Now that it's officially winter on the top half of the planet, I'd like to pose a question. I have a friend that bought a 2008 Street Glide 45 minutes after completing the MSC course and before all the customizing was done had about $30G invested into it (in part trying to keep up with a couple of other friends who were doing the same). In 2 1/2 years he rode 12,000 miles (this is CA where there's year round riding). After a fallout he became somewhat discouraged and sold the bike for just under $18G. We've talked quite a bit since then and after admitting he seems to be missing not having a bike, he wants to get a Softtail Classic, do very little to it and ride.

What all this brings me to is what is your feelings about the value of riding compared to the value of the machine itself. There is no doubt there are people that take either end to the extreme, but I suspect most of us lie somewhere in the middle balencing it out.

I value and enjoy the King (especially after the Burgman 650 and the Vulcan 900), but if were something else or nothing at all, I believe I'd still ride. Yes I've done some upgrading to my sled, but not a whole lot and do want it to look and perform the way that pleases me. On the other hand, appearances seem to melt away when I'm out on the road taking in the scenery, feeling the asphalt beneath me with the wind blowing by with the open air. The best I can desribe it is movoing in the groove of the best life has to offer. This all seems to transend the culutre of owning a Harley and blocks out any thought of whether or not I'm a poser or not and don't see anyone who truely enjoys riding as one. I know there are weekend warriors who spend the bucks and stand around believing they're slick, hip and cool, but it's what lies in the heart of it all that spells out the truth. I've seen some pretty happy people on some pretty feeble looking machinery and they seem to understand something special in all this.

I know I'm just rambling, but I thought I'd give some of you a chance to chip in on what really is the heart of it all....
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To me it is the ride. However the ride never seems to be as good on anything other then a Harley.

Some of the older British bikes come close but I have never (and I've ridden ALLOT of different bikes) ridden anything that is as much of a joy to ride as Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

 

....+1

 

It's all of it! the whole package and what you can get out of it for yourself. I can't get enough of any of it.

 

For me it always comes down to "the ride" but have to admit I enjoy a mod here and there. Guess I like the whole deal.....

 

It's all about the ride imo.

I love my Harley, very glad I could afford one. If I couldn't I'd be having just as much fun on a ten year old XJR1300 or similar though.

Best feeling in the world for me is riding on a hot summers day, looking in my mirror at my brothers behind me knowing I've got a weekend of riding, drinking and good times ahead of me.

 

I've spent a small fortune on bikes over the years,but I have slowed down now.My 2010 Ultra is basicly stock with a few chrome pieces and a seat.Planing on adding a Sirrus radio but that's about it.

 

Well, the ride first (four wheelers blow my hair back too!)...the machine is secondary most of the time

 

To me it is a mixture of man, moment & machine.

 

To me it's all about the machine........I'm trying to dump as much cash into the bike as I can, no literally, I stuffed the seat with hundred dollar bills. Now I am too afraid to ride it so I usually trailer it to the alley behind the bar and ride it out front, you know, for the full effect. I have put 14 miles on the bike in the last 2 years and I feel bad cause that is a lot!!!!!!!!