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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: oldbike54 on November 27, 2016, 07:26:20 PM

Title: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: oldbike54 on November 27, 2016, 07:26:20 PM
 Have been having a discussion with some of you guys re motorcycle riding being a compulsion rather than a choice . Think about it , in the face of danger , some of us just can't stop . It seems that some folks simply must ride motorbikes .

 Dusty
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Triple Jim on November 27, 2016, 07:54:45 PM
It's gotten to where I hate even local errands if I have to drive a car.  I told my barber, who is a fairly typical American housewife with no understanding of riding, that to drive a car the 20 minutes to her shop is boring, but to ride is an adventure, usually taking me on a much longer route than necessary just because it's fun.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: guzzi4me on November 27, 2016, 08:05:06 PM
The ride to work.....

15 miles.

The ride home....

who knows??????

Jeff
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Arizona Wayne on November 27, 2016, 08:10:31 PM
For decades I've preferred to ride vs. drive in most any situation, but since I got a new(to me) car last June I've broken that pattern.   Maybe I'll get that mindset again.  :undecided: 
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Tom on November 27, 2016, 08:20:41 PM
I hate driving.  Only in 4 wheels when I have to.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: oldbike54 on November 27, 2016, 08:24:09 PM
 Let me clarify , not a comparison between 2 and 4 wheels . More like motorcycles as a drug .

 Dusty
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: SmithSwede on November 27, 2016, 08:25:00 PM
Yeah.  I'm addicted, and I'm not fighting it anymore.  I've given in and accepted my intrinsic weirdness. 

My ride to work is right at 100 miles round trip.  It is often the case that the two best parts of my day are riding in, and riding home.   It took about two years for the receptionist to stop asking or wondering if I "took the motorcycle in today."   Yes.  The answer is yes.  The answer will always be yes. 105 degrees summer.  Howling rain.  Frigid cold.  Yes, I'm on the bike.   Unless there is ice on the road, in which case I won't ride in (and I won't drive the car either).

I fly a lot.  Park the bike at a Parking Spot near DFW airport.   They all know me--I'm the "motorcycle guy."   They look after the bike and let me park in their employee lot.  They shake their heads too, but have accepted it.

It may be irrational.   But I'm actually more nervous/uncomfortable on a plane.   On a shuttle bus.  In a car when somebody else is driving (which usually means they are barely paying attention). 

To me, it's a profoundly "right brain" kind of activity.   Merging oneself into a machine to create a new and symbiotic entity. 

Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: LowRyter on November 27, 2016, 08:26:30 PM
many a day the highlight of going to work was my Camaro or motorcycle. 

I am retired now and still like to get in 100 miles + or so a week on two wheels. 
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Tom on November 27, 2016, 08:29:05 PM
Let me clarify , not a comparison between 2 and 4 wheels . More like motorcycles as a drug .

 Dusty

Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Arizona Wayne on November 27, 2016, 08:36:17 PM
 

I am retired now and still like to get in 100 miles + or so a week on two wheels.



I used to be like that when I lived in norCal and had curvy roads nearby.  In fact almost every afternoon I'd ride 1  of my bikes over to the Sacramento river.......drink some beers......then enjoy the curves riding back home.  :boozing:  But here in Arizona that enjoyment is just a memory now.  :sad:   Now I drink the beers in my garage looking at all my rigs almost every night.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Sasquatch Jim on November 27, 2016, 08:36:50 PM
  For some it is an addiction, for some it is a religion, for some it's just butt jewelry.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: charlie b on November 27, 2016, 08:48:14 PM
I loved riding the bike for my commute.  Also liked long distance rides, on any road.  My only problem was I didn't put in enough time in the saddle to condition myself for the long distance stuff.

After retiring and not commuting anymore I found I was riding less and less.  When we started getting ready for our move it was easier to sell the bike and quit riding.  So, I sold it and am now another cage driver.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: oldbike54 on November 27, 2016, 08:51:40 PM
  For some it is an addiction, for some it is a religion, for some it's just butt jewelry.

 The aforementioned discussions always touch on this idea . I posit that a percentage of us simply can't not ride . If the only motorcycle available to us was a Planeta we would still ride , as opposed to folks who will only ride a certain type or brand of motorcycle .

 Dusty
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Tom on November 27, 2016, 08:53:22 PM
If it has 2 wheels and an engine.  I rather ride than be in a cage.  How's that?  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: oldbike54 on November 27, 2016, 09:10:01 PM
If it has 2 wheels and an engine.  I rather ride than be in a cage.  How's that?  :popcorn:

 Tom , you are still making a choice . I am talking about those of us who simply are compelled to ride.

 Dusty
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Tom on November 27, 2016, 09:18:28 PM
Okay....I'll bite.  I ride a motorcycle because I have to.  How's that???  I ride all rear round.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Muzz on November 27, 2016, 09:23:58 PM
Hello. My name is Murray and I am a Guzziholic........
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: oldbike54 on November 27, 2016, 09:29:12 PM
Hello. My name is Murray and I am a Guzziholic........

 Murray , what if the only bike available was a Marusho , would you still ride ?

 Dusty
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Muzz on November 27, 2016, 10:57:40 PM
Hang it Dusty. It's a V twin going the right way! :thumb:

There was one showed up at the Christchurch swap Meet last year. Went back home on the trailer and did not come back this year. Wanted stoopid money for it and lets face it, they weren't exactly bullet proof. :shocked:   Yeah, I would have one if someone gave me one, problems and all. Yes, I would most certainly ride one. It would certainly have the uniqueness of the Guzzi. :grin:
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: oldbike54 on November 27, 2016, 11:02:07 PM
 What if there were only.Chang Jiangs Muzz ?

 Dusty
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Triple Jim on November 27, 2016, 11:22:47 PM
What if there were only.Chang Jiangs Muzz ?

One doesn't have to limit himself to motorcycles available for purchase.  One can make his own.  For example you build a motorcycle that uses an American automotive V-8 for power.  No one has ever done anything like that before!
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: oldbike54 on November 27, 2016, 11:32:56 PM
One doesn't have to limit himself to motorcycles available for purchase.  One can make his own.  For example you build a motorcycle that uses an American automotive V-8 for power.  No one has ever done anything like that before!

  :laugh: Yeah , but rather than copy Boss Hoss , I would probably use a small V6 from a Renault Clio, or that little Mazda V6 . Better yet , a Fiat Topolino motor  :grin:

 Dusty
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Arizona Wayne on November 27, 2016, 11:45:34 PM
I  first started riding MCs in my youth for their economy compared to a car.   That was over 55 years ago.  Then a few years later I rode everywhere for basic economical transportation.  Then I progressed to amateur road racing in soCal after I stripped down my street bike for the weekend. That's when I knew I was hooked on riding MCs.  And it was years before I got a Guzzi.  :kiss:   In fact the real reason I ended up getting a Guzzi is because my soon to be 2nd wife decided she wasn't going to ride on the back of my `78 650 Yamaha Std. any more.  :huh:   If it wasn't for her I may have never gotten a MG even though I had lusted for a LM I on display @ a dealer prior.  But at that point in my life a MG was too pricey for me.   Any way my SO helped me buy a used CX100 and the rest of the story is history.  :bow:
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Muzz on November 28, 2016, 04:22:40 AM
What if there were only.Chang Jiangs Muzz ?

 Dusty

You are a hard man Dusty. :evil:

Flat twins have never rocked my boat at the best of times. However, if there were ONLY Chang Jiangs I would take one for the team. I might need the odd  :boozing: though.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Penderic on November 28, 2016, 06:24:23 AM
Sometimes its real easy to tell which riders are  err, serious!  :grin:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic004/gumball%20rally3_zpsxm5bejry.jpg)
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Gliderjohn on November 28, 2016, 06:30:49 AM
I very much enjoy motorcycles but at this point in my life riding in uncomfortable conditions is not enjoyable so I no longer do it if I do not have to. I have always been a "buffet" type person concerning life activities more so than an al la Carte type that is zeroed in to one activity.
GliderJohn
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: guzzisteve on November 28, 2016, 06:46:32 AM
I find myself riding less in traffic and more in the country now that I'm retired. Seems that I can't stop. Some days I have a bad feeling like it's not safe, I stay home.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: nick949 on November 28, 2016, 07:05:36 AM
Hopelessly hooked here  :thumb:

Nick
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: charlie b on November 28, 2016, 07:25:22 AM
I very much enjoy motorcycles but at this point in my life riding in uncomfortable conditions is not enjoyable so I no longer do it if I do not have to. I have always been a "buffet" type person concerning life activities more so than an al la Carte type that is zeroed in to one activity.
GliderJohn

This is one I understand more now.

The last long distance ride I made was one of those.  Started in the morning at about 35deg.  All my stuff on with heated gear.  By 10am it was up to 70 so shed the heated stuff.  At noon it was in the 90's so I stripped down and went to shorts and tshirt under my jacket/pants.  After dinner the temp started dropping again.  Stripped back down to add layers again.  Ended up stopping when it was in the 40's again.

Yep it was a real PITA.  While riding I love it, but, all the temp changes I go through on a ride make it just too much trouble.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Darren Williams on November 28, 2016, 09:32:06 AM
I admit I am addicted to the physics part of riding.  The acceleration, balancing on two wheels, wind & weather, braking, and all important leaning through a curve (even if it is just a 90 degree intersection).  If I'm not on a bike, I still think about going around a corner and lifting the front wheel on exit...  Doesn't matter what type of bike, and I've been fortunate to have owned all types in my life, I just want to ride them all (some more than others of course).  Only bikes that I can think of that I don't have the urge to ride when I see them are some of the chopper things that have come out. 

There are a bunch of 4 wheel vehicles that turn me on, but many that don't evoke any passion at all, think Camry.  Sports cars, hot rods, 4X4 trucks and Jeeps, even 4 wheelers and side by sides, doesn't matter, I guess I'm just a gear head.  Oh, and I like riding my bicycle also!  Oh, and fast boats too, and fast sail boats as long as the breeze is up and it will plane.  Speaking of planes, yes! From my college buddy's old 1939 Piper Cub to Scott's bi-plane, to Sean's Cirrus...   :evil:
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: oldbike54 on November 28, 2016, 09:45:34 AM
 Darren , I love you man  :laugh:

 I am trying to get at something here , this has been rattling around in my brain for years . There have been times , like after a friend crashes , when stepping away seem like the prudent thing to do, that feeling usually lasts a day or two , and then it recedes and I hear the siren call . Honestly , if the only bike in the garage was a worn out 125 CC 4 stroke Suzuki trail bike , as long as it could be made to run ... Over the years I've had people say , "I won't ride until I can afford a Ducati , or a Harley , or a , well , some expensive bike . It just seems weird , is you or ain't you a motorbiker ?

 Anyone have a cheap MZ 2 stroke for sale , just in case ? :laugh:

 Dusty
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on November 28, 2016, 09:57:56 AM
Uhhh, yeah to all of the above.  :smiley: I'm a gear head, too.. but nothing does it for me like riding. Dangerous? Absolutely. It's by far the most dangerous thing I do, but it's not about that at all.
It's that man/machine relationship that Swede alluded to.
Could I walk away from it and never ride again?
Sure. I wouldn't *like* it though. It's like any other addiction.. I'd have to walk away and never look back. <shrug>
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: timonbik on November 28, 2016, 10:28:41 AM
I know exactly how you feel.  To me it's not about THE BIKE, but about the ride.  If it has two wheels, motorcycle, scooter,  hell even a bicycle, it's the exhilaration of being on two wheels.   Its not about speed, economy, look at me factor, coolness or whatever?  Its about the feeling you get when you twist the throttle on the open road.   It's a feeling of freedom.  Calmness takes over.  The "GRIN FACTOR".  It doesn't have to be a GUZZI or a HD.  It could be a Honda 50 for all I care. Riding is like a drug.  You can't explain it to those who don't ride.  They will never understand.  Every once in a while,  I think of selling my bikes, usually after a long hiatus from riding, then it is the feeling you get on that first ride.  Not being a drug user, but I imagine  it being akin to a junkee getting a fix after being dry for  spell.  Just my 2 cents worth.

 Heck, its 42 and sunny outside.  Think I'll go for a ride.

Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: John Ulrich on November 28, 2016, 10:41:32 AM
There have been times , like after a friend crashes , when stepping away seem like the prudent thing to do, that feeling usually lasts a day or two , and then it recedes and I hear the siren call .

I'm wrestling with it too, my wife would like me to give it up.  I rode to rallys & club activities only this summer.  Maybe next summer I'll go back to joy rides....we'll see.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: ohiorider on November 28, 2016, 11:44:49 AM
I still have a 20+ year old sweatshirt, blue with the silhouette of a BMW K100RS rounding a curve.  Under the bike, it just about says it all "........ BMW Motorcycles//Worth The Obsession.  Whether it's a Beemer, Guzzi, Triumph, Kaw, Yamaha, BSA ... I've always been obsessed with riding.  Goes back to when I was 13-14 years old, and  a friend let me ride his Whizzer motorbike, followed by a Motobecane, Allstate scooter (Vespa) and a Mustang Scooter.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: sturgeon on November 28, 2016, 01:21:22 PM
Only 2 addictions in my life. Well, 3 if you count my wife.

White-water canoeing in very remote places far from civilization.

Riding one of my motorcycles.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Penderic on November 28, 2016, 01:39:09 PM
Even before retirement .........

(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic004/work_zps4xhigyin.jpg)
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Guzzistajohn on November 28, 2016, 08:23:42 PM
To me motorcycling is a means of just getting out into nature. I enjoy the outdoors mostly. Fishing is boring most of the time, I'm not in to killing furry animals and I'm too lazy to hike. My motorcycles provide me the solitude I crave. Nothing better for me than getting out in the boondocks and enjoying the outdoors. I love the ozarks and I'll have a hard time giving up riding. I hope I can be lucky enough to croak before I get to that point! :boozing:cheers!
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Huzo on November 28, 2016, 08:36:47 PM
One doesn't have to limit himself to motorcycles available for purchase.  One can make his own.  For example you build a motorcycle that uses an American automotive V-8 for power.  No one has ever done anything like that before!
Have you seen the Hoss Style V8's ? Just about a useable bike if you must have that sort of thing.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: oldbike54 on November 28, 2016, 08:39:45 PM
Have you seen the Hoss Style V8's ? Just about a useable bike if you must have that sort of thing.

 They handle like an octopus riding a skateboard  :rolleyes:

 Dusty
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Darren Williams on November 28, 2016, 08:48:58 PM
They handle like an octopus riding a skateboard  :rolleyes:

 Dusty

I'd probably have more fun on a Grom at a go kart track, but heck yeah I'd ride one if given the chance!
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Arizona Wayne on November 28, 2016, 08:54:51 PM
In my earlier years, besides everything else mentioned here we get from riding a MC, when you have a stressfull job, riding is a great way to get away from your responsibilities.   When I ride I can't think of anything else if I want to stay alive.  :thumb:   It's a great stress reliever.   Who needs a shrink when you can ride instead?  :grin:
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Moto on November 28, 2016, 09:09:01 PM
Like Timonbik here. Anything with two wheels attracts me. I scope out scooters, even, where they're parked, and would ride anything too. But I could stop. If I did stop riding I'd still work on them, I think. Addict? Maybe.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Penderic on November 29, 2016, 12:33:16 AM
What about looking "Hip"?

(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic004/hipster%20on%20v7_zpsivhy6akc.jpg)
 :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: oldbike54 on November 29, 2016, 12:49:03 AM
What about looking "Hip"?

(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic004/hipster%20on%20v7_zpsivhy6akc.jpg)
 :rolleyes:

 Is that what an Italian dorcus looks like ?

 Dusty
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: John A on November 29, 2016, 07:56:15 AM
When I wad one up, I always want to have it repaired or replaced by the time I'm healed enough to ride.
I admit I'm powerless over it.🏍
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Penderic on November 29, 2016, 12:51:31 PM
Well, there have been moments .....

(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic004/Bikes%20in%20snow_zpseexq5oo8.jpg)
TAXI!
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Tom on November 29, 2016, 01:13:21 PM
BTDT....sometimes it's the moment you're living.  Accept and adapt.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: OlDogface on November 29, 2016, 07:54:10 PM
I agree that after hearing about someone's accident that the prudent thing would be to give it up but, so far at least, I've resisted. I started riding for economic reasons 20-odd years ago. I guess it gets into your skin after a while. I now own a car that gets substantially the same gas mileage as my bike so the economics really don't work any more. Now I see the bike more as a "second car" than a primary form of transportation. I have ridden in nearly all conditions over the years but now that I am a bit older I tend to ride on the warmer days and use the car as my rain bike.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: Jim Rich on November 30, 2016, 11:36:28 AM
To me it is an escape vehicle.  Leave the rest behind.  Wish I was riding now.
Title: Re: Dangit , it isn't optional (riding that is)
Post by: twowings on November 30, 2016, 01:28:57 PM
Just got back from a ride...43 degrees when I left this morning....it was...REFRESHING!  :grin: