Basically, I hate doing things twice.
It’s a hassle, isn’t it?
Well, the more work involved, the higher the sales, so it’s a difficult line to walk.
A poor suggestion often works better than a good one.
Just doing the work as the customer requests it means the shop bears no responsibility for the suggestion, so it’s easier.
Is it easier to just do the work as requested?
The flow goes like: replace this maker’s pads or tires, please.
Sometimes I ask, “Why did you choose these pads or tires?”
Why this pad friction material, why this tire in that size?
I often feel something off and have doubts.
“Because the internet or social media said it was good…”
Half yes, half maybe.
Sometimes I discover a whole new world and feel impressed, but other times I’m disappointed.
A poor suggestion brings liability issues, so honestly it’s easier to just install what the customer asks for.
And if I go on and on about it, people might think I’m a pain, which creates a temperature gap between us.
Things change easily depending on the angle you look from and how you feel about them.
Say there’s a motorcycle with original handling that feels very awkward.
Described that way, it sounds like a “poor rating.”
But what if it’s called “one-of-a-kind, selective in its rider, a connoisseur’s feel”? How does that sound?
It doesn’t feel bad, and it’s almost like a realm only chosen riders can experience?
Like the texture or taste of sea squirt—it’s really difficult to say.
When it comes to appearance, I photograph images in the best light.
It’s the same when I look at my own face in the mirror. I “see things in the best light.”
Things that look great from all 360 degrees are extremely rare.
How we look at things and feel about them easily changes our mood.
When you invest time and money, your attachment tends to grow stronger.
This applies to me too.
With all the time and effort I’ve put in, plus the money spent, it can’t be bad—that’s what I tend to think.
The feelings and costs invested cross my mind, and everything tilts toward the positive.
Simple addition alone won’t make things better.
It’s good to always think about balance.
Everyone falls into the trap of stacking aftermarket parts, swapping components over and over, spending time and money, worrying endlessly, and finally giving a passing grade—yet sometimes when you ride a stock bike, it feels absolutely sublime.
The manufacturer is great.
Always keep the final form in mind.
It’s good to vaguely imagine the final form in everything you do.
A sharp Japanese sword requires maintenance and storage that take time and money.
If you don’t maintain its sharpness and appearance, its very reason for existing becomes questionable.
Then there’s the axe—something reasonably rough and durable that you can use without fuss.
I think this applies to all hobbies.
If you want to maintain the sharpest edge at all times, your current choice is the right one.
Machines age and wear out.
Ideals and reality are always at play in everything, so take a moment to imagine it.
