Spokeshave at 80.
Has 2 wheel drive with extra drive shaft to the passenger wheel.
Posted on 02/17/2023 6:20:42 PM PST by ShadowAce
It's not uncommon for bikers to hear all the negative aspects behind riding a motorcycle: "It's too dangerous" or "I don't trust the other people on the road" and by far the most ridiculous stereotype, "Are you going to join a gang?"
Motorcycling isn't for everyone, which is fine. Because if everyone in the world rode a motorcycle, then it wouldn't be the symbol of rebellion, freedom, and independence that we recognize. It's for those of us who march to the beat of our own drum, step away from conformity and choose to fulfill our lives on our own terms. So despite the negative stereotypes that come out of the crowd, movies, and television, what is often overlooked are the many benefits riding a motorcycle provides both physically and mentally.
When riding a motorcycle, you need to be much more alert and aware of your environment. Your brain is constantly being stimulated while analyzing factors like the weather, the wind, the temperature, the state of traffic, pedestrians, road obstacles, and so on. But sometimes you are also tasked with having to make sudden, split-second decisions. Whenever you are out on the road, your brain is always processing to the constantly-changing road conditions and providing you potential solutions in case something were to go wrong. What if there's a pothole? What if the car in front of you has broken tail lights? What if it suddenly starts to rain? What if the driver next to you is on their phone? By playing these kinds of scenarios in your head, you come up with solutions before the problem arises. So it shouldn't be a surprise to feel that your brain's cognitive abilities will show very positive signs of growth. So the next time you find yourself in an escape room, it'll be your time to put your puzzle-solving skills to the test with that big brain of yours.
Have you ever seen someone ride a motorcycle and not have a smile of their face? Exactly. These days with the doom and gloom of the news and social media in our pockets, stress levels are at an all-time high. Especially with young adults. So it only makes sense to have some sort of stress-reliever. For some people, it's exercise. Others prefer expressing themselves through art and music. And for a certain few, riding a motorcycle can have the same kind of effect.
Studies have shown that riding a motorcycle can reduce stress and heighten levels of dopamine and endorphins. So giving yourself a break and taking the bike out for a cruise can help take your mind off of things for a while, and remind you not to pull your hair out when life gets hard. Whenever you're on a motorcycle, you're not stressing over bills, the state of the world, or negative comments being spouted over the internet. It's just you, your bike, and the open road. Having the opportunity to unplug and reconnect with the real world will take a huge weight off of your shoulders, and perhaps a moment to grant yourself a little peace. Sounds pretty good, right? So go out, get some fresh air, give yourself a little 'me time' and just enjoy the ride while you can.
Plus, riding a motorcycle teaches your body to use each of your limbs for a specific function. Your left-hand controls the clutch, your right-hand controls the throttle and front brake, your left-foot controls the gear shift, and your right-foot controls the rear brake. By riding a motorcycle, you are essentially programming your body to perform several functions at once as one harmonious whole. What's even more impressive is that most of the time, you don't even realize you're doing it! It's almost like your body is reacting entirely on its own.
Whether you are aware of it or not, riding a motorcycle is a very physical activity. While you are out admiring the great outdoors and spending time with friends, your core is getting stronger and stronger by the second. By keeping your posture upright, your core is keeping active by maintaining your riding position while battling against the wind. While it is a little different from doing crunches and sit-ups at the gym, it is certainly a low-impact activity that develops stronger muscle tone in the long-run.
Your neck strength will also see improvement. While this doesn't necessarily sound that important for some, those that experience pain in their neck and back may find this quite comforting. It should also be noted that one should always make sure that their bike is property fitted to them. Because if you ever find yourself slouching on a motorcycle, it might have the opposite affect, and you are really going to feel it once you dismount.
Your legs and knees can also grow in strength over time as well. Like many gym-goers say, "never skip leg day." Thankfully, the motorcycle is a machine that can help in that particular muscle (or ligament) group. By using your legs to mount, rest, and control the bike, you'll find yourself keeping them active without any pesky muscle cramps.
Have you ever been at a party where you don't know anyone, and have nothing in common with anybody there? It's an awkward and uncomfortable situation to be in. Thankfully, another big benefit to the motorcycling lifestyle is the benefit of being part of a community and meeting new kinds of people, thereby opening the door to new experiences. The social component behind the biker world is very strong, especially because we consist of a very small portion of the population. We are a tight-knit group, and it's always fun to embark on an adventure with friends by your side.
Joining charity rides is another great opportunity to connect with fellow motorcyclists while doing a little good at the same time. Because doing good feels good. Some groups like Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) strip away the negative stereotypes of bikers being criminals and social delinquents by coming to the aid and support of abused children.
From local rides to gigantic events like Sturgis, Rolling Thunder, and Daytona Bike Week, people from every kind of background can gather together over their mutual love and appreciation for the motorcycles.
Ever seen a little kid banging pots and pans?
The loud exhaust is what happens when an adult doesn’t grow out of that.
I have a late model Royal Enfield Bullet 500. Although made in India, it is basically an English bike, and a very interesting ride, to say the least. The Bullet 500 was first sold in the 1930’s when it was one of the fastest motorcycles in production; my Bullet, made in 2019 is now certainly one of the slowest you could buy, with a 500 cc single cylinder long-stroke engine developing a ton of torque. I have other bikes, including a 1981 Kawasaki GPz 1100, that will easily strip you off the seat, but there is something beautiful, even elegant, about the Bullet with its uber-comfortable tractor seat and the way it handles. Mine is Army green with kaki saddle bags and even old ladies (those my own age) stop to tell me how good it looks.
Headlight modulators are an excellent safety feature. I cannot name the number of times I have approached an intersection and seen a driver about to pull out into my path and then stop and do a double-take at my flashing headlight.
Spokeshave at 80.
Has 2 wheel drive with extra drive shaft to the passenger wheel.
And Mrs Spokeshave gets to ride “shotgun”
tose = those
Learned to ride in 1967, raced desert and motocross for many years including Barstow to Vegas. Still ride my dirtbike and street bikes on a regular basis
Honda XR650R
Honda XR650L (street legal version)
1975 Kawasaki Z1B900, bought NEW
2 Yamaha 1976 RD 400’s
2 Yamaha 1985 RZ 500’s (my favorites)
Never saw the attraction of Harleys, I always loved the British style, sound and ride. I still have a Bonneville and a BSA Firebird 650 from the 70’s in my garage , they still run great and turn heads.
I bought a 2015 Honda Shadow 750. I looked at the 1100 but it was too heavy for me as I’m in my 70s. The Shadow runs great and is light and nimble. Plenty of power at 550 lbs. Many guys in my age bracket have gone to three wheelers. I don’t do touring, just rides around the local country roads. I’ve never had any problems with it except a flat tire.
My personal favorite is Oscar Grope.
you rock the planet bro!
Those Ural bikes also have a reverse gear.
Rd later.
I quit bikes when I was 53. One day I had an epiphany that I was a bit behind the bike. I was never a particularly daring rider and just knew I’d end up in a tree with both boots off. Bought a Honda S2000 and had a ball.
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Why do the Brits drink warm beer?
They have Lucas refrigerators.
True.
I’ll bet there is a stronger correlation with NOT taking the jabs than most any other group of people, including medical doctors, even within FR.
Wearing hi-vis clothing is another safety feature. Highway workers wear hi-vis vests so drivers can see them, would be a big help on motorcycles too.
But I don’t think I’ve EVER seen a motorcycle rider wearing hi-vis anything.
Does that count?
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