Triumphrat

ThruxtonMI · 05-07-2006, 11:17 AM

I am curious how you all would define a 'poser' vs a 'real biker'. I read comments here and there on this and other forums about posers - the folks who ride 500 miles a year, don't do any of their own maintenance - only ride on sunny, 75 degree days, accountants that dress up on sunday like they are a biker for halloween to go riding, etc.

What then, is your definition of a 'poser' or 'pretender'? What makes someone a real or 'authentic' motorcycle enthusiast? Is there a minimum amount of annual miles? Do you have to do your own maintenance and repairs? Ride rain or shine?

I am of the 'if it works for you and makes you happy then it is great' school of thought and realize this is kind of an absurd question. At the same time, I sense there are a lot of strong opinions about this topic out there.

I ride about 4,000 miles a year, do my own basic maintenance, ride as cold as 40 degrees and as warm as 90 but hate to ride in the rain (to me it isn't fun and gets the machine all dirty). Do I need to ride in the rain to be a real biker?

stevent · 05-07-2006, 11:41 AM

I think if we had to put a label on it then a "real biker" is someone who loves motorcycles of any type and rides as much as they can. I don't think buying a certain machine or dressing in a particuler way makes you a true enthusiast, though you may be a "biker"

If a persons particular situation precludes them from doing their own mantainance or riding everyday rain or shine but they do the best they can and have a true love for the sport I think they're fine. If all a person's doing is buying a bike and effecting a look trying to be cool but rarely rides the bike then they're just in it for the image. That's all well and good mind you, whatever flips your switch but I wouldn't consider that person a motorcycle enthusiast, I would be more inclined to think of them as trying to escape the box they've put themselves in.

Some guy on a mid-eighties sportbike or UJM wearing work boots a jean jacket and helmet and riding as much as he can for the love of the sport is more of a motorcyclist than the fellow on the new cruiser with all the typical chaps, leather vest, beanie helmet, three day stubble and fingerless gloves that's more worried about how cool he at the local hang out in my view.

In short, I think it's what's in your heart, not how you dress or what you ride.

:upthumb:

schwartzkm · 05-07-2006, 11:45 AM

This should be an interesting thread.

My opinion is like yours "if it works for you enjoy". However, there are guys I work with that I would not consider real bikers just enjoy possing on their HDs. They dress up like a pirate once a month and cruise down to Bike Nite at N. Greenville avenue. They rack up 1,000 miles maybe a little more a year on their bikes riding from their house down to Bike Nite and thats about it. Soon as the OCC thing goes away, they will sale their bikes and jump on the latest fad.

With all that being said, if it floats your boat have fun but don't make me consider you an enthusiast just a poser, period. I, like you however, will not ride in the rain and when the temp drops below freezing I will not ride either for safety reasons. I put on roughly 8k+ a year on my bike because it is my main form of transportation to and from work. However, because I do not ride in inclement weather there are htose that will not consider me a true biker.

My 1 cent.

meatwagon · 05-07-2006, 11:47 AM

Well I used to think I was a real biker,but I just found out I was a _________ :-D :-D :-D Sorry that's an old joke there...

If it works for you and makes you happy then it is great.That about sums it up.If there was some 'definition' of what a biker vs enthusiast vs poser then we all would surely fail in someone elses opinion.Respect to all who deserve it!

Panthermark · 05-07-2006, 11:48 AM

Biker - Your motorcycle is your life.
Enthusiast- Your motorcycle is your love.
Poser - Your motorcycle is your toy.

Normandy · 05-07-2006, 11:50 AM

Yes.......no........well,sort of.

dazco · 05-07-2006, 11:54 AM

Nope, not me. I'm simply a bike enthusiast. My idea of a real biker is one who lives eats and breathes bikes. In other words, they are the most important thing in his/her life. I love bikes, but in reality they are just one of the things i live for and not the main thing. There IS no main thing, each thing is just another way to occupy my time and have fun with. A biker rides constantly and it's by far the most important thing in his life. I find that sorta pathetic actually.

dazco · 05-07-2006, 11:55 AM

Nope, not me. I'm simply a bike enthusiast. My idea of a real biker is one who lives eats and breathes bikes. In other words, they are the most important thing in his/her life. I love bikes, but in reality they are just one of the things i live for and not the main thing. There IS no main thing, each thing is just another way to occupy my time and have fun with. A biker rides constantly and it's by far the most important thing in his life. I find that sorta pathetic actually.

wonderdog · 05-07-2006, 12:01 PM

62 yrs old, rode on the gas tank of his daddy's Indian when 3yrs old until 5yrs old. Has ridden a ton of brands and types. Recently a weekend bar to bar rider told him he wasn't a "real biker" because he didn't ride a particular brand with "a group". Talk about incurring wrath!

Definitely cannot be labeled a poser. Love's the life.

Dennis

LT · 05-07-2006, 12:07 PM

Almost 10,000 miles this past year, would never let anyone else work on my bike, I'm an enthusiast.
Stopped by the local HD shop yesterday (won gift certificate in poker run), found out I can't afford to be a real biker. Just a T-shirt there is $35.