iandouglas Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 there seems to be a wide variety of views Me for example, not particularly interested in motorbike racing although one of my friends would never miss a race or qualifying session on TV but I am facinated by the IoM TT. Travelling about and socialising must be big reasons, again me for example, I wouldn't visit the vast majority of distant destinations I do if it were a case of using a car, getting a coach, train or bus. a combination of seeing new places plus the pleasure of the journey (absolutely no fun in that with a car). is it the concept of a motorbike for its own sake as a hobby and interest, something to take apart, clean, cherish - as well as being exhilarating to ride or is it transport, commute or the most effective way of getting about?. Any thoughts anybody please?
KirriePete Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 "If you have to ask the question, you won't understand the answer"
Grouch Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 For me it's the mechanical side of things. I just love getting stuck in and getting covered in dirt and oil. 5
Moderator Cynic Posted May 17, 2013 Moderator Posted May 17, 2013 "If you have to ask the question, you won't understand the answer" KP you nailed it right there. I certainly cant put it into words. I just am..
Moderator Cynic Posted May 17, 2013 Moderator Posted May 17, 2013 For me it's the mechanical side of things. I just love getting stuck in and getting covered in dirt and oil. What! Get that gearbox fixed then. I would have been in there soon as it happened. Wouldnt even get a chance to go cold.
slice Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 Thank you Grouch, just pissed my self form laughing!!! As to the actual question I have no idea why I ride I just do, it's odd now I think about it that I don't need a bike but would rip your face off if you tried to take it away.
Matthew Duncan Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 For me it's the mechanical side of things. I just love getting stuck in and getting covered in dirt and oil. why you selling your XT then? haha same, was brought up around my dad riding/working on bikes and got me interested into the nuts and bolts of them. Me for example, not particularly interested in motorbike racing although one of my friends would never miss a race or qualifying session on TV but I am facinated by the IoM TT. Again, same as me. TT is the only racing i tend to watch. Other than that i just find the thrill of riding a buzz, dont get the same feeling from my car as i do my bike
Moderator DirtyDT Posted May 17, 2013 Moderator Posted May 17, 2013 Getting dressed up. Getting hot on a hot day. Getting cold on a cold day. Getting wet on a wet day. Getting somewhere to find that cars are parked in the bike spaces. Getting somewhere and having to walk around carting everything with brought with you. Going somewhere to find that people think you are some uneducated scumbag who can't afford a car. Looking for a new bike to be spoken to by a Dealer as if you are some uneducated scumbag. Going to work to find that people think you are a scumbag. Going to a autojumble to find that part you have always wanted, in pristine condition being sold for virtually nothing, to remember that you cant manage to get the thing strapped to the bike to get it home. There are loads more but all the rest are negatives. . 1
Tommy xs Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 mine have changed over the years, when I first started riding it was just the total buzz of riding, then sooner or later you have to start looking after it and repairing it, there's a great satisfaction to fixing your bike yourself . knowing you can do it and saving your dosh. now its just everything about bike's, my real passion is 70s/80s bikes as it takes me back, when you see a model that one of your mates had or one you've owned yourself. I like the social side of biking, meeting new people and helping each other looking forward to tt, squire's, & foamy's run also plan a trip to Oban Scotland this summer just as my profile says all things Bike. 1
Tommy xs Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 For me it's the mechanical side of things. I just love getting stuck in and getting covered in dirt and oil. you crack me up grouch!! keep up the good work, YOC wouldn't be the same without you, if the was an award for most entertaining member you'd win hand's down
iandouglas Posted May 17, 2013 Author Posted May 17, 2013 ah getting all togged up, there's two sides to that - (1) initially trying to look like brando and then (2) eventually resorting to more practical but less aesthetically pleasing all weather bike kit. it is a nuisance having to carry gear about, I now use a top box which will take my helmet but other than that a hold all sports type bag works OK I find. On the other hand parking can be better and less expensive (no cost) than with a car. I had a period of time when I was working with a load of young women, all from privilaged backgrounds and somewhat humourless, when I really did feel uncomfortable trudging in with all my bike stuff on, in the end i used a changing room for cyclists but luckily I work in a different team now where they are less bothered and more accepting. The weather - personally I hate riding in the rain, worse is the rain and at night and worse still rain, night and cold and still worse when its freezing but fortunately these are relatively few occasions - carrying a spare pair of gloves helps as do heated grips and oversocks - ski type ones. One downside are bugs, don't know why but Salisbury Plain has to be a bad spot for riding into swarms of them, like James Hunt used to say, keep a damp cloth with you to wipe your visor if necessary.
Moderator DirtyDT Posted May 17, 2013 Moderator Posted May 17, 2013 mine have changed over the years, when I first started riding it was just the total buzz of riding, then sooner or later you have to start looking after it and repairing it, there's a great satisfaction to fixing your bike yourself . knowing you can do it and saving your dosh. now its just everything about bike's, my real passion is 70s/80s bikes as it takes me back, when you see a model that one of your mates had or one you've owned yourself. I like the social side of biking, meeting new people and helping each other looking forward to tt, squire's, & foamy's run also plan a trip to Oban Scotland this summer just as my profile says all things Bike. This is closer to my real thoughts. The buzz as a youngster The freedom it gave me The places I have visited The random conversations from other bikers (past or current) The smell of fresh cut grass as you ride The smell of dry, warm, tarmac as you ride The smell and feel of light rain as you ride The ability to get to where you want to quicker The desire to own a bike you never have even ridden. Often because it evokes memories of yesteryear The smell of the heat from the bike after a decent ride The thrill of coming over a hill to see 5 miles of twisties laid out in front of you - woooo whooo Riding on to an early morning ferry The satisfaction of buying and restoring an old wreck The feeling of being alive................................................................................ 2
kenDAWG Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 what interests me in biking... hmmmmmm cheapness fresh air time to think (without the other half chewing your ear off) high performance for less cost just a few ken
Tommy xs Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 the main one! when you've come out of a bend that you entered on the perfect line, at the right speed, in the right gear, and you feel like the bike is a part of you, that's why we love our bike's 1
welshwan Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 They make lots of noise! But in all seriousness pretty much everything about them! The way the bike moves Looking the business in your biking gear All the looks for people you pass Chats with other bikers Freedom to go pretty much anywhere you like (i have been up mountains, no exaggeration) That rush you get when you get your boot to the ground on a tight corner or maybe a roundabout Dreams of getting a big tarmac eating sports bike, you know -something stupidly fast Park in between cars if there is isn't space Filtering on a very busy day, whilst smiling to my self The way bikes look Pretty much always able to jump to the front of the queue at traffic lights tons more but i can't think at the moment
mike1949 Posted May 17, 2013 Posted May 17, 2013 First of all my bike gets me from A to B Then I have to get from B to A which can be a bit of a pain depending on where the traffic is coming from, it's it's coming from north to south it's no problem, but. if it's coming from south to north then it's a big problem, and I mean a BIG PROBLEM. Where I work the management are very good, they let us go fifteen minutes before the rest of the industrial estate finishes at 17:00
iandouglas Posted May 17, 2013 Author Posted May 17, 2013 some good ones there - I'm older than you lot (I'm pretty sure because I am fairly old) - anyway the reason I got a bike again after many years without was to do with it being relaxing, somehow stresses and strains disappear. Maybe it is escapism, going back to being a teenager again, not sure but there is that sense of freedom and fun, almost a sensation of flying sometimes if that isn't too ridiculous, yes even on an XJ600n.- luckily I have a good mechanic who is magic with engines.
mike1949 Posted May 18, 2013 Posted May 18, 2013 some good ones there - I'm older than you lot (I'm pretty sure because I am fairly old) - anyway the reason I got a bike again after many years without was to do with it being relaxing, somehow stresses and strains disappear.. What I like about going to work on the bike is that due to my brilliant working hours I finish at 12:00 on a Friday, so as there is no hurry to get home every other week so I tend to go for a ride out into the wonderful Wiltshire countryside. Here are some wonderful snapshots. my MOT station, I even have to help the tester with the MOT on the way to the MOT in a village on the way Although I live in a market town and work in another town between us there is so much countryside it's unbelievable, just two minutes you can be in the serenity of the countryside. 1
iandouglas Posted May 20, 2013 Author Posted May 20, 2013 Like the pictures Mike Wiltshire is a favourite place for me too - I like Devizes went to New Romney on the Kent coast Sunday, this photo was taken in a place inland called Tenterden where, luckily, I found a shop open that sold bolts as one of the 8mm stud fixings on the exhaust had vibrated off so I screwed it back together then had a pizza (restaurant with some outside seats/tables) sitting from where the photo is taken, the black bike with a reflective jacket on it is my XJ600N. 1
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