harley davidsons aging biker problem
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 671
Likes: 0
From: Toledo Bend Lake Texas
Not to be a smart *** or whatever, but is that lifestyle desirable? It seems like it would be a very rough and non-desirable lifestyle that would never be chosen if given the chance. I guess its been a couple years ago, but the hell's angels local chapter president was killed in his own home, shot in the head execution style and to my knowledge, no one has been arrested or charged with that murder. I don't believe that owning a hd makes anyone a biker either, but maybe an enthusiast for bikes, which I consider myself. The term biker has taken on a negative connotation these days and I wonder if it is desirable in the first place now.?? I was 30 years old before I could afford a used harley davidson heritage, and prices have only gone up from then. Do I see anything wrong if mr accountant or engineer or teacher or whomever, wants to dress up in leather and ride a bike and pretend that they are from another time? Its their life, to each their own, halloween is just around the corner. I have all that stuff too, and a 2011 sg with about 28k in so far, everyone would be better off if they were just themselves. period. ride and let ride
Sure it was a lot wilder, but that cutting edge is what made it what it was.
I know, it sounds like I'm talking in riddles. But, if you fit in, it was the greatest lifestyle in the world. If you didn't, well most times, you'd heal up in a few weeks. As far as someone getting killed, and no arrest being made, I don't think that arrest is going to bring anyone back!
Really, it was just a tighter knit group of people, you knew most of the guys that rode, cause they were your friends, "the greasers", if you were a greaser you pretty much fit in. There wern't many Drs. or Lawyers trying to ride at that time.
The term biker taken on a negative connotation? It couldn't be any more negative than it was in the 50s and 60s. There are very very few BIKERS left. 99% of the riders now are "Motorcycle Enthusiast". The term "biker" has been Homogenized beyond recognition.
Your chances of having trouble now, are about 100 times greater than, back in the 50s and 60s, cause every "cowboy" on a Harley now, is trying to prove he's the real thing. Trying to prove he's not a "poser". Years ago if you weren't the real thing, you didn't make it, and the term "poser" had never been heard of. You couldn't hide behind throngs of "Enthusiast", because they weren't there. everyone there was "the real thing". You had better be able to stand on your own reputation.
I agree that anyone has the right to ride whatever they want. And, yes Halloween is right around the corner. So everyone "Leather"up and head on down to Starbucks!
Last edited by Harleybass; Oct 18, 2010 at 11:29 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
I don't know if it was desirable to the main stream, but that's what made it desirable to me. I guess you just had to be there.
Sure it was a lot wilder, but that cutting edge is what made it what it was.
I know, it sounds like I'm talking in riddles. But, if you fit in, it was the greatest lifestyle in the world. If you didn't, well most times, you'd heal up in a few weeks. As far as someone getting killed, and no arrest being made, I don't think that arrest is going to bring anyone back!
Really, it was just a tighter knit group of people, you knew most of the guys that rode, cause they were your friends, "the greasers", if you were a greaser you pretty much fit in. There wern't many Drs. or Lawyers trying to ride at that time.
The term biker taken on a negative connotation? It couldn't be any more negative than it was in the 50s and 60s. There are very very few BIKERS left. 99% of the riders now are "Motorcycle Enthusiast". The term "biker" has been Homogenized beyond recognition.
Your chances of having trouble now, are about 100 times greater than, back in the 50s and 60s, cause every "cowboy" on a Harley now, is trying to prove he's the real thing. Trying to prove he's not a "poser". Years ago if you weren't the real thing, you didn't make it, and the term "poser" had never been heard of. You couldn't hide behind throngs of "Enthusiast", because they weren't there. everyone there was "the real thing". You had better be able to stand on your own reputation.
I agree that anyone has the right to ride whatever they want. And, yes Halloween is right around the corner. So everyone "Leather"up and head on down to Starbucks!
Sure it was a lot wilder, but that cutting edge is what made it what it was.
I know, it sounds like I'm talking in riddles. But, if you fit in, it was the greatest lifestyle in the world. If you didn't, well most times, you'd heal up in a few weeks. As far as someone getting killed, and no arrest being made, I don't think that arrest is going to bring anyone back!
Really, it was just a tighter knit group of people, you knew most of the guys that rode, cause they were your friends, "the greasers", if you were a greaser you pretty much fit in. There wern't many Drs. or Lawyers trying to ride at that time.
The term biker taken on a negative connotation? It couldn't be any more negative than it was in the 50s and 60s. There are very very few BIKERS left. 99% of the riders now are "Motorcycle Enthusiast". The term "biker" has been Homogenized beyond recognition.
Your chances of having trouble now, are about 100 times greater than, back in the 50s and 60s, cause every "cowboy" on a Harley now, is trying to prove he's the real thing. Trying to prove he's not a "poser". Years ago if you weren't the real thing, you didn't make it, and the term "poser" had never been heard of. You couldn't hide behind throngs of "Enthusiast", because they weren't there. everyone there was "the real thing". You had better be able to stand on your own reputation.
I agree that anyone has the right to ride whatever they want. And, yes Halloween is right around the corner. So everyone "Leather"up and head on down to Starbucks!
You and I have bounced down the same roads in life it seems . I've tried and couldn't put it as plain or as simple as you have here , your going to find this ruffles the hell outa feathers in this chicken coop . I hit the scene in the early 70's and have watched it die out for all intents and purposes over the last 20 or so years and in some ways it needed to as I suspect we,ve both seen .
As for the trouble part oh you are so right about that , one of prime weekend watering holes is only about 6 blks from me . I've been going regular for over 20yrs , bounced there for 10+ part time . The peacock brigade has gotten so bad I've only been in 3 times in the last 2 yrs and have gotten some kinda crap from a new rub each time , pepper sprayed the last ******* and his bike just for a little life lesson .
Weekly there's at least 1 or 2 new clubs flying their shiny new patches all puffed up looking like a Geritol convention gone bad in leather drag and everyone is sporting a big " I'm A BadASS " attitude .
PS about the real thing , How many in here know what a Mud Check is or have been in involved in one .
Nice bumping into one of he old guard again .
TB
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Oct 19, 2010 at 03:06 PM.
LOL!!! You two are floodin' me with memories, despite being off the road for many years of saving up. Coming back out with the new bike, I've found many things changed, mostly the people. Most of these guys would have been in trouble around the crowd in the '70s.
I've found folks with nothing to prove, just love to ride, and don't doll up for "bike nights". Some are downright ATGATT riders with safety bubbles around them and some are nuts as me, coming from the old guard. But they're real, and that's all I ask.
I've found folks with nothing to prove, just love to ride, and don't doll up for "bike nights". Some are downright ATGATT riders with safety bubbles around them and some are nuts as me, coming from the old guard. But they're real, and that's all I ask.
Account Deactivated At Users Request
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 2
I don't know if it was desirable to the main stream, but that's what made it desirable to me. I guess you just had to be there.
Sure it was a lot wilder, but that cutting edge is what made it what it was.
I know, it sounds like I'm talking in riddles. But, if you fit in, it was the greatest lifestyle in the world. If you didn't, well most times, you'd heal up in a few weeks. As far as someone getting killed, and no arrest being made, I don't think that arrest is going to bring anyone back!
Really, it was just a tighter knit group of people, you knew most of the guys that rode, cause they were your friends, "the greasers", if you were a greaser you pretty much fit in. There wern't many Drs. or Lawyers trying to ride at that time.
The term biker taken on a negative connotation? It couldn't be any more negative than it was in the 50s and 60s. There are very very few BIKERS left. 99% of the riders now are "Motorcycle Enthusiast". The term "biker" has been Homogenized beyond recognition.
Your chances of having trouble now, are about 100 times greater than, back in the 50s and 60s, cause every "cowboy" on a Harley now, is trying to prove he's the real thing. Trying to prove he's not a "poser". Years ago if you weren't the real thing, you didn't make it, and the term "poser" had never been heard of. You couldn't hide behind throngs of "Enthusiast", because they weren't there. everyone there was "the real thing". You had better be able to stand on your own reputation.
I agree that anyone has the right to ride whatever they want. And, yes Halloween is right around the corner. So everyone "Leather"up and head on down to Starbucks!
Sure it was a lot wilder, but that cutting edge is what made it what it was.
I know, it sounds like I'm talking in riddles. But, if you fit in, it was the greatest lifestyle in the world. If you didn't, well most times, you'd heal up in a few weeks. As far as someone getting killed, and no arrest being made, I don't think that arrest is going to bring anyone back!
Really, it was just a tighter knit group of people, you knew most of the guys that rode, cause they were your friends, "the greasers", if you were a greaser you pretty much fit in. There wern't many Drs. or Lawyers trying to ride at that time.
The term biker taken on a negative connotation? It couldn't be any more negative than it was in the 50s and 60s. There are very very few BIKERS left. 99% of the riders now are "Motorcycle Enthusiast". The term "biker" has been Homogenized beyond recognition.
Your chances of having trouble now, are about 100 times greater than, back in the 50s and 60s, cause every "cowboy" on a Harley now, is trying to prove he's the real thing. Trying to prove he's not a "poser". Years ago if you weren't the real thing, you didn't make it, and the term "poser" had never been heard of. You couldn't hide behind throngs of "Enthusiast", because they weren't there. everyone there was "the real thing". You had better be able to stand on your own reputation.
I agree that anyone has the right to ride whatever they want. And, yes Halloween is right around the corner. So everyone "Leather"up and head on down to Starbucks!
I am a biker enthusiast, like starbucks, and don't care about what happened in your wasted youth and life. Call me a poser, I don't care. I don't care to fit in, and yes i can handle myself just fine. doctors and lawyers probably did ride in those days, they just didn't make asses of themselves. real thing? who cares. got nothing to prove to anyone. period. Don't want to be called biker, get it???? I don't care to ride any motorcycle that leaks oil in the showroom brand new either. I'll take todays hd any day over the 70's when they had to be broken down every year. No thanks. Ive ridden kawasakis, hondas and hd. cowboy .....uh no....wtf, who are you to judge any one. who cares. move on. heck maybe get a life now, try.
At least you're honest with your convictions.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 671
Likes: 0
From: Toledo Bend Lake Texas
Your the Dentist and I hit the nerve!!
I am a biker enthusiast, like starbucks, and don't care about what happened in your wasted youth and life. Call me a poser, I don't care. I don't care to fit in, and yes i can handle myself just fine. doctors and lawyers probably did ride in those days, they just didn't make asses of themselves. real thing? who cares. got nothing to prove to anyone. period. Don't want to be called biker, get it???? I don't care to ride any motorcycle that leaks oil in the showroom brand new either. I'll take todays hd any day over the 70's when they had to be broken down every year. No thanks. Ive ridden kawasakis, hondas and hd. cowboy .....uh no....wtf, who are you to judge any one. who cares. move on. heck maybe get a life now, try.
My life has not been wasted, and your assumption of such, shows your true ignorance or arrogance, whichever fits. I should expect as much, this was my point exactly.
I went to work in the Oilfields in 1970 and my ruff and tumble lifestyle fit right in, with my career choice. I've done very well, thank you. Workin at the Harley Shop and in the Oilfield is the only thing I've ever done. I still work in the Oilfield as an Area Mgr for a Downhole Tool company.
So **** up a rope you Fu*kin Poser, at least I did get to live the "real" life, thats something you'll never know!
You couldn't have made the grade anyhow!
p.s. They didn't leak, they marked their territory!
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Damn, Hit a nerve there! Ruffled up them Tail Feathers
My life has not been wasted, and your assumption of such, shows your true ignorance or arrogance, whichever fits. I should expect as much, this was my point exactly.
I went to work in the Oilfields in 1970 and my ruff and tumble lifestyle fit right in, with my career choice. I've done very well, thank you. Workin at the Harley Shop and in the Oilfield is the only thing I've ever done. I still work in the Oilfield as an Area Mgr for a Downhole Tool company.
So **** up a rope you Fu*kin Poser, at least I did get to live the "real" life, thats something you'll never know!
You couldn't have made the grade anyhow!
p.s. They didn't leak, they marked their territory!
My life has not been wasted, and your assumption of such, shows your true ignorance or arrogance, whichever fits. I should expect as much, this was my point exactly.
I went to work in the Oilfields in 1970 and my ruff and tumble lifestyle fit right in, with my career choice. I've done very well, thank you. Workin at the Harley Shop and in the Oilfield is the only thing I've ever done. I still work in the Oilfield as an Area Mgr for a Downhole Tool company.
So **** up a rope you Fu*kin Poser, at least I did get to live the "real" life, thats something you'll never know!
You couldn't have made the grade anyhow!
p.s. They didn't leak, they marked their territory!
As for 70's shovels leaking , had this one 28 yrs and if she did leak it was because I was f*cking up not the bike .
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 57
From: Rijssen, the Netherlands
Let the writer bring his 19 year old daughter to this 60- biker. Let's see if I have artrithis, if I can raise my leg or my hips are inflexible. Ask her the examination results...(lol)
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Joe Kucinski
Account Deactivated At Users Request
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 2
While doing my morning run, it dawned on me, self, you are a poser. You are not a biker, whew, what a relief. Actually, everyone I ride with is a poser. Highly successful people, jobs, lives, can afford a new harley whenever we want, etc etc. We are the reason hd had such a good run starting in the 90's. Twisted, how many jobs have you had???? Every time i read a post from you. you mention a job that you worked there. I believe you are bitter because you can't hold a job, and these well educated people are dissing your value???? Yep , I am going to work now, same job for 20 years, so I can pay 4 times in tax than what you make a year, so you can live outside the box. My father was killed when I was 3 years old, he served my country so you bikers could live the lifestyle. ride on, but let the people that revived hd be. Signed , happy to be a poser NOT a biker.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: atlanta ga.
if you stop to think about it.... anyone who has an opinion on this subject is either a poser or a jackass. doesn't matter which side you are on.
me, i don't care. i rode mine to work yesterday. don't get to do that too often. i stopped to offer help to another rider who was on the side of the road during rush hour traffic in atlanta. not looking for a medal. but if i see one of you posers or jackasses broken down on the side of the road i will most likely stop and help help you if i can.
everything else in this conversation is a bunch of bullshit.
me, i don't care. i rode mine to work yesterday. don't get to do that too often. i stopped to offer help to another rider who was on the side of the road during rush hour traffic in atlanta. not looking for a medal. but if i see one of you posers or jackasses broken down on the side of the road i will most likely stop and help help you if i can.
everything else in this conversation is a bunch of bullshit.