What would it take to stop you from riding forever?

[isaac]

I'm not talking horrific scares. No incidents that make you question your existence. I'm talking about an offer - a big one.

I thought about this a few days ago when I remembered how my dad really doesn't want me to own motorcycles. Sure, he did, and so did my mom, both before they met each other. He rode like a wildman. I don't. He still wants me to get rid of mine.

But what would it take? I'm thinking about the ultimate "what if?" motorcycling question here.

What if your dad offered you a Ferrari F430 if you never rode a motorcycle ever again? Would you do it?

I thought that out, and my answer in my mind was "no." I just couldn't give up that kind of freedom. It would take a hell of a lot.

My brother, who paid half for our first bike and has since ridden maybe 500 miles on it in 2 1/2 years, said "yes." I think his level of devotion to the bike plays a lot into that though. I've since bought 3 more bikes on my own and ridden maybe 12,000 miles on them.

What would it take for you?

[SVHUNTER]

Death

[JeffL]

At this point, there is no monetary sum that could really replace the joy and freedom I get from riding. It would have to be ALOT of money, and involve me racing something else, likely on 4 wheels.

[Doc]

I'm with Jeff but...

My Wifa and I have had a discussion. She is not forcing me but when we have kids I may have to take a serious look at the risks I take...

When you have another life depending on you I think your priorities change.

We shall see.

[SVHUNTER]

[quote="Doc"]
When you have another life depending on you I think your priorities change.

quote]

true dat! I now leave ALOT of room for error. I think sometimes i like building them as i do riding them.

[Vtwin650]

I too have had this discussion with my wife, and now that we are expecting our first child, I have decided to be much more cautious when riding, and have even thought of selling the bikes, but my wife will not hear of me selling something that gives me so much joy, I am one lucky SOB.

[SMF]

nothing. seriously. no woman. no materials things. no amount of $$. no requests on my parents deathbed. nothing.

I didn't ride for most of the 5 years I was married and I wasn't the same person. short story. I'm not married anymore. I ride every chance I get. I've gotten back into racing. and I now own one of my most favorite bikes of all time - other than the hawk - (an rc51). there is nothing in this world that would make me give it up. not kids. not a wife. not a scare. nada.

[Stevenjhow]

beautifully said scott! I am married and had to pry my way back onto a bike. I was just not happy not on a bike, it especaily hurt on nice days. I imagine if I lost my arms I'd have to stop riding

[isaac]

I imagine if I lost my arms I'd have to stop riding

You'd be surprised what kind of contraptions have been made to keep handicapped people riding. I think it could happen.

[motorcycleman]

There really isn't anything that would stop me. My wife is supportive, and I used to take week or two long trips until my lame friends all decided they don't have the time (or are not willing to ride more than 150 miles a day- soft butts). I'm no iron butt guy but I probably could become one Accidents happen and the biggest risk comes from other drivers, so look out. I encourage every motorcyclist to join the AMA and support legislation that increases the penalties for right of way violations to protect vulnerable road users, like us. Have you seen how many people drive their cars with a phone in their hand? I've even seen guys shaving, women applying make-up, etc. Yet I still ride... my motto, of course, is the best defense is a great offense. Oh and my bikes are a little loud ... not that that makes a good defense (but it is a little offensive, and I can sure get some attention if I want it)

[dagus]

Ohhhh, this is gonna be a book...

The only thing that could stop me from riding is the loss of all four limbs **crosses self** Otherwise, no fucking chance. My wife helped me pick out my first (and only) bike, the Hawk, when we started dating, so now that makes it significantly easier for me to continue riding. Might be more difficult if it weren't for that.

When Mark Z lost his arm recently, we came dangerously close to the "when are you going to stop" conversation. Oddly enough, though, she only worries about me when I ride alone. If she's on the back, no problem - she loves it. Of course, the Hawk wasn't really designed for two, and she isn't really interested in a bike of her own. So I can't wait for my (our) 1st VFR someday. Hope Honda replaces it with something nice after discontinuing it next year.

It's funny. Magda tells me she wouldn't ask me to stop, even though it upsets her sometimes. She knows how much I love motorcycling, and that being bikeless would be like losing an arm. We've talked about what happens when we have kids, and we've agreed that I'm a conscientious rider for her sake now, and I'll be a conscientious rider for their sake when we're parents. A piano could fall on me tomorrow and then what? I've given up riding just to be taken out by a Steinway? No dice. You know what happens when our kids turn 4 or 5? They're getting dirtbikes for Christmas.

As far as an "indecent proposal" kind of consideration? Every bike has its price (you can have my Hawk for the price of a Duc 1080 ), but no amount of money would ever make me stop riding altogether. None.

[LeftRightLeftThrottle]

The only thing stopping me is a lack of winter gear. Accidents and others misfortune only encourage me to ride smarter and keep my eyes peeled. Here's to hoping Santa helps me with an Aerostich

[dagus]

Know what would make me stop riding? If all gasoline engines were actually replaced with hydrogen ones that have a top speed of 30mph, automatic transmission and sound like a hairdryer.

[motorcycleman]

Theres gotta be a way to modify those hydro engines.... heck, they can get 65 mph outta a 50cc pocket bike!