CONFESSIONS OF AN AVID RIDER: Exploring my prejudices

Many riders have prejudices. Not the loathesome kind which have no place in a civilized world, but attitudes about motorcycles which are often based on ignorance. I certainly have mine. In this short video I explore some of them.

[@robertbraden8939]

I really enjoyed this .

[@nikitasgidopoulos811]

My wife and me/myself, not I. I would not comment, but I relax watching your videos and listening to your commentary and the "I" brought me back!

[@gregshamieh6339]

The 'stereo delete' might be another one of those prejudices. Mt 'big ride' bike is a BMW K1200LT, which is what BMW was forced to make after Honda scooped up the 'big boxer multi' space with the 'Wing. That bike has the Becker unit pulled out of a 7 series automobile, and I hardly ever turn it on. But put yourself on a long, boring enough road, on a long enough day, and being able to blast Richard Thompson's ''52 Vincent' or the 'Stones' 'Driving Too Fast', and it really adds something. As an aside, that Becker has a US Weather Service Weather Alert Radio, and it has absolutely saved my..... several times. Might want to see if the Honda's factory unit has one too.

[@nick949eldo]

Each to their own Greg. I just don't like them and find it boorish when people pass by with music blaring, whether they're on a bike or in a car. I'm sure bluetooth and ear buds would work well if the music of the bike and wind aren't enough.

[@gregshamieh6339]

@@nick949eldo Indeed. The only places I tend to use it, there's no one else to bother. But yeah, motor music is usually more than enough.

[@michaelhrivnak1719]

Your 100% right. And I ride a very loud Harley! But I have no desire to join the Harley costume party. I appreciate all bikes. Even have a fondness for Honda Super Cubs! Loved seeing them everywhere in Vietnam. I call my bike the Nasty bike. When I'm in a bad mood, I take her for a ride. A SLOW ride! Bring's things back into reality.

[@dougsmalley2072]

Nick, I hope you sharing your own thoughtful assessment of preferences will encourage others to reflect on their pointless sneering. Over the years I've mostly ridden mid to large sized dual purpose (or "Adventure" if you must) bikes and while I favor a couple of brands over the others, have always been pretty open-minded. I had long promised myself an extended tour on a Gold Wing, so in 2017 I bought a 2004 GL1800 with 99,000 km and rode it from New Brunswick to Vancouver Island and back. It was sublime. It was easily the most comfortable and effortless long distance ride I'd ever done, and after 23 consecutive days on the road I still hadn't had enough; when I got back to NB I wafted straight past the off ramp to my home and continued on to Nova Scotia. In the end, though, and without any concrete reasons I became concerned about the continued durability of the myriad of complex electronics buried under the shiny cladding and sold it with just under 125,000 km on the clock. I've no doubt at all it's still going. Like you, I've never owned, or wished to own a Harley, and like you many of the most interesting and helpful riders I've ever met were riding HD. I think an understated Harley Street Glide may be in the top 5 most beautiful motorcycles out there - and if it was just about how it would look in my driveway I'd have one. In all likelihood I'll have another 'Wing but I'll admit to being Guzzi-curious. Please keep up all your great storytelling work.

[@nick949eldo]

Hi Doug, Interesting story. Yes, they are complex bikes and if something goes wrong.....but it seems it rarely does. I understand your impulse to keep riding. On a couple of occasions on long distance hikes in the UK (400kms+) I would get to the end and think 'is that it? I wan't to keep walking.' 125,000 on a Goldwing is basically new. Beware of Guzzis. You'll either be smitten or hate them within the first five minutes. They don't feel or act like other bikes. And they breed. It's a rare Guzzi owner that has only one. Make sure you put plenty of miles on someone elses before laying your money down. Stay well and good luck.

[@andrewewan624]

So so true!! Live life..ride what you want Have no concerns about what others say or think In 2024.... many so called bikers.. never go anywhere....or are keyboard "warriors"..lol Would not know how to fix a flat tyre.. GREAT....real world travel PS . Bought a new GL Goldwing...1000 £1950 !!...1978. Keep the videos coming Stay safe

[@bsc1463]

I have always discribed the sound of the GW as a turbine also . Very unique...... I like !

[@user-nj5wr9ko4r]

After riding badass motorcycles for 35 years my favorite is my vespa lx150

[@michaelrubbo7467]

Mr. Adams, I loved the narrative and the background music today. Like some of your riders, I too ride a HD; a 2010 Electra Glide. Best comfort tourer I have ever owned. Honda's are great bikes, no matter the model. Once owned a Honda Shadow 1100, and it was just fast enough, just comfortable enough, quiet and nimble for a cruiser. I hated the unreliable water-cooling (the electric fan kept failing) though. I have an older Electra Glide Sport ('92) that looks much the model in today's video. Mine is also carbureted, the engine being HD's "EVO" model. Nothing sounds as good as a the loping idle of a carbureted VTwin with a set of mellow pipes. Thanks for the vid.

[@kentalanlee]

This was a good video essay. Your selection of soundtrack was spot on as well. Thank you.

[@peterquigley6911]

Predjudices against HD”s evaporated in recent years when I ‘matured’ some, slowed down and rented a Road King on holiday. Now I own a Road King alongside my GS and /7 BMW….really the Road KIng is similar to your Guzzi Nick. Quality, very reliable, comfortable and fascinating details…stock exhaust too.

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

I'm totally with you Nick on stripped back aesthetic and when I look back at my choice of motorcycles and cars over the decades, it's always been the simple bottom-of-the-range version I've gone for. (with a couple of honourable exceptions)

[@monsterslayer4317]

Got this right, sir. Very nice production work on this one!

[@iandeumayne-jones1557]

The line of the year. There's no way of fixing stupid! Wonderful Nick. I think Harleys are fine as bikes. It's only the weekend pretenders that colour the view. But like you, I'll stick the Guzzis. Singles or twins.

[@robvandertogt7592]

Yup, I fully share and recognize the Harley prejudice and I just don't get it either I guess..... Enjoyed watching the video and agree with an earlier comment that the accompanying soundtrack was right on!

[@tigercoward]

Greetings Nick, I traveled a lot this summer, and that meant less time watching KZbin. Both good things. But I have missed watching your videos, and this one is fantastic. Let's hope that we have a warm fall again so that we can have a few more weeks of riding. Great video. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with the world! Dave

[@nick949eldo]

I'm still catching up with your Tiger. Your western journey looks to have been wonderful. Hope all is well on the TT.

[@tigercoward]

@nick949eldo Thanks. I have had an amazing summer, and the Tiger was a star! Chat soon.

[@Bob-xc2us]

I have often admired the loaded Gold Wings as they glide by but I am not able to do enough riding to justify what some perceive to be the opulence of such a beast. If I were doing lots of long distance riding there would be no question that I would have one. I can't leave my wife by herself for too long so I will stick with my W800 for the occasional and enjoyable ride out. Cheers BJ

[@southhillfarm2795]

The Harley brothers remind me of Pig Pen in the peanuts cartoons. They deliberately look like they haven’t washed in weeks, haven’t changed their pants because they’re always sagging and scruffy beards just because. I know it’s Harley Davidsons greatest liability as they try to change the culture to attract younger customers.

[@geraldscott4302]

I actually like scooters. I am partially disabled, and have problems getting on and off motorcycle seats, especially taller ones. I got my first scooter almost 20 years ago, and have owned seven. I currently have two, a 1979 Vespa P200E, 2 stroke, manual shift kickstart only scooter, and a 2006 Vespa GT200, liquid cooled, 4 stroke, belt driven CVT scooter. I have taken a few fairly long trips on that one. I also own a Harley, albeit a Sportster. 2006 1200L. It has a 25" seat height, which I am able to get on and off of fairly easily. I love the feel and sound of a Harley. At least the older ones. I am not, however, your typical Harley rider. I don't fit the image at all. I am not into the Harley culture. I have owned 2 Goldwings, a 1985 1200 Aspencade and a 1993 1500 SE. I found them both boring, too much like a car. I don't hate them, but they just didn't provide the enjoyment I want from a motorcycle. I have never had a bike with a stereo, and I have never attached a phone to the handlebars. I ride to get away from that kind of thing. Just me, the bike, and the road. I don't want anything else. There are certain bikes and things about bikes I simply cannot stand. The first is crotch rockets. I absolutely despise them. They are designed for the racetrack, not the street. And I have never seen one being ridden legally or responsibly. They are also insanely uncomfortable. The grips are so low they feel like they are attached to the front axle. And the pegs are so high and so far back they feel like they are about where the rear turn signals should be. And then there is the image of the type of person that tends to ride them. Definitely not for me. There is not a single new bike I like. I own 6 bikes, counting the 2 scooters. They are all older. They are all carbureted, and none of them have ABS brakes, ride modes, or anything like that. To me a motorcycle is a machine, and putting a computer on it turns it into something else. I will never own a computerized bike. And lastly are bikes with tube type tires. I have been stranded and almost killed by tube type tires more times than I care to think about. I once spent 3 days in a motel, spent over $1000, and missed 2 days of work, all because of a flat on a bike with tube type tires, just over 200 miles from home. It happened on a Sunday morning, dealers were closed on Sunday and Monday, I had to pay towing charges to the nearest town, where it took three days to get the tire and tube replaced. I have never had a serious problem with tubeless tires. And the last thing on my list is blacked out motorcycles. There is a current fad with all black bikes, mostly flat black, without a single shiny spot on them. I have owned around 40 bikes, all of them have had bright shiny paint, bright aluminum, and lots of chrome. Most of my motorcycles have been Japanese cruisers, from 250cc to 1500cc. I found that cruisers are the most comfortable bikes ever made. I just can't stand the looks of an all black bike. The one bike that I have put the most miles on by far is the Kawasaki Vulcan 750. I have owned three of them, two bought new, one bought used with low miles. I currently have a 1997 model, bought new, with 118,000 miles on it. For a solo rider, I think it is even more comfortable than a Goldwing. The seat is about the same, but the pegs are in a better position, because the engine does not get in the way of their placement. I have close to a quarter million miles on Kawasaki Vulcan 750s. I have done two Iron Butt Saddlesore 1000s (1000 miles in 24 hours) and one Buttburner 1500 (1500 miles in 36 hours) on them. I have ridden them all over the U.S., and parts of Canada and Mexico. Ride safe and keep the rubber side down.

[@nick949eldo]

Wow. An epic post. Thanks. The wonderful thing is we are all different. Personally I find the cruiser riding position uncomfortable for anything more than a short trip, but it obviously works for you. We are lucky to have so many choices. Stay well and ride safely.

[@williamzeller294]

My Gold Wing initialization came pretty much against my will. Back in 1998, my then-spouse insisted we get one. Firstly, my Concours 1000 was just not as big and comfortable as we needed, not after a good amount of time on a rental topcase-equipped Harley Glide in California combined with the sudden and unexpected passing of the husband of a co-worker. The tagline was: I'm not waiting. I was just turning 50 and waay too young to be owning a Gold Wing, not with my fairly extensive background of Kawasakis and Airheads (after starting out on BSAs and a Velocette). In fact, for the first three months of ownership, I declined to even mention to my motorcycle friends that the purchase had happened. I was that embarrassed. It was an Aspencade much like the bike in this video. Now, I knew the bike was going to be extremely well-made with a fit-and-finish quality second to none. And I could appreciate that. I could also be very well impressed by the refinement and engineering that went into the machine. It simply worked and ran perfectly, and was staggeringly competent at its designed-for mission. That it was slow, lacked powerful brakes compared to my ZX1100E as well as its crisp handling and all that began to fade into the background as the bike went on to quietly and effortlessly provide excellent transportation for the two-up adventures of the next three years. Some 45,000 faultless, comfortable miles were done. Then in early 2001 the GL18 came out, with vastly superior suspension, tires (radials!), brakes, and engine performance. The 1500 was traded in as fast as possible. The promise of the better, safer 18 was true, and I came to like it quite a bit more than I ever did the 15. Yet the GL1500 was smoother, quieter, more spacious and comfortable, and had larger and more useful luggage space. If I could get my hands on a GL15 just like the one I had today, I would doubtlessly enjoy it far more than I did back in the day. Quite a spectacular machine, Honda at the top of its engineering game.

[@agnosturaelwsr]

The new Gold Wing, the version without a top box, its a bike I would consider if my bank account had problem with being overfilled. Great bike for touring for sure.

[@nick949eldo]

Yet the older ones are reliable and cheap. Why spend a fortune?

[@agnosturaelwsr]

@@nick949eldo The older ones have never made me want them, thats why. No, I will never spend so much money as for the new GW, I don't have the money either. The new GW is a little bit lighter in its appearance, compared to the predecessor who is a massive bike. So, its the first GW that has catched my attention. Maybe its because I'm getting older 😀 For sure, I understand why people buy GW. Great comfort and reliable bike, and its fast enough for normal use. After all, I never participate in racing.

[@davidrewis3629]

My 97 wing is a dream to ride. On long trips especially at US interstate speeds the fuel economy is terrible.

[@nick949eldo]

With an engine large enough for a small car and 800+lbs - and your surprised?

[@davidrewis3629]

@@nick949eldo surprised no. Disappointed yes.

[@nick949eldo]

@@davidrewis3629 Eating my words here David. I just rode back from Quebec in a strong head wind. The fuel consumption was truly awful. At at steady 60-65mph I was using about 1/3 more than usual. Ouch!. It seems once you up the load, she really gets thirsty.

[@davidrewis3629]

@@nick949eldo I’ve gotten 150 miles out of a tank and as little as 80. If your plan was to stay on rural roads you can get concerned about the distance to fuel stations.

[@naps3386]

I never th I would like HD, but the allure of the air cooled, thundery Road King finally caught me. I’m fairly certain if you threw a leg over a Harley for a day, you too would get the bug.

[@nick949eldo]

That's what I'm scared of. But I can't get over that other stuff that goes along with it by association.

[@donaldelder540]

I love the look of the Harley, it’s cosplay pirates with angry faces (want to be 1%ers ) I can’t stand. All my mates and brother ride Harleys, I just can’t bring myself to own one. I know what I noted above is a generalisation.

[@RideYourRide39]

@@nick949eldoI'm with you 100% on that Nick.

[@johnsumser9743]

My brother owned many Harleys then switched to other brands. I asked why and he said the Harley culture was simply not for him.

[@peterquigley6911]

I don’t see what other people’s cultural expresssions on a Harley have to do with me…I love bikes and I feel an HD. Is more of an elemental bike than my BMW’s.

[@vancemarin8022]

Most of your comments are spot on for me and last week I joined the dark side and bought a Can Am Ryker 3 wheeler because of some health issues that made riding my KTM a little difficult. Even at 75 I don't want to miss the enjoyment of motorcycling !!

[@nick949eldo]

Keep going. I wave at trikes 😀. It's all riding in the wind.

[@100faherty]

I like your videos and have listened to four of your books any tips for editing and writing videos

[@nick949eldo]

Editing is hard work and very time consuming. I've never found any short cuts. Be yourself. Don't try to create a persona. They always fall flat. Take lots and lots of footage from different angles and positions (something I don't do enough), but only use the best bits. I use about 2% of the video footage I take. Good luck.

[@irvinmartin9259]

Hi Nick. I went through a similar transition regarding Gold Wings, but at much earlier age. My first street bike was an 82 Suzuki GS 750. I really wanted the racier Katana version that was also available then, but the regular version was just within my budget. It wasn't long however before I found that what I enjoyed most was getting out in the country and exploring. Going on longer and longer rides. I'd always dismissed Gold Wings as "old man's bikes", and regarded any kind of touring fairing as a barn door on wheels. That all changed after one particularly long ride on a hot dusty August day on my first ride from Ottawa out through Eganville, south west on the 500 series roads, and on to Hwy 7 and home. On the 7 I was tired from the wind noise, the rough ride, and the numbness in my hands from the 4 cylinder buzz. I happened to pass an '83 two-tone red GW Aspencade. On the way by I caught myself admiring it and thinking, "now that's the way to travel". Two months later I traded my Suzuki for a 'Wing exactly like the one I passed. As for Harleys, as much as I liked the Aspencade, I eventually traded it for the '85 FLHTC that I still own. That black and tan one is pretty much the same bike but with the bat-wing fairing removed. I likewise love the starting sound and character as it comes to life and warms up. Reminds me of a radial aircraft motor. And then there was the Valkyrie. When the Harley started to get old it was one of a number of "other bikes" I owned. It had the same 1500 6 cyl as your Wing, but with 6 carbs. It also had a wonderful sound. But more of a Porsche like howling moan running hard through the gears. I'd probably still own it if it hadn't gone on to be the only bike on which I've had a serious accident. It was totalled, and I was very fortunate to not also be carried off to Valhalla. Any way, the more, and more different bikes you own, the harder it is to be dismissive of what other people ride. Congrat's on the new Wing, and many happy miles on it.

[@nick949eldo]

@irvinmartin9259 Thanks Irvin. I hope it was clear to everyone that I'm not a hater, and, in fact you were one of the people on my mind when I talked about the many fine Harley riders I've met. All bikes have their placed. Sometimes even riding the Eldorado can be a challenge. The noise and lack of windscreen, dodgy brakes etc. have me aching for something quiet and smooth. Fortunately, with three bikes in the garage I can match the rides to my needs and mood. Stay well. We'll meet on the road...

[@DaveGeezer]

I’ve ridden many HD’s. Only bought one. A sportster. It didn’t last long. It looked very Fonzie, but was a slow heavy clunky pig. The bigger ones were fun to ride. For a day. I have no prejudice against anyone riding any motorcycle. It’s all good. But I did get my fill of HD culture at the 2006 Sturgis motorcycle rally. What a gong show. Once was enough for me. As for goldwings. You’ll never look back. I too scoffed at the luxobarges until I road my brother in laws circa 2001. Boy was I wrong. So my happy medium was a Honda ST1300 for those all day/week rides. As for just riding around, I love the Triumph 900 Bonneville. Great video as usual Nick. Love opinicon road. You should have dropped in for a tea.

[@nick949eldo]

Thanks Dave. Well spotted. ST1300 seems like a perfect mix, but all bikes are great. As I'm discovering, it's arrely the bike....

[@henryhawk978]

Had a cousin, got rid of his HD, and got a new Gold Wing. Didn't keep it long got rid of it got another HD because his HD friends gave him such a hard time he couldn't take it any longer. Enjoyed the video Nick and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@JagLite]

So true.

[@mikemills5144]

I am thinking you need to take the Wing for a fall ride up to Wawa. Maybe further...

[@nick949eldo]

@mikemills5144 there are plans afoot 😄

[@shaunlaughy7903]

Great video, Nick. Very insightful. 👍

[@nick949eldo]

@shaunlaughy7903 Thanks Shaun. Hope all are well.😃

[@fuglbird]

I do not have a prejudice against people playing loud low interest muzak in the background while speaking. Sociology studies have shown us the relationships between musical taste and sociological identities [1]. Muzak is used to dull the senses and distract from weak arguments. My conclusion is not to pay attention to anything Mr. Nick Adam says and remove him from my recommended channels. [1] Back, L. 2024 "What sociologists learn from music: identity, music-making, and the sociological imagination" Identities 2024 vol 31 no 4.

[@nick949eldo]

@@fuglbird Each to his own, but at least get my name right.

[@brandonneur]

Words on the wing

[@richardkrammes2222]

I did throw my legs around a Harley a couple of times. I kept the Honda. I like the nicest people.

[@nick949eldo]

😂😄😄

[@paulshort1174]

I never liked MZs till I rode one.

[@stuartdivebum]

Have you found a set of knobby tires for that Wing yet?

[@RideYourRide39]

You know it's got to be coming!

[@nick949eldo]

Haha. Don't tempt me. 😁

[@stevemchale9775]

Did you like Marks wide glide?

[@nick949eldo]

Mark was one of the guys I had in mind when I thought of Harley riders that burst my preconceptions. And yes, I loved it 😃