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So literature, movies, popular culture...even day to day conversation...people seem to associate riding a motorcycle with something special or being cool.
Don't get me wrong. I have a bike. It doesn't take a genius to operate one. I know plenty of those, too. In some countries, it's way more popular to own/ride a motorcycle than a car. So the mystique, if you will, is pretty localized to this country.
So what's so special and alluring and interesting about someone who rides a bike?
I don't buy into biker culture with leather vests and do-rags and stuff, but I will say that there is something very special about riding a sportbike. There is something very satisfying about knowing that you have so much speed and handling that you may never need to use, but it is there if you need it. Not only that, but there is something 'cool' if not reckless, that comes along with the risk acceptance and acknowledgement of your own mortality. There is a fine line between brave and stupid though, and many riders cross that line like the double yellow on a blind curve on a regular basis.
Finally, you spend time and money on things that you value. For people of modest means, that means making choices. Choosing to ride motorcycles is a choice that shows that you value excitement and fun, but are not so much into caution. We are bombarded with messages every day that say recklessness is sexy and caution is nerdy, so there should be no surprise that motorcycle riding, a clear triumph of fun over caution, is considered cool.
I don't buy into biker culture with leather vests and do-rags and stuff, but I will say that there is something very special about riding a sportbike. There is something very satisfying about knowing that you have so much speed and handling that you may never need to use, but it is there if you need it. Not only that, but there is something 'cool' if not reckless, that comes along with the risk acceptance and acknowledgement of your own mortality. There is a fine line between brave and stupid though, and many riders cross that line like the double yellow on a blind curve on a regular basis.
Finally, you spend time and money on things that you value. For people of modest means, that means making choices. Choosing to ride motorcycles is a choice that shows that you value excitement and fun, but are not so much into caution. We are bombarded with messages every day that say recklessness is sexy and caution is nerdy, so there should be no surprise that motorcycle riding, a clear triumph of fun over caution, is considered cool.
Agreed. I went from an FZ6 to a GSX-R600 after laying the FZ down, and let me tell you, the GSX is a hell of a lot more fun to ride. But like I've said before, its a hell of a lot more unforgiving than my FZ ever was.
That said, I hate getting caught at a light near any high school when school is either heading in or letting out. I've had more than one girl try to catch my eye or make comments about getting a ride (that I rarely hear, I wear headphones), and many is the high school kid who's asked me what I paid or how easy it would be for them to get one like it. And I have no clue what the big deal is!
I think people put too much thought into what other people wear when they are on a bike. They have their reasons for wearing what they do just as those that don't wear it have their own reasons.
Who cares? Does it really matter? Just ride and enjoy yourself.
While I'm on the bike I seem to see more and the smell are there! (some not so good going past farms lol)
I'm more likely to explore a road I've never been down when on a bike.
You hear more or you hear less which ever you need at the time...I guess it just brings your sense alive!
I'm a cautious nerdy motorcyclist, which is probably why I ride a V-Strom.
Yes, the only people who think your bike is cool are those of us who know what it is....I will say, i think you can get into plenty of trouble with a V-strom...you're just smart enough to avoid it.
Um, a friend has one and said it's very comfortable to ride up into the triple digits. So yeah, you can get plenty stupid on it.
So I've heard.
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Does it really matter? Just ride and enjoy yourself.
