Motorcycles- Traditional Cruiser and my changing views- Post3

Typical Harley guys

When someone mentions motorcycles most people will automatically think of a traditional cruiser such as a Harley, they should. Harley has along rich history and it is in-twined with mysticism about what it is to ride a Harley.They have panted there sound and have an image to market. They are also a status symbol due to there hefty price tag and a must for people who want to have that "bad boy" image.  Most MC or motorcycle clubs notorious for less than civil acts will only ride a Harley.  I have owned a Honda 250cc Nighthawk and my bike that i currently own is a Yamaha V-Star 1100cc. When I first started riding i did it out of necessity, since i did not own a car. My dad saw my need and filled that need. He only bought the bike to pass the motorcycle test after that he brought it to me in college. I was very happy to be able to travel around town and knew that it would be cheap transportation since it just sipped on gas. Ever since I was given the motorcycle, I have been hooked and love riding. I have never been in a accident, so luck has been on my side. I have attended a few rallies since Daytona Beach was so close, my friends and I would drive down for Bike week every year. At Bike week  there are about 85 percent traditional cruisers and most of those are Harley's. You have the occasional sport bike but mainly cruisers type motorcycles. On main street all the shops and bars cater toward the bikers. There is just a sea of black leather clad bikers everywhere you look, loud pipes and loud music. When I just started riding I started gravitation toward this style. Most 20 somethings would op for a very fast and sleek sports bike. I thought I was more traditional. I rode with a leather jacket, boots and no helmet unless I go out of state which has only happened a few times. I have done some overnight traveling on my bike but nothing over 6 hours away. I now am trying to sell my bike and see that that image and style of riding doesn't appeal to me anymore in fact I go the other way, so what has changed?

My Dad

There are 3 main factors that have contributed toward my current views. 1. I now have 2 kids and I do not have a lot of time to ride or risk if something were to happen to me, it would be very bad since my family depends on me. 2. My dad. He rides a BMW 1200 GS Adventurer and has traveled the globe on his bike, that kind of riding is appealing to me. 3. My trip to Peru. Riding in the Andes mountains on a dual purpose Honda Falcon 400cc. Where riding over big mountain passes and thru the jungle are what real riding is all about. When I see Harley guys riding past me I just think they don't know what real riding is. Don't get me wrong i am sure they love riding and it make them feel good but there are so many weekend warriors out there that bought a bike when they are older since young people cant afford Harley's, they only use it once a month to get out and get that feeling. They will not go out in the rain since they do not want to get themselves or their bikes wet. Will trailer there bike to Bike week since it is to far to drive etc, etc. 

Overlooking the Andea

When I was in Peru mountains you are one with your bike. you have to handle all the hazards such as dirt roads, huge potholes, blind curves, night riding, foggy and rainy weather, animals crossing you path and the speed bumps that do not look any different that the dirt ground you are riding on. This kind of riding, is for good reason called adventure riding and it is a different style than riding on smooth paved road that cruiser bikes were made for. Along with all the hazards that you have to watch out for there are huge payoffs, you can get to remote places that that few others could only imagine. But the destination is only one part, the real part is just riding and testing ones limits. The true reward if you can come out of it with minor or no injury will be this "I did it and if I can do this I can do anything!"