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[Capo]

And they're off!

[Twolanerider]

Because the touring models are too big to push.

[Johnny]

So I have something to do with all of my disposable income (and them some)!!

[Hoist!]

Ahh, philosiphy! Why are we here?

I know why I'm here! The world's been around over 5 billion years they say. They've only been making motorcycles for over 100! They've only been really good the last 50! (Don't take it personal miker, it's a philosophy thing) I know WTF I'm doing here! It ain't rocket science to me! "I just wanna be free to ride my machine....!"

Hoist!

[CVOJOE]

The chrome (think OCD) and leather steeds we ride are no ordinary motorcycles.

They are a cultural icon, a world-wide, 105 year-long phenomenon,. Part Hollywood idol, part fetish, a love-drug and a charmer. It growls between the thighs, plays music to the ears, and sets the blood throbbing.

At  hundred miles an hour, your leg muscles clench the seat with the effort of maintaining a steady center of balance, the neck jars from resisting the whip of the wind, and your brain is under threat of being vacuumed through your ears.  What can be wrong with that? 

These purring hunks of metal with an attitude definitely rearrange your hormones, and your budgets. Wanna blend in, ride the bus.

 

[BalDeagle]

As the saying goes:

"If I have to explain you wouldn't understand"

That must be one of the truest statements about riding a Sickel that I have ever heard.

Nig

[Smiler]

Childhood dream - Easy Rider, Mid-life crisis, the wind in my face, take your pick
but most of all it's about ME.
 

[HogBreath]

Money
I ride HD's because it makes financial sense to. My truck gets 16 MPG. MY HD gets 35 or so. With all the money I save on travel expense, I should be able to retire 5 years sooner.

Thing Green
I make less of an impact on global warming riding a motorcycle.

Safety
I feel much safer on a motorcycle than in my truck. In my truck, I get a false sense of security. Seat belts, windshields, enclosed cab etc. In reality that 28 gauge galvanized sheet metal doesn't protect much. On the bike, I know I'm more exposed, so I'm safer.

Tires
In my truck a set of tires last about 40,000 miles, but there's 4 of them. When I wear out tires on the bike, there's only 2.

The little woman
I also ride motorcycle because my wife pressured me into it. If momma is happy, I'm happy.

Posing
I'm actually a delicate wall flower. I'm more of a GQ type of man. Riding a HD makes me feel like a bad a$$ biker. I know bullies won't pick on me if I'm a biker.

[NukeIT]

Why do I ride?

You would think it was because of the Freedom, The ability to move with such grace and ease, (with my two left feet that is a great feat) the Power.

Nope It is because my motorcycle it the only girl that has never complained about me riding her all day and then going out with another girl. She doesn't even mind if I invite another girl to join in on the fun. She lets me abuse her and then she ask for more. She lives and breathes for my personal satisfaction. Hell if California would let me I would marry the girl.

I do it for her.

[RedDevil]

Because I can and because I want to.     Why else?   
   

[Air1]

Because I can and because I want to.     Why else?  
  

RD, said it best. 

[VAZHOG]

Because it's dangerous  
 

[RedDevil]

Because it's dangerous 
 

It is??? 

   

[lilbear]

Money
I ride HD's because it makes financial sense to. My truck gets 16 MPG. MY HD gets 35 or so. With all the money I save on travel expense, I should be able to retire 5 years sooner.

Thing Green
I make less of an impact on global warming riding a motorcycle.

Safety
I feel much safer on a motorcycle than in my truck. In my truck, I get a false sense of security. Seat belts, windshields, enclosed cab etc. In reality that 28 gauge galvanized sheet metal doesn't protect much. On the bike, I know I'm more exposed, so I'm safer.

Tires
In my truck a set of tires last about 40,000 miles, but there's 4 of them. When I wear out tires on the bike, there's only 2.

The little woman
I also ride motorcycle because my wife pressured me into it. If momma is happy, I'm happy.

Posing
I'm actually a delicate wall flower. I'm more of a GQ type of man. Riding a HD makes me feel like a bad a$$ biker. I know bullies won't pick on me if I'm a biker.

   If this had been in the Humor section, I wouldn't have blown coffee through my nose!

[LRebel]

Thing Green
I make less of an impact on global warming riding a motorcycle.

The little woman
I also ride motorcycle because my wife pressured me into it. If momma is happy, I'm happy.

Posing
I'm actually a delicate wall flower. I'm more of a GQ type of man. Riding a HD makes me feel like a bad a$$ biker. I know bullies won't pick on me if I'm a biker.

Yeah, Whatever.....

[LRebel]

I Ride Because...............Chicks dig Harleys

[youker]

Like Arlo Guthrie

I don't want a pickle
Just want to ride on my motorsickle
And I don't want a tickle
'Cause I'd rather ride on my motorsickle
And I don't want to die
I just want to ride on my motorsickle

[sadunbar]

In my world there are two forms of pure relaxation.....

Riding solo


and

sitting on my tractor with a cold beer mowing grass all day...    

No one to bother me...  No one wants anything...  Just me...      

(plus, chicks dig bikes...  at least that is what I heard once...)  

[miker]

I am too lazy to walk. 

[HogBreath]

  If this had been in the Humor section, I wouldn't have blown coffee through my nose!

You don't connect me to GQ?

[lilbear]

You don't connect me to GQ?

It was more the delicate wall flower part that got me!

[tompen]

Makes me feel speeeecccccial.
Oh wait. I am.

[naitram]

because only a biker understands why a dog sticks his nose out the car window

[SPIDERMAN]

because my Mom dropped me on my head when I was a baby and - - - -ummmmm errrrrrrr ahhhh   I forget

B B

[iski]

My dog won't hold still long enough for me to saddle it up.

[Janine]

When I ride I get this feeling of........................uhm, it's like, well...................it's sort of.........  Crap, I gotta stop daydreaming!
 
           




When I ride, it's like the most wonderful feeling of freedom there is. 

[harleyteam]

because I lack the proper equipment to be a HOOKER.

and we all know ridin a HARLEY is just as good as sex,  if not better.

[LabRat]

Same reason I love being at the helm of a sailboat....the freedom and the wind in my face against the elements.

[tysndys]

funner than walking?

[comfortablynumb]

When I ride for a while and the rest of the world melts away, I seem to get in this zone, physically with the bike as it becomes part of me or I part of it, and mentally when I become part of everything else... and there's a feeling when I sigh and  take that deep breath and fill my lungs with air that is somewhow cooler and fresher, and I think that I might be getting closer to understanding. And then I say screw it, upshift and roll on and say yea man  this is why.

[naitram]

cause thers nothing like cruizing down a high way late at night on a warm summer evening when your the only one on the road and its just you the rumble of a V-twin and the glow of an 8000K HID lighting your way

[REGGAB]

Because it makes the voices hush. 

[Twolanerider]

Because it makes the voices hush. 

That's it exactly.  The only thing that does too.  Good man Henry.


Or at least if not hush, allows them to be in unison.

[Hugh Janis]

cause thers nothing like cruizing down a high way late at night on a warm summer evening when your the only one on the road and its just you the rumble of a V-twin and the glow of an 8000K HID lighting your way

Don't forget the sudden cold zones you go through that you can only experience on a motorcycle.

[naitram]

why you gotta ruin my fun

[Hugh Janis]

why you gotta ruin my fun

No way, that's the best part of riding at night.  They're on you in an instant and gone just as quick.  Where do they come from?

[Twolanerider]

No way, that's the best part of riding at night.  They're on you in an instant and gone just as quick.  Where do they come from?

Got to agree.  Sudden little adrenaline buzz if the temp difference is big enough.  And if you're wearing loose trousers with your feet up on the pegs it's a cheap thrill too....

[Capo]

Now you're scarin me! I like coming off Mt. Rainier at 45-50 and coming into Naches in 20 minutes to 85-90! Just not in that pitch black night where your headlights get eaten up and 50 mph is scary!

[altugo]

Just for the heck of it 

[REGGAB]

That's it exactly.  The only thing that does too.  Good man Henry.


Or at least if not hush, allows them to be in unison.

I REALLY wish I had one of my scooters right now!!!     The symphony in my head is out of time and way off key.   

[FLYNDYNA]

I concur with all of the above...the look on peoples faces as you ride by, the hush. The feeling of riding on a late spring or summer evening with the "newness" in the air- with the occasional pocket of chill that lasts just long enough to give you a quick shudder, and then back into the warmer air. The glow of the overhead road lights giving everything that ethereal visual quality. If you don't have a radio, the sound of music of memory playing in your head in unison with the rumble of those singing v-twin giants. Pulling up to a stop light and the people in the car next to you saying "man, that is an awesome bike"... and last, but definitely not least; when a group of bikers gets together for a planned ride, you all roll up the road like a posse on steel and iron horses possessing the day, the unified glory can not be beat! Oh, and "because I can".

Flyndyna

[BalDeagle]

I concur with all of the above...the look on peoples faces as you ride by, the hush. The feeling of riding on a late spring or summer evening with the "newness" in the air- with the occasional pocket of chill that lasts just long enough to give you a quick shudder, and then back into the warmer air. The glow of the overhead road lights giving everything that ethereal visual quality. If you don't have a radio, the sound of music of memory playing in your head in unison with the rumble of those singing v-twin giants. Pulling up to a stop light and the people in the car next to you saying "man, that is an awesome bike"... and last, but definitely not least; when a group of bikers gets together for a planned ride, you all roll up the road like a posse on steel and iron horses possessing the day, the unified glory can not be beat! Oh, and "because I can".

Flyndyna

Hooooowwweeeee - you sure know how to tell it like it is.

 

[LabRat]

I concur with all of the above...the look on peoples faces as you ride by, the hush. The feeling of riding on a late spring or summer evening with the "newness" in the air- with the occasional pocket of chill that lasts just long enough to give you a quick shudder, and then back into the warmer air. The glow of the overhead road lights giving everything that ethereal visual quality. If you don't have a radio, the sound of music of memory playing in your head in unison with the rumble of those singing v-twin giants. Pulling up to a stop light and the people in the car next to you saying "man, that is an awesome bike"... and last, but definitely not least; when a group of bikers gets together for a planned ride, you all roll up the road like a posse on steel and iron horses possessing the day, the unified glory can not be beat! Oh, and "because I can".

Flyndyna

AWESOME! Very well said. How do you put that into a poll?

[miker]

It beats the chite outta riding the bus or train...

[naitram]

like this?

[FLYNDYNA]

Yep, exactly like that...can't wipe the smile off of my face for days after a fulfilling ride through the countryside with kindred spirits mauling the road alongside. Pitstopping for the occasional barbque or chilly beverage...the sights and smells overtaking your senses as the work-a-day worries dissipate like a light morning fog...

[naitram]

since youve got me day dreaming

[LRebel]

Some of you guys are way more articulate than I am.  I mean with all the stuff about "becoming one with the bike" and "one with the road".  Phrases mentioning "spirit" and all that stuff make it sound very........ romantic.  These things are all great and I guess also describe why I ride too.

But, being totally honest, I like to be loud.  I like to be fast.  I like to be chromed-out.  And, I like to be coooool. 
Riding a Harley ain't about basic transportation.  And, riding a CVO Harley isn't about riding a motorcycle that fits in with the crowd.  To a degree, my bike is a representation of me, and judging from pics of other bikes on this site, this is true with most of us (can you say OCD? ).

I love to ride solo or in a group.  I love to ride the old back roads when I am miles & miles from town with not another soul around and I love to ride down main street at night in traffic with the street lights reflecting off my bike for others to admire.  I ride to be noticed and I ride to be alone.

May not make any sense   The voices told me to be honest

[naitram]

i think that you cant put it in words says it all. call it a state of mind, call it your happy place, call it a zen thing. its part of who each of us are in our own unique way, sometimes there just arent words to explain it, and there nothing wrong with that.

cant explain this to someone who has never "felt" the experience

[RedDevil]

Neil,
The pics you just posted and what they represent, pretty much sums up, in my opinion, why we ride. 

   

[naitram]

if you dont like the mountains ther's always sea level, hey Hoist! loook its still a road king....

[naitram]

maybe i should have posted the in the insperational phosts thread 

[RedDevil]

maybe i should have posted the in the insperational phosts thread 

Tell you what Neil; you've got me hating life sitting at my desk at work right now.    I want to be riding bad right now.

   

[LRebel]

Tell you what Neil; you've got me hating life sitting at my desk at work right now.    I want to be riding bad right now.

   

Ditto!
Desk and computers and telephones SUCK compared to being on a scooter heading down the road.

[naitram]

hehheh, me too

[FLYNDYNA]

Kinko that ditto in triplicate...damn, now I am talking officeze...
I also enjoy the solo ride, a good part of my riding is solo on the weekends. Finding a road that I have never been on before that takes you far and away from the maddening crowds, or heading in to Old Town Alexandria and causing inner-ear damage to the passersby-ahhh the tranquility of it all. I do admit, when I see a clueless person lost in a phone conversation while driving, I tend to ride beside them cracking the throttle...it's the devil in me!

[hdbrad03]

I really enjoy the whole HD experience. We like to plan as many vacations as we can that also include the HD's. My wife use to be a "BSR". Until one day she decided to take the MSF course on her own. Now this is a person who can not drive a manual shift Car. So we now ride approx. 20K miles a year each.

State and National HOG events have allowed us to travel a great deal in the last 3 years. The people we meets along the way always richen our life's.

Looking forward to meeting group members this year through our CVO trips.

 

Brad

[BalDeagle]

Some great BS here - we just need a few beers and a sunset to finish it off!!

Hey Neil how do you stitch them pics together like that ??

Nige

[naitram]

multiple use of [ img ] tag. pics are in an online gallery already

[BalDeagle]

multiple use of [ img ] tag. pics are in an online gallery already

Pardon me!

[naitram]

using the img icon when you post.....

[BalDeagle]

using the img icon when you post.....

eerrrrrr - nope. Pass me a red beer while you explain in more depth - thanks 

 

Nige

[naitram]

uou can attach 1 pic per post which you already know how to do. if a pic is already hosted somewhere on the internet you can just link to it using

Code: [Select]

[img][/img]

[Fired00d]

eerrrrrr - nope. Pass me a red beer while you explain in more depth - thanks 

 

Nige

Quote the thread err post w/all the pics and it will show what Neal is talking about.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[BalDeagle]

[BalDeagle]

Woohoo I larnt me a new thang - thanks Neal.

 

[Fired00d]

Nige,
I think you've got it.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[BalDeagle]

Nige,
I think you've got it.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

I just think I might have Gary. Had a look at what you said and see what you mean !

Ta.

Nige

[naitram]

 blimey!

i think the bloke has it spot on,
you should go swig a pint and get right pickled to celebrate nige

[FreestateSE3]

Why Not?

[BalDeagle]

blimey!

i think the bloke has it spot on,
you should go swig a pint and get right pickled to celebrate nige

I hope that wasn't a tinge of sarcasm right their Mr Martian !

 

[naitram]

no way mate, just trying my Brit slang out while i give you the 

[BalDeagle]

no way mate, just trying my Brit slang out while i give you the 

Lol I need to give you lessons on the Brit Slang thang you absolute plonker!

 

[naitram]

as long as you aint callin me a fanny

[BalDeagle]

as long as you aint callin me a fanny

Now there's a word that has a totally different meaning over here to over there !!!

 

[naitram]

different sides of the taint

[BalDeagle]

different sides of the taint

Taint what I heard!

[Fired00d]

as long as you aint callin me a fanny

Hadn't heard that, but I have heard there is a slang word for cigarette that some over here might find offensive. Would this be similar?

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[BalDeagle]

Hadn't heard that, but I have heard there is a slang word for cigarette that some over here might find offensive. Would this be similar?

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

, cig, smoke, tab, ciggy - which one you thinking of Mr Dood?

[Fired00d]

, cig, smoke, tab, ciggy - which one you thinking of Mr Dood?

The first one.
 
 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[BalDeagle]

The first one.
 
 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

OK - two meanings over here, one is the one above and the other would be a gay man.

I guess the second one is the one you were thinking of.

Prolly a hundred years ago or more a  was also the guy who looked after an older guy at a University or somesuch. Sort of a servant and general dogs wotsit.

[Fired00d]

Because of the hate crimes to say (over here) that you were "going to smoke a " might get people to wonder about your intentions. To some "smoke" is slang for beat up, murder, or do some other bodily harm.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[BalDeagle]

I hear what you are saying. "Smoke" is not really used over here in the same context, but I have heard it on some American TV shows. If you said you were going to "smoke a " over here you would simple be going to have a cigarette.

Now go and clear out your boot and empty the dustbin before I spank your bottom!

 

[Fired00d]

Oh, and to get the thread back on topic.....

I ride because of a seed planted long ago when I was a kid. I watched "Then Came Bronson" and thought it was the coolest thing to be on motorcycle and travel/see different places. When I got old enough to get my license I had friends that rode Enduro's (Trail/Street) bikes and they taught me how to ride and I got my license. Didn't get my first bike until I was 21 and rode that for several years in my wild don't give a chit days. Got married, bought a house, started a family and the bike had to go. I kept my helmet because I knew one day I would own another motorcycle. When I turned 40 a friend knew that I really wanted to get back into riding and for a present he gave me a model of a Fatboy. I looked at it, talked to it, and before long I had purchased a Fatboy. Kept that bike for several years and then decided I wanted a "Geezerglide", but I wanted something w/power. I was already addicted to OCD so the addition of power and chrome it was a no brainer that I would get a Screamin' Eagle.

Motorcycling has brought me many new friends and I've been able to travel to over 26 states on my bike. There is no better way to see the country then on two wheels.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[BalDeagle]

 

You're right Dood - kind of got a little off wack there.

Everything about riding my bike is different to the things I do to earn a living. The freedom, the lack of ties, the "rebelliousness" , the noise, the smells, the exhilaration, the total relaxation. You just can never get enough.

 

[Hoist!]

Quite interesting thread, but it's seemed to have run it's course already, with all the cliches'. Now try explaining why you ride a Harley Davidson Motorcycle, instead of any old brand bike!

Hoist!

[Keats]

I love the taste of bugs.............?

nothing compares to rain drops hitting your face at 70 mph..........?

I like burns on my right lower leg from exhaust headers................?

never know when an altercation with a cage is eminent...........?

[CVOJOE]

These sorta tell the tale as well:

[CVOJOE]

If we have to explain then WTF?

[Hoist!]

I love my HD because with this new 110 because it allows me to spend the rest of my life at their dealer getting BS'ed about how there is no problem, we never saw this before, we finally have it figured out and have a fix for it....! Or better yet, I love getting towed on each trip I try to take, after the POS 110 lets loose!!! Now for the cynicism!

Hoist!

[Capo]

Thank you all for your deepest thoughts and feelings-I'll try and think of something more meaningful for the next poll-as they say in the new business- Film at 11!

[FLYNDYNA]

I ride because my wife wants me out of the house while she is cleaning & doing the bills. I honor her request and go for 8-10 hour rides. the last thing I would want to do is interrupt her...I even showed her how to weed-eat and mow the lawn so she gan get more exercise in while I am out doing what she wants me to do, riding. Boy, the things you do to keep a woman happy!

[JesterDecor]

I ride because my wife wants me out of the house while she is cleaning & doing the bills. I honor her request and go for 8-10 hour rides. the last thing I would want to do is interrupt her...I even showed her how to weed-eat and mow the lawn so she gan get more exercise in while I am out doing what she wants me to do, riding. Boy, the things you do to keep a woman happy!

Do you happen to be related to Hogbreath by any chance!!





He's as delusional as you are!!! 

[LabRat]

I ride because my wife wants me out of the house while she is cleaning & doing the bills. I honor her request and go for 8-10 hour rides. the last thing I would want to do is interrupt her...I even showed her how to weed-eat and mow the lawn so she gan get more exercise in while I am out doing what she wants me to do, riding. Boy, the things you do to keep a woman happy!

Be careful if she comes near you with a golf club and sledge hammer 

[FLYNDYNA]

Of course the above was all meant in good fun. I come home before her weeknights, walk & feed the dog, clean the kitchen, pick up the living room, make dinner & have a drink waiting for her when she gets home. Weekends I do whatever needs to be done, then on the road!

[LabRat]

Of course the above was all meant in good fun. I come home before her weeknights, walk & feed the dog, clean the kitchen, pick up the living room, make dinner & have a drink waiting for her when she gets home. Weekends I do whatever needs to be done, then on the road!

She found your post I see 

[JesterDecor]

She found your post I see 

[JesterDecor]

Of course the above was all meant in good fun. I come home before her weeknights, walk & feed the dog, clean the kitchen, pick up the living room, make dinner & have a drink waiting for her when she gets home. Weekends I do whatever needs to be done, then on the road!

Paging HogBreath....read the above post STAT!!

 

HHMMMMMMM...I'm really curious about the definition of "NEEDS to be done". In this house, apparently washing the bike trumps washing the clothes. 

[FLYNDYNA]

Why, of course! Was there any question? If the bike isn't spotless, the environment becomes endangered...financial recession becomes rampant worldwide...famine, LOCUSTS!

[JesterDecor]

Why, of course! Was there any question? If the bike isn't spotless, the environment becomes endangered...financial recession becomes rampant worldwide...famine, LOCUSTS!

But I thought "bugs in yer teeth" was a GOOD thang??

I'm told it's strictly for MY safety and comfort!! *sniffles* That man is has a heart of gold when he's got precious treasure riding BSR!!

(and, YES, I'm talking bout ME *daring anyone to disagree*)

 

Financial recession??? I thought that was talking bout the household budget and his serious and debilitating OCD syndrome?? 

[Coolbreeze]

My wife makes me ride...  because I can't order stuff for the bike, the wood shop and the guns while I'm riding.  I think it's actually cheaper for her when I'm ON the bike...   

[vagabond6542]

Because, after the first bike, I couldn't stop. It is a great way to get around the country and meet like riders.
It's not the destination, it's the fun doing the journey.

[grandpadoc]

...last link with sanity Doc

[Gettinold]

............I dont, I just like them in my garage. 

[HogBreath]

I've said, I'd rather push my harley than ride a Honda. Looks like they're taking me up on it. Mines all to pieces.

[Capo]

Come on 2 wheels is 2 wheels- I have hundreds of hours on metric cruisers and absolutely love my h-d but there may have been none with out my first honda!

[Keats]

I've said, I'd rather push my harley than ride a Honda. Looks like they're taking me up on it. Mines all to pieces.

What happened to the bike?.......We all know that you have more than 1 bike........how many is it in total now?

[HogBreath]

Come on 2 wheels is 2 wheels- I have hundreds of hours on metric cruisers and absolutely love my h-d but there may have been none with out my first honda!

I've had hondas, Kawasakis, Suzukis. I've rode them all, the HD is the worst as far as maintenance and problems. but, it's the only bike I've ever had that I truly love.

[HogBreath]

What happened to the bike?.......We all know that you have more than 1 bike........how many is it in total now?

It's in for the second head gasket leak. Crank runout is within tolerance, but, I'm not happy with it. Trying to decide which direction to go. Bullet proof it like howie, Jims engine, simple head gasket and take my chances. Complete story at 6:00.

[vagabond6542]

It's in for the second head gasket leak. Crank runout is within tolerance, but, I'm not happy with it. Trying to decide which direction to go. Bullet proof it like howie, Jims engine, simple head gasket and take my chances. Complete story at 6:00.

Is this the one you rode to CHL?

Sorry to hear about the problem.

It was great riding with you and yours at CHL GTG.

[HogBreath]

Is this the one you rode to CHL?

Sorry to hear about the problem.

It was great riding with you and yours at CHL GTG.

That's the one George. Was great meetin you guys too. I exepect to see ya'll at more of these this year!

[iski]

It's in for the second head gasket leak. Crank runout is within tolerance, but, I'm not happy with it. Trying to decide which direction to go. Bullet proof it like howie, Jims engine, simple head gasket and take my chances. Complete story at 6:00.

That sucks.   Let us know what you decide. 

[Capo]

This is dejavu! I bought an 02 Indian Chief with the new 100 CI "Bottle Head" and in 11 months of ownership the IMC replaced the entire bike once due to a swing arm alignment issue that was nearly a NTSB recall for a brake problem it created, and the engine on the second bike, due to head gasket and general poor engineering. Total mileage between 2 scoots and three engines was 8K. I bought my 03 SERK Memorial day weekend and hope to never repeat the nightmare. I feel your pain!