Why do we do it?
Discussion
I often get asked by non-motorcyclists why I enjoy motorcycling so much especially, when they hear how much bike/kit/servicing/petrol/tyres etc. cost. I am often informed that I could “buy/run a car for that!” (as if I didn’t already know that! 
) and that I could keep warm and dry at the same time. It is also pointed out to me that while many journeys are quicker by bike, adding the time to get the kit on/off makes the overall time about the same, and that the car driver does not have the hastle of having to find safe storage/carry around helmet, waterproofs, gloves and other “biking paraphernalia”.
It is also been pointed out to me just how “dangerous”
my chosen hobby is and how impractical (as a family man) it is. I’m sure I’m not alone in receiving these comments!
So, I thought I’d ask those here on the forum the 2 questions I get asked:-
1) Why do you ride a motorcycle?
2) What part of motorcycling appeals most to you?
For me, I find it hard to answer but I’ll give it a go.
1) I ride a motorcycle for a number of reasons. There is nothing else on the road that offers anything like the levels of performance for the same costs, especially as the performance is mostly usable and beneficial when on the public road. I enjoy the “technical challenges” of riding quickly and safely. I love being able to filter past traffic congestion and most of all, I love the “freedom” that comes from just me and my bike out on the road.
2) The best bit is the challenge of riding on roads, quickly and safely. For me, there is nothing quite like completing a stretch of well surfaced, sweeping road (preferably in a location with good scenery) and thinking “that was fast, smooth and above all safe”. If it’s a stretch of road I’ve not driven before then that’s even better.
Over to you!
) and that I could keep warm and dry at the same time. It is also pointed out to me that while many journeys are quicker by bike, adding the time to get the kit on/off makes the overall time about the same, and that the car driver does not have the hastle of having to find safe storage/carry around helmet, waterproofs, gloves and other “biking paraphernalia”. It is also been pointed out to me just how “dangerous”
my chosen hobby is and how impractical (as a family man) it is. I’m sure I’m not alone in receiving these comments! So, I thought I’d ask those here on the forum the 2 questions I get asked:-
1) Why do you ride a motorcycle?
2) What part of motorcycling appeals most to you?
For me, I find it hard to answer but I’ll give it a go.
1) I ride a motorcycle for a number of reasons. There is nothing else on the road that offers anything like the levels of performance for the same costs, especially as the performance is mostly usable and beneficial when on the public road. I enjoy the “technical challenges” of riding quickly and safely. I love being able to filter past traffic congestion and most of all, I love the “freedom” that comes from just me and my bike out on the road.
2) The best bit is the challenge of riding on roads, quickly and safely. For me, there is nothing quite like completing a stretch of well surfaced, sweeping road (preferably in a location with good scenery) and thinking “that was fast, smooth and above all safe”. If it’s a stretch of road I’ve not driven before then that’s even better.
Over to you!
black-k1 said:
1) Why do you ride a motorcycle?
For fun only...
Because to purchase equal performance from four wheels would cost a crazy amount. The guilt is less knowing that you haven't launched 30+K.
black-k1 said:
2) What part of motorcycling appeals most to you?
Traffic doesn't matter. My Elise (111R) was a great car but no way compared to the experience of being out in the open where fun is had even just cruising along. Riding with your mates is such good fun - I imagine cruising with other car users is a little dull when you're having to wait for overtaking opportunities. Also, there's the acceleration - my GSXR is just supersonic and would leave almost all cars standing! There is also a real sense of camaraderie with bikes as well - really feel like you're part of something bigger. The Lotus ownership experience was cool but the ownership with bikes doesn't end with the one make - respect goes out to all riders with all makes of bike.
>> Edited by shot2bits on Monday 15th May 12:12
1) I think for me it's partly that sense of freedom that you simply never get in a car but also the fact that it's time spent with just you and your machine.
My comute to and from work is perhaps the only part of the day when I get total peace, away from the stresses of everything and without anyone/anything requiring my attention! That's certainly something that you'd never get in a car (with the radio blaring and the phone ringing!) and something that just laughable when you even consider stepping on the Underground..
2) And surely the thrill of filtering through heavy traffic in the morning rush hour has to be up there as one of its greatest satisfactions..?
My comute to and from work is perhaps the only part of the day when I get total peace, away from the stresses of everything and without anyone/anything requiring my attention! That's certainly something that you'd never get in a car (with the radio blaring and the phone ringing!) and something that just laughable when you even consider stepping on the Underground..
2) And surely the thrill of filtering through heavy traffic in the morning rush hour has to be up there as one of its greatest satisfactions..?
1) Well, it doesn't have to be expensive. For me it fits my philosophy that having a lot of money is not a prerequisite for having a good time. On the MZ, tax is in the lowest band, insurance is peanuts, and it does 65mpg. So minimal amounts of dosh go to the robbing bastards.
And also, it is fun - pretty well always. The MZ is no ball of fire but even slow bikes are fun whereas slow cars tend not to be (there are exceptions). The times when it is not fun are pretty limited, such as when you can't see where you're going because of the snow landing on your visor, or some t
t in a car is 6 inches off your arse on a greasy roundabout.
2) The immersivity (sorry) of the experience. As Robert Pirsig says, in a car you're basically just watching the scenery on TV, whereas on a bike you're part of it. And the machine itself, with its responsiveness and the minimal movement required on the controls, becomes much more an extension of your body than a car does. You can forget you're on a machine at all, and feel like Superman flying down the lanes at zero feet.
And also, it is fun - pretty well always. The MZ is no ball of fire but even slow bikes are fun whereas slow cars tend not to be (there are exceptions). The times when it is not fun are pretty limited, such as when you can't see where you're going because of the snow landing on your visor, or some t
t in a car is 6 inches off your arse on a greasy roundabout. 2) The immersivity (sorry) of the experience. As Robert Pirsig says, in a car you're basically just watching the scenery on TV, whereas on a bike you're part of it. And the machine itself, with its responsiveness and the minimal movement required on the controls, becomes much more an extension of your body than a car does. You can forget you're on a machine at all, and feel like Superman flying down the lanes at zero feet.
motorcycling is always a journey, not just getting from a to b. I feel more relaxed and satisfied when I arrive somewhere by bike. Something you just don't get in a car. My last "real" car was a super 7. it came close! but the only thing better on my budget was a bike. To be honest, I'm probably quicker in a good car on an country road, but thats not the point; the bike is more involving and much less stressful, especially in town.
To anyone who's never been on a bike, they just don't get it; but dogs who hang their heads out of the car window, they have a clue!
Also, the solidarity between motorcyclists, you'll never be left on the side of the road.
Desmo.
To anyone who's never been on a bike, they just don't get it; but dogs who hang their heads out of the car window, they have a clue!
Also, the solidarity between motorcyclists, you'll never be left on the side of the road.
Desmo.
black-k1 said:
So, I thought I’d ask those here on the forum the 2 questions I get asked:-
1) Why do you ride a motorcycle?
2) What part of motorcycling appeals most to you?
Answer)
1: Because I can!
2: Motorcycling appeals to me because I can pull 100mph wheelies, I can out accelerate anything, I can fit through gaps, I can get my knee down (pointless on the road but I can), I can scare myself silly, I can laugh at my friends who say I must be mad, I can ride anything from a scooter to a superbike and always have fun, I meet like minded people who also get it and realise that life is to be lived and not worry too much, and lots of other reasons but you know what I mean
On a bank holiday I won't even consider taking a car anywhere - always a bike.
I like going fast and can keep a good pace up on a bike. Traffic means I just end up losing my rhythm if I'm in a car. Bikes are so liberating, like a breath of fresh air. And the novelty of being able to go from 40 to 100 in the blink of an eye, in one gear takes some beating too.
But some of my most memorable rides have been on 125 off roaders in places like Thailand (£2-3 per day) like this mean machine, which is all the bike you need on the islands. Anything more can be a liability. When you ride through a small town at night with the music, the sights and the smells you get a sense of immersion you can never achieve in car.
I like going fast and can keep a good pace up on a bike. Traffic means I just end up losing my rhythm if I'm in a car. Bikes are so liberating, like a breath of fresh air. And the novelty of being able to go from 40 to 100 in the blink of an eye, in one gear takes some beating too.
But some of my most memorable rides have been on 125 off roaders in places like Thailand (£2-3 per day) like this mean machine, which is all the bike you need on the islands. Anything more can be a liability. When you ride through a small town at night with the music, the sights and the smells you get a sense of immersion you can never achieve in car.
Black-K1 asks why and what appeals most?
For me it’s difficult to separate the two questions, lots of things appeal to me about riding motorcycles, that’s why I ride them.
In no particular order:
Because it’s challenging, no matter how much you ride there is always something else to learn, or discover. A new road-craft skill or observation, improved bike handling, a greater understanding of how the machine works, or just a previously unknown “fantastic road” Every ride, there is something new.
Because it’s absorbing, my mind is completely clear when I ride my bike, only focussed on what is happening around me (and what I am doing). There is no time to think about the worries and cares of everyday life.
Because you meet so many good people on bikes, the kind of people who stop what they are doing and go out of their way to help someone else, just because they also ride a motorcycle and are in a jam.
Because it’s (usually) warmer, faster and more comfortable than skiing!
Because bikes are such great value, the development budget for a new bike gets spent on performance and handling, not heated rear screens or cup holders etc
But mainly because it puts a huge grin on my face every single time.
For me it’s difficult to separate the two questions, lots of things appeal to me about riding motorcycles, that’s why I ride them.
In no particular order:
Because it’s challenging, no matter how much you ride there is always something else to learn, or discover. A new road-craft skill or observation, improved bike handling, a greater understanding of how the machine works, or just a previously unknown “fantastic road” Every ride, there is something new.
Because it’s absorbing, my mind is completely clear when I ride my bike, only focussed on what is happening around me (and what I am doing). There is no time to think about the worries and cares of everyday life.
Because you meet so many good people on bikes, the kind of people who stop what they are doing and go out of their way to help someone else, just because they also ride a motorcycle and are in a jam.
Because it’s (usually) warmer, faster and more comfortable than skiing!
Because bikes are such great value, the development budget for a new bike gets spent on performance and handling, not heated rear screens or cup holders etc
But mainly because it puts a huge grin on my face every single time.
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