Readers Respond: Why Do You Ride a Motorcycle?

Responses: 142

By Basem Wasef, About.com Guide

See More About:

When I first rode it was for the freedom at 16, now at 42 it is a way to lose myself from the world. I focus so much I forget my troubles, I ride with no care in the world. It's my escape.
—Guest Shawn

As a newby rider, I took the plunge and bought a bike first, and just recently learned to ride. I have always loved the aggressive look of bikes, and admired their power. I love the challenge and all the personal empowerment and growth in all new ways it has brought to me. For me, riding is a truly individual and unique experience, not experienced in anything else I've ever done. Very exhilerating yet relaxing at the same time - almost meditational!
—Guest Niece

When I returned from Vietnam, I quickly enrolled in the "ranch house & white picket fence" American dream... A couple of children, a divorce and a career later, I found myself alone in the world and unfettered by conventional restraints. Somehow, I found my purposeless life back to the motorcycle, the begotten horse of America's past. Among fellow motorcyclists, I met strangers, who would embrace me, note my Vietnam Veteran's patch, and say, "Welcome home, Brother." I became engaged with others who neither asked about my past nor judged me. At last, I was free from the restraints of those who dishonored my brothers who fought in an unpopular war. The bonds of ambition and advancement were rendered asunder. Expectations from those who looked at me askance were rendered impotent and unimportant, and I was able to tear away from the conventional societal expectations and merge into the open road. FREEDOM, at last. Risk, yes. Worth it? Oh, hell yeah! Remember me, I am away!
—Guest RodHog

All through my life, I've always done what's expected of me. Studying, jobs I don't like, relationships, just to keep myself afloat and respectable in the eyes of everyone. After just one trip on my friend's beautiful CBF600, I was utterly hooked. We even crashed on it, and I just couldn't stay away. Now, I'm saving for my own CBF125, because it's something crazy, and wild, that I never would have done before. No doubt my family will be disappointed in me, but that's the hold a bike has over you!
—Guest Brezhna

I ride year-round. As long as the pavement is dry, I'm on the fly. 11 degrees and I'm still smiling at the stop light next to the mini-vans and SUV's. I'd rather freeze my keester off than be strapped behind the steering wheel of a cage. Why sit and steer, when you can lean and soar.
—Guest Kevin

There are many reasons I ride a motorcycle, many of which have already been shared. If I had to sum it up, I would say it's "my therapy." It allows me to escape the normal day to day grind and forces me to focus on something that, in my opinion, is simple and pure. Add 40 to 50mpg and you have the cheapest "therapist" session ever invented.
—Guest TXVfr

The joy of riding is like no other, being a oif/oef vet it slows the world down for me like medication for my sorrow and pain. It gives me life again!
—Guest Nolity

There is nothing more relaxing than hitting the open road. The wind and sunshine on your face should say it all. You are so free to the world and those around you.
—Guest Guest Mike

Its akin to "Horse-Riding", dangerous and being personally involved with nature, feeling the rush of air and thrill of speed.
—Guest Rudolph.A.Furtado

I`ve been riding since I was 15 and I am now 76and I have no reason to stop unless I die:) i alwya sliked the freedom , although the last 10 years that has been markedly restricted what with helmet laws and now 100 HP max on a bike. I know I`m old and I dont ride as far in a dy as I use dto but I still cant wait for the first nice day in spring to get on my bike and go go go go
—Guest MRED

When winter season is over, I have to start over learning to ride again, and it feels new at first. But I feel like a young kid again and that excitement of riding in the wind, leaning into a corner, its great! My heart races with the rythm of the motor. It makes me feel ALIVE! I am 53 years old and I have been riding for 29 years and I hope for another 29 years. My ride is a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500. Bike number 8.
—Guest JohnnyMac

But mostly because I am a PART of the world when I'm riding- not just passing thru. The focus and attention required leave little room for "that other stuff", so I concentrate on enjoying my Self, my Machine, and my portion of the World..
—Guest STROLR

i've been riding motorcycles since i was 10 years old,at the big 50 I still can't get enough,Open road,Thrill of power and cornering,keeps the fear of the Lord in me.My new ride is a 2007 M109R 1800 v twin
—Guest Daryle Nesimuik

I'm a Vietnam Vet, and this is my rolling couch. Riding gives me space, I can ride with others while still enjoying my personal space. I'm one with nature and I can use all of my senses to take in all that surrounds me. I also can enjoy the freedom of movement and being one with my ride. The brotherhood in riding is similar to that of being in military or police groups. Riding also provides that rush that so many of us crave and feed on. I can take a ride which is so much better then taking medication. This is the medicine that saves me. I'm thankful for the two wheels that take me away from my problems and cares.
—Trnhobby

Previous91-105 of 142Next

Basem Wasef
Motorcycles Guide