How motorcycling has changed you in the good and in the bad

[Desmostro]

I was taking a nap. I just realized I sleep with my right hand in the same position I keep it on my handlebars. Two fingers out two fingers wrapped.  Ha ha ha. In case I need to break.

[Dieter29]

Around 17 years ago a real pretty lady came up to me and started talking to me about my bike.  We have been married now for almost 16 years and we have two reasonably well behaved children.  So, for the better.......

[ducatiz]

Most people think they are good drivers.

Skilled riders are the best car drivers hands down.

You never lose the habit of swiveling constantly and being on the lookout.  Plus, you develop a far better concept of depth perception -- my wife constantly freaks out when I'm parking the car and I put it 2" from the bumper of the car in front without effort. 

[avizpls]

Most people think they are good drivers.

Skilled riders are the best car drivers hands down.

You never lose the habit of swiveling constantly and being on the lookout.  Plus, you develop a far better concept of depth perception. 

Truth. Also, if you track ride, you get a better perception for closing speeds, which is important

To add to your swivel head comment, you also develop a premonition sense.....you can just tell when someone is about to be an idiot.

[ducatiz]

Truth. Also, if you track ride, you get a better perception for closing speeds, which is important

To add to your swivel head comment, you also develop a premonition sense.....you can just tell when someone is about to be an idiot.

I think the closing speed perception comes about for all riders, just track days make you develop it faster.

The "idiot premonition" as well -- it is a survival tool.

...I only wish it worked with personal relationships too.. :-)

[muskrat]

My first date, with my wife, was on a 6 hour bike ride.  We got drenched, cold and dirty as hell.  She stayed and now has one of her own.  I would have never found her if she didn't love bikes or I'd be divorced, again, if she hated them. 

[ducatiz]

My first date, with my wife, was on a 6 hour bike ride.  We got drenched, cold and dirty as hell.  She stayed and now has one of her own.  I would have never found her if she didn't love bikes or I'd be divorced, again, if she hated them. 

[Frisco]

Definitely makes you a better driver - 1st wife hated bikes and I had just sold mine when we met - 10 years later divorced and first thing I did was get a bike - forgot how much more aware (and able to anticipate) it makes you of the surrounding traffic.  First date with current wife was a ride where one of my front brake calipers came off (idiot mechanic who did my fork seal replacement) - fortunately it happened as i was backing up and parking - impressed her with my improvisational skilles and got us home safely

[muskrat]

you must have an army of web hunters to find this shit. 

[lethe]

Most people think they are good drivers.

Skilled riders are the best car drivers hands down.

You never lose the habit of swiveling constantly and being on the lookout.  Plus, you develop a far better concept of depth perception -- my wife constantly freaks out when I'm parking the car and I put it 2" from the bumper of the car in front without effort. 

it's all fun and games until you lowside the car

[ducpainter]

it's all fun and games until you lowside the car

 

[Hank025]

Im poorer... but happier!

[ab]

Weird but riding made me into a careful and slower cager (could be my car sucks at high speed with the rattling and all ).  Makes no sense, go bit nuts on the bike but never on the car.

Made me hate driving more than 12 miles.  To the point, i refuse to meet friends if i have to drive over 12 miles.  On a bike, the longer the ride, the better.  

Made me learn about myself and test myself on an on-going basis.

socially - riding has done nothing for me.  Nada.  Nothing.  

I equate spending money with asking myself "what does this amount of $ get me in terms of a motorcycle or parts or gear".

Still useless mechanically. Can't fix anything.


and of course as Hank025 mentioned "poorer but happier"

[mickyvee]

  If I hadn't had 40+ bikes over the last 40 years, I would now be considerably better off financially. But then, I wouldn't have had all that fun, either! I wouldn't swap any of it (apart from the crashes!).

[IRISH]

Makes me feel younger, also immature.