Motorcycle why

You take up less space. You even take less of a toll on roads and infrastructure. Motorbikes as a single-person or two-person transport are far more efficient. Motorbikes are generally also cheaper to buy, operate, and maintain than a car. We know, however, that the march of autonomous technology continues to advance and invade our driving experiences.

While that technology is finding its way into motorcycles, Harley-Davidson developing group-riding cruise control for example , it is a lot harder to divorce the organic component from the equation when it comes to riding a bike. Take that Cyberdyne! Even the most basic, universal, and utilitarian motorcycles are a reflection of their owners' personality. In a sea of SUVs, a motorcycle is the last bastion of automotive authenticity.

A bike is as individual as a vehicle can be, and no two are ever alike. You work on it, tinker with it, and perform basic maintenance on it almost daily, forging your bond with your machine. A study once found that a motorcyclist in traffic makes more decisions per minute than a fighter pilot in a dog fight, or a race-car driver engaged in a battle of position.

There are numerous medical journals that show a link between increased brain activity and long-term cognitive function. In short, a bike is good for your brain. Many people who struggle with depression and other mental health issues find motorcycles therapeutic.

If you also ride off-road or race, you will likely increase your physical fitness as well. Every time you wave at a fellow rider, a little smile fills your soul. Most of my best mates are people I met through bikes. In short, bike people rule. Bonding over any shared joy will always lead to rewarding, fulfilling friendships but I argue that few hobbies bring people from so many backgrounds together the way riding can. But I'm still willing to bet that the motorcyclist comes out slightly ahead at the end of the year.

As a knock-on effect of fuel efficiency, motorcycles are a greener choice of transportation. Maybe not so much if you're still thrashing around on a two-stroke, but any modern bike will have to meet increasingly strict environmental standards. If you're lane splitting on the way to work, you're also decreasing your environmental impact by not sitting at idle for long stretches.

If your engine is running for less time, it spends less time putting crap in the air. If you go electric, of course, you can ride around feeling even more smug assuming you are conscientious enough to ensure your energy supplier uses sustainable resources. One of the more terrifying Skynet-like things to happen last year was hackers remotely controlling a Jeep Cherokee.

Last I checked, this sort of thing isn't yet—yet—possible with a motorcycle. Though, considering Ducati and most electric bikes offer the ability to make adjustments via smartphone, it probably won't be long. If you're truly concerned about the machines taking over though, a motorcycle remains a good bet. Especially if you choose a Royal-Enfield or Ural.

When motorcycle proponents are scraping the barrel they drag out the claim that motorcycles help you lose weight. Ostensibly this is true: A pound man will burn 40 more calories in an hour riding a motorcycle than he will driving a car. If he sings the whole time he'll scorch an additional calories. But take a gander at those attending Sturgis or Daytona rallies and it's clear riding a bike isn't a miracle weight-loss technique.

It is, however, incredibly good for your brain. The aforementioned zen state mixes with the endorphins that come from spirited riding, or simply being outside does wonders for your mental health. It pains me to give ammunition to trolls here, but I'm someone who has struggled a lot with mental health over the years. Since returning to riding, however, I've found things gradually improving. I'm calmer, more confident, kinder, and generally happier. And it's a simple truth that improved mental health leads to improved physical health, if not simply because it gives you the right attitude.

Using terms like "brotherhood" or "sisterhood" in applying the connection between motorcyclists quickly sends one down the rabbit hole of self-aggrandizing BS. The idea of there being a special bond between the purchasers of a mass-produced item is silly.

I am no more spiritually linked to other motorcyclists than I am other consumers of Kraft macaroni and cheese. And yet, and yet Depending on the country, you'll be greeted by waves or nods or extended feet when you pass other riders. Motorcycling induces a small town friendliness among its participants, no matter where they are in the world. Showing up somewhere on a bike means people will go out of their way to talk to you, to share stories.

And you will be better for it. We live in a jittery world; there are so many demands for our attention. If you are a person in a relationship with kids, a family, a job and ambitions, it may at times feel that everything you do is at the service of someone or something else; that every action you take is directed by something external. On a motorcycle, it's just your little head inside that helmet.

You are in control of you, totally and completely. You feel the immediacy of your actions and decisions. Thank you for a great article. Enjoyed the strategic way you combined perspectives on psychology, philosophy and practicality associated with riding and relating to a motorbike. You might be right, our consciousness will be higher while biking, the want of going higher level of consciousness is there in every human being, may be that is the thing which make us ride ride and ride.

It is definitely spiritual also. Riding a bike keeps me whole as a person. Just feels right. I have such a stressful job. I hop on my beautiful red girl friend.

My Ducati and my world changes. Thanks for reading, Jack! The joys I have experienced since becoming a motorcyclist last year are directly related to my current unbalanced life. To say that riding has become addictive is an understatement! I enjoyed your article. As most of us can attest to the pursuit of speed or corner carving is a natural extension of crawling, walking, running, cycling, driving, and for some of us flying.

Motorcycling is a great compilation of sensory euphoria comparatively. There is definitely solace to be found on a motorcycle! Been riding all over the world in all kinds of bikes, already 64 this year, will continue to do so. Motorcycles make us an active participant in our environments rather than just bystanders.

I bet you have some awesome stories to share! Your email address will not be published. Skip to content Skip to footer. Nicely done, LT. Ride on, and Write on, because your Right on! Ohene — Gah, thank you! Thanks as always for your excellent words of encouragement!