The ride vs. the machine!!
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island, BC
For us, its about the ride, or more specifically, the "Fun Factor". Let's face it, nowadays, having fun (usually costs money).
Lots of guys face the same issue about the cost of their fun no matter what blows their hair back. Some guys are into having a high powered ski boat, or airplanes, or scuba diving, or jet skis, etc, etc. Since we (more than likely) only get one crack at life, enjoying it is what its all about.
Having said that, there are many other things that are enjoyable as well such as being with a loving family, kids, etc. I know several guys who are into so many things and have so many toys, that their family has to go without stuff. I would draw the line there.
But as they say, "The difference between Men and Boys are the price of there toys"
Lots of guys face the same issue about the cost of their fun no matter what blows their hair back. Some guys are into having a high powered ski boat, or airplanes, or scuba diving, or jet skis, etc, etc. Since we (more than likely) only get one crack at life, enjoying it is what its all about.
Having said that, there are many other things that are enjoyable as well such as being with a loving family, kids, etc. I know several guys who are into so many things and have so many toys, that their family has to go without stuff. I would draw the line there.
But as they say, "The difference between Men and Boys are the price of there toys"
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin, by God!
For me it's the ride and the people. I've met the best people just by stopping into a dealer and having a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning before a day long ride. That to me is a lot of what it's all about.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 7
From: MN
To me, it is about both the ride and the machine, but the machine does not have to be some blinged out eyesore. Not to sound too zen or anything, but I like a bike that is the essence of the machine itself. The ride is not enhanced by over-chroming, pimped -out wheels and and double sided tape add ons and corny "Live To Ride" covers made in Taiwan.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
The heart of it in my opinion is having fun and enjoying whatever it is you are doing.
Some people love to ride and don't give a damn how their bike looks.
You know the type, an 07 883 sportster with 65,000 miles and looks every bit of those miles and the last time it was washed was when it rained last.
There are the other guys that love the bike. Extremely well cared for, 1500 or so miles a year, and every imaginable thing chromed with custom paint.
Both of these are fine, it is what each individual enjoys and I wouldn't knock the way either one chooses. We each have bikes for different reasons.
Some love the ride.
Some love the bike.
Some love the image.
Whatever floats their boat.
Some people love to ride and don't give a damn how their bike looks.
You know the type, an 07 883 sportster with 65,000 miles and looks every bit of those miles and the last time it was washed was when it rained last.
There are the other guys that love the bike. Extremely well cared for, 1500 or so miles a year, and every imaginable thing chromed with custom paint.
Both of these are fine, it is what each individual enjoys and I wouldn't knock the way either one chooses. We each have bikes for different reasons.
Some love the ride.
Some love the bike.
Some love the image.
Whatever floats their boat.
Gonzy
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 7
From: Foggy Coastside California
+1 Riding in itself, to me, is a catharsis that serves to purge any stress, or inhibitions that a body can harbor. The right machine at the right moment is the catalyst that propels one self in to the transcental moment when riders become one with their machine.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 432
Likes: 5
From: Tennessee
I absolutely love to ride and put on lots of miles.... much more than average. For me it is the ride and the comfort factor especially on long distance rides.
The Harley is nice but nothing special. Lots of good bikes out there.... this one just happens to fit me best. Unlike many here, I am not semi orgasmic with the "soul" or ride of the bike. It seems that people that are that enthralled with a machine just seem a little out of balance to me.
But to each his own.
R. Todd
The Harley is nice but nothing special. Lots of good bikes out there.... this one just happens to fit me best. Unlike many here, I am not semi orgasmic with the "soul" or ride of the bike. It seems that people that are that enthralled with a machine just seem a little out of balance to me.
But to each his own.
R. Todd
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,053
Likes: 12,327
From: Arkansas
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I've said it before, so I'll say it again... it's the wind in my face, the thunder that's under, and the call of the distant horizon. That I do it on a Road King only makes it better; but to each his own.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal
The ride- long story short got the itch 20something yrs ago. Deal for a Sportster fell thru, bought a car instead,
Six months ago was riding bicycles with my son, and we went down a steep hill and felt the wind in my hair and my face and thought sh*t-f**k a bicycle. I want a damn motorcycle. So I bought one and have NO REGRETS, I have washed it once and dont know when the next wash will be.
Six months ago was riding bicycles with my son, and we went down a steep hill and felt the wind in my hair and my face and thought sh*t-f**k a bicycle. I want a damn motorcycle. So I bought one and have NO REGRETS, I have washed it once and dont know when the next wash will be.