Why Ride a Motorcycle?

Affordability

Back in the day, one of the main reasons I started riding a motorcycle was because it was a whole lot cheaper than owning and driving a car. I personally remember my first bike being a 1975 Honda CB360T. I think I paid all of $750 for it in 1979 and had a ball on that. As time went along though, the bikes became a bit more expensive. My current bike is a Road King and one trip to the shop ends up costing me more than I PAID for the first bike. My how times have changed. That said, there are still great deals out there on less “premium” models. Good bikes can be easily picked up for $2-3K that are more than adequate for a new rider or even a seasoned one. And the mileage is usually excellent in comparison to driving a car around.

Increased mobility

Motorcycles are more agile and maneuverable than carsdd, which makes them a great choice for navigating through traffic or tight spaces. They can also be easier to park, which can be a major advantage in urban areas where parking can be difficult to find. In our part of North Carolina, bikes can be a great way to get around. In other areas, they do have “filtering” on the law books wherein bikes can slide through the center of lanes to the front at a red light for example. Sadly, we DO see this happening on the road now – illegally. I have seen it going down a freeway at 90 mph. While it may be tempting, there is so much that can go wrong there.

Improved mental health

Many people find that riding a motorcycle can be a great way to relieve stress and improve their mental health. The sense of freedom and independence that comes with riding can be very therapeutic, and the focus required to operate a motorcycle can help to clear your mind and improve your concentration. “Knees in the air” therapy is always a great way to reduce stress!

Better physical health

Let’s face it – riding a motorcycle requires a certain level of physical fitness. You don’t have to be a top fitness expert or anything, but you do need a certain amount of health and agility to get out there and hit the road on a motorcycle. Motorcyclists must be alert and focused at all times, which can help to improve their reflexes and reaction times. In addition, riding a motorcycle can be a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. Of course, depending on the time of year, it can also be a great time to suck up untold amounts of pollen – plan accordingly!

Community

Riding a motorcycle can also be a great way to meet new people and become part of the motorcycle community. While I personally ride a Harley these days, I’ve never met another biker that wasn’t an immediate friend. My experience – all bikers are friends – just some that I haven’t met yet. When you’re on a bike, you have an almost immediate community surrounding you. Break down on the side of the road? There will usually be a number of other bikes – or even bikers in their cages – swinging by to check in on you. And so many different events in EVERY area specifically for bikers. Our local Harley dealers all have events throughout the riding season. And you don’t have to have a Harley to enjoy them. There are many motorcycle clubs and groups that organize events and rides, which can provide opportunities for socializing and making new friends.

Adventure

Finally, riding a motorcycle can provide a sense of adventure and excitement that is hard to find in other forms of transportation. Whether you’re running to a local store, taking a leisurely ride through the countryside or iron-butting it to some far-off destination for the weekend, riding is an activity that allows you to experience the world around you in a unique way.

There are a number of reasons that people ride motorcycles – and for every single person, I bet that they have their own specific reasons. From affordability and increased mobility to improved mental and physical health, there are many benefits to be gained from this exciting and rewarding form of transportation. So why not give it a try and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?