Speak to me

If you have ridden for any amount of time, perhaps even if you have not, you likely have found there are motorcycles which speak to you. I ride because of the way I feel when riding. I ride what I ride because it speaks to me. It likely was me you saw sitting alone in the BBQ joint eating my lunch staring at my motorcycle. I need help.

I can find something to admire about most any motorcycle, but some will make me slow my roll to have a look. I have been known to turn the radio off in the family car, roll the windows down and listen to the sound of a motorcycle near me. I am listening.

Although I enjoy the sensory stimulation of a motorcycle, I long for none. I bring this up because a recent trip to the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Atlanta, left me feeling... well nothing. In a sea of amazing offerings, I found nothing which held my interest long enough to consider upgrading my ride. Sitting on the latest offerings from several continents did nothing more than make me realize that my Valkyrie speaks to me loudest. Mine is not heavily customized or even all that special. Accessories were chosen first for function and aesthetics second, if at all. Most of my chrome is dirty.

I have zero artistic ability, but I know what I think looks good. Like an artist working on a sculpture never to be finished, I tweak my ride. Sometimes her voice tells me exactly what to do next, other times eerily silent making me work for the next alteration. She begs me to learn new skills and try new things. Most have worked, one to date has not. oops.

Having spewed forth the garbage above, I will end this with some photos of motorcycles which speak to me, though the words I choose not to understand. Though I am sure each of these has loyalists, I refuse to listen to their words. I reserve the right to not explain my reasons.

Honda Pacific Coast













Buell Blast


Ducati Multistrada



BMW R1200CL