RUB vs. Achievement
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,151
Likes: 0
I know there seems to be some distaste for the RUB (rich urban biker) by some in the biker community, but the distinction to me seems to be blurred at times. We all know that the initial cost of a new Harley can be a significant outlay, then the maintenance costs, and of course the endless additions and changes with accessories. From the background scenes or the neighborhoods of the pictures shown on this site, many subscribers seem to live a pretty comfortable existence. If you have worked hard, live in an "upscale" community and accumulated some disposable income, does that classify an individual as a "RUB" because of their socioeconomic status? If you would rather hear the sound of true duals than the hum of a golf cart, does that put one in the "RUB" community? In my opinion, if a person is successful from an occupational perspective and enjoys motorcycles, they shouldn't be stereotyped because their achievement. What say you?
I agree completely.. Bein a Biker isn't about how much or how little money ya have, what ya ride, how far ya ride, what ya wear.. It's about Attitude..
I need to as well follow up with what I find 9 times out of 10.. When the crew and I are out somewhere and run into a group of riders as you described above.. Were the ones being given the "cold shoulder" and treated with an obvious "Distaste"....
I will admit that we probibly look more like a group of 1%'rs then we do what you refer to as a "Rub"... Even tho were wearing "OverComers In Christ" colors.. And are friendly and outgoing..We do mostly come from a much different background.. We actually find the 3 Piece patch groups, whoever they may be.. to be much more friendly toward us..
I have actually on many occasions walked into a group of riders as you have described above trying to be friendly and share some road stories or just say hello and had them turn there back on me like I wasen't even there..Or bluntly say.. "Were in a hurry, Have here or there to get to" and trip over themselves to get on there bikes and leave..
So should be be stereotyped either??
PT
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 802
Likes: 2
From: Here and There
I know there seems to be some distaste for the RUB (rich urban biker) by some in the biker community, but the distinction to me seems to be blurred at times. We all know that the initial cost of a new Harley can be a significant outlay, then the maintenance costs, and of course the endless additions and changes with accessories. From the background scenes or the neighborhoods of the pictures shown on this site, many subscribers seem to live a pretty comfortable existence. If you have worked hard, live in an "upscale" community and accumulated some disposable income, does that classify an individual as a "RUB" because of their socioeconomic status? If you would rather hear the sound of true duals than the hum of a golf cart, does that put one in the "RUB" community? In my opinion, if a person is successful from an occupational perspective and enjoys motorcycles, they shouldn't be stereotyped because their achievement. What say you?
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 188
Likes: 2
From:
A comedian once said his dad defined anyone driving slower than him --"look at this idiot" and anyone going faster as "check out that f***ing maniac"
That's how I feel about RUB as a title.
Those with less than me think I'm one, and I think anyone with more than me is one.
The nice part of the recent economic melt down will be the thinning of the herd of rich guy harley riders. The first thing to go before the house on the lake is the Harley with the sheet on it in the garage. That, and the Vette.
So, is Arlen Ness a RUB? Or Perewitz? What about OCC family?
That's how I feel about RUB as a title.
Those with less than me think I'm one, and I think anyone with more than me is one.
The nice part of the recent economic melt down will be the thinning of the herd of rich guy harley riders. The first thing to go before the house on the lake is the Harley with the sheet on it in the garage. That, and the Vette.
So, is Arlen Ness a RUB? Or Perewitz? What about OCC family?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 843
Likes: 4
From: Where ever I lay my head...
These terms are all just ways for angry people to continue their angry existence.
I'm sure certain angry bikers would consider me a RUB even though I've spent my whole life around bikes since my Dad and his buddies started the first German HOG chapter.
Bottom line, some people just enjoy putting other people down to make themselves feel good about what they do or where they are in life.
Also, I'm in the military and I find it funny when other military folk exclaim others as RUB's......especially considering the economic status of lots of military folks these days with deployments etc....
Look in the garage of someone who has been in the military the last 7 years and you'll see what I mean.
I'm sure certain angry bikers would consider me a RUB even though I've spent my whole life around bikes since my Dad and his buddies started the first German HOG chapter.
Bottom line, some people just enjoy putting other people down to make themselves feel good about what they do or where they are in life.
Also, I'm in the military and I find it funny when other military folk exclaim others as RUB's......especially considering the economic status of lots of military folks these days with deployments etc....
Look in the garage of someone who has been in the military the last 7 years and you'll see what I mean.
Last edited by Fast FLHX; Dec 26, 2008 at 10:12 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
Could care less if labeled a RUB or not. Love to ride.........buy bling, performance parts, harley gear because I like them. Install myself, rarely ride with groups, do not ride nearly as much as I would like because my job requires tons of my time and travel which is the fuel I need to keep riding. If my bling and 10k a year mileage makes me a RUB, so be it.
No way I am judging any of you and could care less what others think of me. I am closer to a PUB anyway. LOL
No way I am judging any of you and could care less what others think of me. I am closer to a PUB anyway. LOL
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 1
From: Oak Park, IL
I'd like to think I have a pretty wide perspective on this. My first three Harley's came home in baskets, literally. As a kid I raced dirt bikes and lived a wild enough life that going into the service was recommended to me (nuff said). I spent a good number of years after my stint with Uncle Sam in the "Live to Ride, Ride to Live" mode and I loved it. After my youngest was born I had a bad wreck, put the bikes away, started making some serious money as did my wife, and we focused more on the family then riding. Last year I hit two milestones, my youngest went to college and I was able to buy my first ever new motorcycle.
And now as I look into the second half of my life ( ok, final 3rd ), I am again taking stock of what is important and have begun thinking about what it would be like to simplify things and "Live to Ride" again. My wife is looking at retirement soon, I find myself dreaming about going back to the American southwest, who knows.
But RUB or Poser, I don't know, some of the best folks I've known just ride, they will take you along and if you want to buy lunch more power to you, if you can't, they will spot you for it. The real question is, if you are riding down the highway and you see a bike & rider broken down on the opposite side will you get off, turn around, and see if you can help. If you will then you are welcome to ride with me, if not, then you wouldn't or couldn't understand. It really is as simple as that.
And now as I look into the second half of my life ( ok, final 3rd ), I am again taking stock of what is important and have begun thinking about what it would be like to simplify things and "Live to Ride" again. My wife is looking at retirement soon, I find myself dreaming about going back to the American southwest, who knows.
But RUB or Poser, I don't know, some of the best folks I've known just ride, they will take you along and if you want to buy lunch more power to you, if you can't, they will spot you for it. The real question is, if you are riding down the highway and you see a bike & rider broken down on the opposite side will you get off, turn around, and see if you can help. If you will then you are welcome to ride with me, if not, then you wouldn't or couldn't understand. It really is as simple as that.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 578
Likes: 0
From: Florida Gulf Coast
I think the whole "Anti-RUB, Anti-Poser" thing is a bit moronic. 20 years ago or so, "Real Bikers" weren't buying new bikes, and weren't spending much money at their Harley dealer (for many reasons - some of them to be blamed on the MOCO). As a result, Harley was almost gone. Today's real bikers can thank all those RUB's and Posers for supporting the company and helping it become a success. Without them, no one would likely be able to buy a new Harley in 2008.
If you want to have a garage queen, then have a garage queen. They'll sell it to somebody who really wants to ride in a couple of years after it has held down the floor in their garage. It doesn't have any bearing on my life. Don't know why so many people get their underwear in a knot about it.
Last edited by tano01; Dec 26, 2008 at 11:13 AM.