"Bikers" vs. people who just own bikes

[Blues]

I want to see what y'all think about this. I feel there's a difference between "bikers" and people who just own bikes and sometimes ride. Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong either way..hell, do what you will. But I do wonder, however, what exactly qualifies one as a biker. Me, I think I'm a biker, through and through. I ride everywhere, and damn near every day. Rain (if it ain't too bad) or a little cold or hot weather isn't going to stop me. In the interest of full disclosure, I too considered fuel economy when I decided on the GZ. Now, after almost 10,000 miles, I find out that I'd ride even if gasoline were free. No radio to listen to, no cupholders to fool with and no ability to talk on the cell phone on a bike...just concentrating on riding. Me and the road. For me, it's almost a form of meditation. So many of the crappy distractions of the day have to go by the wayside when I'm on my bike. I'm sure many of you in here know what I'm talking about.

Then there's people, like some of the guys I work with, who just ride out of the desire to save on gas money. If it rains (or even threatens to) they bring the car. Or it's too hot..or too cold. It's almost like they might be looking for a reason not to ride. Hey, as I said, that's cool. Man, it's your bike..ride it or not. I do, though, almost feel bad for these cats because I think they might be missing out on the best part of having a bike. It ain't the 60 mpg, it's the ride. It's the interesting people you meet. It's the cool feeling you get sitting on a bike eating lunch at a drive-in restaurant.

I don't think one need be a "1%'er" to be a biker. I feel, instead, that a "biker" describes one who looks for every reason to ride (or rides with no reason) vs. those who feel required to ride or jump in the car at the first hint of weather. If you haven't guessed..I love my bike and being on it :2tup: Let me know what you think...can we 250 riders be called "bikers"?

Peace
Aaron

[john1096]

I think a lot of us with 250cc bikes bought them to actually use as transportation as opposed to just taking leisurely drives on Sunday afternoons for three months out of the year (not that there's anything wrong with that). The funny thing to me is that many of those who ride a few hundred miles a year or just own a bike to go hang out at the biker bars or other gathering spots between Memorial Day and Labor Day laugh at us and think they are the true bikers. Are they just jealous of our uncanny ability to ride in sub 60 degree temps and rain?

Yes, we are true bikers. There will always be many in the biker world that do not agree with that statement. I can live with it. Many GZ owners will move up eventually, just don't forget where you came from!

BTW, the most fun I've had to date was commuting at 58 degrees and a light rain. Looking forward to more cool weather riding.

[alanmcorcoran]

I think dividing people into categories of those that are like you and those that are not often leads to misunderstanding and mistrust. Not that I don't often do it myself, but I try not to.

That being said, I think anyone that rides a motorcycle can be considered a "biker." From newbs to vets, HD's to Beemers, ATTGATTS to t-shirts, at some level we have something in common. This site is a good example of the value of focusing on what we share, rather than our differences. Hell, Dupo doesn't even ride a GZ! (loser.)

I also feel a kinship with cyclists (we used to call ourselves bikers too!) and middle-aged guys with cars that are never going to get them laid (see earlier post re my sweet '98 silver Camry. Only 125K on her!)

[Jer]

I think there is a difference.

I'm in the latter category. And if I stay there I'm fine with it. Its the mpg that got me here.

But who knows. I just got my license today. Have only ridden about 80 miles. And still get a bit nervous when I'm out there at times. I'm just not 100% comfortable yet.

But I'm getting there. And if I end up in the "biker" category that'll be fine too. I'll admit it, its a blast riding. And I look forward to each time I get on.

[alanmcorcoran]

Congratulations Jer. I got mine on Thursday. I'll try and pass along the benefit of my vast experience I've gained in the last two days...

[5th_bike]

Yes, you can make a sharp distinction between "bikers" and "people who just own bikes". If a person owns a bicycle or motorcycle, and never rides it, he/she is not a biker. Unless they driven another one before - I think as long as your butt has been on a saddle at some point in your life on a trip from point A to point B, you're a biker forever.

I think you are looking to distinguish between something like "hardcore bikers" versus "softies who only go out on five nice days a year" and you can if you wish, but there is a big grey zone in between and it will be hard to draw the line somewhere.

PS Congratulations to Jer and Alan of the two posts above on getting licensed !! WooHoo :rawk:

[Blues]

Jer, kudo's on the license..and hey, it was the MPG's that initially hooked me too. $4 gas was the impetus I needed to get me back on two wheels and get serious about riding. Talk about your mixed blessings! Be careful Jer...you sound like you might get caught up with riding like I did :)

Alan..you too, congrats on your "vast two days experience." I like how you put it about dividing people into categories. When I look at it in that light I realize that hard-core rider or weekend softie..we're all bikers and therefore kinfolk (in a matter of speaking). Thx for the insight.

Peace, y'all

[Sarris]

In most motorcycle circles, a "Biker" is a motorcycle rider that uses the MC as primary transportation regardless of weather or traffic conditions. Some don't own cars at all. Most do the service work and the repairs on their bike. They typically are people who don't do ATGATT and they feel that this is a personal freedom issue. Some don't do helmets either, for the same freedom of expression reason. Most feel that the ATGATT program makes you look like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. (Go Donatello!) Most "bikers" live in jeans, black t-shirts (some with leather vests as jackets are for winter), and riding boots. Restated, it's more of a freedom of expression and a lifestyle thing.

Motorcycle "Enthusiasts" on the other hand, may commute to work, typically do weekend rides, and do the ATGATT thing. The diiferences are, no rain riding, no night riding, no riding when it's too hot or too cold, and the dealer does the necessary repairs and service. Most drive their car daily and have a "normal" wardrobe. Some even dress up (or Harley up) to be a weekend wanna be. For these folks, its more of a hobby.

Personally, I don't give a good shit which way you go, I don't descriminate against anyone who has the cajones to ride. I also give less than a shit if you want to look like a TMNT. I'm not an ATGATT guy, but I do realize the risks involved and and others need to understand that its my decision to make. My style splits it at about 80% biker and 20% enthusiast. I have to play professional Architect sometimes and I hate doing my own maintenance/repairs, so there's your 20%.

I'm glad that (most) folks have an open mind on this issue, as GZ's in general, attract a lot of Newbies, who for the most part will only ride for 6 months or so before becoming too scared to ride or just bored with the "biker" thing and sell their stuff. But that's OK too. It takes a wise person to know the difference in what's good or bad for them.

This is just the opinion of a "Semi-biker" who has to keep one foot in the regular world. Now if I were independently wealthy...........

:jo:

[Raven]

I think there is a difference between "Bikers" and people who own bikes. I ride everyday even in heavy rain. I was a dedicated bicyclist for 30+ years so being wet and a little cold in nothing new. At least now I can wear more protective clothing without worring about the weight. My boss, on the other hand, shakes his head when I ride in the pouring rain. He told me his bike has never seen rain. To me that is a waste of a good machine. Motorcycles are made to be ridden. But in the end I do not think it matters if someone rides in a hurricane or only on sunny days. As long as people get out and ride the sport will grow. With an increasing number of riders, public awareness will grow and riding will become safer for all.

[Jer]

With an increasing number of riders, public awareness will grow and riding will become safer for all.

:rawk: :rawk: :rawk:

[Graydog]

Well Blues there a lot of things you have to consider when tagging that label on someone.

In Houston some of my riding buddies were in their late 70s (it was a 55 or over riding group).
One was 82.

Now some of these guys started riding after they came back from Korea. They still have a bike and still ride. But not on rainy days, super hot days, super cold days, and they don't ride every day. They would be stupid to do that. But don't dare tell one of them he (or she) is not a biker. :pissed:

I have a high school friend who bought his first motorcycle on the same day I did, at the same shop. We both left on used 1958 red Jawas. Since then there has never been a single day in this guys life that he did not own a bike. But he has always been a casual rider. To the store and back, weekend rides, etc. But he has always been a biker to me.

I am at that age where I listen to my body more closely than I used too. There are times when the bike doesn't get started for days. My riding it everyday to and from work in good or bad weather days are over. I'm a casual rider now. I probably put only about 100 to 150 miles a week on the bike now.

Like Sarris I do not wear ATGATT. I'm a tee shirt, jeans, half gloves & boots rider. I have added the helmet in the last few years. In the winter I add a leather jacket and full gloves.
I hope by taking it easy at my age I will still be riding at 82. O_o

But I'm a biker. I'm just no longer a "bad ass biker" :lol:

[davidc83]

I ride most of the time. The only time I dont ride anymore is if there is lightening in the area, snow, or temperature is below 30' F. I even went on a 2500 mile bike trip this past March. Started two days after a 13" snow storm here in Southern Indiana. Worst part of this was getting the bike down my 250' driveway with snow packed on the driveway. Used my tractor the day before to clear most of it but still had 4" of snow to get down.

Lightening didnt bother me until a month ago, got caught in a thunderstorm on the way home from work. Ligtening streaked above me and I felt static discharge in both hands and feet.

I rode my gz250 11,000 miles last year in 6 months; bought the C50 last October and have 15,000 miles on it already.
I think this classifies me as a motorcylist (biker) instead of a bike rider :-)

[Easy Rider]

in Southern Indiana.

Whereabouts in S. Indiana?
(Fill in your profile ????)
We are trying to plan a mini-meet in the next couple of weeks, probably somewhere around Charleston/Matoon, IL. The count of attendees is up to TWO already !! :biggrin:

[davidc83]

Scottsburg, Indiana. Planning on going to the Cumberland Gap meet on Sept 26-27.

[Jenny]

My husband hadn't owned a car in ten years until he bought a baja two years ago. Before I moved in with him, he had a motorcycle and a bicycle. He did long trips, short trips, and pick-up-the-chicks trips on his bikes, but by these definitions of a "real" biker, he doesn't qualify.

He's ridden in rain and snow and blizzards, but if he's got a choice, he'll leave the bike home and hitch a ride when the weather's wet. He does trips to the store on his bike, but he saved the recycling for an entire year because he knew I'd be moving in and could haul it to the recycle center in my car so that he didn't have to pack old newspapers on the bike. We were married on the motorcycle, and there are three motorcycles in our garage right now (two of them are mine; his is a 30 year old bike that he's been working on all summer while borrowing my bigger bike when his bike was down). We do some of our own repairs, but not all of them. When we moved to NY from AZ, he sold his bike because it cost more to get it cost country than to get it here, and he wanted a bigger bike (see note about his 30 year old bike that he's loving). We wear all the gear all the time. He doesn't ride if the weather's nasty and he has a choice. He does some of the work on his bike himself but leaves the bigger stuff to the bike shops.

By your definition, I'm also not a biker. I'm just a woman who has a couple of motorcycles in the garage that she takes out sometimes. I am willing to accept that because I love motorcycling and don't give two shits if you feel I'm not good enough to be called a biker. I find it interesting to note that a man who has been riding for twenty years (half his life) but more miles than can even be counted (the last bike he owned had over 35,000 miles, but we've no idea how many miles were on previous bikes), loves motorcycling with a passion, and who it killed to go over a year without a bike also doesn't qualify as a biker by your rules.

I find that this distinction is irrelevant, and there's no real good way to make that separation. There's no reason to try. We're all out there, on the road, enjoying something we love, why does it matter if we do it on the weekends, every day, or just because it's cheaper on gas mileage? When you pass someone on the road, you have no way of knowing if they fit into some arbitrary set of rules someone made up so they could feel they are better than someone else because they're doing it the "real" way so they can claim the title.

[patrick_777]

I find that this distinction is irrelevant, and there's no real good way to make that separation. There's no reason to try. We're all out there, on the road, enjoying something we love, why does it matter if we do it on the weekends, every day, or just because it's cheaper on gas mileage? When you pass someone on the road, you have no way of knowing if they fit into some arbitrary set of rules someone made up so they could feel they are better than someone else because they're doing it the "real" way so they can claim the title.

:plus1: :chop:

[Easy Rider]

I find that this distinction is irrelevant, and there's no real good way to make that separation. There's no reason to try.

:plus1:

Give 'em :curse: , Jenny !! :biggrin:

Who started this anyway ?? :cry:

[alanmcorcoran]

I'm keeping Jenny in mind if I ever need someone to help me refute the common accusation that I am not a "real man."

She'd have her work cut out for her, but, damn, she can bring it!

PS. I say if you got married on a bike, that's pretty hard core.

[Jenny]

*laughs* We had two weddings. I wanted a drive-thru chapel in Vegas, my partner wanted the big, froofie wedding. We had a big, froofie religious ceremony with a gazillion of our family and friends, then went to Vegas for the legal part at a drive-thru chapel wearing tie-dye and leather on a bike. Good fun!

But we flew to Vegas and rented a bike because it would have taken our entire vacation to get there and back and we had no way of knowing what the weather would be like in advance. We weren't willing to take the chance of getting stuck in lots of rain. We rented a smaller bike (a Honda Shadow 750 or 850 or something like that, it was the smallest bike the rental place had) and the woman who rented it to us thought it was silly that we got such a "tiny" bike for our time in Vegas. She didn't think my husband was a real biker based on the size of his bike. He also wasn't willing to submit himself to two days straight riding on a 535cc bike all the way to Vegas, a day in Vegas, and then two days back in whatever weather happened because he wanted to enjoy his honeymoon without being miserable in the rain. Not a real biker. Me, I wasn't a biker at that point, so I can't be called hard core, and I definitely saw no need to be miserable when we were looking to have a good time.

*smiles* And that's what being on the bike is about whether others see you as a real biker or as a weekend, fair weather, motorcycle owner. You're out there to get on the bike and to ride because you enjoy it, because being on that bike makes you feel good in some way that all the people who've never ridden a bike don't understand.

[prof_stack]

When I put just 4,300 miles on a Sportster over 6 years (!), I just owned a Harley.
When I just put 2,400 miles on a Moto Guzzi over 6 weeks, I am an enthusiast. Perhaps even a biker. :)

[5th_bike]

When I put just 4,300 miles on a Sportster over 6 years (!), I just owned a Harley.
When I just put 2,400 miles on a Moto Guzzi over 6 weeks, I am an enthusiast. Perhaps even a biker. :)

For real, prof ? Then, now you are a Guzzisto !

I put 3,500 miles on my GZ in a year. I don't feel like a biker - bikers ride bicycles or harleys. More like a motorcycle user.

[prof_stack]

[quote="prof_stack":25gp5g68]When I put just 4,300 miles on a Sportster over 6 years (!), I just owned a Harley.
When I just put 2,400 miles on a Moto Guzzi over 6 weeks, I am an enthusiast. Perhaps even a biker. :)

For real, prof ? Then, now you are a Guzzisto !
I put 3,500 miles on my GZ in a year. I don't feel like a biker - bikers ride bicycles or harleys. More like a motorcycle user.[/quote:25gp5g68]

I am surprised how easily the miles come on the Guzzi. Last Sunday's 160 mile ride was one I never wanted to end. I don't commute on it, since 4.5 miles is better done on bicycle for fitness and city traffic thickness.

Just for the fun of riding, that's what it's all about, right?

[purslant]

Ride the way you want, and when you want. It’s all about choice.
Be safe and enjoy it your way!
I ride whenever, and where ever possible.
Hot or Cold, day or night (I stay out of the rain when possible, not a fun ride to me)
I ride because I enjoy it. The fact that I save a little on gas is just a bonus.
It’s an adventure ever time…

[Badbob]

I'm not a biker. I'm a motorcyclist. :)

[goneoutflying]

Real bikers do not care if they are considered "Real bikers" :ride: