The Motorcycle’s Unique Sensory Experience
The Thrill of the Open Road that Beats Other Vehicles ??
Motorcycle riders know the unique sensory experience a ride creates on the open road. Riding is more of an adventure than a cheap means of transportation or using the carpool lane by yourself.
Motorcycle riding is a way of life. And it is part of a culture.
Motorcycle riders share their stories. Some are in clubs (they’re not all outlaws). Some go to events. Others see another rider and get into a conversation at the store parking lot, at work, or at a parade.
What do they have in common?
?? The power of the engine under your seat.
?? The air rushing over your body
?? Your closeness to the scenery around.
?? The ability to maneuver and brake in a flash.
You can’t experience that sensation in a car. Not even a convertible.
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My Motorcycle ??
My first time on a motorcycle was like my first time on a bicycle. I fell on my ass. But I got right back up and didn’t quit. I rode day after day.
I practiced for my certification on my driver’s license. I took a class for safety and more riding practice.
When I got my M1 Class certification, I was thrilled. Never expected to feel that way when I first got my Honda Hawk.
I had got my bike out of necessity.
Motorcycles are both a time and money saver.
But the experience of riding once I had it down was addicting. I wore a helmet before it was the law in California. I was told this would limit what I could see. Not true.
And it protected me when objects came flying out of nowhere and hit my face shield.
I did ride once with the helmet off on a quiet neighborhood road. The wind through my hair felt great. But with that air streaming by, it was hard to see the scenery as I did with the face shield.
Plus, after riding with the helmet for so long, I felt naked.
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The New Journey ??
But when I did take a long trip, even tried the highway once, there was an adventure. The scenery was more vivid than being couped up in a car.
The more I rode my motorcycle, the more I learned the benefits:
I felt great when riding my motorcycle. Back then, there was the stress of being young and having new responsibilities. Riding was like therapy.
You not only saw but felt nature around you. The oxygen from a roadside filled with large trees dropped the temperature. My breathing became more exhilarating.
I had a sense of pride in how I would ride. Able to keep my focus on my surroundings. Helping me avoid and survive accidents. I could see out ahead of me in traffic. I could make split-second decisions, unlike in a car.
I would get a wave from other passing motorcyclists. They would come up to me at a parking lot and ask me about my bike and my experiences. I thought I could only get this when I identified as a Veteran.
There was a feeling of power. Turning the throttle and taking off like a rocket. I could feel the acceleration all around me, unlike a car. The engine vibrated under the seat. That’s where the battery was too.
A big reason why women want to ride in back with you.
Fuel Economy ??
Although, I made more trips to the gas station (smaller tank). I did save money compared to a car. But like any other vehicle, when it ages, it degrades. Unless you’re using something to regenerate.
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As my bike got older, I noticed that I was making more trips to the gas station. My MPG was dropping. I thought taking it in for a service at my motorcycle repair place would solve that problem. Nope.
Instead, more parts got replaced over time. My cost was increasing. And the bike was no longer saving money. I reluctantly parted with my motorcycle, later wishing I hadn’t.
How could I have kept it?
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The Catalyst ??
What I know now, I wished I knew existed back then. A catalyst was created in the early seventies that improves performance, emissions, and MPG (miles per gallon). But do we hear about that after all this time?
Of course not. The oil companies want you at the pump as frequently as possible. Instead, they had a catalytic converter created that wastes more gas and makes them more money.
All in the name of Clean Air. ??
I knew some people who passed the smog test on their cars. They would take the converter right back off after. A lot of good that was for ecology. They knew it was just another rip-off.
?“What does this catalyst do again?”
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?? Helps your engine to burn cleaner.
?? Reduces your emissions.
?? Improves your bike’s performance.
?? May help your bike’s longevity, depending on you.
?? Increases your miles per gallon by 10-20%(MPG).
?Did you get the last one? That’s right, even on your bike.
?“So, where does this fit on my bike?”
In your gas tank. It’s a tablet. Like a vitamin for your bike. When filling up your tank, place the x-cap inside before the gas pump nozzle. You do this every time you go to the gas station, not on occasion.
“But my dealership and mechanic said not to use a detergent.”
It’s not a detergent. It’s a catalyst. Your dealership and the mechanic will prefer this to a detergent.
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An Act of Love ??
Many people regret losing a vehicle they enjoyed. Whether it be a motorcycle or a car, it’s like losing a family member. And sometimes too soon. What if you could keep it around longer?
Maybe you’re more into the latest. Trading a smartphone once or twice a year. Buying the latest fashion every few months. Leasing a vehicle and getting a new one every year or two.
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?? But what if you feel connected?
?? What if your bike is a part of your persona?
???? Your wife or girlfriend could feel attached.
?? Your friends may identify you with your bike.
?Can you just let it go?
?Maybe there is a way to keep it around. And by doing that, save money. Best time to do that is now. The longer you wait, the older your ride gets.
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