A pretty decent film, though felt a good deal longer than it was. Pronounced American bias. Also the conspicuous omission of the daredevil/freestyle riding trades in thoroughness for a family friendly/safety first emphasis. (We're the nicest people...) I wonder how many riders out there got the urge after watching Evil Knievel (my inspiration!), The Wild One, Easy Rider, or the modern evolution of freestyle motocross? Ironically it's the extreme riders that have always drawn the crowds and attention. You know, the ne'er do well's giving the sport/recreation a bad image. That was the party line from all the manufacturer sponsored teams back in the day. Seemed to me the film makers also believe that going to extremes withing the framework of rules set down by some governing body or under proper supervision are acceptable. But complete freedom of expression? Well, that's taking a good idea just a little too far.Overall score 5/10.

Why We Ride is an excellent documentary for bikers, it covers a lot of disciplines and deserves a 9 out of 10. It was ruined however by the bombastic music throughout the whole movie, it even drowned out the wonderful sounds of bikes running down the Salt Flats, why is that I wonder. If there is a version available without "music" I would gladly pay for that and watch it over and over again, but for now I am disappointed how an excellent documentary was disfigured by the soundtrack. Imho it is possible to compile a DVD with options for different languages, subtitles etc. The producers could have opted for a separate soundtrack without music I feel. Other than that, high praise for the video editing and the comprehensive coverage of motorcycling through the ages. The fact that everything seems to originate from the United States of America I take with a pinch of salt however.

Just saw "Why We Ride", and while it was entertaining, it isn't a great movie. For one thing, although it does show the passion that many motorcycle riders feel, the emphasis gets a bit overwhelming. I think the film takes itself too seriously, especially with music intended to add gravitas to the interviews. It seems like the producers missed the "having fun" aspect of riding in large part, which is so evident in "On Any Sunday".Another problem with the film is that it didn't spend enough time on each area of riding, and tries to show too many types activities and riding styles, to the point that just as you are starting to say "that's cool ..." it's on to another topic.A third issue is that too much prior knowledge on the part of the viewers has been assumed by the film-makers. For example, unless you know who Mert Lawill is, and already know his involvement with making a handle-bar grip for amputees, it's extremely easy to miss the importance of what he has done. Also, the interviewees are unnamed until the end of the film. Sure, most of the riders in our audience knew a few people, but most of us were wondering who they were, and why they were being interviewed.We watched this film in a group of riders and non-riders. For the most part, this film just confirmed the feelings of the rides, but didn't really make the non-riders want to try motorcycles. It might not be fair to compare it to "On Any Sunday", but the comparison is inevitable. "On Any Sunday" makes most people want to at least investigate riding a bit more, just as "The Endless Summer" makes people want to go to the beach and think maybe they can surf, too."Why We Ride" is entertaining for riders, but it's not going to convince anyone to go out and get on a bike.

I just saw the 2nd ever screening of Why We Ride at the 2013 AIMExpo in Orlando, FL. Been riding motorcycles since 1988 and this film captured the varied reasons, emotions and images that have made me a 2-wheel fanatic/addict. The film covers the unique American experience of moto- culture and its history. The interview excerpts, historic images/footage and bespoke footage are edited so well that the stories are riveting. Truly historic figures and events in the evolution of motorcycling are featured and watching it on the big screen with an almost IMAX-grade sound system made you feel as if you were on and in the rides and races. I was so glad that I rode my 1199 Panigale to the event, because I wanted to ride so badly after seeing this! If you have even a passing interest in motorcycles, you owe it to yourself to watch this film. Bring a non- believer with you, the film is so strong it just might make them a convert!