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

[hillbillypolack]

Iz' point is probably the most relevant, but there is also a level of relaxation from a good ride I don't get anywhere else.  Working on them is therapeutic, so it's a little ethereal but something I enjoy.

The down is that having more than one bike, I'm excited by new accessories, mods and tinkering on all the bikes which is a time and money burning endeavour.    But at least it's a legal vice.

[sebastienb]

Definitely made me more aware of cars and obstacles around me even when driving my suv. Also made me respect other bikers more when driving my car, I make sure I spot them when their near me. Also noticing a lot more of my surroundings when driving ( always finding excuses to take the long way home or that road I never tried )

[Desmostro]

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.......

Pics or it didn't happen!

...        ...        ...

Adrenalin: 
Somehow it's more contained yet, a fixation and addiction. 

Perspective:
A) When someone snaps and flies into a fit (at work or whatev) I don't feel any need to react. When, on the way to work at least 3 SUV's dumbassing it through traffic for no gain almost kill you, everything else seems rather small and insignificant. 

B) Looking at the gaps(OPPORTUNITY) not the obstacles as a way of life. 
At the track it becomes quite intense, however the street has it's moments. If you're going 60 and there's only 12 inches to put you tires in between piles of gravel or 30" between swerving cars... You just do it. You don't think about it. Opportunity focus becomes survival, a way of life.

[SDkid]

Definitely a better driver.  An MSF instructor told me 'everyone should be required to ride a motorcycle/moped when they are learning to drive.'  It builds awareness better than anything I have seen, and I agree with him.  At least it might thin the herd a bit on the morons out on the road...

[Airborne]

It has always been apart of my life, I will always ride, wind in my face, still for the better...

[Nubes]

The good - relaxing and a rush at times just picked up a cr 50 for the kids and they seem to enjoy it. The BAD - I LIVE IN WISCONSIN

[ManaloEA]

The good: it provids a mode of relaxation and stress relief to deal with a heart issue.

The bad: riding definitely feeds my addiction... Sometimes (a lot of times actually) have trouble concentrating at work. Can't wait to finish up and go ridin.

[webspoke]

I got started late (first wife would not entertain the idea) but now have met some great new friends... and muskrat too    I have always played and raced with cars, but the bikes have taken the thrill and fear to a new level, it is just so much more direct. 

[RAT900]

all the jabbering idiots residing in my skull shut up to let me concentrate on riding so I don't kill all of us

the bad?.....it reminds me that I am mortal

[WiDuc]

Definitely a better driver.  An MSF instructor told me 'everyone should be required to ride a motorcycle/moped when they are learning to drive.'  It builds awareness better than anything I have seen, and I agree with him. 

I'll second that.  After only 1 season of riding, I tell all my family and friends that the roads would be so much safer if everyone rode a bike for even just a day.

On top of that,
the good:  I waited till I was 30 to start riding 
the bad:    I waited till I was 30 to start riding! 

[Buckethead]

Well, I've spent 180 some-odd days of my life hanging out with you assholes here on the forum, so there's that. 

[Desmo Demon]

Hmmmm...I believe that I tend to watch other drivers around me a lot more than I would had I not been riding motorcycles, but on the flip-side, I tend to do some really idiotic/illegal things on occasion...er...I mean often. Especially when on a bike, I have no problems passing in solid yellow, tripling the speed limit, and even running from the law. If it weren't for sport bikes, I don't think I would do these types of things anywhere near as often as I do now.

Edit - Since others have mentioned it, I met my wife through a motorcycling friend. My wife has been riding on the street for as long as I have, but she's been on sport bikes longer. She's one of the reasons I do some the stupid stuff that I do when on the bike....I mean, I can't let her get too far ahead of me without hearing the end of how slow my Ducs are compared to her R1 and GSXR. 

[muskrat]

I got started late (first wife would not entertain the idea) but now have met some great new friends... and muskrat too    I have always played and raced with cars, but the bikes have taken the thrill and fear to a new level, it is just so much more direct. 

Stop playing cars then and start riding more