I have a little confession to make. I used to be one of those riders that would see someone riding a Harley, a scooter or any other machine “I” did not understand, and I would ask myself, “why would anyone wanna ride that?”
Looking back at it, why would I care about what machine you have decided to ride and enjoy the open road on?
The older I get, I can see what the appeal is for certain types of motorcycles.
When I am on a longer road trip, riding down the road and I have logged 300 miles and still have a good 300 to go, my mind drifts off on what it might be like to be behind the windscreen of a nice comfy, mile eating machine like a Honda GoldWing, BMW 1600 GTL or a Harley Ultra Classic.
The days that I am riding around town, doing errands or just enjoying a few minutes of free time, my mind wanders to machines like a Ducati Scrambler, Triumph Bonneville or a BMW Nine T. Something small, light and agile to maneuver my way through the day.
As I lean into a corner on my favorite Arkansas road, not a straight stretch in sight, imaging myself on the latest and greatest sport bike, like a Ducati Panigale V4R, BMW 1000RR or a Kawasaki Ninja H2 . Carving the corners “Just” like my favorite MotoGP rider.
My point is this.
No matter what machine you decide to enjoy our fabulous hobby on, it should not matter to me or anyone else.
I would rather be a rider for a minute, than a spectator for a lifetime.
I know and understand, the excitement felt when I throw my leg over the bike, the feeling of the wind rushing by me and the freedom that comes with riding a two wheeled machine. I love the fact that being a motorcycle enthusiast has brought so much happiness into my life.
I have gained many great friends, enjoyed miles of beautiful scenery with my wife and friends while enjoying my two wheeled steed. I understand that no matter what machine you ride, we all experience and enjoy these same feelings. We are one. We have more in common than the type of bike we ride. We are connected by two wheels, no matter the badge or name on the tank.
In closing I want to apologize. I want to say I am sorry for ever asking myself “why would anyone ride that?”
I hope that in the near future our paths cross and we can tell stories and share some of our riding experiences together, No matter what brand of motorcycle you have chosen to enjoy the journey on. Seize the moment and enjoy the ride.
So tell me what you ride and why you ride. I am sure we have a ton in common.
Until next time Ride Safe!
Great editorial. I have owned many bikes of all sorts, shapes, brands, sizes, etc. and these days I just simply prefer Harleys. I catch a lot of flack for it, even from some supposed “experts” in our club and elsewhere, usually from folks who have only ridden a fraction of the miles I have, yet the snarky remarks never seem to let up. Follow me to Maine or Canada on a sport bike and see who makes it.
Like you mention, nobody should give a damn what anyone else rides. Or how they look. I don’t think I look any more like a “pirate” than a guy on an FJR or something sportier decked out in a red or yellow ballistic suit looks like a “circus clown”.
So, ride what you want. Ride how you want. Look like you want. Do anything you want as long as you don’t hurt anyone else, rider or otherwise. You’re welcome at my house and you’re welcome to ride with me, as long as you stay civil. If you don’t like what I do or say, look the other way. I could go on but Jerry has done a fine job of summing up what I consider to be a good shot at respectful motorcyclist etiquette.
Mike Morris – Durant, Oklahoma
Thanks Mike! Ride safe
Always enjoy reading whatever you write.