Passion, plain and simple, no passion no reason to live!

 

I have to go with what pf said, it's a passion, once the love of riding gets in your system, it never goes away.

 

It's my life blood. I *must* have it since it's the *only* vehicle I can use that hurts my back the least. So, I use it to grocery shop, doctor appointments, etc, etc. It also is fantastic on gas mileage which is a huge help for someone on a small fixed income like myself.

No matter what though, unless you're in the need to borrow money, like amounts greater than a couple thousand, then if you own other transportation *besides* the bike, sell the bike unless you're in a similar situation like me and actually *need* the bike over the other transportation (I own only my bike...no car or truck). For instance, my brother needed a few grand for some reason and borrowed it from our 80 year old mother during a time she was in desperate need of getting her teeth pulled for dentures. I found out later and e-mailed him and told him to pay her back right now and sell his bike since it wasn't a 'necessity' for him and his family.

Other than that, it's just as the saying goes, if people try to put you in that situation, just tell them 'If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand'. For me, riding since I was 8, has been a blast, a way to enjoy myself *more* than anything else I could or have done for pleasure (except sex!). Quit worrying about what people think you should do or why with your bike. If it's *yours*, and *you* like it, do as you please and tell 'em to **** off.

 

My wife love nice shoes and expensive purses. Having said that, once she asked me what was the need for me to own two Harleys, I said to her, " Honey, you have at least 75 pairs of nice and expensive shoes and who knows how many nice and expensive leather purses to match them and yet, you only have two feet...." Get my point?

 

It is therapy, a part of my psyche. During the winter when there is salt on the roads and I cannot ride for more than a week, my mood changes and I become that "grumpy bear", not to be anti-social, but not a nice forgiving person either. People actually notice the change in me between riding and non-riding times.

 

I consider it a hobby. and it's no one's business but mine. I don't question other people's hobbies or purchases

 

This is a funny post. Most everyone was saying you don't have to justify anything to anyone, as they were justifying why they have bikes. I'm in ND and about 5 months of winter to go. Go for a ride.

 

Next time you are at their house go look into the freezer. Anything you deem to be a "luxury " throw it into the trash. Things like icecream, steaks or frozen pies are all luxury items.
Then tell them they should shut TFU.

 

jealousy....maybe they need to get a life and the wife should reevaluate who her friends are

 

Why would you have to justify to anyone, specially relatives, how you spend your own money.
It appears to me that you are trying it justify to yourself on why you spent so much on your bike.