RUB vs. Achievement
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 174
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RUB vs. Achievement
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 can pretty much predict how this thread will probably play out. I don't think it will be so bad in the touring forum, but had you posted this in the general chat forum, it would go like this......The people who have done well for themselves would tell you that you are right on par that they have worked hard to get where they are in life and truthfully would own a bike no matter what their status was. (I think I fall into this category, my wife and I do well, but I have always been a "gear head" although just recently discovered the joy of riding a motorcycle) The true RUBs are going to quickly defend themselves, and finally the one's who may not be as fortunate or are still working to get there are going to go two ways. One group will call everyone "brother" and not care about your "status" as long as you ride, the other group will tell you to talk it over at Starbucks with the rest of your RUB friends and will classify anyone that lives in a nicer house or drives nicer cages as a "RUB"
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 6
From: Jax, FL
My philosophy is that if you have worked hard and gained success you owe nobody an explanation or apology. Let them deal with their issues. This is America, land of opportunity for all, but unfortunately too many choose not to take advantage of those opportunities.
That's the old "Divide and Conquer" thought. I never liked it much. I ride Harleys, have always ridden Harleys, and will always ride Harleys. Who am I (or anyone else for that matter) to tell you when and how to spend your hard earned money? So what if you use a credit card? I do, and so do 99% of the people here. If it wasn't for the so called RUBS, there would be no Harley today. Back in the '80s, us shovel/pan/knuck/flatty riders did what we could to keep the company afloat, it was the "New" blood that invested with us and saved the company and turned it around to what it is today. Al
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,432
Likes: 290
From: FL
I can pretty much predict how this thread will probably play out. I don't think it will be so bad in the touring forum, but had you posted this in the general chat forum, it would go like this......The people who have done well for themselves would tell you that you are right on par that they have worked hard to get where they are in life and truthfully would own a bike no matter what their status was. (I think I fall into this category, my wife and I do well, but I have always been a "gear head" although just recently discovered the joy of riding a motorcycle) The true RUBs are going to quickly defend themselves, and finally the one's who may not be as fortunate or are still working to get there are going to go two ways. One group will call everyone "brother" and not care about your "status" as long as you ride, the other group will tell you to talk it over at Starbucks with the rest of your RUB friends and will classify anyone that lives in a nicer house or drives nicer cages as a "RUB"
Ride safe brothers. BTW, I call you brothers because we're americans (mostly), not becuase we're bikers. I've found through the years that most bikers are more patriotic than any other class of people (regardless of thier income).
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Outstanding HDF Member
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I think I need a lesson on all the lingo in this forum. This is the first time I saw RUB spelled out (maybe because no one has ever called it to me to my face
). I never knew what it stood for. I get tired off all the name calling via "lingo". If you ride: have fun, be safe, be respectful...who cares about the rest. I don't care how much or how little money people have...what they wear, how they wave, how many miles they have on their bike, or if they are a "real biker" or not. Some people are a-holes and some are not. THAT'S pretty much the only distinction I make. My .02. 
). I never knew what it stood for. I get tired off all the name calling via "lingo". If you ride: have fun, be safe, be respectful...who cares about the rest. I don't care how much or how little money people have...what they wear, how they wave, how many miles they have on their bike, or if they are a "real biker" or not. Some people are a-holes and some are not. THAT'S pretty much the only distinction I make. My .02.
