Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Maintaining a "perfect" motorcycle
I had this thought a while ago, but am just getting around to writing about it. This falls as an item under my outline of "Zen of motorcycle ownership". Basically there are generally seems to be two types of motorcycle owners: Those who attempt to keep there bikes perfect and those who live with a little wear.
The first type, owners who try to maintain a perfect motorcycle, generally seem to be the poseurs. These people generally have like new motorcycles that have no scratches and are very clean. This is admirable if you ignore the fact that they don't ride they motorcycle much. Maybe to the coffee shop or local bike meeting. Motorcycles on the road lead a relatively hard life. Unfortunately, I have not seen a bike that is ridden regularly and/or very far that has this perfect state.
The second type of of owners have motorcycles that show some wear or use. This category can be split into two groups: Those who generally mistreat their bikes and those who lovingly care for their bikes but whose bikes are not "perfect". I have no respect for the first type, those who do not wash or take care of their motorcycles. As I have mentioned before, it is the rare motorcyclist who does not care about the looks of their bike. To leave it dirty and unmaintained just does not coincide with this thought. The second type, which I count myself, care deeply about their motorcycles and maintain them well. But in riding them they will receive some wear, be it small scratches, dirt is very hard to access place, and general wear. These owners, like myself, will attempt to keep there bike looking great and maintained very well. Generally the bike will look very good but on closer inspection will show that IT HAS BEEN RIDDEN.
As an avid motorcyclist and owner, I have pondered whether I could be the first type of owner (perfect bike) if I just had more motorcycles. The idea would be that if a bike need repair (say for scratches) I would ride another unmolested bike. I have concluded that this would be an exercise in frustration for a couple of reasons. First, with unfortunate luck, I would probably end up with multiple bikes in "less than perfect' shape at the same time. This would be frustrating and costly. Second, without a unlimited supply of money, it would be most likely that my separate bikes would be different type, such as a sports bike and a cruiser. Thus, the less than perfect bike being repaired might be they type of bike I desired at a certain instance.
Far easier and better is to come to grips with the fact that a well-used motorcycle will show some signs of use. In fact, my current thinking is to take pride in owning a motorcycle that looks as good as it does while knowing that I use it a lot, including long trips, riding in rain, etc.
As a motorcyclist, I can appreciate a motorcycle that is aesthetically beautiful and in perfect condition. But i respect the owner of a bike that is clean and well-maintained but shows some wear.
The first type, owners who try to maintain a perfect motorcycle, generally seem to be the poseurs. These people generally have like new motorcycles that have no scratches and are very clean. This is admirable if you ignore the fact that they don't ride they motorcycle much. Maybe to the coffee shop or local bike meeting. Motorcycles on the road lead a relatively hard life. Unfortunately, I have not seen a bike that is ridden regularly and/or very far that has this perfect state.
The second type of of owners have motorcycles that show some wear or use. This category can be split into two groups: Those who generally mistreat their bikes and those who lovingly care for their bikes but whose bikes are not "perfect". I have no respect for the first type, those who do not wash or take care of their motorcycles. As I have mentioned before, it is the rare motorcyclist who does not care about the looks of their bike. To leave it dirty and unmaintained just does not coincide with this thought. The second type, which I count myself, care deeply about their motorcycles and maintain them well. But in riding them they will receive some wear, be it small scratches, dirt is very hard to access place, and general wear. These owners, like myself, will attempt to keep there bike looking great and maintained very well. Generally the bike will look very good but on closer inspection will show that IT HAS BEEN RIDDEN.
As an avid motorcyclist and owner, I have pondered whether I could be the first type of owner (perfect bike) if I just had more motorcycles. The idea would be that if a bike need repair (say for scratches) I would ride another unmolested bike. I have concluded that this would be an exercise in frustration for a couple of reasons. First, with unfortunate luck, I would probably end up with multiple bikes in "less than perfect' shape at the same time. This would be frustrating and costly. Second, without a unlimited supply of money, it would be most likely that my separate bikes would be different type, such as a sports bike and a cruiser. Thus, the less than perfect bike being repaired might be they type of bike I desired at a certain instance.
Far easier and better is to come to grips with the fact that a well-used motorcycle will show some signs of use. In fact, my current thinking is to take pride in owning a motorcycle that looks as good as it does while knowing that I use it a lot, including long trips, riding in rain, etc.
As a motorcyclist, I can appreciate a motorcycle that is aesthetically beautiful and in perfect condition. But i respect the owner of a bike that is clean and well-maintained but shows some wear.
