Motorcycling & Minimalism | Meghan Stark

[@Darkrider8500]

Meghan I use an heated jacket here in Tn. Plug it into battery tender extension on my bikes. I’m able to ride so comfortably down to 40 degrees Also here in Tn it can be cold in the morning and 50-70 degrees later in the day. So I don’t have to bring all kinds of layers . Just turn it on or take it off. Less to carry. I had a Ducato Scrambler for a short time and had starting problems so i traded for a Bmw R9T Pure, then I traded it for a 2015 Triumph Bonneville SE New Church. My 4th Bonny and I have an 07 Sportster 1200R. Be safe , it’s great to watch your channel 😄

[@docprojectplays3228]

youre right. youre not a pro youtuber... youre better. youre not grinding for the click value and over dramatized content, youre a more honest kind of content. more real and relatable, its very refreshing to see a motovlogger with whom you can relate instead of watching someone show off what you don't have(I'm generalising). stay true to what youre doing now cause this is amazing and inspiring. thank you

[@zachrat9083]

They force you to be in touch with reality. People sleep in a box, live in a box, drive in a box, work in a box, and die in a box. Our society is built to accommodate (really promote) an extremely anti-social existence. Also the weight off financial stress is insane. The reason people can never go from poor to middle class or middle class to rich, is simply because they are faking their status usually by buying a car they can’t afford.

[@Simulera]

This is a serious Vlog, not at all like other stuff I’ve seen. Really good, honestly. Lovely message. Thanks for the fine channel. I’m an old-ish guy and have been riding on motorcycles since 1968. That sounds very strange to say, hopefully its not too terribly off putting. But.... I love motorcycles riding motorcycles, so differences aside there is that. It’s reassuring to hear that a young person and a young woman is committed to living life in such a hands-on way. And you’re totally right in saying that riding a motorcycle is simply a more aware and present way to be and it renews you. Riding requires a continuing pursuit of skills and every journey is experience. That frame of mind literally creates value on every trip. And it puts you in direct contact with machinery in ways that most modern environments hide from us and that also requires developing skills. And it certainly delivers the word you used: bliss. It just does and so we should ride motorcycles. And I just want to add one thing that probably seems tangential but it is not. if you haven’t found this, its amazing and important to read Nick Ienatsch on trail braking. The Pace, and a lot of KZbin videos. Nick does an amazing job with this technique. It transforms your riding and much more completely connects you to the bike. Just saying, of course maybe you already know about it. Thanks again for this fun channel, good job!

[@marcofelipelopes3081]

finally a minimalist that talks about bikes.. i been watching minimalist channels and they always talk about cheaper and more fuel economy cars, when motorcycles are way more fuel efficient, and really bring some joy in life

[@marcofelipelopes3081]

i personally would buy a v star 250 if i was starting on motorcycling as a minimalist, so you can get that fuel efficiency, cheaper maintenance and enough joy and freedom to go anywhere in the world

[@YSRreview]

you're really pretty and I love minimal people. ride safe.

[@JCarl-qq8kj]

Wow. How did you get so much wisdom? (Mind blown.)

[@rallyzamora8356]

You have a very good insights on being a rider , that is all on point. How long have you been riding?

[@rumblestrip1996]

I watch a lot of KZbin and moto vloggers but this is the first time I ever hit the like button. I feel the same way about riding in every way. Keep the authentic videos coming. I'm subscribed for life!

[@MotoMichelle]

Agree 😃

[@sanaa4405]

Same!

[@dhavalshah3513]

+1👍

[@beeweezee71888]

Totally agree Indeed well said. This is why I started riding.

[@LopsidedAdventures]

I'm a recovering stroke survivor suffering from severe depression and anxiety, and motorcycling is my way of relieving my anxiety and stress and I feel it helps stimulate my brain.

[@toestor]

I love this. You are wise beyond your years. I think I am probably twice your age and hearing you express your sentiments around riding really resonates with me, when I could never express the why of the meditative state that a motorcycle provides to me. For years I rode a small scooter as a mode of transport. Being European, that was a logical step for me. I finally “graduated” to motorcycles, starting with a Zero electric bike. Soon after I added a combustion engine one, to allow for longer excursions, and have a more comfortable two-up vehicle (to take my wife along). Keep up your great work and be safe out there.

[@AM-fp1jc]

Always felt that anything regarding to motorcycling harkens back to what's more intimate, meaningful, and everything that touches on existentialism. Which was the initial draw for me. Glad I wasn't the only one who feels that way. It's the journey. Always have.

[@Yamahog]

Yep , Meg,.... Ride what you brung..... It's all about the journey, not the brand..... Getting there is the fun part, and then reliving it with your crew, when you pull over to chow down. Or, If on your own, doing a solo ride,, same goes, when they meet up with you...... Retelling the ride, , makes it so that they can be there with you too. Stay safe.

[@theroadtripraven6694]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Bikes are so unique because it's one of the few places where we can still experience primal, raw nature. Think about it - we have climate control in our homes and cars, we're sheltered from every direction and nature becomes more of a nuisance than an integral part of life. On a bike, you feel everything - heat, cold, rain, etc. You're not just looking at the world outside through a barrier, you ARE part of the outside world.

[@GiancarloFloyd]

I think I need you to explain why I ride to my family and friends, the minimalist lifestyle is the only way to go for me. If it can't fit in my pockets it doesn't come with me.

[@blujack100]

You’re insightful for your age. I can relate to just about everything you talked about. Thanks

[@mooseroom]

i am an introvert; never talked much to random people, kept to my own small group of friends. however, when i got a bike, i felt a little more confident? like i know that i have a common interest with another biker and it allows for a conversation to start. owning a bike is a part of your life, not just a part of your travel. :)

[@Theillestrator1050]

The first part really resonated with me because I dont have a car too. When you mentioned how you have to dress, and pack in a way that you do over and over I felt that. Im into fashion and its been a motivation to get some form of luggage for my bike. May a big tank or tail bag. My bike actually came with saddlebag mounts but no bags lmao.

[@MeghanStark]

Style is big for me too, whenever I'm not riding I try to really ham it up with things I don't usually get to wear. Can't hurt to have luggage in case you go on a long haul! I'm tempted to do so for mine. I still haven't done any camping with the motorcycle and I'd love to do that.

[@H20-town610]

Hi Meghan. I live in eastern South Dakota. I have ridden motorcycle since I was 9 years old and now I am 67. Today is the first that I have seen and watched your videos (3 ). You have talked all about your start into this motorcycle world and I enjoyed it. I still travel the country side to get some wind time to clear my head and to view this great state. I enjoy following the clouds or to drive around a rain shower. I enjoy the stops in the small town cafe and strike up conversation with the locals. We are foutunate to have the Black Hills close for exceptional riding experience. I hope you come to the Black Hills of SD and do a riding vlog. I hope to meet you some day to talk. Keep doing what your doing!

[@davidreed6817]

Meghan, you are one serious (and deep, nothing wrong with that btw) and very intelligent lady, and will be successful in life, I can tell that you look at everything differently to others and WON'T accept what you see as second best, anybody who has you in there life has a true and genuine friend. Best wishes.

[@titan427]

The small pings of a cooling engine make for a conducive atmosphere for mindfulness as well.

[@mr.b3168]

A lot of people in the country hate riding in the city because they feel they won't get that same freedom feeling. But being able to get inbetween cars, around cars, fit where cars don't fit..... that in itself is another form of freedom. Something I also say that no one really mentions about riding is that the euphoric feeling we get comes from the fact that we were never supposed to feel it. By that I mean that we evolved in a way where moving at 50mph only meant incoming death. In nature when did our ancestors ever experience 50mph? Maybe falling or being flung by a buffalo into the air. So the fact that we are literally flying to the air in control.... it is bliss, it is euphoria. We are controlling something we weren't meant to control.

[@rashaaddyson5280]

Found you because of illustrator, stayed because you're great content, subscribed to see more. Keep up the great work

[@MeghanStark]

Awesome! So glad to have you here :) I plan to keep making videos as often as I can

[@iizziib6613]

This made me happy thank you💛

[@wjhrazorsedge76]

So true, on, "Don't get into motorcycling to save money." It's a good excuse to start the lifestyle, but if you are serious about safety, etc., tires usually last less than 10,000 miles touring & on & on with little other expenses!

[@franjurado7188]

No one has described so well the feeling you get and the connection, as you did Meghan. Keep sharing with us, i'll pay attention what you're going to say.

[@ttrguy9952]

You NAILED it Mehgan! "You can open your world on a bike". This has never been said better. Love your videos Lady! Everything you talked about in this video is SPOT ON! Motorcycles are about escaping the mundane world and finding yourself. Motorcycles are meditation and a way to empty your mind. Fabulous video Mehgan....

[@sangayongmu2962]

How beautifully explained, thank you 🙏

[@suyaharleysan]

Love the dancing Skaters! That was awesome! Btw! I have been watching your channel, I love the music you choose! Thanks for sharing a bit of your enjoyment with us!

[@Pete128]

I echo the comments below - Honest and from the heart. Love your content and love the way to present it. First Class Channel! Thanks Megan.

[@brittanyjensen8697]

This video is brilliant, the way you describe the feeling the joy the life of riding a motorcycle. You touched on so many different emotions and the connection between people and motorcycles. Love your content, thank you.

[@MeghanStark]

Thank you Brittany! I hope I can keep doing that with more topics, this one really hit home for a lot of people 💕

[@stroker28]

Minimalism but needing to be ready for anything is an interesting dilemma. I used to carry stuff in backpack but now use saddle bags on my triumph street twin. I’m conflicted. Didn’t like the idea of panniers. Used to think they took away from the aesthetic of a bike but kinda like it now. Don’t have a car either, live in a city with good public transport. But the motorbike is still more recreational as I work remotely 5 days a week. Great video from your archive here. Keep up the good work on your channel.

[@mikedesouza9369]

TOTALLY agree about riding releasing anxiety and bringing you totally into the moment

[@dplaloo7891]

Once i saw "Motorcycling and Minimalism" i was sold head to toe i am adopting the minimalist approach to life as well and when you add motorcycling to it i was SOLD beyond a doubt !! how awesome is this!! Oh heck yea you got my Sub

[@robertupchurch8088]

Very good, she gets it about riding. So nice to see a younger person into the sport for the right reasons, perhaps there is hope for the motorcycle industry.

[@edda_eh1964]

Luckily I just stumbled across this and I feel the same way. Cannot agree more!

[@spooner9440]

Great video! Riding for the most part of my life here in the Philippines, such philosophy is quite standing. Cheers!

[@michaellaureano9838]

First found this channel watching some videos about boots (Specifically your Thorogood review), then all of a sudden i recognized you in this video about minimalism and bikes (all three things I've been getting into recently). What a small world we live in (or the internet should i say).

[@MondoRockable]

Very cool Meghan. Very zen.

[@MeghanStark]

Thanks! I appreciate it

[@SoundMindADV]

I'm just getting familiar with your content. I love the wisdom you share in this video. Minimaliism, mindfulness, and motorcycles. Love it!

[@SeanFromTX]

“it brings me joy”

[@MeghanStark]

That's what it's all about!

This one is really good! You have a lot to say, many good points, and they are all to the point. (I had to look at it again after half a year...)

[@devenalgunaparte]

I like your Chanel, I do have a car, 3 of them (a sport car, a SUV and a Jeep), and recently buy a motorcycle, a small 300 cc bike, and a love it, I use it every day and is a joy. Past week I visit a Ducati dealership to test drive the scramble café racer, and is fantastic, I did check out the Guzzi V7 III, and the Triumph Street Twin, but I think the Café Racer is more in tune with my character. I’m 45 years old now and I live in Mexico so you can speed a little beat more in public roads, and that’s fun.

[@MeghanStark]

Fun stuff! I was considering that Moto Guzzi as well, it seems like a great bike but I don't love the lines from above/behind. That engine position really makes it look meaty. Haha. I'm glad you're enjoying the channel, I'm hoping to post more soon!

[@bebegurl1sun9192]

Thank you I can definitely relate!

[@Hoykoy24]

I love how deep you got with your responses. Valuable content!

[@etherealtalion]

I loved this! Really enjoyed the introspective and zen nature of this video.

[@MeghanStark]

I'm glad! Thanks for watching :)

[@RHBootmakers]

I’m glad you found peace through motorcycling 👍🏼 I repair and make shoes for a living and I feel quite the same when I get into my work flow doing hand crafted type of things and seeing them come to fruition.

[@kankleweight5006]

Don’t know how you ended up in my recommended but I have already ended up watching 3 of your videos. Definitely considering getting my license to ride a bike now. Thanks for the content

[@brian636]

You got yourself a new subscriber.... Love your videos! Keep it up!

[@MeghanStark]

Awesome man! Thanks for joining up :) I'd be a blast to ride with you guys some time in Milwaukee or Chicago.

[@kenhoward3512]

'Lots of great points - a very articulate presentation of thoughts I seldom explore. I like the way you've arranged your life, Meghan. Oh yeah, I sold my last bike 2 years ago ('11 Bonneville), but can't seem to fully escape what has drawn me to them throughout my life.

[@FreakyChumy]

I like it when you say "survival mode" reminds me of PUBG on Solo battleground where everybody is your enemy and you are on your own. You should try playing that. You'll love it.

[@TD-zl9sz]

I loved this video. I had never really thought of motorcycles & minimalism meshing, but hearing you discuss it is so true. I am a female rider in Australia (Rock on Girls!) 😎 Lots of great places to ride here, some awesome off road sights just amazing. Motorbikes have certainly enriched my life in ways other modes of transportation haven’t.

[@autumngreenleaf3390]

Thanks. I just caught a couple of your videos tonight. I'm also a bike rider and minimalist. So much of what you said rings true. It's just fine with me if you want to talk about this combination some more.

[@gonnahavemesomefun]

Another thought provoking video, thank you. Totally agree with the idea that posture is linked to state of mind. Having a more racer-style setup on my bike means I feel more connected/a part of my bike. A more enduro/sit up position feels like I am more just along for the ride. Take a look at Bowtex kevlar+armour base layers. These changed my world. I now wear what I want on my bike with the Bowtex 'standard' base layer top and the standard leggings. I can wear my favourite jacket, favourite jeans and really express myself. Might look odd with shorts and a tee tho ;-)

[@adrianjulian]

I love this. keep it up!

[@wjhrazorsedge76]

The water coming over the edge at the beginning reminded me of my visit to Thessaloniki. Cool

[@tobedetermined4180]

Vulnerability feeds of ones courage and reflects ones strengths.

[@jonnyp500]

Just started listening to your videos. You have some outstanding thoughts and love your lifestyle. Keep the rubber side down. I could take a few lessons from you. Will definitely be ordering from your store. Takes forever to ship to APO but worth the wait.

[@jamesjordan9547]

you continue to inspire me, and i am thankful for your being here. p.s. you have beautiful hands, as most artist do.

[@billgilchrist2535]

People ask me all the time why I ride motorcycles and I refer them to your video Perfect

[@chikotembo]

I enjoyed listening to this.

[@howtolive7568]

Perfect coincidence, stumbled upon this video at a time when I'm moving towards minimalism (from rather the opposite).. slowly but surely. I'll be happy if I can narrow my fleet down to 1 truck and 2 bikes. Can't imagine just having a bike but maybe one day!

[@MeghanStark]

That is wonderfully serendipitous, especially since my channel is so small! One bike suits me right now but I could easily imagine having a second for off roading or long trips. Trying to make it as long as I can without a car! Having no kids and short commutes definitely works in my favor.

[@krassergamerLP]

I'm here from the illestrator and how can a girl be so fucking perfect enjoyed the video keep it up

[@MeghanStark]

Wow you are too kind! I'm glad you enjoyed it. 😊

[@snapchord]

Awesome video! I’m looking to get my first bike and I love your perspective

[@thestonegateroadrunner7305]

You're sincere reflections and insights about life, biking and meditation reflect pretty much my own thoughts and feelings about the subject. I know only few people who so from their heart can convey the feeling of being blessed and the open eyes for the beauty out there in life that motorcycling creates. Found you by chance via YT recommendation, watched some of your videos. Here to stay.

[@eliasun6641]

Absolutely true about motorcycling: physically and mentally engaging and you are aware of surroundings. I'm better driver because I ride motorcycle and bicycles. 😎

[@EEHubbell_Official]

Freakn awesome!! I was skeptical at first. But once you opened your mouth and started talking, I was hooked! Keep'm coming! Encore! Encore!

[@nicholas201111]

Now we know after 10 PM at the beach is where the real fun starts

[@ce_rouse]

9:53 Listening in the background, thought you said "moto-psychological" 😂😂😂 Brilliant!👍🏾

[@motourbananet7988]

About Zen and motorcycles...very interesting...Great! It's nice to read, to see other points of view about the motorcycle's culture...Congrats!

[@MeghanStark]

Absolutely. And thank you for coming along the journey!

[@motourbananet7988]

Did I show you an article about golden ratio, fibonacci and maths in nature and motorcycles?

[@MeghanStark]

I don't think so, go ahead and send it my way!

[@sambitrautray7115]

Nice video with so many great points on biking. Best part for me in the video, here it’s about meditation, take the long route home👍 Happy I came across your channel. One point where you touch upon the perspective of being vulnerable, I would rather put it as “being exposed to more variables” thereby makes us more focused than a fellow traveler in a truck/car. And yes, a biker will stop by if another biker is stuck on the road which I don’t see in case of a traveler on four wheels. That’s what I see here in my country.

[@shaunlemire5084]

Thanx to the illestrator for recommending this, enjoyed it very much

[@jklugt1]

Well said. Thank you for this!

[@juanamaya6278]

I loved all the ideas you shared!!

[@casperchaos]

Love your style!!! Plz do more videos!!!

[@temblekec]

Such a good video Meghan! 👏 . loved it. I also share that thinking about motocycle and minimalism 👍.

[@danielrichardson5629]

Thanks for the videos, Meghan! Ride Safe!

[@DoodleOnAMotorcycle]

1. Yes yes yes all of this!! 2. 8:22 you have beautiful hands and nails! 😅

[@MeghanStark]

Ah I'm so glad you connected with this 😊 And thank you!

[@billweiss9514]

hi Meghan enjoy the ride.

[@AndrewChristopherEnriquez]

Dang this content hits me hard at the core. Really well put!

[@glasgowharleyrider]

Good talk, great points raised . 👏👏

[@brendonchase9460]

You gotta Kool way of looking at things. Get it.

[@dahveed284]

How do you get around in the middle of the Wisconsin winter? Do you ride on the snow and ice?

[@MeghanStark]

I usually ride until there's snow on the ground or until the temps are below about 45 degrees fahrenheit or so. I've used a service called Zipcar for car rentals by the hour and that's awesome for errands; you don't even have to pay for gas. I live downtown, so everything is very accessible to me and I make do with Lyft, public transportation, and carpooling! Kind of the New York City mentality.

[@NF5624]

Thanks for making a video that connects two parts of my life. Keep it up 👍🏻

[@paulwrighton5236]

I really got to hand it to you to live in Wisconsin like I do too and not have a car only a motorcycle that is amazing there are times in the summer when I don’t drive my car for weeks but there are times and it’s raining or I need to pick stuff up in the car comes in very handy maybe because I live in Waukesha things are more spread out makes me harder to understand not having a car, so I guess I’m trying to say more power to you you can definitely save a lot of money not having a car

[@emilianachateau]

How is that overall kind of outfit you wear in some of your pictures called? I love it! haha

[@MeghanStark]

It's actually a summer flight suit from the USA Army Surplus store! I added my Ducati patch :) I love it, and jumpsuits/workwear are actually quite popular right now. You may be able to find a great short sleeve mechanic's suit as well. The KZbin channel Lwany has an amazing try on video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oamroYVunNKUi5o

[@KARMAkazeMoto]

I think this/you can go somewhere. I'll pay attention. Looking forward to rides, destinations, group events, maybe link up with other riders to do interviews and rides together... or something new that no one is doing yet. Oh, you just said it, go rogue and visit strange places. 🙂

[@MeghanStark]

Thanks! I love the idea of doing interviews. There's a lot of people in town who would be fantastic to talk to, and it'd be something productive to do over the long winter. I'll definitely make a point of documenting future events if people find that interesting!

[@KARMAkazeMoto]

@@MeghanStark Wow I had to come back and edit that. Bunch of typos! I have no idea what people are interested in. There are so many different tastes out there. I think... rides, scenery, action and MAYHEM! Well, you might want to skip on the mayhem. Mayhem and motorcycles don't mix. 🤕

[@michaellaureano9838]

Why shouldn't i get into motorcycles if I'm trying to save money? Do they generally have a high cost of maintenance?

[@MeghanStark]

It depends on the bike with maintenance. People who try to get into motorcycles as an alternative to cars tend to forget the cost of gear, the maintenance of an older bike (even if it's cheaper), and miscellaneous insurance costs. Someone can do it super affordably if they are willing to drop a modest amount on an economical bike less than 10 years old; Japanese bikes are notoriously inexpensive to maintain and very reliable. On the flip side, some people spend tons on customization, extra gear and accessories, or on just more expensive bikes (like me with my Ducati, lol). However, at the end of the day, for my life in the city it is pretty cost effective to live with a bike instead of a motorcycle. On top of that, it's tons of fun!

[@SkidPig]

Hell yeah!!! How am I only finding out about your channel now 🤘

[@walkerskii]

I liked your video, but I watched it cuz I'm wrestling with the fact having motorcycles requires me to be the opposite of a minimalist! I've got a truck a trailer, gear, tools... My motorcyclist passion is taking me away from minimalism I need some advice on how to be a minimalist with all the things you take on having a motorcycle!

[@jackwinter5421]

Was looking for a bell helmet review and found a cool bike vloger, nice!

[@MeghanStark]

I'm so glad you found me! Thanks for watching and commenting 💕

[@MotoMichelle]

Same 😃

[@tonydavis5053]

What I’d give for a 65° day in Fl

[@LudicrousScotty101]

Yeah motorcycles can be scary, i use a bycycle with a motor and gas tank to cross the city i experienced all kinds of crazy drivers that will swerve all the time jus to get by me.

[@Jimmyboy8]

Hey there, I'm Jim and I am a motovlogger from Greece, nice to find you and your channel! Keep it real

[@phil6747]

I just wear speedos and flip flops on my h2r it really freaks people out.

[@timprelog3536]

Hey Meghan.. You're a natural at this! Hopefully a GoPro soon for moto vlogging?? Best wishes on the channel.

[@bobbyromo69]

Hey like the account excited to see it grow

[@MeghanStark]

Thanks for coming along for the ride!

[@dustytriumph]

Excellent

[@thai-stylez]

I envy you riding in a cold day with that leather jacket on. Here in Thailand is like 93f+ everyday and I'm forced to wear that guarding jacket plus the heat coming from my Monster 821 is killing me :/