Passion over Logic

If you don't already know, I'm an avid fan of motorcycles. Specifically cafe racers, vintage bikes, and naked sports bikes. I bought my first motorcycle 3 years ago, a 1987 Honda Rebel. My rebel, whom I called Liz, survived 2.5 years of city riding, some country escapes, 2 freezing winters, a couple of drops, one accident and a hurricane. It finally met its end when it decided to take on a street cleaning truck. The outcome wasn't pretty, my Liz was beyond repair.

Eager to get back on the horse ( well, bike actually), I went to the Ducati dealership in Soho, and instantly fell in love with a black 2013 Ducati Monster. Needless to say, I had to have it. 30min later, I walked out with with a few signed papers, a set of new keys, and a smile on my face.

Motorcycles are sexy. Ducatis are sexier.

Gorgeous Black Ducati Sport 1000

I

f you're a motorcycle enthusiast, you might be fidgeting in your seat screaming something about German and Japanese. I relate this argument to ones made about Hondas and BMWs being better than Alfa Romeos (to you Americans, Alfa Romeo is an Italian car manufacturer). Yes, if you want a practical, reasonable car, then you are better off with a Honda, Toyota, or Mercedes Benz. Similarly, if you want a logical, reliable motorcycle, then you should absolutely consider a BMW, Honda or Yamaha. If you want a car or motorcycle that will start every morning, not break down or explode, and get you to your destination every time, then you should certainly steer clear of Ducatis, Triumphs, Alfa Romeos and Jaguars (pre-Ford and pre-Tata).

Red 2012 Triumph Thruxton

But if you're like me and don't want your car to be reasonable and practical; if you're like me and don't want your motorcycle to be comfortable and reliable; if you want your vehicle to be unpredictable, to be illogical, to be imperfect, then German and Japanese are just too safe, too bland, too inhuman. In this digital and cost-effective age, where unpredictability and personal touch have gone out the window, one needs a little bit of passion, a little bit of a human touch. Cars and motorcycles are among those things for me, and I'm sure other people have their own interpretation of what they want some personal touch in. 

Classic Jaguar E-Type

These cars and motorcycles are built in a rudimentary and primitive fashion compared to today's standards, often built mostly or partly by hand. With this method of construction, every maker and designer develops a personal connection with what they're making, adding their own touch to make every piece they build unique. They add character. They add passion. This is what makes these cars special and give them a place in my heart, not the fact that they are illogical. But the fact that they were built with love and care, hoping the next owner will see them the same way their builders did.

I don't care that those cars and motorcycles might not start in the morning. I don't mind that I may only get to my destination 3 out of 10 times. But I do know, that the 3 times I will get there, boy will I have a smile on my face.