Some good reading for us bike drivers!

[tsmall]

I read this the other day and thought I'd like to share it.

The Biker's Creed
Author: Unknown
I ride because it is fun. I ride because I enjoy the freedom I feel from being exposed to the elements, and the vulnerability to the danger that is intrinsic to riding.
I do not ride because it is fashionable to do so.
I ride my machine, not wear it. My machine is not a symbol of status. It exists simply for me and me alone.
My machine is not a toy. It is an extension of my being, and I will treat it accordingly, with the same respect as I have for myself.
I strive to understand the inner-workings of my machine, from the most basic to the most complex. I learn everything I can about my machine, so that I am reliant upon no one but myself for its health and well-being.
I strive to constantly better my skill of control over my machine. I will learn its limits, and use my skill to become one with my machine so that we may keep each other alive. I am the master, it is the servant. Working together in harmony, we will become an invincible team.
I do not fear death. I will, however, do all possible to avoid death prematurely. Fear is the enemy, not death. Fear on the highway leads to death, therefore I will not let fear be my master. I will master it.
My machines will outlive me. Therefore, they are my legacy. I will care for them for future bikers to cherish as I have cherished them, whoever they may be.
I do not ride to gain attention, respect, or fear from those that do NOT ride, nor do I wish to intimidate or annoy them. For those that do not know me, all I wish from them is to ignore me. For those that desire to know me, I will share with them the truth of myself, so that they might understand me and not fear others like me.
I will never be the aggressor on the highway. However, should others fuck with me, their aggression will be dealt with in as severe manner as I can cast upon them.
I will show respect to other bikers more experienced or knowledgeable than I am. I will learn from them all I can. However, if my respect is not acknowledged or appreciated, it will end.
I will not show disrespect to other bikers less experienced or knowledgeable than I am. I will teach them what I can. However, if they show me disrespect, they will be bitch-slapped.
It will be my task to mentor new riders, that so desire, into the lifestyle of the biker, so that the breed shall continue. I shall instruct them, as I have been instructed by those before me. I shall preserve and honor traditions of bikers before me, and I will pass them on unaltered.
I will not judge other bikers on their choice of machine, their appearance, or their profession. I will judge them only on their conduct as bikers. I am proud of my accomplishments as a biker, though I will not flaunt them to others. If they ask, I will share them.
I will stand ready to help any other bikers that truly need my help. I will never ask another biker to do for me what I can do for myself. I am not a part-time biker. I am a biker when, and where-ever I go. I am proud to be a biker, and hide my chosen lifestyle from no one. I ride because I love freedom, independence, and the movement of the ground beneath me. But most of all, I ride to better understand myself, my machine, the lands in which I ride, and to seek out and know other bikers like myself.
Author Unknown

[Water Warrior 2]

A lot of truth and wisdom in those words.

[tsmall]

Yes sir Water Warrior. I agree. I read it 3 times and it really hit home. I thought about sharing it under the “Beginner’s” tab. Would I be out of line of the forum etiquette for excessive posting if I did? I believe newer drivers would be impacted positively. Too many people try to dog out many newer drivers that may start on anything other than a Harley or a +1000 CC rocket. I've driven both and I can still enjoy my little 250 just as much as any of my bikes. And screw anyone who tries to talk shit about your bike when they don't know how to change thier own tires and spend hundreds of dollars to do what we enjoy doing! Start off right and learn the basics without the macho bullshit. Be a safe driver first and don't worry about a fashion statement. Damn, I'm sounding like my Dad....guess he taught me well!

[Water Warrior 2]

Out of line ?? Not in my opinion. A good read like that is welcome anywhere it will do the most good for all riders.

[lenkf]

Yep, I recently had an unplanned airborne experience on my Vulcan 1500 sidecar outfit. Only moto accident I've had. Stuff happens. Little damage due to iceplant landing for the bike and driver. Only broke a mirror, bent shield, bent engine guard, scruffed some paint, and had to realign the car. I love the wind in my face, the smell of the environment, and all the world's woes are temporarily put on hold since I can (should) only think about safe passage. It's like practicing a musical instrument and you forget everything else, until you turn the key off... Soldiers say you're never more alive than when you're near death. On a smaller scale, it's kinda like that I think when I'm riding a moto, as my recent experience reaffirmed to me. I was back on the road next day with the little GZ250 (i needed to get back on the horse), and now again 3 weeks later on the mostly repaired sidecar outfit.

[tsmall]

Ya gotta get back up! :2tup:

[greatmaul]

I love the wind in my face, the smell of the environment, and all the world's woes are temporarily put on hold since I can (should) only think about safe passage. It's like practicing a musical instrument and you forget everything else, until you turn the key off...

Wow, that's so true. I never really thought about it but that describes it so well. I'm glad you're well and up and riding again.

[Rookie Rider]

I had an idiot ask me once, "hey does that bike come in man size"? I looked at him and said, "of course they come in man size, when you become a man maybe i'll let you sit on it".

[mole2]

I had an idiot ask me once, "hey does that bike come in man size"? I looked at him and said, "of course they come in man size, when you become a man maybe i'll let you sit on it".

Great retort! :rawk:


:)

[Water Warrior 2]

Excellant retort. It is so sad when some folks seem to think a real bike has to be big. Any bike no matter what the size is a real bike and delivers the real experience of riding. The big bike mind set is mostly a North American thing while the rest of the world is happy with any size bike that can haul your buns down the road.
I was in a real quandry prior to getting my Vstrom 650. 1000 or 650 ? 1000 or 650 ????????? Glad I bought the 650. It is as real as they get. If Suzuki ever decides to build a Vstrom 500 I will be first in line for a test ride. I doubt I would miss the extra engine size and performance. I don't use all the bike I have now.