Why do you ride?

ally99 · December 24th, 2013, 05:22 AM

A recent thread has brought up a question in my mind. We all have different reasons for riding. What reasons make the risk worthwhile to you?

To me, riding is...
an escape...
a release...
an exercise in focus...
a new level of trust in yourself...
a new level of belief in yourself...
a worthwhile risk...
a passion...
an exhilarating freedom...
a high like no other...

Riding is...
breathtaking
adventure making
memory creating
mind clearing
love deepening
life changing

DEFY · December 24th, 2013, 05:47 AM

All good reasons, @ally99

Adds a new opportunity to my social life, the follow riders interact with each other rather then just driving by in order to just get to their destination.The feeling of jumping on a bike and having a much deeper connection to the environment around you as you pass through it. The thrill of being completely open to your surroundings.

JohnnyBravo · December 24th, 2013, 06:10 AM

I can't say for sure why I ride but I can say... The gear is sexy, the bikes are sexy, riders are sexy(though some should leave their helmets on). It is a release, and freedom, it's fun, and danger. I like meeting the new folks in my travels, not many folks wanna stand around and talk about my truck, but it's hard to keep them from stopping to talk about my bike

Have I mentioned stoner, Hayden, an Rossi??? Haha oh yea I did nvm hahaha

greenaero · December 24th, 2013, 10:19 AM

When I first got into motorcycling in my teens I loved the adventure mystique aspect of motorcycling: one person, alone, braving the elements, facing unknown challenges, heading out on the open roads to some exotic destination , where ever their heart desired. To this day that has never changed for me. As someone else here mentioned once before , it's like flying at ground level. It's so exhilarating and so much fun. It turns a mundane errand or commute into an adventure!
I also enjoy the comradery of the moto community and many of my best friends are avid motrcyclists. Group rides are a blast. It always great to meet other avid motorcylists and make new friends.
Now that I'm heavily involved in fuel economy competition it has become a personal crusade to demonstrate the potential efficiency of motorcycles and the incredible benefit of aerodynamic streamlining. I feel it gives me an opportunity to be on the cutting edge of an important aspect of motrcycling and hopefully I can make a positive difference.

kirk595x · December 24th, 2013, 10:29 AM

Because I love two wheels...Dirt and Street! It's the whole experience!

allanoue · December 24th, 2013, 11:13 AM

So I do not need to take blood pressure meds
Seriously

alex.s · December 24th, 2013, 11:28 AM

it's just plain fun

FrugalNinja250 · December 24th, 2013, 11:56 AM

I ride because I'm a rider, always have been, always will be.

The fact that I spend less than $50/month on gas is a definite bonus.

cbinker · December 24th, 2013, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrugalNinja250

I ride because I'm a rider, always have been, always will be.

The fact that I spend less than $50/month on gas is a definite bonus.

Damn only $50 a month? I can easily go thru $100+ on the 250R.

I ride because I enjoy the freedom. Throw the ear buds in and go for 150 miles all the problems of the world disappear for those 4 hours. Then there are track days, the euphoria is second to none when pinning the throttle around corners with a knee on the ground.

old3 · December 24th, 2013, 03:14 PM

It beats pedaling?

notsofast · December 24th, 2013, 05:40 PM

I ride for the feeling I get when I nail a downshift, tip the bike in, and get on the throttle. Cornering and riding in general is the only thing that sets me free.

Skullz · December 24th, 2013, 06:44 PM

All the above and then some.

ally99 · December 24th, 2013, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old3

It beats pedaling?

Ah, but pedaling has its perks too.

stubshaft · December 24th, 2013, 08:39 PM

Because I can. Trying to explain it to someone who doesn't ride is an exercise in futility. For those that do, well, you understand.

rasta · December 24th, 2013, 08:47 PM

To look cool. Sorry, no overly sensationalized reasons

JohnnyBravo · December 24th, 2013, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rasta

. Cause the turkeys don't kill themselves.

Fixed if fee ye
Somebody has to keep thanksgiving supplied

NevadaWolf · December 24th, 2013, 08:55 PM

Because.... This.

ally99 · December 25th, 2013, 08:32 AM

Nice Teri! Pictures speak a thousand words!

NevadaWolf · December 25th, 2013, 08:53 AM

Everyone is so eloquent and I am sure I could break the forum's character limit trying to pin down all the reasons I ride (many of which have already been stated here).

Rather than attempting to list ten thousand things and leave ten thousand more unsaid, I will say nothing and let them speak for themselves instead.

Snake · December 25th, 2013, 09:28 AM

Riding for me is a great way to meet new people, see new places, zone out the worries of the day and clear my mind.

CycleCam303 · December 25th, 2013, 09:53 AM

I ride because its one of the few times I'm in total control of everything. I don't think about work, life, or anything else. I'm absolutely free.

I race because there's nothing more technical and passionate than racing a motorcycle.

CaptainPlatypus · December 25th, 2013, 10:15 AM

I'm severely depressed, and there aren't many things that let my mind truly break free of the bullshit it constantly inflicts on itself. Riding gives me more freedom and peace of mind than anything else I've ever done. It lets me relax enough to enjoy the moment - enough to be excited about enjoying the moment. It's always the high point of my day, and as soon as I get EMSRacer07's engine in my bike, I'll be racking up the miles like my life depends on it again.

JohnnyBravo · December 25th, 2013, 10:55 AM

Take care of yourself man

life happens to us all

ride safe, and enjoy your life

Løckøut · December 27th, 2013, 04:54 PM

Good question, and I have no clear answer.

It just feels right to listen to a screaming engine, and the wind passing through my helmet. I enjoy every aspect of riding a motorcycle, and I'll be riding for a long time to come.

Sirref · December 27th, 2013, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrugalNinja250

I ride because I'm a rider, always have been, always will be.

The fact that I spend less than $50/month on gas is a definite bonus.

haha

gotta love the cheap gas, personally my gas savings cancel out the monthly insurance exactly so I'm only really losing money on the bike's monthly payments and that's with riding it everywhere that I'm not commuting to or picking people up (they chip in for gas so it's all good) I do have to say though that when a tank of gas costs about as much as a day's worth of food and drink it's just more and more tempting to ride

now for the answer to the question. I ride because I love the feeling of freedom, the feeling that I'm not just sitting back and watching the scenery flow by like I'm watching a television show and I'm actually a part of it. I ride because I want to explore the world around me on my own terms (dual sports are really tempting from time to time haha) because I love the feeling when I'm leaned over good into a corner when my knee guard scrapes on the pavement and my head is farther down than the bike with a completely unobstructed view of the path ahead. I ride for that feeling like I'm flying and I can't imagine how amazing it will be someday when I push a 600/1000 to it's (or my own, whichever comes first) limits on a track, not just it's engines limit but the bike's limit as a whole.

evidens83 · December 27th, 2013, 06:37 PM

Riding gives me that alone time that I need to reflect. Its exhilarating, calm, peaceful, the sound of the engine roaring through the gears excites me. Along with snowboarding and surfing, riding puts me in a zone where nothing else matters.

nickjpass · December 27th, 2013, 10:06 PM

... the vibrations

ally99 · December 28th, 2013, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickjpass

... the vibrations

Hmm, I think that's more of a

, nick, but to each his own!

CaptainPlatypus · December 28th, 2013, 11:18 AM

Do we know it isn't short for Nicole? ;-)

CC Cowboy · December 28th, 2013, 01:19 PM

I love the wind between my toes, the taste of bugs in my teeth, my eyes watering down my cheeks, and the suntan as well as wind burn I get riding around in my speedo.

ally99 · December 28th, 2013, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainPlatypus

Do we know it isn't short for Nicole? ;-)

Relatively sure. But....
That would sure explain some things!

c-dog · December 28th, 2013, 02:33 PM

- Escape from everyday life temporally
- Freedom
- Loss of identity with helmet on, anonymous
- Feels like flying

“This is my anonymity,” he says, brandishing the motorcycle helmet in an upraised hand before he breezes out the door. “With it, I’m just another a#@hole on the streets.” - Brad Pitt

nickjpass · December 28th, 2013, 05:33 PM

... Because I just do

Felipe the Ant · December 28th, 2013, 05:50 PM

Well if you're in a car wearing a banana suit nobody is gonna see it

c-dog · December 28th, 2013, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felipe the Ant

Well if you're in a car wearing a banana suit nobody is gonna see it

Nice! You are practicing ATBATT - All The Banana All The Time

Felipe the Ant · December 28th, 2013, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c-dog

Nice! You are practicing ATBATT - All The Banana All The Time

You know it! Works great in traffic

Doesn't work so great with the ladies though, not sure why

c-dog · December 28th, 2013, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felipe the Ant

You know it! Works great in traffic

Doesn't work so great with the ladies though, not sure why

nickjpass · December 29th, 2013, 12:44 PM

...Because I fall asleep when I drive.

Brian · December 30th, 2013, 12:05 AM

I'm the reason for this thread.

I love the feeling of speed and being in control of it.

I love the way my bike is designed and how it all works fluently together.

It's entertaining, fun, risky, and needs more attention than driving a car.

az3200 · December 30th, 2013, 01:06 AM

Because I don't have a car, just my 250. To be honest, after 20k miles It's starting to become a pain in the ass.

December 24th, 2013, 05:22 AM	#1
ally99 Ninja chick Name: Allyson Location: Athens, GA Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 4 MOTM - Dec '13, Feb '15	Why do you ride? A recent thread has brought up a question in my mind. We all have different reasons for riding. What reasons make the risk worthwhile to you? To me, riding is... an escape... a release... an exercise in focus... a new level of trust in yourself... a new level of belief in yourself... a worthwhile risk... a passion... an exhilarating freedom... a high like no other... Riding is... breathtaking adventure making memory creating mind clearing love deepening life changing __________________________________________________ Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. ~Drake Check out my Appalachian Trail journal, 2015! Postwhores are COOL! ~Allyson
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 24th, 2013, 06:10 AM	#3
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	I can't say for sure why I ride but I can say... The gear is sexy, the bikes are sexy, riders are sexy(though some should leave their helmets on). It is a release, and freedom, it's fun, and danger. I like meeting the new folks in my travels, not many folks wanna stand around and talk about my truck, but it's hard to keep them from stopping to talk about my bike Have I mentioned stoner, Hayden, an Rossi??? Haha oh yea I did nvm hahaha __________________________________________________

December 24th, 2013, 10:19 AM	#4
greenaero Motorcycle Hypermiler Name: Vic Location: Livermore CA Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1999 & 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R's Posts: A lot.	When I first got into motorcycling in my teens I loved the adventure mystique aspect of motorcycling: one person, alone, braving the elements, facing unknown challenges, heading out on the open roads to some exotic destination , where ever their heart desired. To this day that has never changed for me. As someone else here mentioned once before , it's like flying at ground level. It's so exhilarating and so much fun. It turns a mundane errand or commute into an adventure! I also enjoy the comradery of the moto community and many of my best friends are avid motrcyclists. Group rides are a blast. It always great to meet other avid motorcylists and make new friends. Now that I'm heavily involved in fuel economy competition it has become a personal crusade to demonstrate the potential efficiency of motorcycles and the incredible benefit of aerodynamic streamlining. I feel it gives me an opportunity to be on the cutting edge of an important aspect of motrcycling and hopefully I can make a positive difference. __________________________________________________ 235 MPG Hypermotorcycling to a better tomorrow
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 24th, 2013, 10:29 AM	#5
kirk595x ninjette.org guru Name: Robbie Location: Sacramento Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 03' Ninja 250ex Posts: 333	Because I love two wheels...Dirt and Street! It's the whole experience! __________________________________________________ Perform Random Acts of Coolness!!ATGATT

December 24th, 2013, 11:13 AM	#6
allanoue ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Al Location: York, Pa Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '14	So I do not need to take blood pressure meds Seriously
	2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.

December 24th, 2013, 05:47 AM	#2
DEFY ᗧ•••ᗣ•ᗣᗣ•••ᗣ Name: Nick Location: NY Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R and 2014 Triumph 675R Posts: A lot.	All good reasons, @ally99 Adds a new opportunity to my social life, the follow riders interact with each other rather then just driving by in order to just get to their destination.The feeling of jumping on a bike and having a much deeper connection to the environment around you as you pass through it. The thrill of being completely open to your surroundings.

December 24th, 2013, 11:28 AM	#7
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	it's just plain fun __________________________________________________
	0 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 24th, 2013, 11:56 AM	#8
FrugalNinja250 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Frugal Location: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): Several Posts: A lot.	I ride because I'm a rider, always have been, always will be. The fact that I spend less than $50/month on gas is a definite bonus.

December 24th, 2013, 03:14 PM	#10
old3 ninjette.org sage Name: Jim Location: NJ Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300, KTM EXC610SMR Posts: 913	It beats pedaling?
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 24th, 2013, 05:40 PM	#11
notsofast ninjette.org member Name: Jon Location: California Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja 250 Posts: 151	I ride for the feeling I get when I nail a downshift, tip the bike in, and get on the throttle. Cornering and riding in general is the only thing that sets me free.

December 24th, 2013, 06:44 PM	#12
Skullz ninjette.org guru Name: Ray Location: 48162 Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 Posts: 450	All the above and then some.

December 24th, 2013, 08:39 PM	#14
stubshaft Rode with the Dinosaurs.. Name: Joe Location: middle of the pacific Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250 Posts: 486	Because I can. Trying to explain it to someone who doesn't ride is an exercise in futility. For those that do, well, you understand. __________________________________________________ *Fortune favors the brave!*

December 24th, 2013, 08:47 PM	#15
rasta Your face Name: Wes Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CBR650f Posts: A lot.	To look cool. Sorry, no overly sensationalized reasons __________________________________________________ "even a proper fitting helmet can 'get loose'" -csmith
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 24th, 2013, 08:55 PM	#17
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Because.... This. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.
	4 out of 4 members found this post helpful.

December 25th, 2013, 08:32 AM	#18
ally99 Ninja chick Name: Allyson Location: Athens, GA Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 4 MOTM - Dec '13, Feb '15	Nice Teri! Pictures speak a thousand words! __________________________________________________ Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. ~Drake Check out my Appalachian Trail journal, 2015! Postwhores are COOL! ~Allyson

December 25th, 2013, 08:53 AM	#19
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Everyone is so eloquent and I am sure I could break the forum's character limit trying to pin down all the reasons I ride (many of which have already been stated here). Rather than attempting to list ten thousand things and leave ten thousand more unsaid, I will say nothing and let them speak for themselves instead. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

December 25th, 2013, 09:28 AM	#20
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Riding for me is a great way to meet new people, see new places, zone out the worries of the day and clear my mind.

December 25th, 2013, 09:53 AM	#21
CycleCam303 King Hamfist Name: Cameron Location: NorCal East Bay Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Crf 150R, 2011 Hypermotard 796 Posts: 940	I ride because its one of the few times I'm in total control of everything. I don't think about work, life, or anything else. I'm absolutely free. I race because there's nothing more technical and passionate than racing a motorcycle.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 25th, 2013, 10:15 AM	#22
CaptainPlatypus ninjette.org member Name: Eric Location: Los Angeles Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): '86 Honda VFR700 Posts: 173	I'm severely depressed, and there aren't many things that let my mind truly break free of the bullshit it constantly inflicts on itself. Riding gives me more freedom and peace of mind than anything else I've ever done. It lets me relax enough to enjoy the moment - enough to be excited about enjoying the moment. It's always the high point of my day, and as soon as I get EMSRacer07's engine in my bike, I'll be racking up the miles like my life depends on it again.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 25th, 2013, 10:55 AM	#23
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Take care of yourself man life happens to us all ride safe, and enjoy your life __________________________________________________

December 27th, 2013, 04:54 PM	#24
Løckøut ninjette.org member Name: Josh Location: Edmond, OK Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250r Posts: 128	Good question, and I have no clear answer. It just feels right to listen to a screaming engine, and the wind passing through my helmet. I enjoy every aspect of riding a motorcycle, and I'll be riding for a long time to come.

December 27th, 2013, 06:37 PM	#26
evidens83 bike noob Name: ev Location: WA Join Date: Oct 2013 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r(sold) 04 Yamaha R6 Posts: 94	Riding gives me that alone time that I need to reflect. Its exhilarating, calm, peaceful, the sound of the engine roaring through the gears excites me. Along with snowboarding and surfing, riding puts me in a zone where nothing else matters.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 27th, 2013, 10:06 PM	#27
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	... the vibrations __________________________________________________

December 28th, 2013, 11:18 AM	#29
CaptainPlatypus ninjette.org member Name: Eric Location: Los Angeles Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): '86 Honda VFR700 Posts: 173	Do we know it isn't short for Nicole? ;-)

December 28th, 2013, 01:19 PM	#30
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	I love the wind between my toes, the taste of bugs in my teeth, my eyes watering down my cheeks, and the suntan as well as wind burn I get riding around in my speedo. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

December 28th, 2013, 02:33 PM	#32
c-dog ninjette.org sage Name: - Location: - Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: 591	- Escape from everyday life temporally - Freedom - Loss of identity with helmet on, anonymous - Feels like flying “This is my anonymity,” he says, brandishing the motorcycle helmet in an upraised hand before he breezes out the door. “With it, I’m just another a#@hole on the streets.” - Brad Pitt
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 28th, 2013, 05:33 PM	#33
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	... Because I just do __________________________________________________

December 28th, 2013, 05:50 PM	#34
Felipe the Ant ninjette.org sage Name: . Location: . Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R SE GREEN! Posts: 562	Well if you're in a car wearing a banana suit nobody is gonna see it __________________________________________________ Trust me, I'm a banana!

December 29th, 2013, 12:44 PM	#38
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	...Because I fall asleep when I drive. __________________________________________________

December 30th, 2013, 12:05 AM	#39
Brian ninjette.org sage Name: Brian Location: Boston MA Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 639	I'm the reason for this thread. I love the feeling of speed and being in control of it. I love the way my bike is designed and how it all works fluently together. It's entertaining, fun, risky, and needs more attention than driving a car.

December 30th, 2013, 01:06 AM	#40
az3200 ninjette.org member Name: AZ Location: Orlando FL Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Ninja 250 Posts: 213	Because I don't have a car, just my 250. To be honest, after 20k miles It's starting to become a pain in the ass.
	2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.

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