"Why Do You Do That?" : One Man's Foray Into Motorcycles

"Andrew Fails" (fails)
08/18/2015 at 22:03 • Filed to: motorcycle, ride, bike, suzuki, Hunter S. Thompson, SV650, streetbike

100

“Why do you ride?” That’s a question that every motorcyclist has to answer at some point. The answers are as varied as they are clichéd.

Freedom.

Speed.

Rebellion.

Thrills.

Everyone is going to have their own answer, and each is going to be a little different. But for most people, it’s going to be a myriad of factors. I know it is for me. Personally, I had no significant interest in motorcycles until I was in my late twenties. I had always appreciated them from a performance perspective, but had never desired one, up until my brother rode his Vulcan 900 up from Tampa to visit us in Kansas City. Suddenly, I was intrigued. It just looked so…fun. Remember when driving was fun? When your parents first threw you the keys and let you take the car out on your own, every single outing was an adventure.

Like most of you, I enjoy driving for the sheer purity of it. The steering wheel loading up in corners. Perfecting that seamless heel-toe downshift. Slapping the shifter into the next gear while you elicit a chirp from the tires. As verboten as it is in these days of increased safety consciousness, speed is certainly part of that. But for me, speed is not the goal. The sensation is the goal. The raw, tactile sensations that are masked in daily commuting, are exposed the faster you go. The harder you push, the more that curtain is drawn back. Each degree of aggression is rewarded with one more peek at the sublime.

A motorcycle is that. All the time. To the nth degree. Unadulterated, visceral sensation at all times. You like the mechanical interaction of a manual transmission? How about one that you can hear each physical gear click together? You like direct steering? How about steering so sensitive that an ill-timed fart can throw off your racing line? You like responsive brakes? How about a front brake that lets you do the sort of handstands that make pre-pubescent Russian gymnasts jealous? Couple that with the kind of acceleration that will embarrass nearly anything on four wheels, and you have a truly potent creation.

The Speed. Oh, the Speed. She is a fickle mistress. She calls to you. That siren song crawls its way into your soul, and triggers something primeval. I’ve been in a lot of powerful cars in my day. Five hundred horsepower becomes commonplace. But even weighed against those impressive numbers, nothing matches the exhilaration of a motorcycle at wide open throttle. The first time I rode on the highway, it terrified me. I couldn’t believe anything could feel so fast. Even at under the speed limit, everything just came so quickly. (That’s what she said?) Maybe that makes me a pussy, to be scared at sixty miles an hour. I don’t care. But you do get used to it. Some sooner than others.

There is a reason that so many people upgrade from the 600cc sportbikes to the litre bikes. They get used to it. Complacent. Bored. They need something more. That Speed calls to them. Just as how nothing seems to measure up to your first love, nothing seems to measure up to that first delirious taste of real Speed. So they go looking for it. Again. And again. And again. On faster and faster machines. At higher and higher speeds. At more and more severe lean angles.

But Speed is not an only child. She goes hand in hand with her twin sister Risk. The more time you spend chasing Speed, the closer you move to Risk. Everyone has their own barometer for how much they are willing to accept, and there are ways of mitigating the danger through training, strategy, and equipment. But make no bones about it, Risk is always there, breathing down your neck. If you cannot accept the fact that someday she may draw you into her painful embrace, then you do not belong on two wheels.

This is not to say that any who ride have a death wish. I know I don’t. I’ve got big plans to be one sexy grandpa later on down the road. There’s a lot of corduroy and tweed involved. You’ll see, it will be magical. So no, I don’t have some intrinsic desire to be cleaned off the front of a Chevy Tahoe with a squeegee. But that being said, the inherent risk does have a surreal effect on your thought processes. When you acknowledge the fact that a poor lane change decision, or an lapse in judgement at a stop sign could wipe you from this Earth, you begin to focus.

Sure, there are motorcycles with surround sound, GPS, and cupholders, but to me, that misses the point. A wise man once told me, “you want to be comfortable, drive a fucking car.” It should be a pure experience. It is meditative. A lot of the time, I am unable to turn my brain off. I am wracked with indecision, doubt, depression, and self-loathing. But riding a motorcycle quickly removes all of that. Hustling a sportbike down a backroad at a full clip is such a full body and full mind experience that everything else ceases to exist. It has to. For if your mind wanders, if your reflexes dull, you may feel that harsh caress of Risk.

I’ve never been a religious man. Church never spoke to me. But screaming down the road, covering a football field every second, with your toes inches from the pavement, deafened by the wind which tries to simultaneously batter you, strangle you, and dash you upon the ground...I can find peace. At least until that white CRV tries to murder me. That just means I have to be better. And faster.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Fails is a freelance photographer who sometimes pretends to be literate. You can see his portfolio at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . He is talking in third person because it makes him feel mysterious.

DISCUSSION (100)

Big Bubba Ray > Andrew Fails
08/18/2015 at 22:17

That was beautiful!

I’d have a bike right now if I could afford one. Having two cars and paying for school is the only thing holding me back!

Master Cylinder > Andrew Fails
08/18/2015 at 22:26

Nice post. I’ve been riding for a bit more than a decade now and every single time is just as fun as the first. Even just commuting a couple miles in traffic to work and home again is something of a life-affirming experience. Of course, it’s much better to trundle along some back road, stringing corners together and trying to find that “in the zone” feeling where throttle, clutch, shifting, and braking become seamless and easy and everything just flows .

I love driving, and I have a very fun car that provides just about as much driver feedback as one could ever hope for out of a vehicle with a steering wheel. I can hear the gears whining in the transmission, feel the road through a manual steering rack and a low mounted, well-bolstered seat. But like you say, it’s nothing compared to a motorcycle. Even a “refined” bike that will have riders lamenting about its lack of “soul” is orders of magnitude more tactile than any car.

The Risk is there, too, of course. But something few of the hand-wringers ever seem to be willing to acknowledge is that they, too, will die. I am in no hurry to meet my end, but in the grand scheme of things, a couple of decades one way or the other really doesn’t matter all that much. I’m reminded of a phrase I first heard while stopped a hot spring in Wyoming during a multi-week motorcycle tour. It was a gnarly old dude on a beat-up old Harley, who smelled like an armpit but carried himself as if he had no worries in the world: “When I was younger, I used to worry that I’d die on my motorcycle. Now, I’m starting to worry that I might not.” I doubt he coined the phrase, but I think it’s a good one nonetheless. We all end up in the same place. Spend the time along the way doing something that makes you feel alive.

Andrew Fails > Big Bubba Ray
08/18/2015 at 22:36

Thank you! Luckily, I got mine for cheap and it’s all paid off.

Master Cylinder > Andrew Fails
08/18/2015 at 22:49

That’s the way to do it. I can’t comprehend the thought process of people who finance the $30K-40K chrome cruisers or the $20K+ supersport exotics. The motorcycle market is a wonderful breath of fresh air compared to the car market. If you have two or three grand in your pocket, you can buy a machine that can do 0-60 in less than 3 seconds, can run an 11 second 1/4 mile, has great handling and brakes, and can give 35mpg or better.

I recently bought the most expensive motorcycle I’ve ever owned - it cost me $2900. The most expensive one before that was all of $1500 (and it was also the fastest).

Andrew Fails > Master Cylinder
08/18/2015 at 22:54

I paid $3,500 for mine and it had 2,400 miles on it. Will do 0-60 in under 4 seconds, and get 45mpg.

That being said, I think bikes in the 8 grand range can still be reasonable. But the $35,000 baggers... I can't fathom that.

Master Cylinder > Andrew Fails
08/18/2015 at 23:07

$8K is more than reasonable if it’s a newer bike. There’s not really a set price that is automatically unreasonable, but for me at least, I have to be able to justify the price with some kind of increased performance, build quality, technology, etc.

There’s a guy at work who says he went into debt spent almost $45K on his Road King. It’s a beautiful machine, for sure, but I just can’t even come close to connecting the cost to the value that it provides.

I think the $3,000 to $8,000 range is the sweet spot for motorcycles. You can get something that will be reliable, at least relatively recent, and with great performance no problem in that price range.

Myself, I’m really interested in picking up a nice lightly used FJ-09 for about $5 grand in the next 2-3 years.

titsinmymitts > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 01:39

Nice post.

I think bikes are awesome, but I’m one of those hand-wringers who has stayed off them so far. Just too many stories of close calls and serious injury out there.

BoulderZ > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 02:21

Solid writing, well done.

I write, past midnight in my timezone, down one and only brother and under an avalanche of duty. There are many levels under that; but a big piece, oddly perhaps, is my just buying a moto and calling it good. You have brought focus to my considerations, and I thank you for that.

blacksapphire08 > Master Cylinder
08/19/2015 at 08:04

Wow $45k on a Road King? They start around $20k so he must have spent alot on upgrades. My dad bought a used one for $7500 and its mint. The thing about motorcycles is that they’re just as varied as cars. Sure I ride a Harley sportster myself but would ride a sports bike if I found one I liked.

Master Cylinder > blacksapphire08
08/19/2015 at 08:15

No idea how he came to $45K, but that was his claim, at least. Could have had something to do with the fact that he was trying to sell it for $30K. It did have a ton of aftermarket stuff on it, but I’m not familiar enough with Harleys to know if it was worth what he claimed.

How do you like the Sportster? I have thought about getting one of the “Roadster” (?) models with the non-slammed suspension and dual discs. Seems like they would be a fun ride for cruising arouns town.

blacksapphire08 > Master Cylinder
08/19/2015 at 09:23

Well idk if you have seen the price of HD parts but wow it makes car mods look dirt cheap.

I love the sportster, it feels very light (considering it weighs 580lbs) and corners well as long as you mind the exhaust on the right side (Ive scraped it a few times). Its got decent acceleration about as fast as a sports car. It has a lot of modding potential for more performance too. Maybe not the best choice for long distance but it wouldnt have any problem if you did, its built like a tank.

Justin Hughes > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 11:38

Well said! Even if I do disagree with you on the technology bit . But there’s no denying the enjoyment of shutting it all off and just riding. When I have the space and resources for more than one bike, I wouldn’t mind picking up something cheap and basic - maybe a dual-sport, since riding off pavement scares me (I’ve had a few low speed tumbles in dirt on my road bikes) and that would help me get over it. Plus I could easily commute on a smaller bike than my PC800 - even easier, maybe.

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 11:46

Why did I starrt riding, well at the time you could ride a motorcycle during the day at 15 with a permit a full year before I could drive a car. So it was freedom.

Andrew Fails > Justin Hughes
08/19/2015 at 11:46

I definitely need to spend some time riding on dirt, to get used to losing traction. As it is now, I pee myself a little any time the tires break loose.

Known As E > Master Cylinder
08/19/2015 at 11:47

Amen on that. I get the fact that some people want the nicest, fastest bikes...but you can get some serious bike for less than 10k if you buy used. I’m a Triumph fan myself, and used Speed Triple R’s are easily found in the 9k range.

The value you get from a used bike is insane.

Margin Of Error > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 11:50

Kinja'd!!!

I ride for fitness, just picked up this bad boy 2 weeks ago :

Justin Hughes > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 11:50

It’s funny - in a car, I don’t mind sliding, and I actively suggest that anyone should try at least one autocross, just so they experience skidding and how to control it before they need to on the street. I believe in that. But do I do it on a bike? No. I should. In fact, someday I should grow a pair and sign up for one of the “non-sportbike track days” a local group holds here. The last one was even at Thompson Speedway, a track I’ve driven at a couple of Track Nights and know pretty well at this point.

rosstermyer > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 11:51

I also ride and live in kansas city. let me know if you want to grab a cup o joe sometime and shoot the shit. check out bliproasters. they are a moto friendly coffee roaster in the west bottoms. they have rides every sunday lately leaving from their coffee shop.

Voodoo-u > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 11:52

I started riding simply for my commute. It started with a thought that I would get a scooter, then I realized if I bought a scooter I would have to kick my own ass. Then I thought about a 250, but I figured if I was going to buy a bike, it can’t be that much slower than my Mustang GT, even if I wasn’t going to rev the shit out of it or go flat out. I just needed it to get to highway speeds quickly. Went with a Ninja 650, which has turned out to be the perfect bike for me. 50MPG, 0-60 in under 4 seconds, looks awesome. I love it. All for around $5k used.

There are some things I like about riding, and some things I prefer to do in my car. Most of my issues with riding, like the other aspects of my life, are because of other people.

The thing I have enjoyed about riding, besides the rawness of being part of the machine, is that it’s like being part of a special club. You usually won’t even get a side glance from a fellow Mustang GT owner while out and about, but another biker (especially another sport bike rider) will give you a nod or the little hand gesture. An acknowledgment that hey, I see you, fellow rider. It’s pretty cool. (Most of the Harley crowd ignores me... dicks.)

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 11:53

My dad dropped 25k on a use Gold Wing. He will ride for 12+ hours in a day only stopping for fuel. His back is not in the best shape. I made fun if him for spending 25k on a used gold wing, now I under stand why.

MTY19855 > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 11:53

People like to talk about feeling connected to the machine. In an era of electronic throttles and steering, we’re constantly pushed further away from the actual mechanics of cars. Bikes get right back to that. The engine is whirring away between your legs and the handle bars are bolted directly to the front wheel, the simplest linkage possible. No ABS on the majority of bikes so you need to learn how to work the back and front brakes together smoothly. Shifting your own weight around is crucial to turning. It’s a back to basics experience.

That and it’s fark all cheap. If you buy a sport bike in the $3k-$4k range, unless you lay it down it’s never really going to be worth less than that so it’s not a sunk cost, and the insurance is laughably inexpensive. I pay around $350 per year for a Harley Davidson Dyna and a 600 Suzuki.

motoguy1251 > Master Cylinder
08/19/2015 at 11:54

I am really trying to get my hands on a lightly used FZ-09. The 3 cyl in those bikes are just the best right now.

jimz > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 11:54

A wise man once told me, “you want to be comfortable, drive a fucking car.”

you ride what you want, I’ll ride whatever the fuck I want whether or not you “approve” of it.

Snobs.

VTECheart > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 11:54

definitely for the poontang

472CID > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 11:55

I low-sided on a gravely shoulder this spring, and now everytime I put my helmet on and start up my bike I have a nagging though in the back of my head that tells me I might die today. It’s stress I don’t really need, and yet I keep riding, I guess the thought of giving up on motorcycles is worse.

lingenfelter22 > titsinmymitts
08/19/2015 at 11:57

You need only maturity, self-confidence, and acceptance of the risk. If you have those things, training and practice will only make you safer. A wandering mind or lack of due care for your machine are the things that will get you in trouble.

dogisbadob > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 11:58

cool writeup

MoparMap > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 11:58

I’ve always been a speed fan, but more often than not that just doesn’t really thrill me anymore. It’s not that I’m accustomed to it or the sensation is dulled, more just that it makes me worry so much that it’s not fun. I clipped a fence post in a car when I learned just what its limits were and was very lucky to walk away with only cosmetic damage to the car as opposed to ending up in either ditch I just managed to miss by sheer luck. I’ve had a bike for over 10 years now, but haven’t rode it much in the past few. It was great for college and pretty much my daily transportation, but once I got a job with a highway commute I just didn’t care for it. I’ve debated selling it several times, but each time I ride it I’m reminded how much I enjoy it. I don’t have to be pushing limits, I don’t have to try to best my 0-60 time or find a faster way through a corner, I just enjoy being there. It’s a nice experience being out in the open and cruising along (more so with either a passenger or fellow rider alongside for me at least). I guess I’m more like a Harley rider in that regard (despite riding a Honda Magna). Motorcyclists often get the bad rap of being reckless, but I just ride normally and enjoy the experience. It’s not about a rush or a challenge to me, it’s just nice.

luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! > Big Bubba Ray
08/19/2015 at 12:02

Here’s another , “but bikes are so cheap!” reply. I’m going to suggest even lower. I got my first when I wasn’t making much money and was pretty much living paycheck to paycheck. It was $650. As much as I lusted after the bikes in the magazines, I just looked for something that ran well to get started.

I just found this for $750 in my local area. Inspected, with new battery and tires to boot!

http://erie.craigslist.org/mcy/5144722264…

Nasal Radiator > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:03

“Why do you ride?” Well, I've been at the controls of a 935, F/A-18C, and a P-51D. I've jumped out of quite a few airplanes at varying altitudes. That being said, the most pure and exhilarating fun I've ever had is on an Italian sport bike dragging a knee around a roadcourse. My favorite being TWS.

luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:03

Great piece! Thanks for posting it.

rcasi > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:13

The answer is always: “ Because I fucking want to. ”

No further explanation needed.

HateBox > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:13

A touching article that hits me right in the heart.

Ballasted > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:14

A buddy of mine has been attempting to talk me into learning how to ride. I have my reservations, having several friends that have told me horror stories of what it is like to deal with passenger cars on the road. And being in Atlanta, my imagination portrays a minefield of opportunities to die in a violent manner due to idiotic commuters. Despite all that, I find the idea of riding appealing, and he keeps riding despite the risk. Maybe there is something to be said for it. Thanks for the extra perspective.

zim > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:14

YES! While I’m not seduced by speed, I regret selling my bike. I love the visceral open air feel. I love how connected, how focused, and how alive riding feels—even mind numbing miles on the interstate are better on a bike.

Riding also cured me of my road rage. When you know you’ll lose any fight with a cage, it has a calming effect. Yes that asshole cut me off, but I saw it; I anticipated it; I survived. I got to where I was going. Swinging my leg off the bike is just as exhilarating as knowing that I’ll be able to swing it back on and get that rush again and again.

Pickup_man > Master Cylinder
08/19/2015 at 12:15

Weighing in on the Sportster, I agree with blacksapphire, it’s a great bike. I have an 08 883L (factory lowered). Unless you are really short, go for the standard height, I tend to scrape pipes and my stand a little and would like a little more lean angle, but it’s still pretty good. I bought it used so I didn’t directly pick the low, but I plan to put taller shocks on eventually. The Sportster is a bit heavy, but it’s hard to notice, it accelerates well, corners surprisingly well, and brakes well too. The greatest benefit to the Sportster is the aftermarket, you can do anything you want to a Sportster. Personally I think it’s the most versatile bike on the market, with the right parts you can make it anything from a cafe racer, to a cushy cruiser, to a bare bones hard tale bobber, the possibilities are endless. Certain parts can be spendy, but I’ve noticed that replacement parts are no worse than any of the other bikes I own or work on, it’s mostly the fancy accessories that get spendy. One word of advice though, if you buy a newer one do a search for wheel bearing problems on your year of bike, and get them replaced with better bearings, Harley had an issue with wheel bearings going out early for a while. I’m having mine replaced right now with only 15K on the bike. Other than that though they are solid bikes, it’s probably the best put together bike I’ve owned.

pcowan13 > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:15

Kinja'd!!!

Could anybody help me out and name this bike? love the look of it!

telkins > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:17

Soooo, Did I miss something . . . or is Lanesplitter no longer a thing? Cause, shouldn’t this be posted there? You got me addicted and took my crack away.

Iamopenlyjudgingyou > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:18

In 20+ years of riding I have never been asked why I ride.

It’s always statements like these....

- “I know someone who was killed\hurt riding one those...”

- “I used to have one but I had to lay it down....”

- “If I ever got one I’d kill myself”

- “Those are so dangerous”

or questions like these...

- “How fast does it go”

- “Do you ride like those other people?”

If someone were to ask my “Why”, I think I’d say something like “I get to claim a deduction on my taxes”

FN-2187 > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:19

Damn, this just cemented my decision....im getting a damn bike

FN-2187 > 472CID
08/19/2015 at 12:22

Hit by a bus, hit by a drunk driver, random mugging/murder, gas leak explosion at home, plane crash through house, choke on food, carbon monoxide poisoning.... All in all you’ve got a chance of dying every day.....the whole point is to live i think...live and live well

Master Cylinder > Known As E
08/19/2015 at 12:22

Yeah, and it’s a little different than the used car market, where sometimes it’s hard to find a good used car that hasn’t been ragged on. It’s easy to find someone’s 2-5 year old motorcycle with just a couple thousand miles on it that was barely ridden. Lots of people buy a bike, scare the shit out of themselves, and park it in the garage until their spouse forces them to sell it. Makes for great buys for us riders with shallower pockets!

Formerly Andrew's GS450 > Big Bubba Ray
08/19/2015 at 12:26

I just traded a bicycle for a motorcycle. Sure, it’s 34 years old and dinged up, but it runs and rides great. Insurance is like $100/year. Fear or a disapproving spouse are the only reasons not to ride.

totalrunout > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:29

I don’t think it’s possible to say it any better. I want to get a business card made with a link to this article and have it ready to hand someone when I’m asked this question.

Here, read this - you’ll find my answer.

The English Guy > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:30

Minding my own business at home alone, I got dizzy, fell down, tried to stand, fell down again. By the time I got to the hospital, I was blue.

I’d thrown two huge pulmonary embolisms with zero warning at 33.

After that, I figured if I was going to randomly die for absolutely no good reason, it may as well be because I was an idiot.

son of a Sven > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:31

Great story. I ride because there is no other way to get 70+ MPG, get to 60 in 5 something seconds, cost $6,500 to buy and put a smile on my face every time I get on.

porange > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:32

Swinging my right leg over the seat just puts everything else in life on the back burner.

I also enjoy the many little things that you cannot get anywhere else: filling up your tank on a hot summer night and feeling the coldness that emanates through... spontaneously sharing a ride with another biker and feeling somehow connected without ever saying a word to them, and waving goodbye when you eventually part ways... having hillbillies lean out their car window and yelp “hey man do a wheelie!”

Ok maybe not that last one

Fat Val Kilmer > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:33

Thank you for this article Fails, it motivated me to share my story.

Motorcycles always fascinated me since I was a little boy, but my overprotective mother and our family expenses never allowed for my dad to share his love of motorcycling until I was 13. This was the year my folks divorced and within 2 months my dad had a motorcycle.

I was only able to ride on the back when visiting my dad after he moved to Silicon Valley. Many summer days we’d blast through Skyline Rd and head to Santa Cruz then back to Sunnyvale. That stuck with me and I still cherish those memories like they were yesterday.

It also gave me enough courage to buy my own when I was 22. Unfortunately, I did this after my mom had passed away. Without motorcycling, I would have handled the sadness and pain of cancer being a motherfucker and taking my mom with much worse forms of therapy like drugs, booze, or promiscuity. Instead I bought my cycle, had my dad teach me, then took the MSF foundation course, gathered my gear and got behind the handlebars of a 1978 Yamaha XS400-2E for 2 years.

Kinja'd!!!

These are things people don’t realize with motorcyclists. The assumption is we love to be squids and blitz through traffic at too high of speeds but the reality is we’re all just people. Some ride like jackasses and most like myself enjoy the therapy. I ended up wanting a true journey and after a few years of riding and completing my Bachelors Degree, decided to upgrade my motorcycle to something newer and ride from Minneapolis down to my hometown outside of Houston, TX. Newer steed: 2008 Yamaha FZ6

Kinja'd!!!

Once I got back I ended up working at a powersports dealership and on a whim sold the FZ6 for something more bastard-y and less appliance like. 1990 Suzuki DR350S (kick start only, real PITA)

Kinja'd!!!

I sold this prior to my employer moving me out to Colorado and was without a motorcycle for a year after having consistently ridden for 6 years. I felt off, honestly. So after much discussion with my now fiance I picked up my project motorcycle, a 1972 Kawasaki F7.

Kinja'd!!!

After buying it and wanting to just make it ride-able, my dad told me that this was his absolute dream bike when he was 15 but he never got around to buying it as his Honda 150 was still solid and then he met my mom who made him abstain. Once I found this out, I spoke with my brothers and made the decision to give it to him for his birthday next year.

I owe my dad everything motorcycle-related. He taught me how to safely pilot and spiritually connect to a machine. With cars, there is still somewhat of a barrier that is tough to express to people who haven’t motorcycled.

If you read this, I greatly appreciate it. Next motorcycle is tbd...

FuzzyWuzzy > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:33

Surprised you’ve lived to write this if you’re still riding in KC with almost every single person talking/texting while driving.

Every time I hop on CL to grab a SV650, I just remember how I have to dodge people not paying attention while driving.

Husaberg's Uncertainty Principal > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:34

Why do that? Focus. Modern life is one distraction after another. There’s not much that requires real focus anymore. Sometimes I concentrate at work, but a TPS report never broke my arm for lack of focus. There are few pursuits in this politically correct, sterilized world where death & destruction are the consequences for lack of focus. Just like they say in the casino, if you want to win big, play big. If I want to feel something big, I have to put something big on the line. Nothing clears my mind or gets me higher than the unwavering, single minded laser focus that you need to ride a bike fast, well.

dronecarp > The English Guy
08/19/2015 at 12:37

Problem is it will be some other idiot in a cage that does you in. In my experience most likely a younger woman driving a Japanese car and texting. I avoid driving around town. The open road is another story.

Turbostraw > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:37

I keep trying to find ways to justify owning a motorcycle.

Yet I keep remembering that all of my friends who ride or have ridden motorcycles have spent at least a day, to months in a hospital room due to injuries. This year the brother of a friend died in an accident, only strengthening my opinion on this. While some of them were less experienced, the circumstances of their accidents were often beyond their control.

In France approximately 25% of mortal accidents involve motorised two-wheels vehicles. 1 in 4 perhaps, but they are far far less numerous than cars.

The advancement in car safety (as well as road safety campaigns) have mitigated the fact that most people are terrible drivers. But in a motorcycle you don’t benefit from that : any doofus becomes lethal without you being able to do anything about it.

However...If I had the money I would definitely ride motorcycles on a track!

crash red hot > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:37

From one future sexy grandpa to another, thanks for the write up. After not riding much at all for years, I’ve been commuting this summer. It’s only a few miles per day and sometimes I don’t even get above 35, but the feeling is there. Even in a commute. Maybe it’s because I’m a little older now than when I was first on a bike, but I don’t even need much speed.

MisterToo > MoparMap
08/19/2015 at 12:37

supermoto is the answer, you can get some 100+ mph but good luck and it’s terrifying. always fun at generally less than death speeds with good gear.

Master Cylinder > motoguy1251
08/19/2015 at 12:39

Yeah, they are one of the most appealing new bikes on the market right now, IMO. I prefer the FJ because I’m tall and fit better on the ADV-style bikes, but it’s all about that engine. It’s a great compromise between performance and streetability. I like to hoon once in a while as much as the next guy, but I don’t really need a race replica for riding back and forth to work and touring back roads.

Right now I have a V-Strom 1000 and I really like it, but the FJ-09’s considerably lower weight, better brakes and suspension, and ABS/traction control are really attractive to me. It kind of reminds me of an oversized motard, which is a good thing. I don’t venture off pavement all that much so I don’t really need it to be a true adventure bike, I just need something that can handle seasonal roads and mild 2-track at worst. The FJ-09 seems like a great fit.

son of a Sven > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:40

The first time I did a low speed turn on that fucking black shit they use to fix road cracks, and I felt the front tire sliding, my heart just about stopped. Things that cars can handle without a problem can really fuck up a biker’s day

sfin710 > Ballasted
08/19/2015 at 12:44

Here’s the thing, 90% of accidents, even those that are “because that asshole in the cage wasn’t paying attention” are avoidable. You have to be hyper vigilant all the time, but most accidents are the riders fault for not paying attention and they just don’t admit it.

Justin > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:46

Nailed it.

For me, I’d include the interactions I have with other people as just one of the many best parts about riding. It may seem counter intuitive to say I have some of the best interactions with friends and strangers alike while riding a vehicle that only accommodates myself, but it happens. Riding in a group only makes the experience more enjoyable. I can’t help but smile to myself every time I pass a fellow rider and get a wave from them, and it felt good to get a thumbs up from the guy who had pulled his BMW touring bike over on the highway to make sure the people who crashed their Honda Civic were okay. The same goes for all the truckers I’ve gotten thumbs up from, all the drivers who have smiled and waved, all the kids that look on as I pass with a familiar look of interest on their face, and all the compliments I’ve received while filling up at the pump.

Just can’t get much better than that.

CMYK2014 > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:51

Commuted in LA traffic for 5 years straight on a bike, 100 miles a day, 5 days a week, splitting lanes the entire way. Sure there were lots of near misses, but never went down and was never bored for a second, because, like you said, you have to be on top of EVERY SECOND, otherwise it’s a white sheet lying on top of you on the 405.

Moved back northeast and I ride in the summers, but actually feel less safe on country roads here than in the thick of traffic in LA. Plus country roads lull you into feeling safe and then it’s BAM, cow, or senior citizen.

fprintf > Justin Hughes
08/19/2015 at 12:52

Tony’s Track Days is doing Thompson again on August 24th and 25th. And as far as I know there are still spots available. But you probably know they also do New York Safety Track and others locally also. And when I went a few weeks ago there were mostly sportbikes but there were a couple of supermotos and at least one cruiser type. Plus they have specific non-sportbike days.

Andrew T. Maness > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 12:55

The raw, tactile sensations that are masked in daily commuting, are exposed the faster you go. The harder you push, the more that curtain is drawn back. Each degree of aggression is rewarded with one more peek at the sublime.

And that is what makes an motorized vehicle enthusaist tick.

Kchrpm > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:02

It never occurred to me that people had to ask why. It always seemed incredibly obvious all the benefits of riding a motorcycle, and I’ve never even been pilot or passenger on one.

I guess this is my new thing learned for today.

Syscrush > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:06

Because motorcycles are cool and everything else on the road is boring and stupid by comparison.

The real question is: why does anyone NOT ride?

Ladymopar > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:08

I used to dirt bike ride-neck and back surgery, keeps me from getting back on. That said, everytime I sit on one, I do get a good feeling. I’ve just now been able to drive a car 4 hrs before back and neck pain make me get out.

zombiEinstein > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:08

My response when people ask me why I ride is: “Because I wanted to feel something big and powerful between my legs for once in my life.”

AlBosnien > Master Cylinder
08/19/2015 at 13:09

holy shit! 40K...... oh yeah..those are the people that are sold a lifestyle and not a bike. I bought a brand new Yamaha Star motorcycle for 11k. Here it is 2 riding seasons later with 10k on the odometer, with no problems, no hickups. Granted, I’ve put more than 3k of Mods and comfort creatures (read:new seat, windshield, backrest). I know people are buying the fully loaded Honda Goldwings and Victory Visions for about 20k or so...but those are the long distance highway mile eaters..... There are bikes that I would like to own (new Indians are awesome)... but I cannot come to the realization that the Chieftain will cost more than my Passat TDI over the period of 5 years....I guess I’ll wait a few years to pick it up slightly used.. or use my veteran discount of sorts...

TheRawhideKid > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:10

Man! So well written you gave me chills. I couldn’t have said it better myself. Ride on sir!

To the hand wringers and scaredy cats who read this and STILL can’t get on a bike... you’re a lost cause. Your loss.

Andrew Fails > pcowan13
08/19/2015 at 13:11

It’s my 2006 Suzuki SV650.

navyeagleeye86 > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:11

Great write up, I agree with every statement. It’s so awesome to hear others speak about how motorcycling moves them. We are a minute but fiercely loyal bunch.

By the way, nice SV in the pic above. A perfect way to depict the thrills you spoke about. Here’s mine:

Kinja'd!!!

danglangit > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:13

The first few times at speed on a motorcycle, I searched frantically for the seatbelt

Andrew Fails > zim
08/19/2015 at 13:13

Exactly. Picking a fight with a car is never worth it. I can now just laugh, shake my head, and keep going.

thejohnfist > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:13

I probably don't fit in with a large portion of the motorcycle community, but I'm looking forward to picking up a 300cc machine. Likely the CB300F. I like the idea and fun of riding a bike, and the 300cc will limit my ability to be a moron by mechanical means, and at the same time providing me with a nice fuel economy. Also, they're cheap enough if something bad happened to it I could shrug it off without much worry.

Andrew Fails > totalrunout
08/19/2015 at 13:13

That is incredibly flattering. Thank you.

Andrew Fails > son of a Sven
08/19/2015 at 13:15

Sliding a car can make me laugh. Sliding a bike makes me want to change my underwear.

sauceman101 > 472CID
08/19/2015 at 13:17

went down last december at about 5mph on my Triumph D675, brand new Dunlap Q3s put on in a warmed up garaged, test drive was fine, stopped for dinner, 30 degrees out, first bend leaving the parking lot, low sided, who knew how far a bike could slide just starting at 5mph. Have had that same nagging feeling every time I’ve hopped on since, but the thought of not riding again truly is worse than giving it up haha

3Stroke > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:18

Awesome article. I love how you point out that all of the people who want a “pure” driving experience should really just try a bike. I’m into all kinds of bikes and agree with you that hustling a sportbike down a backroad is a very involving and high-focus extremely enjoyable experience and I love it. But I also ride dirt, and I live in the PacNW and I have to say that riding tight, wet, challenging trails has got to be the most fulfilling thing ever. If you haven’t, you have to try it. I love riding on the street and the focus and smoothness you need to really nail a tight section of corners, but trail riding is a whole new world with literally no limits. If you get better, there is always a harder trail that you won’t be able to finish because you can barely breathe in your helmet.

Ride on!!

Andrew Fails > FuzzyWuzzy
08/19/2015 at 13:18

Oh, the mid size SUVs driven around here terrify me on a regular basis. But I learned to ride in Midtown, so I cut my teeth on dodging the Westport drunks.

2 Wheels awesome! > 472CID
08/19/2015 at 13:18

You’ll get over it with practice... I’m still a bit shy when I get to peg dragging angles in left turns... right turns aren’t an issue though.

68Comments > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:18

“It just looked so…fun. Remember when driving was fun?”

This. Driving is almost a pasive activity these days. Riding is active. To stay alive you have to be alert and involved the entire time. It becomes an activity instead of a way to get from point A to point B.

jimz > Master Cylinder
08/19/2015 at 13:18

I put 400 miles on a 1200T this past weekend, and have no complaints about the ride or comfort.

Andrew Fails > crash red hot
08/19/2015 at 13:21

Riding a bike with no windscreen actually slows me down. In my old Subaru, I regularly hit triple digits, just out of boredom. On the bike, I have to really try and do that.

Wjionieis > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:22

When have you traveled at 204 mph or 245 mph on bike because that is bad fucking ass (100 yards per second 204 mph 120 yards per second 245 mph) :-) :-)

bobdmac > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:23

“...screaming down the road, covering a football field every second...” Really? 204 mph (300 ft/sec) on a public road?

I started riding on a Honda 150 Dream in 1966 and was immediately hooked. A year later, I bought a 1961 Matchless 650, which later threw a rod and was stolen before I could get it running again. After many years of married life, during which I didn’t ride, I bought a BMW K75s for $3,000 in 2003.

I’ve had my share of narrow misses over the years and a Lisfranc foot fracture about 8 years ago. Now, having finally reached the point that I no longer feel the need to push my limits, I’ve found that my enthusiasm for riding hasn’t dimmed in the slightest. More than anything, it feels like my motorcycle and I are partners when I ride. I trust it to respond appropriately, and it seemingly expects appropriate maintenance and responsible applications of brake and throttle in return. We work together, braking for turns, leaning into them, and accelerating out of them, with the engine in the heart of its power band. It’s a gratifying relationship, whether I’m on my way to the grocery store or to visit someone 500 miles away.

At 70, I realize that statistically speaking, my years of riding are nearing an end, but I still can’t imagine what it would take for me to call it quits.

Andrew Fails > Syscrush
08/19/2015 at 13:25

Once I got comfortable on the road, it made me laugh how big, and awkward, and slow all of the other vehicles were.

2 Wheels awesome! > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:28

It’s an extremely intimate experience that forces the symbiotic melding of man and machine for the mutual survival of both. If you care for and know your bike then you can trust it to care for you when things start to get a bit puckered.
I suggest that anyone who rides should also read “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”

2 Wheels awesome! > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:28

Edit: kinja sucks

Andrew Fails > navyeagleeye86
08/19/2015 at 13:29

The SV is basically the perfect bike for me. Very quick around town, but not fast enough to make me too stupid on the highway, plus the high bars make it more comfortable than a Supersport.

Roody > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:31

Bravo. I’ve had the itch for a bike real bad lately, and am doing everything in my power not to scratch it. My uncle lost a leg on a Harley when I was 16 (2007) and it’s been taunting me ever since. Family doesn’t approve. Girlfriend doesn’t approve. But I know it’s just a matter of time. And as an avid quad rider I can relate to everything you’ve written about “the sensation.” It’s everything...more than numbers can ever, ever hope to describe. And yeah, 60 MPH is terrifying. Anyways, cheers! Stay safe.

Andrew Fails > thejohnfist
08/19/2015 at 13:32

I initially wanted an old Honda, like a CB500,but the SV was too good of a deal to pass up. And I agree on the small motors. I have no desire to have a faster bike, because I know I’ll do something stupid. The last time I borrowed an online four sportbike, I hit triple digit speeds multiple times on accident. I’ll stick to mine, that is pretty unpleasant above 90.

Andrew Fails > Wjionieis
08/19/2015 at 13:34

Yeah... I can't do math. Sorry!

Andrew Fails > bobdmac
08/19/2015 at 13:35

Nope, I can't do math, sorry. My bike wouldn't do that if you dropped it off a cliff.

Andrew Fails > sauceman101
08/19/2015 at 13:38

I hit wet leaves in my driveway, lost it at 2mph. Weird things happen sometimes.

TooManyCarsMike > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:41

So many posts and pictures of SV650s now that I just sold mine a couple months ago. I miss it dearly.

Justin Hughes > fprintf
08/19/2015 at 13:44

Yup, I forgot about the one next week, and I can’t get myself or the bike in shape in time. Plus I’ve already signed up to drive Thompson at Track Night the following week.

AirplaneTim > Ballasted
08/19/2015 at 13:44

I have told many a person thinking about riding as a commuter to only do it if you are ok with rolling out of your driveway and scaring the hell out of yourself every day.

Driver > titsinmymitts
08/19/2015 at 13:49

I hate crashing my motorcycles but I like the helo ride and the morphine. You can have the smart-assed paramedics, though. :O)

dave the swede car guy > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:49

I’ll share this, I lost my best friend in a Black Ice motorcycle accident in 1994, I kept riding, in Spring 96 my son was born, in summer 96 his mother left, 2 months later a firefighter I had been a big brother to passed away responding to a call I knew I HAD to be there for him, I stopped riding, stopped being a volunteer firefighter, got a no travel job. I grew up and decided that as long as anyone was dependent on me I was not going to do anything out of the ordinary to risk my life. Now my son is 19 and in college, he no longer depends on me for everyday needs, I’ve been thinking of a bike, a KLR, a Moto Guzzi, a older opposed twin Bimmer. something basic, something mechanical, then I remember I live in Philly, the roads are shit, the drivers are shit... this will wait till I move to the south west, better roads, fewer drivers, less weather. but I will ride again....

firefinch > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:49

I recently sold my 2010 Street Triple, and man I miss it. My wife talked me into getting an ‘02 Z06 instead (worrying about my health and kids, etc.). With that being said, I can get quite a good fix (maybe more so) on my dirtbikes. I really enjoy my KXF, and I don’t worry about a CRV taking me out. If i make a mistake and get injured, it’s 100% on me. Though I imagine I’ll be getting another streetbike eventually...

osmar > Andrew Fails
08/19/2015 at 13:53

I ride, among other reasons, because my commute is 55 miles each way and a bike gets great mileage; plus my employer charges $650 per year to park a car but on’y $125 annually to park a bike.

Driver > lingenfelter22
08/19/2015 at 13:54

That’s true, but there is always the ughknown. A guy turns left in front of you, someone pulls out of a driveway into your path, a drunk crosses the yellow line and WHAM! The ughkown. I was leading a group of bikes up on the Crest Hwy years ago and I rounded a corner to find a boulder, fallen from the cliff, exploded all over the road into fist-sized chunks. Broke a front wheel, broke-in my Vanson’s and ruined a helmet, all in one shot, there. No hospital that time, no injuries, gear did it’s job. Shagged the shit out of my Monster. Look out for the ughknown!