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Does my sportbike have a place on the road today? (my long rant)

5K views 47 replies 21 participants last post by  Inky 
#1 ·
Life as a sport bike rider?

I pull in my driveway and my thoughts are much like the many other nights when I finally park the bike. Wow, I can’t believe I didn’t get arrested! In fact, I didn’t even get pulled over. I wonder if it’s just a matter of time? I wonder if in fact I’ve grown wiser in the way I ride or just continue to be lucky. My enigma, the question that troubles me daily sits right in front of me. I stare at it with childlike wonder. This incredible machine that makes me feel so alive. This machine that does so much more than I thought it could. Does my sport bike really have a place on these streets? Do I really have a place on these streets?

The most troubling frustration I face is that I really do love to ride. I really love to ride fast. I look down at the new Pirelli’s and make mental nod with great satisfaction. I finally got to the edge of those new 190’s. The pitch fork (so appropriately molded) onto the edge these new Pirelli’s is scuffed up but still visible. The irony is uncanny. Did that mean I was playing with the devil? Dancing with evil? Doing devilish things? Maybe it just means there is plenty of grip on the edge where I hung out today. Like a pitchfork into a bail of hay, I just stuck a massive corner. I managed to drag some gear and have some cool new scuffs to show for it. Of course, that is the point of the dilemma. These new scars on my gear that I admire so much means that I broke a law or two to get them. Was there another way? This incredible machine is my stress relief. It’s my double scotch on the rocks since my drinking career ended short some years ago. Without it, I wonder if my sanity would suffer?

I toy with ideas that I never had before. Get another bike and don’t ever let myself enjoy this pleasure that could possibly end horribly someday. Torture myself by turning this sporty “street” machine into a “race track only” bike, an option that can only be enjoyed at a greater cost and with more seldom regularity to me, or just quit riding all together?

This hasn’t been a new dilemma. I have seen my fair share of traffic violations, and all kinds of interesting consequences that a sport bike rider lifestyle seems to include. I’ve had a change in attitude because of my personal evolution. I’ve grown up. I’ve started to see the futility in fighting with “the man”. I’ve recognized that 2 objects of similar mass cannot occupy the same space at the same time. I’ve learned that the larger and more stable mass i.e. cars, buses; tractors will always win in a space sharing war. 15 years of riding has made these once fleeting thoughts a quest for resolve. Every year, my bikes get faster. Every year, I marvel at the new ideas and technological breakthroughs and every riding day, and every year more frustration sets in.

I used to enjoy taking my machine from place to place, a form of cheaper and more interesting transportation. I would show up to Holiday’s and family functions inappropriately dressed because my passion ran deeper than my social obligation. The thought of one sunny 70-degree day going by without riding was more inappropriate to me. I even dressed up my loved ones in interesting gear and forced them to create alternative hair and shoe solutions. Now, 15 years later, I wonder if my time has past. I never envisioned a life without riding. I still can’t.

It all hit me like a sledgehammer to the head several days ago when I was scrambling to get new tires on the bike. Trying to get them on fast enough so that I am not late for one of my new “responsibilities” that have come with age. I was so excited to have new “meats”. I envisioned better handling and faster corners. My heart was racing like a kid that couldn’t wait to go downstairs and tear open the first newly wrapped gift Santa left just for me. A quick lava rinse in the basement laundry tub and some new clothes (of course inappropriate for the occasion) and I was on my way. Saturday’s were once the best day. A day filled with new back roads, fast food and hat head, now give way to a more mature “responsibility” driven lifestyle. A lifestyle now filled with pre-determined routes and destination times, but hey! I am still on the bike. Out of my driveway and instantly a smile appears. I can feel it the moment I ease onto my neighborhood street. This is going to be great. I plunge the bike side to side, scrubbing the new compound into a tacky surface ready for the roads that lie ahead. My smile settles to a slightly lower spot upon my face as I follow the white station wagon to the main road at 24.3 miles an hour. I felt good about my decision not to speed past this old woman in a residential neighborhood. The same neighborhood she has probably lived for 30 years without the new aged sport bikes zooming past her with disgust. I know my time is coming. Finally, I reach the main road and not a moment too soon. It’s starting to get hot in this leather suit at these speeds. The main road, which is normally 8 divided lanes of quickly moving traffic, has been reduced to four lanes of not so quickly moving traffic. Four lanes (2 in each direction) have been quarantined off for highway workers to re-surface a much-abused 2-mile stretch of shopping, bars and restaurants. The smile is gone now but I am still resolute about getting around this temporary slow spot in my route. Several minutes of this and the sweat reminds that I should have packed an extra stick of deodorant in my tank bag. I wonder if once I reach the freeway, I will be able to cool down and let the bike return to its normal operating temperature. Lastly, I reach the Freeway. The smile starts to re-appear until I get on the onramp and notice the unusual heavy traffic in front of me. I ran through the local news in my mind trying to recall something I forgot. Was there a local event I did not remember? Was their an accident or construction I did not factor in this morning? It took another 15 minutes for me to determine that it was just another day of heavy volume of soccer mom’s en-route. The sledgehammer hit me again in the chest. Damn, it’s always backed up nowadays. Traffic is always heavy on this road. Why did I expect any different? Maybe the excitement of new tires blinded me to the facts that I had to be on that road. I had to be somewhere specific. I quickly dismissed the thoughts of fast corners, wheelies and speed and settle into my usual thoughts. God, I hope I can just get the bike up to a speed that is comfortable to ride in. Time would prove that it was not possible today; much like the last 4 times I was able to ride my bike on Saturday. Unlike the days where satisfaction grows from the new tread lost at the edge of the tires, the same feelings existed. Does my sport bike really have a place on these streets?

So, I am left to wonder yet again. I struggle to come up with a solution. How do I co-exist peacefully with this need I have to ride a sport bike. The years have gone by and I have gotten faster but the traffic has gotten slower. I have noted the lack of patience of people on the roads today that force me to maneuver in order to survive on a bike. The ever-growing distractions of cell phones, spinning wheels, DVD players and 1000-watt stereo’s erode the focus from people who would normally notice me on that little sport bike tucked between them in traffic. Of course, there are my needs also. The need I have to maximize lean angle, to learn to throw my weight from corner to corner, feel that front wheel gently loft up and down from the power of second gear. The need I have to release a weeks worth of stress and put a smile on my face that only comes from a passion I have had held since I was 12. The question is still unanswered though. Does my sport bike and I have a place on the road today?

John Temelko ‘03
 
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#2 ·
Yes...
Sounds to me like you have the beginnings of a mid life crisis with the culprit being something much deeper than simply questioning if you belong on the road.

Get off your ass. Change what ails you. Get away from the stupid public. Get out of the city. If need be get a new job, its never too late to change but get away from that black hole of a boring life you're heading towards.

You dont get old by aging, you get old by choice.
 
#3 ·
JT I have to agree with Vigis on this one. I myself have been getting more frustrated with riding in this area. The constant road construction, but the roads seem in worse condition every year. More and more traffic. Idiots that dont see us. Having to ride an hour to find a decent road to get the adrenaline flowing. I personally am seriously looking to get out of this town and find somewhere with better roads, more consistent weather, and a little easier daily grind. You only live once and only you can make yourself happy. Do what you need to do to achieve that.

Gary
 
#5 ·
I see I'm not the only one filled with frustration :( I too have grown very frustrated with city life and all its hassles, maybe it's too many close calls, or too many assholes, or too much stress, or..... BUT I have found a relief to it all. It sounds like that's what you need to do too.:2cents: I just leave, the city, the state, the ratrace. It always works, the smile I get is worth it.

Some of you may have noticed that I don't ride with club anymore, it's not because I want out or because I don't like you guys. Far from it. I just gave up on riding on the street; too many "accidents" and too much traffic, but worst of all it's not fun anymore :( I'm still riding my bike but not in MI, I gave up late last year. If I'm riding it's usually in WV or somewhere within the Appalachians. I know most, if not all, or you consider traveling to WV every weekend possible madness, but after a couple of weekends you'll be crazy not to. It's the exact opposite of MI...... nice people, nice scenery, nice police, and awesome roads. All just 4hrs away, sounds like a long commute but that only builds the anticipation and the promise of an awesome time.

I'm heading this weekend, come and join me. Anybody is welcome. I already have a room with an extra bed. :thumb:
 
#6 ·
no, you have no reason to ride anymore...now drop the bike off at the shop and hand over the keys (you keep payment book...and insurance bill).....do it now.
 
#7 ·
Good post. I've got the same feelings going on.

I did a parade lap around Gratten yesterday on my '73 CB350, and it has me itching to drop the cash on a track day. We were paced and couldn't go faster than 80, but I was still scraping hard parts on most of the corners, so it was fun.

Time to save the pennies and get out there on my 919 to see how fast I get go into turn one at the end of the straight!

Kevin
 
#8 ·
John,

Picture this. I get home from work at 6, change my clothes and head out for a ride. The route out of my sub division is down a four laner to one traffic light and I fight my need to complain. When the light turns green I make a left onto the two laner that stretches about 45 miles until the next light. About 8 miles down the road come to the first twisty County Road but it is mostly high speed stuff, no traffic ever but it ends up at the lake. A few miles up the road is a more challenging road, very tight and technical with alot of blind corners and elevation changes. If I take that route I will be forced to hit a few other twistie roads all with little to klnow traffic to make about a 70 mile loop back to the house. 45-50 minutes of hard ass riding, Just to blow out the cobwebs. Riding In MICHIGAN sucks cow balls. I'm glad I moved back to MI for a few years and met all you great people but the best riding is in TEXAS.
Come visit John Ill put you up and we will hit some of the best roads in Texas. Shit Ill even give you a job. The cost of living is lower here and I'll give you 60k a year!


:D :D
 
#9 ·
I'll say this for sure. I'm from Detroit, and just visited recently. If I lived in Detroit and the Metro area now I would either move or give up my bike. When I rode around the city and the suburbs I rarely was able to ride my bike. I was mostly stopping and holding up my bike. Riding at 25 or 35 on a freeway. Riding from light to light and always stopping behind a line of other cars. AND still almost getting run into by half a dozen thougtless drivers. I can also tell you the Detroit cage society is much more vicious. I suppose a place built on American Steel is not the place that would embrace Japanese (or maybe any) two wheelers.

I never have this problem in Dayton, and there are a million other cities in this country that are not locked down by traffic and speed restrictions. It sounds like, based on the original post, that motorcylcing is your life. If this is so, you may have to change the other things so you can enjoy your passion.
 
#10 · (Edited)
you guys looking at it the wrong way.... do you really need to go 140 and put your knee down every chance you get? If so your looking for something to happen....

What makes you happy? JT states that when he pulls out of his driveway he gets "the feeling" Traffic is a fact of life so deal with it. Riding a bike in the city does a lot of good for you. It wakes you up. You have to be on guard the whole time... then when you get to where you want to ride you enjoy it more...

JT- you sat and looked at some of the bikes at the shop when you were there... I can truely say I have as much fun riding the cruiser as I do any of the sportbikes I own... it's a different pace.... when I ride the TL it's like the front wheel shouldn't be on the ground. Is it fun? Hell yeah it is! But do I think twice about it every time I ride like that? Yup.... I can get on the Vulcan and ride just as much and have as much fun....I just do it in a slower pace.


Most of us old timers didnt have a sportbike as our first rides...mine was a CB750 which I still have...Sokacz had a CB350! Then a Shadow I think... Think about why you got your bike and why you love to ride... if you second guess your self when you get back then maybe you are riding the wrong bike.... if your looking to stunt and do crazy shit on a bike do what alot of us have done and get your self a fiddy! I ride that thing every chance I get.....summer, winter ....in the snow towing the kids on sleds... and then I ride the big bike to get back to a better state of mind....


Remember the words of the great Smoke.... slow your roll....burn rubber ... not your soul!:twofinger
 
#11 ·
I started out on cruisers...Harleys actually. I rode an R1 and that changed it all. I bought mine in 01, and I get out of control often (well used to because I have not ridden once this year yet...life is pretty busy) and at the end of the day after all the laughing and shit is over and I am riding the last stretch home it hits me...WTF was I doing. I do not believe the cagers in this state want to share with us no matter what the bike is, but the more screwing around that gets on tape or TV the more people want to have us all erased. I ride because its about all I know. I cannot remember a time before riding, literally. I started riding at age 5 and was racing shortly there after. It has always been a release for me, a way to clear out the day or get out aggression without someones skull involved. I do not know what this year has in store, but I believe that I know have to start slowing down (at least on the street). I had too many close calls last year, and my luck has been running thin lately. Hopefully I will have something that will get me in a little less trouble in a few weeks.....and let the R1 just sit and look pretty (yes I will still ride it..but I have the need to be back on a Harley powered bike for a while)
 
#12 ·
Riding my bike has been a passion for me, not a choice. I jones like crazy all winter and as soon as the high temp says it'll be 50, I pull the bike out. My wife thinks I'm crazy sometimes but she's very understanding of my habit and very supportive.

Nothing will ever replace my bike. I will always have at least one in my garage. I get so much satisfaction from riding the bike that I could care less if it's in traffic commuting to work or out for a Sunday ride....at least I'm riding. The benefits I get from it are still there. After commuting in one morning (Commerce Twp to Southfield Via 696), one of my co-workers remarked that it looked like I had alot of fun riding in on the bike. (It's because it's true.) I never quite looked at it that way but I've said many a time that a bad day on my bike (barring an accident) is better than any good day in my truck. There is just something special about riding my bike. It's the ultimate stress relief, even in traffic.

Maybe I have a different outlook or maybe it's just the old New Jersey person in me coming out. Traffic doesn't bother me, 696, 75, 96, 94 whatever. When you come from a state with the most people per square mile and the highest insurance in the country, maybe it warps you a little.....I cherish every ride, slow or fast, since tomorrow anything can happen. As motorcyclists, we have to accept the risks that we can get hurt while riding, whether it's our fault or someone elses. If we're not ready to accept that, maybe we shouldn't be riding. For me, the benefits far outweigh the risks. :2cents:

Sorry if I rambled a bit but it's just my opinion, take it for what you paid for it! :twofinger

Justin
 
#13 ·
Judge said:
I started out on cruisers...Harleys actually. I rode an R1 and that changed it all. I bought mine in 01, and I get out of control often (well used to because I have not ridden once this year yet...life is pretty busy) and at the end of the day after all the laughing and shit is over and I am riding the last stretch home it hits me...WTF was I doing. I do not believe the cagers in this state want to share with us no matter what the bike is, but the more screwing around that gets on tape or TV the more people want to have us all erased. I ride because its about all I know. I cannot remember a time before riding, literally. I started riding at age 5 and was racing shortly there after. It has always been a release for me, a way to clear out the day or get out aggression without someones skull involved. I do not know what this year has in store, but I believe that I know have to start slowing down (at least on the street). I had too many close calls last year, and my luck has been running thin lately. Hopefully I will have something that will get me in a little less trouble in a few weeks.....and let the R1 just sit and look pretty (yes I will still ride it..but I have the need to be back on a Harley powered bike for a while)

harley powered????? PULLLEEEZ I would hope these bikes your gonna build are more than 88in

you need 106 kit just get your big ass movin'


:twofinger :twofinger :twofinger :twofinger :twofinger
 
#14 ·
almightys said:

you need 106 kit just get your big ass movin'

oh you are so lucky this is the internet cuz I'd kick ya in the bawlz otherwise.... :twofinger
 
#15 ·
Thanks for the responses guys.

Dave. I have seriously conteplated moving for quite some time. I have had an opportunity to go to Maryland, OH and FLA but the fact remains that I am kinda tied to this area for at least a short while longer. I am hoping that this is a realistic possiblity for me.

As far as the traffic. Its not being around the cars that bothers me. Like I mentioned in the post, its the pace. I used to be able to deal with it but it's gotten worse and Ive gotten less patient with it.

anyway.. thanks again guys for listening. I was hoping to envoke some thoughful feedback. Its a problem that we all face, everyone just deals with it differently.


Jt
 
#19 ·
vigis said:
..eek...Nor-Cal.
Sounds to me like your frustration with the pace is just a sign of greater discontent.

I have riden in alot of different places around the country and I'll tell you this....

Northern Cali is flat out the best place I have ever rode in my life... every kind of road you can imagine is there...there are places to travel to and things to see... I have been in the city..to the ocean and into the most beautiful wine country on the face of the earth all in a one day ride....

until you stop at Stewerts Point to make sandwhiches on the seat of your bike and then ride up to Lake Sonoma ..trust me you haven't even started to ride....

Someone here knows EXACTLY what I'm talking about....
 
#20 ·
well....if our bikes would have made the trip I would know...but somehow that all fell through :twofinger


that road was sick.....I would definately get in trouble on the R1 on that road....
 
#21 ·
The only problem with NorCal is the people. Unless you hit it early you're going to be ass deep in commuters almost every day of the week. At least in the SF Bay Area it was this way. I will say though, Cali does have the best roads there are for riding. I'd be willing to go back if about 20 million people left the state. :D

Oh, and if housing priced dropped to a quarter of what they are now so that they would be in line with the rest of the country. :laughing: :thumb:
 
#22 ·
Just a thought -- I have always loved sport bikes and hated cruisers/harleys. I went to "Motown in ann arbor" They had some open house thingger where you can test ride any bike. I rode the Buell XB12R, Harleys Sportster 1200, and a Harley V-RoD.

The V-Rod was soooooooooo Enjoyable, I felt incredible. I could just ride at a relaxed paced and enjoy the hell out of it. The bike has a good amount of pep in its step as well, but forget cornering. I scraped the pegs going around a corner at 25mph....

Anyrate, maybe you should consider something like a V-rod. You can rent one for $125 you get it for 24 hours.

I also agree the traffic in Detroit is terrible. My g/f lives there I live in Grand Rapids. Riding in grand rapids is pretty nice, there is always an open lane to get in to. I can carve through traffic at any pace I want. I wouldnt dare do the same in detroit.
 
#23 ·
Trigga said:
I have riden in alot of different places around the country and I'll tell you this....

Northern Cali is flat out the best place I have ever rode in my life... every kind of road you can imagine is there...there are places to travel to and things to see... I have been in the city..to the ocean and into the most beautiful wine country on the face of the earth all in a one day ride....

until you stop at Stewerts Point to make sandwhiches on the seat of your bike and then ride up to Lake Sonoma ..trust me you haven't even started to ride....

Someone here knows EXACTLY what I'm talking about....
:mad:
 

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#25 ·
Teal said:
I agree... Very good read.:)
I didnt expect the response I got from this. I just figured that I wasnt the only one to feel this way about riding sometimes.

Thanks again for taking the time to read it. I know it was a long one.

jt
 
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