Reasons, Rationalization and Realities
There are probably as many reasons for riding a motorcycle as there are riders. Many of the reasons why we collectively ride are based on several catch all categories. While the reasons vary, it says something about the personalities and mindsets of motorcycle riders.
Not all of our reasoning is rational. We may well tell others we ride for reason A or B, but in reality, what underlies our reasoning has as much to do with our personality as it has to do with our logic. It also depends, to a great degree, on the practicality of riding. In Western Canada, for example, except for the Vancouver Area, and part of Vancouver Island, practicality can’t be one’s rationale.
Where I live, in Manitoba, the season comprises essentially half of the year, so practicality and economics weigh heavily on those who ride. Add to the lack of practicality that the costs for ridership here are extremely high, and one must have a much stronger motivation to ride than simply practicality or economics.
Recently Top Speed asked this exact question, but to many of us, the reality of why we ride has a lot less to do with the advantages espoused in their article. In rebuttal to the points expressed, let’s take them one at a time.
https://www.topspeed.com/10-great-reasons-to-ride-motorcycles/
Riding a Motorcycle Saves Time
Where I live, riding a motorcycle may save you very little time. Without the ability to lane filter or lane split, it’s essentially impossible to save time, especially in urban settings. Both are not allowed by law, and while experiments have been held in Ontario, not a single jurisdiction in Canada shows any inclination to change the status quo.
Riding a Motorcycle Saves Money
While riding a motorcycle may well be cheaper when one only looks at the expense of fuel and purchase price, here, I would suggest that the cost of ownership for a motorcycle is much higher than driving a car. Insurance costs in my province are prohibitively high. I pay $2650 for the season, which must be paid over 5 months. You cannot simply pay for just 5 months of coverage, you must pay the entire amount even though you are unable to ride for either 6-7 months of the year. Fuel costs are slightly cheaper, but maintenance for my motorcycle is higher again. I have to replace my tires annually along with the regular annual maintenance requirements.
Riding Helps with Fitness
This is one area where there may well be some truth. Riding a sport touring motorcycle, in particular, to be enjoyable requires a level of fitness. Core fitness is important, as is arm strength, forearms, chest, neck, torso, knees, and thighs. If you believe in fitness, you may find that your weekly regime is all that’s required, however, for those who are significantly overweight or out of shape, riding may be taxing and less enjoyable. Staying in shape then does become a benefit.
It’s Beneficial to Your Mental Health
For most of us, this may well be the most important reason why we ride. I know it is for me. Though riding can be stressful depending on where you ride, for me, it is relaxing. It provides an escape from daily concerns and requires me to focus on staying in the moment. It releases endorphins and puts me in a better frame of mind.
On a Motorcycle You Meet People
Riding on a bike often ends in socializing with others. I like to ride solo, and often for long distances. However, wherever and whenever I stop, people are interested in having a conversation. Fellow motorcyclists will often talk to you as your interests appear to be similar. You may well make long-term friendships, simply based on the fact that you ride.
It’s Better for the Environment
On this one, the jury is still out. It’s easy to say that motorcycling is better for the environment because one uses less fuel, oil, etc, but the reality may well not bear that out. I put on a lot more mileage because I ride. I go through more rubber, and I only ride alone, so my other half still has to use a car, or does, which means there is little saving in either expense or operating costs.
Riding a Motorcycle is a Thrill
I’m an adrenaline seeker, so for me, this is patently true. I enjoy the thrill of riding, the acceleration, carving turns on challenging roads, and increasing my lean angle as speed and road conditions allow. Riding is both a challenge and a thrill and for that, I am always thankful. In short, it keeps me young, which at 72 is important.
Adventure is Never Far Away
When riding, every ride can be an adventure. Seeking adventure and going to places you’ve never been, or finding routes that require some skill to traverse is all part of the adventure. Your attention to detail in terms of the places you ride and your total immersion in the environment make every ride an adventure. If you ride an Adventure style motorcycle and can ride anywhere, then being adventurous can take on a whole new meaning, one that can only be experienced by getting off the beaten track and taking the trail less traveled.
It Makes You a Better Driver
I think that there is some truth in this. I seldom drive a car in the summer. But when I do, my brain is much more attuned to carefully analyzing the behavior of other drivers. You see cues that lead you to be more defensively minded. I avoid accidents because I can foresee the implications of the behaviors of other drivers.
Riding is Fun
For me, this is totally true. I look forward to every ride, every trip, every destination. My closest friends and aquaintences are riders, which is particularly valuable to me as I age and my circle of friends and contacts shrinks. Life becomes more solitary as you age. No longer working decreases your circle of interaction on a daily basis, therefore motorcycling keeps me well-adjusted and sociable. (At least that’s what I tell myself. My other half says I’m becoming more curmudgingly over time).
Conclusions
For me, riding is a passion. Just as firefighting, scuba diving and being a Rescue Technician were when I was younger. Though not economically advantageous in any way, I will continue to ride until I cannot safely do so. The satisfaction and enjoyment that I derive from riding is much more important to me than the economics. If I ever needed to, I would likely give up car ownership, rather than give up motorcycling.
Motorcycling keeps me sane in a world that is increasingly less rational, and more filled with hate, anger, and greed than at any time in my life. It constitutes an important part of my mental health and enables me to deal with the stress of daily life in a world run amok.
I hope that riding does the same for all of you. Life is short, so take every opportunity to find excitement, or peace or to have fun.
Ciao…
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