Motorcycles have never had the best reputation in the eyes of those who haven’t experienced them firsthand. To them, motorcycles are often synonymous with risks and danger. The thought of an accident is the first thing that comes to mind, immediately followed by the association with a midlife crisis, especially if you’re a Harley-Davidson fan. Motorcyclists are frequently viewed through a critical lens, labeled as if "something is wrong with you." But is that really the case? Is riding a motorcycle actually riskier? Statistics tell a slightly different story.
For example, according to 2021 data from the European Union, 52% of road fatalities occurred on rural roads, 39% in urban areas, and only 9% on highways. Two-wheeled vehicle users, including motorcycles and mopeds, accounted for 19% of all road deaths, but the same statistics show that pedestrians and cyclists also represented a significant portion—18% and 9%, respectively. Additionally, according to the National Safety Council in the U.S., risks can be significantly reduced by wearing protective gear and following traffic rules.
But beyond statistics, if you ask any motorcyclist what riding means to them, they will almost always talk about the joy and freedom they feel—a kind of freedom that’s difficult to put into words. The initial motivation to get on a motorcycle may come from superficial reasons, but very quickly, these reasons transform into something much deeper. You begin to feel that the risks everyone talks about pale in comparison to the experience.
Riding a motorcycle is, in fact, an invitation to live in the present. In those moments, your mind is "forced" to be anchored in the present, to let go of worries about the past or future. Everything is about the here and now.
Motorcycling as Therapy for the Mind
This past year has been extremely challenging for me, full of negative emotions and feelings. For nine months, I struggled with the entire spectrum of unpleasant emotions. I tried everything—sports, meditation, and, of course, riding my motorcycle. Without exception, the motorcycle rides proved to be the most effective "therapy." Every time I get on the bike, my mind quiets down. All those anxious thoughts, all the catastrophic scenarios my mind creates, dissolve. Suddenly, there is peace.
After a good ride, my mind feels rested, clear, and ready to handle any challenge with calm. I’m not saying the motorcycle is the solution to every problem, but for me, it has been a tool that helped me live in the present and appreciate all the beauty around me. Life is beautiful, but we often get stuck in our imagined scenarios. All unhappiness comes from thoughts we create, and it’s our responsibility to find ways to bring ourselves back to happiness.
Friends and Community: The Harley-Davidson Experience
Another aspect I initially overlooked was the community. Someone once told me, "Harley-Davidson doesn’t just sell motorcycles; they sell an experience." At the time, it sounded like a cheap marketing slogan. That was until I met the people from H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group). The experience of riding is incredible, but having friends who share the same passion is priceless.
The friendships that form within this community are authentic, based on acceptance, without ego or the need to prove anything. You feel accepted as you are, and everyone shares the same desire to live in the present. The bonds created in these moments are some of the strongest and contribute massively to your overall well-being. They give you a sense of belonging and support that is hard to find elsewhere.
To give you a better sense of what I mean, here’s a simple question: Who could you call at 3 a.m. to ask for help, and they’d get dressed and come to you, no matter where you are? These friends, who you find in the motorcycle community, are the ones who would answer that call.
In Conclusion
Motorcycles may seem dangerous from the outside, but when I look back at everything, I realize that the happiness and inner peace I’ve gained are worth it many times over. I’m not trying to convince anyone of anything. I just felt like sharing these thoughts. And you don’t have to agree with me, but for me, motorcycling is much more than just a means of transportation. It’s a tool for living in the present, truly feeling life, and building relationships that truly matter.
Happiness sometimes comes in the most unexpected forms. For me, it came on two wheels.
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