The interesting thing about motorcycles, at least for the majority of us, is that our involvement with them is very much fueled by passion. My "average guy scenario" works better with some things than it does with others, and motorcycles don't tend to fit quite so handily into such a scenario.
Here in the States, the average guy doesn't typically consider motorcycles among the basic transportation options. Those of us who do ride here are likely drawn to motorcycles for far less practical reasons. I suppose they simply suck some of us in because they strike us awesome. It's funny when you're out riding and you happen to pass by a child or group of children. Every once in a while, you'll notice one that just can't take their eyes off of your bike. It's how I was as a kid, even before I had taken my first spin on anything involving two wheels and a motor. Some of those kids are bound to be the motorcyclists of the future.
There have always been guys who go through bikes the way I've gone through guitars. My dad knew a few of them long before the internet came around. I remember as a kid noticing the different bikes that they would roll up on when they came to visit. Conversely, I've been really happy with the Hawk GT that I've owned for over 7 years now. Owning the CB1100 in addition to the Hawk almost seems unbelievable to me at times. In my case owning two bikes is extreme but in all honesty I have a hard time imagining selling off either one of them. I realize that I'm very fortunate to own more than one bike. I suppose I'm even more fortunate that I'm not lusting over multiple other bikes out there considering how much I like reading about them, talking to others about them and so on.
The difference between myself and many others is that my usage is fairly limited to the daily commute and fairly short day trips or weekend jaunts. If I were actually touring, or more of an aggressive rider, or had a stronger desire to ride off road , etc., then I wouldn't be so content with the bikes I own. But my world of riding is fairly specific and rather limited, so I suppose it makes things less complicated. In addition, chances are slim that I will wear out either one of my bikes before I'm no longer able to ride. I'll just continue to live vicariously through others when when it comes to swapping out bikes on a regular basis.
(12-19-2014 10:01 PM)The ferret Wrote: I wondered how different my life would be away from influences like computers and motorcycle forums.
In your case, I'm guessing without motorcycle forums you would be out riding even more, racking up more time in the saddle than you already manage to fit in now.
You might have a few less headaches as well, but certainly fewer laughs.