I was reading the post about people riding too slow but the car was unable to pass them and got to thinking. What is this all about to you? Speed is not it for me ANYMORE. I rode rice rockets and standard Japanese bikes for many years before getting a Harley. If i wanted to focus on speed and power I would have gotten another ride rocket. Sure I want my Harley to be fast and powerful, but it is much more about cruising. I have learned on here that if I ever need a rebuild I can bore it out and out some different cams, etc and will, but I am all about cruising. It would also be nice to have a larger engine stuffed in my bike, but I still want to cruise. Are you on a bike for the rush from cracking the throttle and going as fast as you can, or to cruise, or maybe some other reason? Let us know. My goal is to eventually travel across the country on my bike with my wife on hers and see all of the usa. Sounds pretty stereotypical, but I will do it one day.

 

I end up doing everything on my rides. I cruise like a 90 year old man for 20 miles, I scream at 90mph for ten miles, I stop and eat, I cruise, I look, I breathe, and I generally try to make every ride a field trip/rollercaster ride! Thanks for asking! [8D]

 

its all about freedom to me, feeling the wind, smelling the sweet air. its the greatest thing ever, almost.

 

Sounds kinda like me. I don't go slow often but I do from time to time. I'm not all about the twisties or I'd have a better bike than a HD. Besides, I live in the coastal plain of NJ.I like to tour and I like being "part of" the scenery, not just drive through it... In fact, at this stage in life, I'd be on a Wing except they're UGLY and sound like crap!

 

I am not saying that I drive slow, just that if I wanted to around corners at 100 I'd have a different vehicle...[8D]

 

"its all about freedom to me, feeling the wind, smelling the sweet air. its the greatest thing ever, almost"

Amen to that! Well said... it's about the freedom andfeeling the bike as it rumbles beneath me and the pavement zips by below... The fresh air, the smells, the excitement of riding on such a wonderful machine - it's a rush, a thrill every time I swing a leg over the bike and fire it up. It's what I live for... I ride 95+% of the time, very rarely drive the cars at all and only when its quite necessary.

Speed? Nah, not a big deal to me at all. At 43 it's all about the ride and cruising along and just enjoying the moment. Even my one-hour commute to work is fun andmaking such a commute funishard to do!! At the end of the work day I find myself hurrying down to where my bike is parked and feel that rush/thrill that I'm about to hop on and ride - woohoo! I fire up the motor, let it rumble for 30 seconds or so and slowly head out onto the roads. The commute for me is an easy one. I work shift work, so go in at 10:00 PM and then get off at 8:00 AM so the traffic is all going the opposite direction that I am when headed home. Not to mention mild weather most of the year if not totally perfect weather. It works out perfectly cuz i live far east of the city ofSan Diego in the mountains at 4200' elevation. The ride is scenic most of the way and open 3-lane freeway, so optimal conditions for a smooth ride and logging high mileage on a bike.

I'm taking a road trip toSalt Lake City- leaving 8 days from now and looking forward to the ride! I try to stop at scenic spots to check outthe view or read those historic markers along the road here and there that you sometimes see. I find myself relaxed and sometimes even catch myselfgrinning when I'm riding, lol...

Am I strange ordo you other guys enjoy it thesame way???

 

I've never had a rice rocket. They're just too uncomfortable for me. Thw two bikes I have had that were incredible bikes for sport riding was the Honda ST 1100 and the BMW R 1150 RT. My present 1200 C with its forward pegs and laid back style has allowed me to slow down, not ride the edge of the envlope as closely as before and enjoy the ride. However, I don't ride slower than the speed limit. Riding the speed limit is slow compared to my younger days.

 

I think it also depends on whoI am riding with? If someone will go toe to toe with me, I might turn it into a cannonball run. If I am riding with someone that wants to cruise, then I cruise. But I generally have to see 80-100 at least oncea ride! Cant help it, my Daddy taught me well!

 

It is just a time when Ifeel very close to God. I ride mostly back rodes and I mostly ride alone. Just time to reflect on life and God. I love to see his creation without having a cage around me and to smell the aromas of the surrounding woods. Not trying to hi-jack this with a religious view but that is why I love to ride.

 

EK5858,

Gorgeous bike you've got there! I love the color and those white walls...

Yep, I find myself reflecting on life, relaxing, de-compressing after a stressful day, etc. It's the best Stress Therapy there is!