{"id":267138,"date":"2024-03-28T23:37:35","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T21:37:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.motorprosa.com\/?p=267138"},"modified":"2026-06-12T13:15:21","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T11:15:21","slug":"my-emotions-when-riding-a-motorcycle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.motorprosa.com\/en\/my-emotions-when-riding-a-motorcycle\/","title":{"rendered":"(My) Emotions when riding a motorcycle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Lesedauer \/\/ Reading time: 8<\/span> Min.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Will the era of electromobility one day go down in history as the age of emotionlessness? At least on social media, electric vehicles and driving them are denied any emotion. Emotion when riding a motorcycle \u2013 what are we actually talking about?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Das<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Before you read, please note<\/strong>: this post was translated with the help of Deepl<\/a>.
If you find any errors \u2013 please have fun first and then give me a hint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a (I almost wrote \u201cemotional\u201d) discussion on Facebook<\/a>, I think about the hotly debated topic in the saddle of my Zero SR\/F<\/a> while riding to the Reschen Pass. The posts of some online heroes are still glowing in my mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"It's

Translation: It’s not a motorcycle without a combustion engine. That’s it!


Hm \u2013 WHAT is it then?<\/h3><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The ride feels good. The line selection is successful, the lean angles are fine and I’m delighted with the powerful acceleration when overtaking. As always, plugging in at the charging station not far from the famous tower is no problem \u2013 although the experts on the web dispute this too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking out over the water, I reflect on the impressions of the last few kilometers: I neither burst into cries of joy because the Zero irresistibly swept me past the traffic, nor did I get an erection because of the footrests touching down. And: I didn’t feel sad that the speedy ride was draining a lot of energy from the battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I just rode my motorcycle. It was entertaining, fun, and it was good. I know it like this and nothing else. I’ve liked it for 30 years. Liking something is emotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"I

Translation: I have a 2015 XJR1300 with Akra exhaust. Goosebumps every time I hit the gas


There are people who don’t need much … <\/h3><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Back home, I switch to my Ducati. Because if I follow the trains of thought of the social motorcycle heroes, a ride on it should actually be particularly emotional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If pain were an emotion, that would be confirmation. I have to support a lot of my weight with my hands. And I have to bend my legs a lot, because the footrests of the 748 are high. Very high. As a result, they never touch the ground, but I get my first thigh cramp in the garage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But pain is not an emotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cold Ducati engine rumbles and shakes the surroundings, enveloping them in a cloud of badly burnt gasoline. The gearshift foot and clutch hand try to bring revs and speed into harmony. Everything is completely different from the American electrician: more challenging, more complicated. But I’ve known it like this for 30 years. I like it. Liking something is emotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of performance, the Ducati is hopelessly inferior to the Zero \u2013 so there are no cries of joy. The Duc’s pitch changes as the revs increase, muffled intake becomes a harsh roar at some point, we switch from andante to staccato, from grumbling to hammering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is definitely cool. And necessary \u2013 because without intensive shifting work, the 748 rolls more than it rides. If the wrong gear is selected or the engine revs are too low, fun is over. The electric motor does not have this complexity, it does everything in one gear and always with a bang. And its sound is no better or worse. It is purer, sharper. It changes and distorts depending on the load and speed. It’s different from anything that makes music with fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Emotions

Is it the motorcycle? Or is it the riding?<\/h3><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It’s not the pitch that takes me to Lake Reschen, but the coordination of revs, gears, line selection, lean angle and brake dosage that I have learned over many years. Bringing this to the road as desired and flawlessly is a pleasure on any motorcycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn’t matter to me whether it vibrates under my butt or not, whether it roars and stinks or whispers without a cloud of poisoning gas. I want to see the horizon tilt, get closer to the tarmac. I want to feel the acceleration in my arms, be pressed against the tank by the power of the brakes. I want to feel the work of the tires in my hands and be refreshed by the airstream. These are the feelings, name them emotions, I want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"I

Translation: I drove it, it’s not interesting, I don’t need it, I don’t want it. There’s absolutely no emotion.


Tastes are different. So do \u201cemotions\u201d, apparently.<\/h3><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ChatGPT \u2013
 Help me out!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I wonder what AI has learned about this topic in the meantime. Its answer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A variety of emotions can be experienced when riding a motorcycle, which can vary from rider to rider and depending on the circumstances. Here are some of the most common:<\/em>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Freedom<\/strong>: The feeling of freedom is often one of the strongest emotions when riding a motorcycle. The open road ahead, the wind in your face and the ability to move without the restrictions of a car convey a feeling of boundless freedom.<\/em>

    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Adventure<\/strong>: Riding a motorcycle can be an adventure, especially when exploring new routes or riding through scenic landscapes. The opportunity to discover new places and explore the world on two wheels can provide an exciting and adventurous feeling.<\/em>

    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Adrenaline<\/strong>: The speed, agility and direct feeling of connection to the road can trigger an adrenaline rush. Accelerating on a straight stretch of road or cornering on winding roads can create an exhilarating feeling of adrenaline and thrills.<\/em>

    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Relaxation<\/strong>: Although motorcycling is often associated with speed and excitement, it can also be a very relaxing experience. Many people find that riding on open roads or through nature has a calming effect and helps them to leave the stress of everyday life behind.<\/em>

    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Euphoria<\/strong>: For many people, the feeling of happiness and euphoria is unavoidable when riding their motorcycle. The feeling of control over the vehicle, the close connection to the machine and the beauty of the surroundings can trigger a profound emotional response.<\/em>

    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Concentration<\/strong>: Riding a motorcycle requires a high level of concentration and attentiveness. While riding, riders must constantly pay attention to the road, the traffic and their surroundings. This intense concentration can lead to a sense of mental clarity and focus.<\/em>

    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Danger<\/strong>: Although many motorcyclists enjoy the sense of danger associated with riding, it can also cause anxiety or apprehension. The fact that riding a motorcycle is riskier than driving a car can lead to mixed emotions, including excitement about the challenge and concern for safety.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    These emotions can vary depending on the circumstances and the rider’s personality, but they all contribute to making motorcycling a unique and intense experience.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Even the AI makes no mention of sound or mechanical fuss. But it doesn’t mention the new electric driving either, although this would actually suit it well. It summarizes the sum of several sensations into the intense experience of \u201cmotorcycling\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Which it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Sound!
     Vibrations!! The smell of gasoline!!!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    After driving home through the Lower Engadine, I get on the Road King for the last tour of the day. It stomps loudly, vibrates massively, its hot, huge V2 makes the air shimmer. Like a steam engine, a MOTORcycle by definition. The heavy Harley gives me a world-embracing riding experience, rolling along free of time pressure and hectic pace. It wouldn’t even be able to keep up with the hectic pace. But I’m sure it would also ride great with the Zero electric drive train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cold wind hits my face. And THAT is the key. It blows in the same way on every motorcycle \u2013 regardless of whether it screams with a two-stroke engine, howls with a four-cylinder engine, stomps with a single-cylinder engine or \u2013 according to one particularly emotional member of the aforementioned discussion group \u2013 sounds like a clogged vacuum cleaner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I have already written down the reasons WHY I ride a motorcycle<\/a>. I’m learning that why I ride is irrelevant to my emotions. Maybe some of the so-called \u201creal\u201d bikers in the social networks realize that, too? Some day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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