Why I Ride.

[infonavigator]

Most of the time I ride my 2006 Vulcan 900 Classic. My commute to work is about 40 miles each way and I try to ride several times a week, but in traffic isn't much fun.

On the weekends I can ride near home. US 1 winds through this part of rural Florida and I'll ride my yellow 250cc scooter. I'll wait for Harleys to ride by and then chase them down on my yellow scooter. Now that's a fun-filled Saturday night.

[Spartanfan23]

I'm confused. what did you learn?

[infonavigator]

The joy of riding transcends what you ride.

[lilredridingliz]

Originally Posted by infonavigator

The joy of riding transcends what you ride.

Awesome!

[topolover]

If I could put a fridge, a microwave and a toilet on my bike, you'd never get me off it!

[CTRider]

If you didn't have the fridge and the microwave, you wouldn't need the toilet...

[WifesKaw-500]

I think the new GoldWings have a fridge, microwave, and thunderstool.

[tnhunter]

The new Goldwings dont need a fridge, they are Cool......microwave comes with a toaster though.

[CTRider]

Originally Posted by tnhunter

The new Goldwings dont need a fridge, they are Cool......microwave comes with a toaster though.

Nah, that's the George Foreman Grill add-on with built in bun warmer...for both types.

[KZBob]

Posted by a bud of mine from another Kaw forum...

Why do you ride?

I ride because it is fun.

I ride because I enjoy the freedom I feel from being exposed to the elements, and the vulnerability to the danger that is intrinsic to riding.

I do not ride because it is fashionable to do so.

I ride my machine, not wear it. My machine is not a symbol of status. It exists simply for me, and me alone.

My machine is not a toy. It is an extension of my being, and I will treat it accordingly, with the same respect as I have for myself.

I strive to understand the inner-workings of my machine, from the most basic to the most complex.

I will learn everything I can about my machine, so that I am reliant upon no one but myself for its health and well being.

I strive to constantly better my skill of control over my machine. I will learn its limits, and use my skill to become one with my machine so that we may keep each other alive. I am the master, it is the servant. Working together in harmony, we will become an invincible team.

I do not fear death. I will, however, do all possible to avoid death prematurely. Fear is the enemy, not death. Fear on the highway leads to death, therefore I will not let fear be my master. I will master it.

My machines will outlive me. Therefore, they are my legacy. I will care for them for future bikers to cherish as I have cherished them, whoever they may be.

I do not ride to gain attention, respect, or fear from those that do NOT ride, nor do I wish to intimidate or annoy them. For those that do not know me, all I wish from them is to ignore me. For those that desire to know me, I will share with them the truth of myself, so that they might understand me and not fear others like me.

I will never be the aggressor on the highway. However, should others mess with me, their aggression will be dealt with in as severe manner as I can cast upon them.

I will show respect to other bikers more experienced or knowledgeable than I am. I will learn from them all I can. However, if my respect is not acknowledged or appreciated, it will end.

I will not show disrespect to other bikers less experienced or knowledgeable than I am. I will teach them what I can. However, if they show me disrespect, they will be slapped.

It will be my task to mentor new riders, that so desire, into the lifestyle of the biker, so that the breed shall continue. I shall instruct them, as I have been instructed by those before me. I shall preserve and honor traditions of bikers before me, and I will pass them on unaltered.

I will not judge other bikers on their choice of machine, their appearance, or their profession. I will judge them only on their conduct as bikers. I am proud of my accomplishments as a biker, though I will not flaunt them to others. If they ask, I will share them.

I will stand ready to help any other biker that truly needs my help.

I will never ask another biker to do for me what I can do for myself.

I am not a part-time biker. I am a biker when, and where ever I go. I am proud to be a biker, and hide my chosen lifestyle from no one. I ride because I love freedom, independence, and the movement of the ground beneath me. But most of all, I ride to better understand myself, my machine, the lands in which I ride, and to seek out and know other bikers like myself.

~Author Unknown~

[topolover]

I like it because it's cheap.

[Nate]

Doug, a.k.a. Scrapper over at KZ Rider, modified the list KZBob posted as follows:

To reply to my own post :::

It's an interesting question. I ran down the list and modified it to suit my outlook. Here's MY (and no-one else's) outlook on riding:

I ride because it's fun

I ride because when I'm on my motorcycle, I'm totally alert .

I ride because I love tinkering on and customizsing my motorcycles to my own tastes.

My motorcycle is a machine that facilitates my riding. It is neither a symbol or a legacy. Should it break or be superseded by a machine with superior abilities, it will be replaced. My family, friends, and other living beings come first because machines can be replaced, but lives cannot.

I enjoy learning the 'how' and 'why' of motorcycle design and maintenance. I hope that others will feel the same desire, but I understand if they don't.

I ride because motorcycles are morally superior to cars. Cars lie and tell you that you are an invincible, multi-ton metal monster. Motorcycles tell you that you are small, vulnerable, and life is easily lost. This is the truth of the human condition.

I strive to better my skills by testing myself and by reading materials that will help me be a better rider.

I will always try to keep my motorcycle in top condition, both to help make my riding safe and fun, and so I'm not a burden to other riders and the other people on the road.

I will never respond to aggression on the highway. To pit my motorcycle against a car or truck is a fool's game.

I will show respect to more experienced motorcyclists and try to learn from them, even if that respect is not returned. My respect is a reflection of MY character, in the same way that their lack of respect is a reflection of theirs.

I will show respect and try to help less experienced motorcyclist, but I will not try to force my views down their throats.

I will always stop and check on a motorcycle rider parked by the side of the road.

I will allow other riders to do things for me if they enjoy doing those things. If possible, I will ask them to teach me so I may come to enjoy those things as well.

I ride. But I will also respect the wishes and needs of my family and the people around me. Ultimately, my riding is not more important than my friends and family.

I much prefer Scrap's version as I eschew the term "biker".

As a "pull quote", I submit this excerpt: I ride because motorcycles are morally superior to cars. Cars lie and tell you that you are an invincible, multi-ton metal monster. Motorcycles tell you that you are small, vulnerable, and life is easily lost. This is the truth of the human condition.

[joeyl13]

I ride because it saves me a lot on gas.

[KZBob]

Hiya Nate!

Yuppers I saw Dougs repost on Kawpen as well, nicely put.

[WickedCobra03]

I personally ride because:

-it keeps me from going crazy with my Pre-med stuff(driving sports cars and motorcycles is like the only thing that relaxes me...not even recklessly but just getting on and going for a cruise)

-its more fun than cars

-parking is like 23 bucks a semester compared to several hundred for a cage to part down at University

-A ton more fuel efficient, and I would say more than 75% of the time I drive I am only carrying myself around.

-More connected with the drive and nature in general, makes taking senic drives much more hands on if that makes sense rather than sitting in a car with the windows rolled up and whatever...