Why We Ride Motorcycles
Motorcycles are dangerous; that is a fact that we cannot deny; it is simply the way things are. So, despite the dangers that are there, why do we ride motorcycles, and why do we continue to ignore the risks?
It’s a good question, and I think anyone who has never ridden a motorcycle before has probably asked this question. In the event of a collision, a car’s driver has plenty of room to move around and is well-protected by a sizable steel cage. A motorcycle rider, on the other hand, has nothing but a helmet and some protective gear to help them once they become detached from their motorcycle.
Motorcycling isn’t just a hobby; it’s not just a passion; it’s a way of life. For many riders, including ourselves at Future Moto, motorcycles take up a considerable chunk of our lives, from creating social media posts, and writing about them, to going out and riding, filming, and reviewing them.
We are fortunate to be able to talk about motorcycles and ride motorcycles for a living, and you know what we are doing when we aren’t on the clock? We are talking about riding motorcycles because that is what we live for.
Motorcycles are a state of mind; as Valentino Rossi once said, “Riding a motorcycle is an art, a thing that you do because you feel something inside,” and it’s true, it’s not just a machine you get on a ride, it’s a feeling of being at one with your machine, being part of a community, and amongst nature, the wind blowing on your face as you rip open the throttle on a warm summer’s day.
Motorcyclists have passion
The passion for motorcycling goes way beyond anything surface-level; a rider who cannot ride their bike absolutely itches for their next ride, it’s like an addiction. Some people slave away in jobs they hate for years purely so they can gain enough income to purchase more motorcycle parts. Motorcycling is one of the priorities for these people, and it’s worth it.
Long trips across Europe on two wheels are what motivates people to get up in the morning and go to work, knowing that they’ll be able to afford that trip in a few months; it gets their blood racing and their heart pumping.
The passion comes from the freedom you get on two wheels; when you ride, you are in control of where you go and what you do. Many people live their lives out of control because of external factors like their job, their bills, or their relationships, but riding a bike gives a person complete control and the freedom to do as they please. You don’t need anyone’s permission to go anywhere; you simply ride.
Hearing the engine note and feeling the wind on your face is exhilarating, and the vibrations of your engine soothe your soul—it’s truly something else.
Friendship and companionship between bikers are also big things; the community around motorcycling is incredibly strong, and many motorcyclists are accepting of one another, regardless of which motorcycle they ride.
Motorcycling brings people from all walks of life together with one common theme, passion for motorcycles. Riders will take time out of their busy lives to ride with one another. No matter the time of day or year, riders will ride together, building friendships along the way that can last a lifetime.
Plus, you end up meeting even more bikers and incredible people at meet-ups, ride-outs, and more, becoming lifelong friends.
Motorcycles help your mental and physical health
Ever seen a motorcycle outside of a psychiatrist’s office? I didn’t think so. Riding motorcycles relieves tension and stress. Personally speaking, I always feel better after a long ride out; it brings calmness and ease to my life. You can also think things through rationally while riding, and when you get home, you feel energised and refreshed.
You might be surprised to learn that riding a motorcycle improves your fitness. It’s one of the reasons why we see so many older people with the strength and ability to ride a motorcycle. Having to manoeuvre the motorcycle at slow speeds, turn it around corners, and more helps to burn calories and build strength, keeping people like you and me somewhat fit and healthy (depending on what the burger van at the bike meet is cooking up).
Next time you get an earache from going out on your bike, just use the excuse that you’re getting your fitness in for the day!
And with that, I’m off to exercise!