Malcolm S. Forbes has been dead for awhile, 25 years, but at least in New
Jersey he made a permanent impact on motorcycling. Getting into the sport later
in life, he bought a dealership so he could get bikes wholesale, and teaming
with Hank Slegers was the partner in Slegers-Forbes, at one time the largest,
and the first motorcycle superstore that dot the freeway exits today. Notice he
didn’t need top billing. He sold all the major Japanese brands, plus BMW,
Bultaco, OSSA, and other European brands. Using his political influence he had
an inspection station on the premises, and offered to pay your sales tax if you
paid cash. A far cry from the added on freight and set up we see today adding
thousands to new bikes. His 50,000 square foot building on Route 10 in Whippany
was many times a destination no matter the weather, as he would also store your
bike for free if you bought it there. Few rode in Jersey winters. I bought my
first BMW from him, his sales force hand picked and knowledgeable, they all
rode, and wore green blazers, true professionals even then. But Malcolm rode
and rode far and wide, taking many friends along at his expense.
At the time, the 1970’s, the Garden State Parkway didn’t allow motorcycles,
which was a drag as it was the main artery to the shore. But with Malcolm’s
help it was soon to be motorcycle friendly. But before it was, he rode on it,
and one Sunday with about 40 of us got on, got escorted off without tickets,
such was his presence, and then immediately got back on after the State Trooper
left. So you could say I rode with Malcolm, sort of. But his scope of friends
and where they rode was known worldwide, taking a group of bikers into Russia
for the first time. When no American tourists were allowed. Via his Capitalist
Tool motto. Trips all over the world, supplying as many as 80 bikes for those
who rode to ride, and keeping bikes on his yacht and ranches. He loved to ride,
and often with us mere mortals, he loved bikers, and often rode with Elizabeth
Taylor as his buddy seat sitter. Can you picture her in leathers and a helmet?
Standard equipment for Malcolm, also in full black leathers. He made an impact
on motorcycling that many don’t know about today, and proved money may not buy
happiness, but it can buy a motorcycle and that is the same thing. He was happy
when riding, on his bike he was one of us. Off it a voice for all of
motorcycling, one that he used his celebrity status and money to make better for
all of us who ride. We need more Malcolms, today many celebrities ride, but
few put their money where their butt sits to promote motorcycling.
It is too bad you cannot see inside our full face helmets while we ride,
for they cover and protect a huge smile. Just a few miles of riding, taking the
long way home, can cure a bad day, a missed opportunity. You never see a
motorcycle parked outside a psychiatrist’s office, and while some seek therapy,
the rest of us ride. If only a momentary escape, or a month long tour, riding
will clear the head, and improve attitude like nothing else. Except Jesus.
Just being a Christian and being assured heaven ought to be enough to make us
smile continually, yet many Christians are gloomy. All the time. They have not
realized that happy and joy are two separate things, and confuse the two. Our
lives should celebrate Jesus in them, yet many hide their light under a basket
like scripture tells, and are gloomy enough I wonder “why would I want to be
like them?” Know one? Are one?
Happiness is based on the present situations, and if they are pleasing to
us. That same new bike that brings happiness can also bring sadness when it
runs out of gas. Or breaks down. Or cannot be ridden. Happiness is for the
moment, but joy runs deeper. It is forever. Joy is not the absence of
suffering, but the presence of God in all situations. Joy appreciates the past,
the right now, and the what is to come, because we have Christ in our lives, and
it ought to show. And when our hearts are right with God, we show it
naturally. It cannot be turned on and off like some do based on situations, it
comes form knowing Jesus and trusting him. I am happy because I am going to
heaven, I am joyful because Jesus saved me. Yet some try to cover it up, or
blind us with their high beams for Jesus, bringing condemnation and fear, rather
than the love and forgiveness that saved them. Without Jesus we can have happy
times, but they will fade, like my time on the Parkway. With Jesus it is joyful
all the time, and the road is open whenever I want to ride it. Joy is not based
on situations, but on the cross, and the one who died on it. His pain was our
gain. Those who are aware of what Jesus has done live in joy, and although we
may not always be happy, we have his joy within us via the holy spirit.
Malcolm’s position in life gave him access to many famous people.
Statesman, politicians, actors, and celebrities. He was a good will ambassador
to all of them for motorcycling, his passion. We are to be ambassadors for
Christ here on earth, do we show our passion for him in our lives, does it come
from the head or the heart? The situation or the relationship? We will all
face disappointment, how we handle it shows Jesus, and many times how I handle
it shows parts of my life that still need work. Not quite there yet, and so I
see mercy. Forgiveness. Even in bad times of bad decisions Jesus still loves
us. So be aware of God’s love and acceptance for us. Show it in attitude and
action, using words only when necessary. Money may not buy happiness, but it
can buy a motorcycle and that may be the same thing, but only Jesus can give you
joy, and you cannot buy it. It is a gift, so accept it. And pass it on to
others, even those who don’t ride. Stop preaching, start forgiving. Stop
worrying and ride. You meet the nicest people on Hondas and other brands. You
never know who is under that Arai or set of leathers, we are all family once we
throw a leg over the seat. Only God knows the heart, we judge based on
appearance. Malcolm put his money where his heart was. Where he was happiest.
I am happiest in Christ, knowing I will live forever in heaven. Which brings me
joy. Happy or joyful or both? Only in Jesus will you know the difference. I
feel a ride coming up.....joy and happiness in Christ. Jesus and motorcycles,
it don’t get much better than this.
By the way, Malcolm’s headstone reads “while alive, he lived.” Amen to
that.
love with compassion, and passion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com