I know exactly what you mean, John. When I was young, we would do the "spring break" thing in Ft. Lauderdale. We found we could rent little motorcycles (90cc. Oh stop laughing! They were fun!) on the cheap for the week we were there. I've never been in a position to own a motorcycle, but if I ever hit the lottery..........
I've owned two MGB convertibles in my life, and I've loved cruising the countryside in them. But even that didn't compare to the open feeling of a motorcycle.
I know they can be dangerous, and I know they have drawbacks (sudden rainstorms, bugs in your teeth, etc.), but they sure make you feel alive. Another problem is that a helmet is now the smart thing to do. I loved riding without one 40 years ago. I fear that wearing a helmet would spoil the openness by putting you back "inside" again, and it would be like looking through a window in a car.
