Wait a minute, so you asked him if he was a biker? I am not calling you out but can imagine how that comes out-----Hey Buuuudddyyy, are you a BIKER?-- If someone asked that to me I would have to end the conversation with a good old laugh and shake of the head because the guy who has to ask that question, in my opinion, is just too worried about dumb stuff and my answer, if he may have gotten one would be very sarcastically "I am a motorcycle enthusiast" Let me tell ya these labels in this world crack me up. You are what you want to be in your own mind and that is it. Do you really care about what the other guy has labeled himself and now he has labeled you and the guy that overheard the conversation just labeled both of you. That's like 5 labels in 1 dumb question. This was all one opinion of a ______. I agree with a past post the label I love is DAD.

 

Man this is a topic that gets under my skin. IMO there are really only two main categories that most "people who ride motorcycles" fit in. Those who ride for themselves, and those who ride for everyone else. There are many sub-categories that branch off from these two, but the main difference are the reasons why someone chooses to ride.

I personally could care less what someone does or why they do it, but what gets me is how judgmental and critical some people can be. I see it all the time and even hear it on this forum at times. Everything from "So many bikes and so few bikers" to criticism of "motorcycle enthusiasts" for not being "biker" enough and referring them to a Honda forum.

Isn't the purpose of the "biker lifestyle" (referring to those that live the lifestyle in addition to riding) to enjoy the freedom and and individuality that comes with it? Yet many who choose this "lifestyle" are the most critical of others who don't live up to their own standards. What's funny is how many tiers there are in the hierarchy.

I recently had an interesting conversation with someone who considered her own self to be at the pinnacle of the biker mountain. She was a dating interest of mine (at first) and eventually explained that her ex-old man was a HA recently sent up for life. She explained how "real bikers" ride in a pack "outlaw style" fender to fender and peg to peg. In her angry rant against wanna be's she criticized everyone that wasn't of her "breed". She was especially critical of H.O.G. members.

The point is this. If you are critical of another person who rides and doesn't meet your standards, just know that unless you are a member of an outlaw biker club, then there is someone out there who thinks you aren't a "real biker" either. I'll just bet that 99% of us on this forum aren't considered to be real bikers by someone, somewhere.

As far as I'm concerned, if you ride a bike you are a biker. The thing is, there are as many different kinds of bikers as there are different types of bikes. I like to go on runs, because I really like to rub elbows with other bikers. Say what you want, but bikers are some of the most interesting people you will ever meet and I feel comfortable around most of them. That being said, I spend more time riding by myself. It would not matter if it was the most unpopular past time there was, I love to ride more than anything and always have. Oh, and I don't care what anyone calls me or thinks about me. Just hate to see others put down by someone that should be lifting them up. A "real biker" will see what we all have in common with each other instead focusing on the differences.

 

If someone asks just tell them “No I’m with the HAZMAT Team, you are current on your Anthrax shots…right?”

Some of you guys have been watching Sons Of Anarchy too much! You do not have to be a criminal to be labeled a “Biker”. Call yourselves whatever you want.

 

At least he had a bike. A wise friend told me something once that has held true for years. The people who will throw negative comments at you, generally don't even own bikes.' Man, was this statement a fact. At the time, I was just riding my way overcustomized Road Star Warrior. My friends kept harrassing me because it wasn't a Harley friend. NONE of these friends even owned bikes. All of my Harley friends love3d my bike. Needless to say, now I have both the Warrior and a Road Glide. The best of both worlds. And those friends? Who knows. Not really friends I suppose.

 

Interesting thread.

I had a riding friend tell me about a year ago (He looks rough around the edges and wears black leather everything) that I was not a biker, just a motorcycle rider. I got my first street bike when I was 16, but It's true, I never considered myself a "biker". There is a look and an attitude to real "bikers" that not everyone can pull off. You got to think of yourself as some kind of rebel.
I got invited back in the late 70's to hang at an MC club up in NE. As much as I wanted to fit in, I couldn't handle the constant rank contests, the drinking until you puke, fist fights for fun, ect.
My father died in an accident when I was 5, then my mother took me to church every sunday. Maybe that's the problem.
Who knows, but still when I see a biker at a stop light with loud pipes just revin his engine like a renegade I realize that I'm not a true "biker" (not that all bikers do that).

Maybe I'm all wrong about this. Like StonerGlide said, I don't want to come off as a snooty f**k, I just do better if I don't try and be something I'm not.

Anyway, it's over 50 degrees here, time to ride.

 

Well said.

 

I agree,been riding 38yrs. and anyone trying to label you,is an A--hole.
I also hate posts that ask ARE YOU A REAL BIKER,and they go on to say
that you need to ride a million miles a year to be a real biker. Only thing
lamer is the guy that wants to know how and who he should wave to.

 

I know I'm a Redneck, I think I'm a biker!

 

hmmmmm just about everyone everywhere who stand up for what they believe in must be bikers then....

heck I don't know... I wear BROWN leather ferchrist's sake....

 

This winter must be getting too long for some of you, you're starting to sound like a bunch of old ladies!!
Who in the H cares what some RUB wants to be called, just ride the damn thing!!!