Why Do Motorcycle Riders Brag About "Freedom"? 

I once got stung by a wasp on my wrist while riding on the highway. I've never felt more connected to nature while on a motorcycle.

I like how this channel went from "These gloves are good" to "Here's a way of understanding the concept of freedom from a philosophical point of view"

I deleted Facebook, ditched the car, and bought a motorcycle. Best decision of my life.

When I started learning to sail, I kept hearing "There's a freedom in it you'll never experience anywhere else." When I started learning to ride, I heard "there's a freedom in it you'll never experience anywhere else." And when I got my pilots license, I heard "there's a freedom in it you'll never experience anywhere else." They were all true, and each unique in their own ways.

Ryan's attitude and tone make me expect a snarky joke at every cut but then it turns out he's actually just got a short, well made point. Concise and accurate, well done.

"Plato never intended people to live in his cave." Perhaps the greatest summary of the issues with modern life I've ever heard.

I was in depression for 1 year and was taking therapy, it wasn't helping. My dad bought me a Royal Enfield Meteor 350, I rode around 1000 miles on it and trust me I never felt better in my life, what this guy says is absolutely true!!

In a car, you feel like everything-the asphalt, other cars, pedestrians, trees- is just a movie projected onto the windshield. On a motorcycle, you feel like you can reach out and touch it.

When I drive to work my workday starts when I get in my car and ends when I get home. When I ride to work my work day starts at work and ends there as well. When I'm on my bike it feels like my time.

Who else has the balls to make a 3 min video better than a 13 min dragged on content than F9. Quality over quantity indeed

I happen to live with a person who has to take care of people who crash their motorbikes, so she wasnt really happy I just bought a motorbike. Its hard to explain but there's something calming to ride a motorbike, its not the speed, its not the "danger", its just peace when you have your helmet on. Stay safe fellow bikers.

Ryan, I'm 51 and have had my share of trauma for half a century. Some very long ago and some quite recent. When I got on a motorcycle for the first time I smiled from ear to ear during my motorcycle training course and didn't think of any of that crap in life. It felt...freeing. Thank you for this video.

Big like. Nicely explained the essence of motivation to chase that feeling that makes you "alive".

this is so true. Driving a car is making the effort to cut 30 mins out of your day to get somewhere. Riding to that same place tells you a thirty minute story with all senses.

This channel is slowly convincing me to really just get a bike instead of a car. As I binge watch the videos, I slowly realize the reality of riding solo and just spend my time alone but not lonely.

"Plato never intended people live in his cave." Our phones are the Cave. That is brilliant, man.

As always, "4 wheels move the body, 2 wheels move the soul." They have been moving my soul for 62 years.

Pure truth. Bike service day today... 2 hour ride to dealers, 2 hour ride home on courtesy bike, 2 hours back to collect, 2 hours home on freshly serviced bike. Why? Because the sun is out, the route covers 3 counties of empty rural B-roads, and because it’s time spent without the frame. Ryan puts the words to a feeling we all share.

The first time i took my motorcycle up through the mountains was life changing. It changed my perspective from "owning a bike is cool" to "owning a motorcycle gives me a sense of freedom"

"Screw it, lets ride" is the cheapest therapy going in my book.

I'm not a motorbiker, epilepsy doesn't allow me to, but I am a mountainbiker and this video rings truer than my phones ringtone.

As a kid with a bicycle, my limitations were how long my folks would let me stay out, where I was allowed to go, and how much energy I had during a day. All of those now appear endless, and the world is now the greatest playground that kid ever dreamed of.

"Because, freedom." *eagle screeches* .... *instantly likes*

To me personally, motorcycles also mean freedom from fear. Learning to ride and ride well has helped me to free myself from fears about leaning, speed and death. Motorcycling is the lazy man’s Zen and it has helped me to learn to enjoy The Moment and release anxieties.

As I've read in a local bike blog, motorcycling is also one of the last few primal things we do with the world. In every other aspect, we are safe and sheltered from the elements, secluded in our boxes, but on a bike - you still live the way people used to thousands of years ago. You're still feeling that wind, heat, cold, rain, etc. Combine that with the solitude that comes with riding a bike, and you get as close as you can to a lone wanderer, a cowboy riding through the modern plains of concrete.

During my second week of riding - these truths were fused into my soul in a matter of seconds and 1/2 a mile . I remember riding along a creek on one side and a bluff on the other with trees in bloom. The sudden connection of smells, shadows, sounds, vibrations, and temperature changes made me realize I had never experienced such an immersive mode of travel. I have never forgotten that moment - and when asked why I ride - it is to capture that moment again.

When my son asked me why I like riding. I usually bring up that feeling of freedom. Some time later, after his first Pillion ride with me, he said "I get it now dad... The freedom thing, I mean"

I love the brotherhood, the smells, feeling the cold and the heat, the dryness and the humidity, being able to stop anywhere... it’s not merely transportation. It’s being consciously connected, moment by moment, to the land.

For all the F9 lifers; love how he revisited this topic with a refreshed take from a video from the early days.

As someone who's struggling from Adult Attention Deficit Disorder, motorcycling has been a great help. Its therapeutic. Moreover its one of the few times I could really, really focus on one thing and one thing only instead of pointlessly juggling my attention and brainpower every second. Its freeing

"Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" is my favorite read of all time. I was assigned the reading in highschool and blew it off but went back to it later in life. A beautiful book that discusses thought and philosophy. So good.

Wow. What a crazily validating video; I was getting more and more stressed about how I couldn't afford the $60,000 offroad truck of my dreams, and then I thought about getting into riding. And now I'm in the process of getting my motorcycle license, and browsing $3,000 KLR650s. Thanks for being part of my journey towards freedom F9.

I love that Pirsig quote. Another similar one I've heard is "Driving in a car is like watching a movie, riding a motorcycle is like being in it."

I have a sneaky suspicious that either Ryan or his filming friend are decendents of King Midas himself because everything they do is gold.

Went out for a ride the other day. 1 1/2 hrs later I stopped to grab some shopping. Completely forgot I was supposed to mask up and sign in. That time was priceless with not a thought of pandemics or anything other than the experience of riding. That is truly meditative in my book. Riding saves my sanity!

Forgive the length of this excerpt from a poem I wrote many years ago, but it is so appropriate for this video I couldn't resist: ...I need the wind in my face to blow away the sweat from my brow, and to keep up with the pace of changing scenery as it goes whizzing past my shoulders, and leave behind the city clamor to reach the trees and boulders and carve the back country roads that wind through mountains, fields and streams, and blow the cobwebs out of my head to make room for my dreams. That wind becomes a mother of sorts, who soothes my weary psyche and beckons with all her charming ways to imitate winged Nike, to fly from the hum-drum everyday and leave behind the troubles, to mount the metal steed with wheels, which also maybe doubles as a lover between my legs, all willing and aquiver, vibrating with anticipation, and ready to deliver... Love your channel like chocolate on ice cream, Tom

Only 3min of Fortnine 😰 I need more

Here early today. It's foggy and gross out and this helps me through until it's rideable.

I'm a longboarder and I've always gotten that same sense of freedom and presence while skating down long roads, but I've never really known how to vocalize it. Very insightful video, everyone should read that book!

"In the scene not just watching it anymore". Freaking beautiful. I am considering getting my first bike right now, and that line actually reminds me of how I felt learning how to drive my first manual car. It forces you to be part of the car and thus the road in a way that an automatic simply can't replicate. So much is dependent on you and your relationship with your machine. It makes me even more excited to get a bike. Love this channel. Keep it up.

Came here 100% expecting sarcasm and irony. Was not disappointed and received both. As well as a great heaping spoonful of heartfelt wisdom taught from a place of experience. Fort9 always delivers. 🇨🇦

Motorcycling is "Wind Therapy', plain and simple. For me, nothing makes all my worries, concerns, fears and anxieties completely melt away than when I'm on a nice, twisty back road somewhere or jamming down the highway on a warm day. It forces you to be in the moment, the "here and now", not stressing over things that about 95% of the time you have no control over anyway. It's the closest thing to flying without leaving the ground. Many thanks for this Ryan. Respect and appreciation from Nova Scotia 🇨🇦

I was stuck at home for many months like most of us and at a point I realised my mental was worse than ever. As the lockdown was relaxed a little bit, I took a bike and went out on a 400km trip. It's the best thing I've done! When I was out in a dynamic environment it took some time for my brain to process all the things moving so fast around me. Everything was real and happening in real time unlike in a device I could hold in my hands. The sunrise and sunset were nothing like we see in a youtube video, it was beautiful! I'm still in college and I decided as soon as I get a job, I'll buy my own bike and rarely stay at my home

My 1st taste of motorbike freedom was about 15 years ago. I was fixing an audio setup for my drummer and I had an important exam in my college. He said "Hop on the bike, we'll get there faster". Even in the back of a 125cc urban bike, the feeling of the wind and being in tune with the machine was exhilarating. The fact that we could beat peak hour traffic was the icing of the cake.

"What could I say? Maybe this: the man hunched over his motorcycle can focus only on the present instant of his flight; he is caught in a fragment of time cut off from both the past and the future; he is wrenched from the continuity of time; he is outside time; in other words, he is in a state of ecstasy; in that state he is unaware of his age, his wife, his children, his worries, and so he has no fear, because the source of fear is in the future, and a person freed of the future has nothing to fear." Milan Kundera, Slowness

I think most motorcycle riders could not explain specificly what it is about riding that brings them such joy, you'll just have to experience it yourself

We need a 20/30 minute version of this! Thanks Fort 9, you never disappoint!

Let's not forget that motorcycles are iron horses. People have been riding for many centuries and have the same sense of freedom. My grandfather homesteaded in Montana in 1908. He told me about riding his horse across Montana to collect a herd of horses he'd bought. He lived in the saddle, camped and lived off the land and finally reached his destination only to find his horses had been stolen. But he remembered the trip and enjoyed himself so much he could recall it vividly 60 years later. Motorcycles are our iron horses. I am 70 year old today and can vividly remember days I've spent riding. We used to call them Kodak moments. Images burned into our minds that we can recall. Sometimes they're important moments and other times, just another day but something is special about them and we never lose them. I live in Central Maine where winters last about 6 months, but I've ridden in every month. The winter months are rough, though, especially with my depression. So during those dark, cold months I call it staying in the back of the cave, living alone and surviving on whiskey and chocolate donuts, waiting for spring and sunny days. By the way, my grandfather bought his first motorcycle when he was 65 and lived to be 90. He also kept riding horses. Sorry this is so long, but thinking a lot on my 70th birthday about the things that are good in life, like riding. Really enjoy these videos.

Nicely done, well said, great tribute to Pirsig and motorcycle riding. 👍🤘

It's actually much more simple than everything you just said. Next time you're on the bike on the road, LOOK AROUND YOU. You are the only one that actually WANTS to be on the road. People go to work, school, shopping, ... do stuff. They HAVE TO BE ON THE ROAD. WE WANT TO BE. And we're alone in that.

At 2:15 is when I felt like your words really hit me... Our focus is honed in on the stimulation of riding, with no room for all of the nonsense distractions like FB that we have today. We are one with our bikes, as the bike needs our full attention and physical inputs to control it properly. We are wielding a machine that can outperform supercars at 1/100th of the cost.... And we are experiencing all of this in a REAL moment ourselves in our own lives. Very well said as always RF9.

Living in California; the opportunity to enjoy the sun, air, and scenery. On a bike is a true blessing; the ability to think while riding and you become one with your bike. The sound, power, smells, lightness, that feeling. (Springfield Dark horse 116, moto Guzzi v7, Yamaha Roadliner, Kawasaki z900rs, Honda CTX1300, Honda vtx1300, Honda monkey) past bikes and some current all been a good ride

Riding is my meditation. And I’m refreshed after a ride, not exhausted. Okay my knees sometimes hurt a little, but I’m otherwise refreshed. Oh and my lower back can be a little tricky, but aside from the knees and the back... wait and if there were crosswinds then sometimes my neck can be kinda sore, but aside from the knees, the back, and the neck, I feel refreshed.

Riding is like meditation for me and focuses my mind, so in a way it makes me free.

I've watched this video no fewer than 10 times over the past couple of weeks. The video is so beautiful, so philosophical, so poetic; it perfectly captures the freedom that we all feel out there. Thanks, guys. Great work, indeed.

Honestly some of the best content on RU-vid, hell on the whole internet. I watch pieces on Harleys or worn out gear, not because of the subject matter but because this is genuine smart, clever, entertaining and too often profound content. Well done. Really well done.

Freedom❤️

All hail RyanF9, greatest RU-vid philosopher of our time.

Thank you Ryan and your team. On the day in Ontario where we had to give up the most freedom, I needed to hear this.

I've loved and appreciated this channel's content, but referencing Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the book that compelled me to become a rider and to "join the scene" is just awesome. Thanks for the work!

It's insane how this channel manages to embody the "true spirit of motorcycling" every single video, without fail, and without ever getting cringe. I love you folks

King Joffrey. Defender of the freedoms. And kudos for the production on this one. Top notch.

Feeling the temperature changes and the different smells as you wind up a mountain pass on a summer evening is, to me, the most special part of riding. You are present and and sentient.

Thank you Ryan for explaining to me why I like to ride! I knew why, I just didn't know how to explain it, now I do! Beautiful video, beautiful content, as always.

Come on man...there are so many of us out here trying to do moto-videos and just killing ourselves with each and every moment. You on the other hand are perpetually raising the bar and doing it with some serious chops. We can continue to reach knowing the stars are beyond our grasp...great work.

Nobody : can you summarize "zen the art of motorcycling" under 4 minutes. Fort nine : hold my hot coco

I loved to read Pirsigs book. I might as well go so far that his view on what is important in life - quality, zen, whatever you call it - changed my life to the better. He wrote something of tears of realization. I got them too while reading it. Strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes philosophy and bikes.

You've got such a gift for making well thought out and mentally stimulating videos. That segways straight into why many people say that motorcycling is freedom. Compared with driving 4 wheeled vehicles, riding a motorbike is fully engaging. You're in the moment, and involved completely in what you're doing, whilst amongst the elements. No major distractions., and the minor ones have to be kept in check too, or you'll hear that age old story of "had to lay her down", or they'll be blind dating bushes or trees 😅😂

I started riding because of Pirsig. Nice Chautauqua!

Has anyone ever mentioned how iconic his voice is? Seriously he should do audiobooks or a podcast.

These guys' videos are on a whole different level. Congratulations.

Possibly the shortest video you've done in a hell of a while, and possibly the most profound. Keep it up, sir.

As a therapist, I wholly agree that riding a motorcycle is highly effective therapy 🏍

Ryan's writing skill is off that charts in this script❤

Totally agreed. That is why i choose to ride 150cc motorcycle cub to go and back from work, whilst all my friend driving their luxury frame. At 1 time,they call me stingy because “a engineer” just ride a “small motorcycle” to work.what a sick word. For me ‘life to be enjoyed, not just passed around’.

Nice video and it brought back some memories. I read that book all the way back in 1975 when I was 18 years old. Then I did 6 coast to coast rides on my Suzuki 2-stroke pulling a mini camper trailer over a 3 year stretch. Plenty of flat tires, but no break downs. I loved that old bike. Speaking of old? Wow, am I old. LOL

You cannot see, or even explain “Zen.” But somehow, Ryan and his film editor have provided a frameless window for our minds.

Respect to Ryan for actually practicing what he preaches regarding phones, the man has a flip phone.

Jfc, every video is a f'n masterpiece. I don't know how y'all do it, but, thank you.

Discovered your channel few months ago, i must say your content is great. You guys do such a good job. No only about the topic you talk about but also the technic, images, music etc... Really nice to watch, listen and learn from. Greets from Europe.

About halfway through that book I accepted he really wasn't going to start talking about maintaining a motorcycle.

Love this! And for those of you that HAVEN'T read zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance.....i implore you to....soon. Its a great read that helps you look at life with a new perspective. To help remind you to live in the moment. To slow down and appreciate the little things our busy lives sometimes gloss over cause we're always gogogo!

My motorcycle master! You music changes are absolutely magic!!!! Your cinema Passion is what fits in the best youtube 🏍️ channel ever

So funny, i'm in almost done with Pirsig's book for the second time. Each time is a different read, because i'm a different person experiencing it. One of the best i've ever read

I always thought your name was Ryan "Freedom" 9. Shortened to RyanF9 of course 🤣

I just love the fact you have to focus on everything around you and how to move through it lets me just take it all in without thinking about the rest of life.

Oh hell yeah "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance"!!! What a great video, kudos to all the thought and effort that must have gone into making this.

One of the BEST ever short to point video's on RU-vid. Here saith the 70 year that has been going the Lambo speed since late 1965 then warp speed in early 69-70's with one of the first CB750 Honda 4 K1's from Sydney Dealer across the road from Central Station after a 12 hour train ride. Took longer to get home as every half hour I would find a shady tree park up and just look at it and wait for my mind and heart to slow down Tony

1:14 Made a topgear reference. Jeremy driving the gallardo. I'm not even mad. You're very close to his level, sir. Respect.

Everyone should try ridin' a motorcycle 🏍️

Right here is an obvious reason why I’m a loyal subscriber. My only complaint is that it ended before it begun. As soon as it started, it felt like I was just settling in for an hour and a half documentary of a must watch, then bam; it’s over like a trailer. Queue sad trombone 🎵wah wah wah...

This is the best video this channel has created so far. At least the best I've seen. Great job!!!!

When I was riding a bicycle as a kid, I got bored with the local neighborhood streets and wanted to explore more, go further, see everything. I couldn't then, but I can now on a motorcycle.

It’s about forty years since I read Zen & the Art of M M. The philosophy fitted in with what you needed when riding 1950s British bikes.

Robert Pirsig loves you FortNine - from the beyond. And your intelligent explanations, boiled down for my seventh grade intellect, is both funny as hell and incredibly informative. Thank you and keep on going man!

Man, loved it! from Plato's cave to the Zen, brilliant content , idea resonates even more for some (myself included) that yearn for this feeling..

Damn - get a 3 minute video, but a week's worth of critical thinking to do. Thanks, Ryan!

I'll never understand how anyone can dislike a video like this

Your videos keep getting better and better thank you

year after year, video after video, FortNine still is the best motorcycle youtube channel by far!