What is everyone's favorite thing about Riding?

[newbie1993]

I figure everyone would have their own opinion on this matter so maybe it'll be my first post that doesn't die in a few hours. What does everyone enjoy about riding motorcycles?

[Big Rich]

Like the idea..... 

Riding is like a unique kind of therapy. The openness all around you, so loud yet still so quiet. I can have the weight of the world on my shoulders, mind racing about different aspects of life......get on a bike and don't think about anything and it all feels better.

[Snake2715]

Like the idea..... 

Riding is like a unique kind of therapy. The openness all around you, so loud yet still so quiet. I can have the weight of the world on my shoulders, mind racing about different aspects of life......get on a bike and don't think about anything and it all feels better.

Thats exactly it.

[musicmarley]

I dunno maybe cause people like this. haha   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZT-fctm0_I

[Soloratov]

I have to agree with BigRich completely, but I also really enjoy the exploration. On a bike I feel more free to just go wherever I want. Turn down a random road and see where it leads.

[newbie1993]

I agree, riding offers a little bit of everything ( a little bit of danger, the rush, stress relieving, heightened senses, skill building and it makes you a better car driver)

[tzzzel]

I have a more utilitarian view of motorcycles, as I've ridden them since 19, before I even knew how to drive a car.

1. Mobility
I've been caught in awful traffic situations. I remember once I was going to be late for a meeting and there was a block full of non-moving cars. So, I just rode 3 lanes to my right (among still cars) and took a better route. Or if there is a slowing down because of a merge, I can go into the off lane, go forward because there's space, and then cut back in... without inconveniencing anyone. And if there ever major traffic, you always have the option of splitting lanes or riding the shoulder, depending on your local laws.

2. Parking
Back at my uni, I remember moped/moto parking was about $27/semester. You could also park right on campus. Meanwhile, car folks have to park way down by the football field and have to be in a lottery to get a parking pass (otherwise it's $3/day). Also, if you want to pull into a store to grab a soda or something, you can just roll up on the sidewalk. It's illegal, but no one thinks of it as a big fuss and you don't block the sidewalk.

3. Badassness
People just look at you differently if you ride a bike. Even though I'm a commuter on my bike and I've only owned 500 and 250cc bikes, a lot of people think I'm reckless, badass, or a rebel. Girls dig guys on bikes too. I also design websites for a living, so a lot of people find that quite an odd mix (a website designer on 2 wheels).

[musicmarley]

Well cheaper gas..
Typically quicker then most other vehicles on the road...
Manually controlled..
Carefully executed cause your butts near the road..
Like my old biker buddy says, "It's not the destination.. it's the adventure on the way with a bike.."
I just wish I could ride all year around...

Thx,.
Sean

[weedahoe]

Being left alone..........

Its me, my machine, my music

[Janx101]

Being left alone..........

Its me, my machine, my music

^^^^this!!!!! 

[dam]

Being left alone..........

Its me, my machine, my music

[Watcher]

Being cheaper, more economical, faster, more powerful, more fun, way cooler, and much, much, much more manly than owning a Toyota Prius will EVER be 

Having the maneuverability to literally figure 8 well within the confines of 2 parking spaces.

Being able to ride the expressway on a vehicle that will fit through the door to your house.

The free feeling of being out in the elements.

Leaning into turns.

Discovering new locations to explore just because you are out riding and have nowhere else to go.

The pseudo camaraderie with other riders (the only such existence in "cages" is Jeep Wranglers or lifted trucks, in my experience).



...  Oh, I'm sorry, favorite thing implies singular...

My favorite thing about riding is that it's different.  Anyone can just cage it as a necessity for work/groceries/travel/etc, it takes a particular individual to do it all on 2 wheels.

[vinny]

The ability to get away from everything

Once geared up and moving - problems just disappear. I find the wind noise relaxing, the ability to lean into corners seems natural. Riding seems to de-stress me better than anything else.

The simplicity of it all and being more connected to what the vehicle is doing. Despite being more physically demanding than a car (balancing 2 brakes whilst downshifting, engine braking and mirror checking simultaneously) i find it much more fun.

Also the fact that i dont get slowed as much by traffic, and sometimes having a female passenger that close is nice

Oh, and having 10k rpm to play with helps too 

[mimikeni]

When you're out on a warm day and you descend into a vale (valley) and feel the temperature drop by 10-15 degrees.

[gsJack]

I wanted a bike way back when I was a teen but I got a family instead.      Got my first bike later at age 52 and never stopped and have ridden over 400,000 miles since on 6 bikes.  If I have to go more than a week or two without the feeling of a spirited ride thru the twisties I go into withdrawal so have ridden year around since I started.  My great grandchildren call me Biker and might stop if I quit riding so I guess I''ll be riding as long as I can walk to the bike and climb on.    I don't ride for economy or any other such reason, I ride for fun and it's still fun!

[Xevamir]

I've always thought that motorcycles were awesome. It helps me cope with my random spurts of depression.

[steezin_and_wheezin]

Wrenching.

Wrench to ride, ride to wrench, either way.

I wouldn't enjoy any of my 2 wheelers near as much if i had someone else doing my maintenance/modifications

[jacob92icu]

This thread would come up when i am bikeless... Everyone is so right though!

[Zmerica19]

i was always soo jealous seeing my uncle and his friends going out and riding where ever they want. i also thought it was cool that i'm the only one of my friends that has a motorcycle. its great to just get out and tour the back roads, and deffiently economically a plus. closer parking to things (poags hole hill climbs are coming up and anybody driving a car has an easy 2 hour wait to get in). and the chicks dig it, although now that i have a girlfriend i cant use it for other women

[Suzuki Stevo]

Lemme think about it for a while....