Written 10/9/2025.
Robert’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
I’ve been meaning to write this post every time I hop on my motorcycle to go for a ride. The brake lever wobbles, there are sounds under the carriage of the motorcycle when I go over a bump. My head gets buffeted when I ride fast causing me to not see as clearly as a person behind a windshield on a car.
Oh, and shifting is different too. It isn’t always smooth, and you can only find neutral easily when you are shifting between 1st and 2nd gear while accelerating in traffic causing an engine rev until you shift again (shifting on a motorcycle is 1st, neutral, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th).
Let’s talk about comfort. A motorcycle is not your couch or car seat. You have to hold yourself up and your feet hit the pegs wherever that is. If you have long legs, your knees will be higher. You are the adjustment; nothing adjusts on a motorcycle. You may be a little uncomfortable riding.
Next, you are literally sitting on top of an engine and exhaust that gets really hot. If you don’t pay attention, you’ll burn your pants along with your skin if you accidentally put your leg on either. That also goes for your boots.
Depending on the style of motorcycle depends on where your hands are. Imagine holding your arms straight in front of you for hours at a time (cruiser) or handlebars below you as you crouch over them (sport bike - aka crotch rocket).
Then there is braking. Front brake is with the right hand; rear brake is with the right foot. Seventy percent of the stopping power is with the front brake. Motorcycles also stop slower than regular cars.
So pretty much if you are looking for a perfect, smooth, ride, don’t go with a motorcycle. You have relax into the rawness that is riding. If you are willing to do this, then you will experience something very few do. An exhilaration that wipes away the worries of the day. For military veterans with PTSD, a momentary respite from the crap that they constantly experience. Motorcycles have saved lives, many of them due to helping with mental health.
Are they more dangerous than cars? Of course. Everything in life is risky though. There is a 100% chance of death from being born. Fifty percent of marriages end in divorce. It’s part of life. Wouldn’t you rather take a risk doing something you love than never feel the exhilaration? I would and have.
Life isn’t perfect and motorcycles are a reflection of this. If you relax into this imperfection, you will experience a joy few perfectionists ever feel. Enjoy the roller coaster of life. Squeeze every ounce of living from this wonderful world. You’ll be glad you did.
Always remember, I love you.
Robert
Robert’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
