03-14-2015, 08:09 PM
I think the horse comparison is useful here, but not entirely for the reason stated. You "drive" a horse when you are controlling it from a carriage or coach or other conveyance to which it is harnessed. You "ride" a horse when you sit atop it. However, in rare circumstances, such as when the driver of the stagecoach is shot and the Lone Ranger needs to bring the runaway rig safely to a stop in order to save the pretty women riding inside, a person may manage to get atop the horse that is pulling the coach. I would argue that since the horse is still harnessed to the coach, the person is "driving" the rig. So, in merciful conclusion, I contend that you ride a motorcycle unless you are pulling a trailer in which case you are driving it.