I'm not trying to be sarcastic.
2007-07-19 17:15:36 · 12 answers · asked by oysterchowder2004 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
I've been a biker for almost 30 years, and I can answer this question easily.
When I got into bikin', you could pick up a Harley-Davidson, a BSA, or a Triumph relatively cheap. I didn't have alot of money in those days, and still don't. I couldn't afford a car or a truck. So I ended up with a motorcycle. As it turns out, I actually liked the doggone things, but in those days bikes were nothing like they are now. We didn't have electric starters, and fancy fiberglass saddlebags, and plexiglass windshields, and stereos. We had kickstarters, leather bags, a bed roll hooked to your front forks, and maybe a tool pouch.
We didn't wear leather jackets because we wanted to look tough, we did it because it hid the grease you got on you from working on your bike, or from the road tar that splattered all over you from the highway. We also wore chaps at times ( for the cold ) or in some cases because H-D's were notorious for dripping oil out of the primary case and spraying it all over the place.
There weren't as many riders in those days, and the ones who stuck it out became as close as brothers. It was a tight comradery, like family. Never in my life did I meet a bigger hearted bunch of people than bikers. If you broke down, some brother would pull off to help you out. If you were down to your last cent in your pocket, some biker would share. If you were down to your last drop of gas, some biker would share. If a brother had two beers, he'd share one with you if you didn't have one. And that goes for many other things.
When you rode down the road, you tossed your fist up in the air for "brotherhood", and a brother riding the other direction would do the same in respect.
If you were getting hassled by someone, they'd have to fight you, and all your "brothers" too! No one left you hung out to dry!
If your old lady, or your kids got sick, the bikers would be there to help. If someone died, they'd all turn out to pay respects.
You see, society could learn alot from old school bikers. It was about respect for other brothers.
Nowadays, it's wanna-be bikers going out, spending big dollars for a Harley, and some gucci-*** leather, and they wouldn't know a primary chain from a logging chain! They all look pretty, if you ask me, but that's the extent of it. They ride by you, and disrespect you. They wouldn't help you if you were broke down, or just plain broke. They'll drink a beer with you, and leave you with the damned bar tab!
No, these aint bikers out there anymore. A few left from the old days, but all of us are getting older, and nursing all the arthritis from our old injuries. We still take care of one another, but I think the old school biker is a dying breed. I'm sorry to see them go, I love all those brothers.
2007-07-19 17:39:53 · answer #1 · answered by C J 6 · 13⤊ 0⤋
What is a biker/ well any-one whos crossed country on a Motorcycle, coast to coast... any one that has been refused a room at a hotel, as Manager says "we don't like your kind around here" Hells Angels aren't Bikers? they are a "Club" now they present a look of a "Biker' like in the movies..some one out-there ridin a chopper, or Hardtail ( those are Bar Bikes, not long distant travellers)A biker is an individual. a lawyer, doctor, a carpenter( if Jesus lived today he'd be a Biker) he had a small club, that traveled a lot...Biker? any one that joins a group of other on the road of friendship and comraderie/ most motorcyclist ride in group to be heard and seen as all drivers don't pay attention out there.
2007-07-20 01:30:21 · answer #2 · answered by lingo bingo 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I liked CJ's answer, but maybe I will try to answer it in another way.
A real biker is more about the love of the ride. You aren't a real biker based on what you ride, but the fact that you do ride. I've seen more real 'bikers' riding crappy old bikes that they have to work on themselves to keep them running.
Now a days, people are 'buying' into the image. They went down and bought the biggest most expensive bike they could find. But they really aren't that great a rider, but they have all the sparkling clean leather you could image, and they will ride down to the local bar to drink beer and talk about riding. You will find these bikes for sale in about 5 years with about 2 thousand miles on them.
We tend to call them RUBs (Rich Urban Bikers). Now the sad thing is that I make enough money and have a good enough job that I could qualify for that category too. But I like to think that I am more than that, I love the ride, I ride every month of the year, I ride in every weather. And I try to do a couple of long road trips every year. I went down and got my motorcycle endorsement the first day I was eligible, and have been riding bikes ever since.
2007-07-20 01:03:01 · answer #3 · answered by darcprowler 2 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Another vote for CJ.
Being a loner most of the time, I don't have the group of "brothers" to help or back me up. A large reason I don't call myself a biker.
Times have changed, even the bits of closeness I remember are gone. It's become rare that one helps another just because they ride anymore.
2007-07-20 17:02:58 · answer #4 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a old copy of Easyriders Magazine and 1 up to date issue then compare the 2 . Things sure have changed in 30 years/peace
2007-07-20 17:06:43 · answer #5 · answered by Terry S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I might add one more thought, having ridden since I was 25...(I'm 63 now) A real biker (brother) doesn't "dis" you because of what brand of bike you choose to warm with your butt. He may kid you around about your rice grinder, but he respects the fact that you're out there all 12 months of the year dodging the cage drivin' cell phone idiots, same as he is. Be safe...K ;o)
2007-07-20 06:49:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Cj said it all...no need to say anymore except i agree with darcprowler too and the people buying into the image.those guys aint bikers
2007-07-20 10:54:05 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Right on cj!! and remember, 20 grand and 20 miles does not make you a biker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-07-20 08:12:03 · answer #8 · answered by jrrysimmons 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well I had this really long answer in mind but then I read CJ's answer.......Nothing more need be said. P.S. Hey CJ if ya make it up for STURGIS I'll buy ya a beer !
2007-07-20 09:05:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
outstanding answer CJ, hats off to ya ! be happy ride or share a beer with ya anytime!!
2007-07-20 01:07:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋