
I have huge respect for bikers and enjoy seeing them out on the roads but ultimately I still have no real desire to find out for myself what it is like.
Mr R said:
Interesting topic.
Since a young age watching the old 500 MotoGP class with the likes of Doohan, Kenny Jnr, Criville, Gibernau and a young Rossi I have always loved bikes.
Going to see the World Superbikes in its glory years with Neil Hodgson winning at a packed out Brands Hatch was a particular highlight, and the longing for a Ducati 996 has never really gone away. When I first saw a Paningale Tricolore I thought it was one of the most amazing looking machines in the world.
However, I have never even so much as considered actually buying a bike or learning to ride. The main reason for me is that they are too much of a compromise for my lifestyle. In my opinion they are too impractical to use as a regular mode of transport and too indulgent as something fun to play with on the weekend.
The beauty of the performance car is that you; can do your commute, weekly shop, visit friends/family with your partner/wife, go on road trips or touring holidays, stop off for lunch somewhere quickly and comfortably, all with such ease that a bike just seems like hassle. That's before you have to think about the additional costs of servicing, maintaining and insuring a second vehicle and more importantly storing one which is no easy feat when you live in a flat with no garage.
I am sure that the feeling of riding a bike at speed down a nice road is enthralling but I get my weekend kicks from racing 2 stroke karts and for me that experience can never be replicated on public roads. Battling for positions within a pack of 30 karts, matched by drivers within a few tenths of a second, inches from the ground is something I wouldn't want to give up. And once again the beauty of the car is that I can enjoy driving to the various circuits whilst carrying all of my race gear and accompanying luggage so it becomes the best of both worlds.
I have huge respect for bikers and enjoy seeing them out on the roads but ultimately I still have no real desire to find out for myself what it is like.
Mostly fair. I wouldn't totally agree with all the comments regarding extra hassle but it's reasonable.Since a young age watching the old 500 MotoGP class with the likes of Doohan, Kenny Jnr, Criville, Gibernau and a young Rossi I have always loved bikes.
Going to see the World Superbikes in its glory years with Neil Hodgson winning at a packed out Brands Hatch was a particular highlight, and the longing for a Ducati 996 has never really gone away. When I first saw a Paningale Tricolore I thought it was one of the most amazing looking machines in the world.
However, I have never even so much as considered actually buying a bike or learning to ride. The main reason for me is that they are too much of a compromise for my lifestyle. In my opinion they are too impractical to use as a regular mode of transport and too indulgent as something fun to play with on the weekend.
The beauty of the performance car is that you; can do your commute, weekly shop, visit friends/family with your partner/wife, go on road trips or touring holidays, stop off for lunch somewhere quickly and comfortably, all with such ease that a bike just seems like hassle. That's before you have to think about the additional costs of servicing, maintaining and insuring a second vehicle and more importantly storing one which is no easy feat when you live in a flat with no garage.
I am sure that the feeling of riding a bike at speed down a nice road is enthralling but I get my weekend kicks from racing 2 stroke karts and for me that experience can never be replicated on public roads. Battling for positions within a pack of 30 karts, matched by drivers within a few tenths of a second, inches from the ground is something I wouldn't want to give up. And once again the beauty of the car is that I can enjoy driving to the various circuits whilst carrying all of my race gear and accompanying luggage so it becomes the best of both worlds.
I have huge respect for bikers and enjoy seeing them out on the roads but ultimately I still have no real desire to find out for myself what it is like.
My next door neighbour has a lovely Ducati. He takes it out once a week if it's dry for a two hour ride up through the hills. Beautiful roads, beautiful scenery, and a 60mph speed limit. I really appreciate bike, and I'm sure my neigbour enjoys his rides, but I can't see that he enjoys it any more than I would in my car.
The fact bikes are more 'hassle' can't be avoided. The hop in and hop out scenario that exists with a car doesn't with a bike, if only due to what you wear on the bike and have to continue wearing, store or lug around with you when you stop. It is a pain in the ass.
The flipside is that the performance is way more usable anytime, even in the wet, because the tin boxes are minor obstacles rather than major ones. If I go out in the car then I will be continually held up by other drivers that frequently go out of their way to obstruct progress and resent being overtaken (flashing lights, straddling the white line etc). Go out on the bike and the cars are still tiresome but there is always a way past them.
I did 400 miles in the car (not the daily) last year. It's too frustrating.
And perhaps 4000 on the bikes.
The flipside is that the performance is way more usable anytime, even in the wet, because the tin boxes are minor obstacles rather than major ones. If I go out in the car then I will be continually held up by other drivers that frequently go out of their way to obstruct progress and resent being overtaken (flashing lights, straddling the white line etc). Go out on the bike and the cars are still tiresome but there is always a way past them.
I did 400 miles in the car (not the daily) last year. It's too frustrating.
And perhaps 4000 on the bikes.
Mr R said:
Interesting topic.
Since a young age watching the old 500 MotoGP class with the likes of Doohan, Kenny Jnr, Criville, Gibernau and a young Rossi I have always loved bikes.
Going to see the World Superbikes in its glory years with Neil Hodgson winning at a packed out Brands Hatch was a particular highlight, and the longing for a Ducati 996 has never really gone away. When I first saw a Paningale Tricolore I thought it was one of the most amazing looking machines in the world.
....and just watch how so many bike racers hobble to the grid. Great racers but showing the scars. Don't generally see car racers limp, and assume both groups are equally elite athletes in their fields. That illustrates the enhanced risk differential. Some acknowledge and choose to accept the risk, others (for whatever personal choice) don't. Freedom of choiceSince a young age watching the old 500 MotoGP class with the likes of Doohan, Kenny Jnr, Criville, Gibernau and a young Rossi I have always loved bikes.
Going to see the World Superbikes in its glory years with Neil Hodgson winning at a packed out Brands Hatch was a particular highlight, and the longing for a Ducati 996 has never really gone away. When I first saw a Paningale Tricolore I thought it was one of the most amazing looking machines in the world.
One thing that I believe has been a real retrograde step for bike safety is the proliferation of daytime running lights on cars over the last few years. I always ride with my headlight on (I don't even have the option to turn it off if the ignition is on). 10 years ago, this made bikers stand out much more. With so many cars now having DRLs, some of which are pretty bright, I think this increased conspicuity has been somewhat diminished.
Equally, I'm a firm believer that loud exhausts save lives, especially from SMIDSYs at junctions. But that's another debate...
Equally, I'm a firm believer that loud exhausts save lives, especially from SMIDSYs at junctions. But that's another debate...
swerni said:
Rawwr said:
Mr R said:
Interesting topic.
Since a young age watching the old 500 MotoGP class with the likes of Doohan, Kenny Jnr, Criville, Gibernau and a young Rossi I have always loved bikes.
Going to see the World Superbikes in its glory years with Neil Hodgson winning at a packed out Brands Hatch was a particular highlight, and the longing for a Ducati 996 has never really gone away. When I first saw a Paningale Tricolore I thought it was one of the most amazing looking machines in the world.
However, I have never even so much as considered actually buying a bike or learning to ride. The main reason for me is that they are too much of a compromise for my lifestyle. In my opinion they are too impractical to use as a regular mode of transport and too indulgent as something fun to play with on the weekend.
The beauty of the performance car is that you; can do your commute, weekly shop, visit friends/family with your partner/wife, go on road trips or touring holidays, stop off for lunch somewhere quickly and comfortably, all with such ease that a bike just seems like hassle. That's before you have to think about the additional costs of servicing, maintaining and insuring a second vehicle and more importantly storing one which is no easy feat when you live in a flat with no garage.
I am sure that the feeling of riding a bike at speed down a nice road is enthralling but I get my weekend kicks from racing 2 stroke karts and for me that experience can never be replicated on public roads. Battling for positions within a pack of 30 karts, matched by drivers within a few tenths of a second, inches from the ground is something I wouldn't want to give up. And once again the beauty of the car is that I can enjoy driving to the various circuits whilst carrying all of my race gear and accompanying luggage so it becomes the best of both worlds.
I have huge respect for bikers and enjoy seeing them out on the roads but ultimately I still have no real desire to find out for myself what it is like.
Mostly fair. I wouldn't totally agree with all the comments regarding extra hassle but it's reasonable.Since a young age watching the old 500 MotoGP class with the likes of Doohan, Kenny Jnr, Criville, Gibernau and a young Rossi I have always loved bikes.
Going to see the World Superbikes in its glory years with Neil Hodgson winning at a packed out Brands Hatch was a particular highlight, and the longing for a Ducati 996 has never really gone away. When I first saw a Paningale Tricolore I thought it was one of the most amazing looking machines in the world.
However, I have never even so much as considered actually buying a bike or learning to ride. The main reason for me is that they are too much of a compromise for my lifestyle. In my opinion they are too impractical to use as a regular mode of transport and too indulgent as something fun to play with on the weekend.
The beauty of the performance car is that you; can do your commute, weekly shop, visit friends/family with your partner/wife, go on road trips or touring holidays, stop off for lunch somewhere quickly and comfortably, all with such ease that a bike just seems like hassle. That's before you have to think about the additional costs of servicing, maintaining and insuring a second vehicle and more importantly storing one which is no easy feat when you live in a flat with no garage.
I am sure that the feeling of riding a bike at speed down a nice road is enthralling but I get my weekend kicks from racing 2 stroke karts and for me that experience can never be replicated on public roads. Battling for positions within a pack of 30 karts, matched by drivers within a few tenths of a second, inches from the ground is something I wouldn't want to give up. And once again the beauty of the car is that I can enjoy driving to the various circuits whilst carrying all of my race gear and accompanying luggage so it becomes the best of both worlds.
I have huge respect for bikers and enjoy seeing them out on the roads but ultimately I still have no real desire to find out for myself what it is like.
Had the choice of several cars including a convertible.
Took the bike as the extra 2 minutes to get my gloves and helmet on saved me at least half an hour and had a fun ride instead of a stressful one sat in traffic in the car.
I once tried commuting in my Z06,trust me, sat in traffic in a “performance “ car isn’t fun.
Being a 2 seater, it’s also impossible to take the family out in.
It’s why you end up with multiple cars, there are always compromises.
If I was in a different situation with more flexibility then maybe I would consider a bike but the reasons above are my answer to the question posed.
Good to hear different views and opinions.
Rawwr said:
Rubber-Ducky said:
I'm a firm believer that loud exhausts save lives
I'm a firm believer that loud exhausts piss people off 
I agree that loud pipes don’t save lives, they just make a lot of unnecessary noise.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff