Foo - Bicycling leads to motorcycling?

I have met a couple cyclists in their thirties and forties who have decided to buy motorcycles after biking for many years. It seems logical that people addicted to the speed and freedom of rolling on the two wheels of a bike would find rding a motorcycle appealing. Did any or you buy motorcyles after bicycling as a hobby? Just curious if its a freak occurance that I ve met two cyclists whol are bikers as well

That's like saying smoking pot leads to heroin addiction... :eek:

Or maybe it just means "Two wheels good, four wheels bad" (apologies to George Orwell) ;)

I came the other way. :)

cycling is fun because you have to put in effort. that makes the speed more reqarding. the only thing you get with speed from an engine is greater and greater speed with more danger and no long staying satisfaction (man.. phantom class on wipeout 3 was starting to seem slow to me at one point.. same thing has happened with my bike).

cycling is better. moto's suck unless you're obssesed with efficiency.

I came the other way. :)
Me too
Joe

I'll be picking up a DRZ400s next month. :)

But I wont be getting rid of any of my bicycles...

As a kid, I rode bicycles. As I got older I rode motorcycles. Even older still I ride bicycles.

Are 'Depends" far behind?

As a kid, I rode bicycles. As I got older I rode motorcycles. Even older still I ride bicycles.

Are 'Depends" far behind?

Don't think of them as depends, think of them as disposable bike shorts...

I came the other way. :)

As did I!

I see it as a natural progression.
The majority of the riders and racers I know are into road or mountain biking.

It's the two-wheeled thing.... :)

What the hell kind of clag are you spewing?

"..the only thing you get with speed from an engine is greater and greater speed with more danger and no long staying satisfaction"

No long staying satisfaction? How long did you ride a motorcycle?

Riding and racing are so unbelievably exhilerating, challenging, and seriously fun.
Danger is one of the appealing aspects of riding and racing, in fact that happens to
be a lure in alot of activities.

I have been motorcycling for 14 years, and still have the same passion I
intially had the very first time I threw a leg over a motorcycle.

Do you speak from personal experience? Did you have a bad experience riding or something?

Just consider the source dc70.

I do both, have all along. the moto is actualy much cheaper per mile, even when I use top grade fuel, as food is quite spendy.
Petrol has about 32,000 Kcal per gallon[3.5 liter]and costs $2.20(highest in town), A Kcal is a food Calorie. While $2.20 will buy me a loaf of whole wheat bread totaling a mere 3,000 Kcal. 3,000 kcal is good for about 50 miles on a bicycle but a gallon of gas takes my moto 80-90 miles. Heck, a stock, full size harley-davidson gets 50mpg.

Now thats some mathematics!

Excellent science you evil measuring genius

Ya, I rode bikes all the time when I was a kid, then in my early 40s I had a couple of motorcycles....but I soon found that the motorcycles are too damn dangerous, and now I'm back riding a recumbent trike....and oh, how I love it.

I've been riding bikes since a kid, but only recently decided to get a road bike. I'd been used to the mountain and bmx bikes of old. Part of the reason for the upgrade was that I acquired an old honda express 50cc scooter and found out how fun it is to ride at 20 to 30 mph around the city. A road bike gives me my speed fix and I get a great workout at the same time. I hope that when I get a real motorcycle that it won't spoil the speed fix I get when I cycle.

I think either can lead to the other. My girlfriend and I both ride both types. Though we haven't done much motorcycling this summer and have just bought a tandem to ride together. Does that mean the motors are gone for good? Not at all. They each serve a purpose and scratch a different itch.

I hope that when I get a real motorcycle that it won't spoil the speed fix I get when I cycle.
I wouldn't worry about it. They're different experiences.

I wouldn't worry about it. They're different experiences.

Yup .. 40+MPH on a bicycle is scarier than 120+MPH on a motorcycle .. not that I have done such an illegal activity on a deserted stretch of highway. ;)

my view may be different. but i've noticed that i eventually (a few weeks) become very accustom to any speed. there's no need for me to do 120 on a moto

Ok, thats fair enough,
but why you would state that motorcycles offer no enduring challenge is silly.
Especially if you have never rode on a regular basis. That I just cannot respect.
Please, give me valid opinions or facts, but not subjective opinions based on no experience.

I have been in the 155 to 160 range, but on the racetrack. It is an incredible experience
one that cannot be put into mear words. You have to go out and do it.

Motorcycles are not dangerous, but, riding in uncontrolled conditions,
riding beyond your capabilities, can be dangerous indeed.
I agree that riding on the public roads takes alot of restraint, awareness, and ability.
Because there are so many, many variables that
a rider encounters on the roads. Crazy drivers, heavy traffic, poor road conditions,
weather, and the riders own state of mind and abilities.

But, riding in controlled conditions, is different. Track-days, or racing are not as
risky as some perceive. Track-days offer several different levels of ability
to get your street motorcycle on the track and learn some new things.
Plus, there is off-road riding which is really a blast and a great way to learn
the basics of riding a motorcycle. Throttle and braking and steering control.

Racing of course, does not need any explanation.
Motorcycling in general is great activity/sport and unless you have ridden
more than a handful of times, you cannot fully appreciate what it is like.
I actually think riding bicycles on the public roads, is equally as risky
as motorcycle riding. I actually feel a bit more vunerable on the bicycle, because I have
no leathers, leather gloves, boots, full face helmet to protect me if I go down. I have had some
fairly high-speed get-offs on the motorcycle, and have never been seriously injured,
due to having the afformentioned apparel. I am actually more careful on decents
on the bicycle than I am at 100 plus mph on the moto. Ok, end of rant... :)

Going motorcycle to bicycle. Bought a motorcycle a about 5 months before the kid was born. Flopped the motorcycle a few months later and haven't been back on since. Was only really commuting on the motorbike.

The biking thing is new. Now when i get to work i feel like i've accomplished something rather than survived. And i'm a lot more willing to go biking in the rain than i was to go motoring in the rain.

[QUOTE=dc70]Motorcycles are not dangerous, but, riding in uncontrolled conditions,
riding beyond your capabilities, can be dangerous indeed.
I agree that riding on the public roads takes alot of restraint, awareness, and ability.
Because there are so many, many variables that
a rider encounters on the roads. Crazy drivers, heavy traffic, poor road conditions,
weather, and the riders own state of mind and abilities.

Motorcycles, bicycles, boats, hell even cars/trucks are not dangerous - but are
unforgiving of carless or ignorant behavor. keepr your wits about you and understand what you are doinf and you will survive otherwise you won't.

Joe

Motorcycles are not dangerous, but, riding in uncontrolled conditions,
riding beyond your capabilities, can be dangerous indeed.
I agree that riding on the public roads takes alot of restraint, awareness, and ability.
Because there are so many, many variables that
a rider encounters on the roads. Crazy drivers, heavy traffic, poor road conditions,
weather, and the riders own state of mind and abilities.

Motorcycles, bicycles, boats, hell even cars/trucks are not dangerous - but are
unforgiving of carless or ignorant behavor. keepr your wits about you and understand what you are doinf and you will survive otherwise you won't.

Joe

That is very true.

I don't like motors. IMO they are too noisy, polluting and smelly, can't find the zen. I am drawn to bicycles because of their lack of a motor. I also dig sailboats, downhill skiing, backpacking and rock climbing (to name only a few).

I do both, but I gave up the off-road motorcycle several years ago. I now ride bicycles on and off-road, and ride my motorcycle on-road. If it has 2 wheels, I like it!

I'm in the same boat. I'm selling my offroad rig (DRZ400S) and keeping my streetbike (Bandit 1200) For the woods I'm getting myself a mountain bike. It just looks like to much fun to be ignored!

I do both, have all along. the moto is actualy much cheaper per mile, even when I use top grade fuel, as food is quite spendy.
Petrol has about 18,000 Kcal per gallon[3.5 liter]and costs $2.20(highest in town), A Kcal is a food Calorie. While $2.20 will buy me a loaf of whole wheat bread totaling a mere 3,000 Kcal. 3,000 kcal is good for about 50 miles on a bicycle but a gallon of gas takes my moto 80-90 miles, heck a stock full size harley-davidson gets 50mpg.

Perhaps, but you still need to fuel your body even if you're riding a motorbike.

I have no aspirations to ride a motorcycle. Most are now nothing more then noisey, impractical toys.

I have no aspirations to ride a motorcycle. Most are now nothing more then noisey, impractical toys.

Fun. You forgot fun. Though maybe thats implied by 'toys'.

The reality is that, with reference to motorcycles in the US, you are largely correct. However, that does not mean that they have to be noisey or impractical. Compared to a car, a motorcycle can be an incredibly practical vehicle. Cheaper to acquire, maintain and operate. Easier to park. More of 'em fit on the roads. Much more efficient use of natural resources (metal, oil, rubber). Need less pavement. Huh. A lot of the same benefits a bicycle has. I'll make a broad generalization and claim that the same cultures that find bicycles to provide good utility as a practical form of transportation, find the same traits in the motorcycle.

Motorcycles are quiet and quite practical (depending on the person's needs). The noisey ones are made noisey by the owner. All come from the factory running pretty quiet

I have no aspirations to ride a motorcycle. Most are now nothing more then noisey, impractical toys.

I'm very surprised at such a narrow, and incognizant remark, especially from a cyclist.

I would think that just saluting the engineering, the sophistication, the beauty,
and the sheer power a motorcycle offers, would give most if not all who understand
machinery an acute appreciation. Have you ever had the pleasure of seeing a MV Agusta
up close and personal? How about a Ducati? How about a Moto Guzzi?
Or the new CBR 1000RR, or the Yamaha V Star? Or a number of custom made
cruiser bikes? The craftsmanship is unbelievable.

Impractical? As far as I know they are the most time-efficient and fuel efficient
motorized vehicles on the planet. I'm including ALL motorized two-wheelers.
Have you ever been to Europe? M/C's are all over the place, as well as bicycles.

I am intrigued as to your dim view of motorcycles, and why you label them as
'impracticle toys' Can you be more specific as to why?

I'm very surprised at such a narrow, and incognizant remark, especially from a cyclist.

I would think that just saluting the engineering, the sophistication, the beauty,
and the sheer power a motorcycle offers, would give most if not all who understand
machinery an acute appreciation. Have you ever had the pleasure of seeing a MV Agusta
up close and personal? How about a Ducati? How about a Moto Guzzi?
Or the new CBR 1000RR, or the Yamaha V Star? Or a number of custom made
cruiser bikes? The craftsmanship is unbelievable.

Impractical? As far as I know they are the most time-efficient and fuel efficient
motorized vehicles on the planet. I'm including ALL motorized two-wheelers.
Have you ever been to Europe? M/C's are all over the place, as well as bicycles.

I am intrigued as to your dim view of motorcycles, and why you label them as
'impracticle toys' Can you be more specific as to why?

What dc70 said :p

I have no aspirations to ride a motorcycle. Most are now nothing more then noisey, impractical toys.

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw overgeneralizations and stereotypes, aka. stones. Let's turn the table around here....

I have no aspirations to ride a bicycle. They are nothing more than impractical toys being ridden around by wanna-be Lance Armstrongs who shouldn't be allowed on the road.

I've been riding motorcycles for 31 years... about 8 years longer than bicycles. It gets me to and from work and it's not loud. Moreover, I'm not alone on the road in the morning and most of the bikes aren't choppers or repli-racer crotch rockets.

dc70 said it for me: motorized.

nteresting position from one whose Info reads thusly.


Additional Info about DieselDan
Biography:
I ride bikes, fix bikes, watch racing, and raise my son, other then that, I'm very boring.
Location:
Beaufort, SC USA
Interests:
cycling, interent, auto racing


Sounds like a terribly inefficent and fuel wasting past-time.

Just went for a ride in the mountains scoping out new logging side lines main lines and spurs. rode a 2000 XT350 yamaha (not mine) man that thing is quite you'd swear it was a large cat if you were blind. The owner tried a racing "muffler" for a while when he first got the bike and boy I could pull up next to 'cellphone drivers', with their window down, on the freeway and really squash their conversation with an earsplitting cackling crack from the tailpipe, it was not like a rumbling Harley. It's back to stock now though so one can sneak around the forest.


I have no aspirations to ride a motorcycle. Most are now nothing more then noisey, impractical toys. Nice troll, I think you caught a few.

...snipping...

Nice troll, I think you caught a few.

That had to be a troll and several of us fell for it, didn't we. :o

Perhaps, but you still need to fuel your body even if you're riding a motorbike.
Base metabolism is different from the energy needed in power generation(making a bike move)

Say your base met. is 1500 Cal a day. You will burn 1500 cal per day in basic body functions this does not change day to day. Calories burned per mile depends on the bike and riders technique a bit but is generally 40-60 cal per mile(at about 16-20mph, lolly gagging on a path or racing may be outside this cal/mile range). The more miles you ride the more fuel you burn and these Calories are added to your base metabolic rate. so if you ride 40 miles a day at 50 Cal/mile thats 2,000 Cal on top of your base met of 1,500 for a total of 3,500 Calories a day.

Motorcycles are quiet and quite practical (depending on the person's needs). The noisey ones are made noisey by the owner. All come from the factory running pretty quiet

Exactly! I have slip-on on my Bandit and it's still quiet. The only time it's loud is if I wind it up to about 8000 rpm, then it wails. However, I rarely do that riding in traffic. I also read about the fun factor. To me it's off the charts!!! Carving a corner at full lean, pulling some lateral Gs, MAN WHAT A RUSH!!! Whenever I come back from a ride I am pumped!!

I've been riding motorcycles for quite a few years now. I own a 2002 Yamaha R1 and am rebuilding a '66 Honda CB160. My buddy owns a shop and it is fun to rebuild and work on things. I enjoy all things two wheels. In fact, my whole group of friends is based off the fact that we enjoy motorcycles.