MAS - Motorcycle Addiction Syndrome - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

**Louis** · 03-16-2005, 08:14 AM

"Motorcycling Addiction Syndrome "

Even more serious than the mania for chocolate is the growing epidemic of MAS, or Motorcycling Addiction Syndrome. Don't laugh because you might be its next victim. Just to give you a possible heads up in case it's creeping up on you, here are a few questions to quietly answer for yourself..

How many of these apply to you?

1. I have gone riding when I was depressed, or to cheer myself up.

2. I have gone on riding binges of several tanks of gas or more in a day.

3. I ride rapidly, often 'gulping' roads.

4. I have sometimes ridden early in the morning or before work.

5. I have hidden bikes in different places to sneak a ride in without being seen.

6. Sometimes I avoid friends or family obligations in order to ride motorcycles.

7. Sometimes I find myself analyzing sections of roads as if I were riding, even while in cars.

8. I am unable to enjoy myself with others unless there is a bike nearby.

9. At a boring party, I will often slip off unnoticed to go riding.

10. Riding has made me seek haunts and companions which I would otherwise avoid..

11. I have neglected personal hygiene or household chores until I have finished a ride.

12. I have spent money meant for necessities on accessories instead.

13. I have attempted to complete an Iron Butt ride.

14. Most of my friends are unapologetic motorcycle riders.

15. I have sometimes passed out from a night of heavy riding.

16. I have suffered 'blackouts' or memory loss from a bout of riding.

17. I have wept, become angry or irrational because of a road I have ridden; or, worse, NOT ridden.

18. I have sometimes wished I did not ride so much.

19. Sometimes I think my riding is out of control.

If you answered 'yes' to three or more of these questions, you may be a motorcycle addict. Affirmative responses to five or more indicates a serious problem...professional help is strongly advised.

Once a relatively rare disorder, Motorcycle Addiction Syndrome, or MAS, has risen to new levels due to the accessibility of higher quality motorcycles at a relatively low expense since the end of the Second World War. The number of motorcycle addicts and abusers is currently at record levels.

SOCIAL COSTS OF MOTORCYCLE ABUSE

Abusers become withdrawn, uninterested in society or normal relationships. They fantasize, creating alternative worlds to occupy, to the neglect of friends and family. In severe cases they develop bad posture from riding in awkward positions or carrying heavy tool bags. In the worst instances, they become cranky bike mechanics in small towns. Excessive riding during pregnancy is perhaps the number one cause of moral deformity among the children of Road Racers, Tourers, Squids, Wannabees and Posers alike. Known as Fetal Motard Syndrome, this disease also leaves its victims prone to a lifetime of vertigo, daydreaming, emotional instability and an unnerving predilection for unsuitable leather garments.

HEREDITY

Recent Harvard studies have established that heredity plays a considerable role in determining whether a person will become an abuser of motorcycles. Most abusers have at least one parent who abused motorcycles, often beginning at an early age and progressing into adulthood. Many spouses or significant others of an addict become addicts themselves.

OTHER PREDISPOSING FACTORS

Fathers or mothers who are road race fans, collectors, or heavy leather wearers; parents who do not encourage children to play team games, read voraciously (except Rider and Motorcyclist magazines), or watch television (other than Speedvision) in the evening.

PREVENTION

Premarital screening and counseling, and referral to adoption agencies is urged in order to break the chain of abuse. One percenters in particular should seek partners active in other fields. Children should be encouraged to seek physical activity by joining teams, and to avoid isolation and morbid introspection. Proximity to road maps and National Geographic magazines should be restricted. Keep two-stroke oil securely locked away and out of reach. Playing cards inserted into bicycle spokes must be looked upon as a primary initial symptom, as should inadvertent twitching of the right wrist and incessant muttering of the syllables "Udden-Udden." Children noted exhibiting a 'thousand yard stare' in the direction of a setting sun are likewise considered candidates for early intervention. A preference for tiny boots and multi-colored leather diapers indicates incipient 'motorcycle madness' and requires urgent, immediate treatment if any semblance of normality is ever to be achieved.

Pinhy · 03-16-2005, 08:25 AM

started out to be funny, got a little over the top after a while....

themeatmanlandry · 03-16-2005, 08:47 AM

Oooh . . . tough crowd.

Gixxerdale · 03-16-2005, 09:02 AM

Over the top? It describes me in every statement. I think the only one that doesn't is #5 hiding bikes to sneak a ride. However a friend of mine who used to read meters in the remote areas of Malibu would do that, rather than struggle to get the utility company truck in and out.

stevie c · 03-16-2005, 09:58 AM

My name is Stevie, I am an addict.

LayinLo · 03-16-2005, 10:40 AM

I still love ya Louis!

sunny · 03-16-2005, 10:53 AM

the only ones that don't apply to me are 5, 18 and 19.

and rain or shine, i'll be riding by this weekend. i've given up on ever getting the tax refund to finish "remodeling" my bike.

**Louis** · 03-16-2005, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LayinLo

Quote:

Originally Posted by LayinLo

I still love ya Louis!

I know.

finch20th · 03-16-2005, 06:39 PM

it's a good repost.... i love that i have one hanging up at work people don't get it, but they are all slow and have no fun in their life....

i just did #12 yesterday...

Pinhy · 03-16-2005, 06:59 PM

weve all doen #12...thats nothing!

haha.....$90 mirrors to be ordered soon

finch20th · 03-16-2005, 07:04 PM

the new icon boots $84.... they are $98 normally....

GIXXER-Mike · 03-16-2005, 09:27 PM

Definitely a list of things that make you go, "Hmmm!"

themeatmanlandry · 03-16-2005, 10:34 PM

Accessories? You mean like my little bell, and my chrome valve stem caps?

SVZuki · 03-17-2005, 12:31 AM

im a noob, but im an addict already!

**Freakinout** · 03-17-2005, 10:17 AM

Um.... 13 of those questions apply to me.

Maybe I'm an addict, and maybe I like it.

DrBob · 03-17-2005, 11:30 AM

I answered "Yes" to 18 out of 19...I have never wished I didn't ride so much, but other than that...
So yes, I am an motorcycle addict. I think I'll go riding now.

finch20th · 03-17-2005, 01:58 PM

damn snow we are supossed to get like 8-10" of snow tonight and tomarrow...

**inspiron** · 03-17-2005, 03:29 PM

Should I mention that it was 20°C today, mostly sunny, and just PERFECT riding weather? And it should stay like this through the weekend!

Sometimes it's really nice to be in Switzerland

03-16-2005, 08:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	MAS - Motorcycle Addiction Syndrome "Motorcycling Addiction Syndrome " Even more serious than the mania for chocolate is the growing epidemic of MAS, or Motorcycling Addiction Syndrome. Don't laugh because you might be its next victim. Just to give you a possible heads up in case it's creeping up on you, here are a few questions to quietly answer for yourself.. How many of these apply to you? 1. I have gone riding when I was depressed, or to cheer myself up. 2. I have gone on riding binges of several tanks of gas or more in a day. 3. I ride rapidly, often 'gulping' roads. 4. I have sometimes ridden early in the morning or before work. 5. I have hidden bikes in different places to sneak a ride in without being seen. 6. Sometimes I avoid friends or family obligations in order to ride motorcycles. 7. Sometimes I find myself analyzing sections of roads as if I were riding, even while in cars. 8. I am unable to enjoy myself with others unless there is a bike nearby. 9. At a boring party, I will often slip off unnoticed to go riding. 10. Riding has made me seek haunts and companions which I would otherwise avoid.. 11. I have neglected personal hygiene or household chores until I have finished a ride. 12. I have spent money meant for necessities on accessories instead. 13. I have attempted to complete an Iron Butt ride. 14. Most of my friends are unapologetic motorcycle riders. 15. I have sometimes passed out from a night of heavy riding. 16. I have suffered 'blackouts' or memory loss from a bout of riding. 17. I have wept, become angry or irrational because of a road I have ridden; or, worse, NOT ridden. 18. I have sometimes wished I did not ride so much. 19. Sometimes I think my riding is out of control. If you answered 'yes' to three or more of these questions, you may be a motorcycle addict. Affirmative responses to five or more indicates a serious problem...professional help is strongly advised. Once a relatively rare disorder, Motorcycle Addiction Syndrome, or MAS, has risen to new levels due to the accessibility of higher quality motorcycles at a relatively low expense since the end of the Second World War. The number of motorcycle addicts and abusers is currently at record levels. SOCIAL COSTS OF MOTORCYCLE ABUSE Abusers become withdrawn, uninterested in society or normal relationships. They fantasize, creating alternative worlds to occupy, to the neglect of friends and family. In severe cases they develop bad posture from riding in awkward positions or carrying heavy tool bags. In the worst instances, they become cranky bike mechanics in small towns. Excessive riding during pregnancy is perhaps the number one cause of moral deformity among the children of Road Racers, Tourers, Squids, Wannabees and Posers alike. Known as Fetal Motard Syndrome, this disease also leaves its victims prone to a lifetime of vertigo, daydreaming, emotional instability and an unnerving predilection for unsuitable leather garments. HEREDITY Recent Harvard studies have established that heredity plays a considerable role in determining whether a person will become an abuser of motorcycles. Most abusers have at least one parent who abused motorcycles, often beginning at an early age and progressing into adulthood. Many spouses or significant others of an addict become addicts themselves. OTHER PREDISPOSING FACTORS Fathers or mothers who are road race fans, collectors, or heavy leather wearers; parents who do not encourage children to play team games, read voraciously (except Rider and Motorcyclist magazines), or watch television (other than Speedvision) in the evening. PREVENTION Premarital screening and counseling, and referral to adoption agencies is urged in order to break the chain of abuse. One percenters in particular should seek partners active in other fields. Children should be encouraged to seek physical activity by joining teams, and to avoid isolation and morbid introspection. Proximity to road maps and National Geographic magazines should be restricted. Keep two-stroke oil securely locked away and out of reach. Playing cards inserted into bicycle spokes must be looked upon as a primary initial symptom, as should inadvertent twitching of the right wrist and incessant muttering of the syllables "Udden-Udden." Children noted exhibiting a 'thousand yard stare' in the direction of a setting sun are likewise considered candidates for early intervention. A preference for tiny boots and multi-colored leather diapers indicates incipient 'motorcycle madness' and requires urgent, immediate treatment if any semblance of normality is ever to be achieved. __________________ Louis

03-16-2005, 08:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
themeatmanlandry Happy-ass Lunatic Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 600S (Black); 2006 GSXR750 (Black) Location: Memphis Posts: 11,423	Oooh . . . tough crowd. __________________ Go to hell

03-16-2005, 09:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
Gixxerdale Forensic Bug Splatter Analyst. Joined: Mar 2004 Bike: 02 GSXR 1k Location: The warm and twisty roads of SoCal Posts: 3,028	Over the top? It describes me in every statement. I think the only one that doesn't is #5 hiding bikes to sneak a ride. However a friend of mine who used to read meters in the remote areas of Malibu would do that, rather than struggle to get the utility company truck in and out. __________________ Proud Father of a U S Army Soldier... The key to life is to die young...at a very old age... Ride like you own the road...and...someday the road will own you.. My Favorite Ride? Tomorrows!

03-16-2005, 09:58 AM	#5 (permalink)
stevie c Sit speling cheker Joined: Mar 2004 Bike: GSX-R 600 K1 Location: Northants,UK Posts: 1,631	My name is Stevie, I am an addict. __________________ Stevie C '02 Gixer 600 K1,Yellow and Black (fastest colour!), always beats red ones!! Why put off until tomorrow what you can get someone else to do for you today.

03-16-2005, 10:53 AM	#7 (permalink)
sunny Leaned over, knee down Joined: Nov 2004 Bike: '97 suzuki savage, '90 honda shadow, '75 kh400, and a broom Location: fort worthless Posts: 4,678	the only ones that don't apply to me are 5, 18 and 19. and rain or shine, i'll be riding by this weekend. i've given up on ever getting the tax refund to finish "remodeling" my bike. __________________ "blah blah blah, the world revolves around me, blah blah blah, your perception of events can't possibly be valid, blah blah blah, i wasn't there but i know everything about everything, blah blah blah." - 95% of the male population. you WISH this post was brought to you by rum.

03-16-2005, 08:25 AM	#2 (permalink)
Pinhy Doesn't think you're funny Joined: Dec 2004 Bike: 05 Boulevard M50 Black Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 5,210	started out to be funny, got a little over the top after a while....

03-16-2005, 10:40 AM	#6 (permalink)
LayinLo Flipper ( Don't Ask ) Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Crunchy 02 GSX-R 750 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,936	I still love ya Louis!

03-16-2005, 06:39 PM	#9 (permalink)
finch20th Baiting for a Banning!!!!!! Joined: Jan 2005 Bike: 2005 Gsxr 600 20th Anniversary Edition Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 1,107	it's a good repost.... i love that i have one hanging up at work people don't get it, but they are all slow and have no fun in their life.... i just did #12 yesterday... __________________ Wisconsin Winters Suck! Miles to date on the 600: 2263.2 #4803!!! The Proud New Owner Of A 2005 Suzuki Gsx-R 600 20th Anniversary Edition!!!

03-16-2005, 06:59 PM	#10 (permalink)
Pinhy Doesn't think you're funny Joined: Dec 2004 Bike: 05 Boulevard M50 Black Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 5,210	weve all doen #12...thats nothing! haha.....$90 mirrors to be ordered soon

03-16-2005, 07:04 PM	#11 (permalink)
finch20th Baiting for a Banning!!!!!! Joined: Jan 2005 Bike: 2005 Gsxr 600 20th Anniversary Edition Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 1,107	the new icon boots $84.... they are $98 normally.... __________________ Wisconsin Winters Suck! Miles to date on the 600: 2263.2 #4803!!! The Proud New Owner Of A 2005 Suzuki Gsx-R 600 20th Anniversary Edition!!!

03-16-2005, 09:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
GIXXER-Mike U.B's LoveChild Joined: Aug 2004 Bike: 2004 GSX-R600 (Blue/White) Location: ALABAMA Posts: 1,113	Definitely a list of things that make you go, "Hmmm!" __________________ "I'm here to fight for truth, and justice, and the American way."

03-16-2005, 10:34 PM	#13 (permalink)
themeatmanlandry Happy-ass Lunatic Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 600S (Black); 2006 GSXR750 (Black) Location: Memphis Posts: 11,423	Accessories? You mean like my little bell, and my chrome valve stem caps? __________________ Go to hell

03-17-2005, 12:31 AM	#14 (permalink)
SVZuki Dastardly villain Joined: Sep 2004 Bike: '08 M109R w/LE mods Location: Royal Oak, MI Posts: 1,652	im a noob, but im an addict already!

03-17-2005, 10:17 AM	#15 (permalink)
Freakinout Tire Eating Moderator Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: 2001 Suzuki TL1000S Location: Texas Posts: 2,617	Um.... 13 of those questions apply to me. Maybe I'm an addict, and maybe I like it. __________________ Freakinout

03-17-2005, 11:30 AM	#16 (permalink)
DrBob In The Zone Joined: May 2004 Bike: several Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 2,765	I answered "Yes" to 18 out of 19...I have never wished I didn't ride so much, but other than that... So yes, I am an motorcycle addict. I think I'll go riding now. __________________ Dream like you'll live forever, live like you'll die tomorrow. You MUST obey the pug dog!

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03-17-2005, 01:58 PM	#17 (permalink)
finch20th Baiting for a Banning!!!!!! Joined: Jan 2005 Bike: 2005 Gsxr 600 20th Anniversary Edition Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 1,107	damn snow we are supossed to get like 8-10" of snow tonight and tomarrow... __________________ Wisconsin Winters Suck! Miles to date on the 600: 2263.2 #4803!!! The Proud New Owner Of A 2005 Suzuki Gsx-R 600 20th Anniversary Edition!!!

03-17-2005, 03:29 PM	#18 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 12,073	Should I mention that it was 20°C today, mostly sunny, and just PERFECT riding weather? And it should stay like this through the weekend! Sometimes it's really nice to be in Switzerland __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400