So who is a Real Biker?
I have been a part of online motorcycle forums for almost a decade now, and rarely a month goes by, that I see someone or the other claiming to be a “real biker”, while others are termed as posers, squids, commuters and what not.
Which brings me to the title of this blog post, who is a “Real Biker?”
At least in my eyes, one doesn’t have to own a motorcycle of certain capacity or make to be called a real biker (that just makes you the owner of a particular brand/make of vehicle)!
Neither does one need to dress up like a street racer or Hells Angels to be a true biker (although wearing protective gear is a sign of being a responsible biker).
Nor does one need to be a member of biker groups/forums and participate in endless discussions to become a biker (that just makes you an armchair biker).
And although touring on motorcycles is a great way to explore the world, it isn’t a prerequisite to becoming a biker (that just means you get to be a part of the scene, rather than a silent observer from a window).
Nor is the ability to pull wheelies (that just means you know how to save rubber of one of the tyres and offender in the eyes of law).
Or for that matter scrape the foot pegs while cornering (that just means you are good at handling, which lets face it, is a good thing)!
While knowing how to take care of one’s own steed is a good thing, it does not make you a biker (it just makes you almost as competent as the wrench monkey down the street).
To me, being a biker is all about getting on the bike and just riding, whether it is to go to your office, run an errand, take your kids to school or to go to a place far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Of course the day people stop putting biking or for that matter, any other activity high up on a pedestal and learn to enjoy what they are doing, rather than seek other’s approval. I am quite sure forum owners will see a substantial dip in the number of posts in their forums (which if you are a forum owner like me, is a bad thing).
So forget what I said squid, and make way for the real biker!
Can I be a Real Biker? Should I try to be a Real Biker? Do I want to be a Real Biker?
Naaaaawwww.
I’d rather just ride my bike.
[Glad to find you back safe and sound from your holiday up north, Yogesh]
Jonico
http:abulleteerinspain.blogspot.com
Exactly my sentiments Jonico and thanks for the welcome
haha… i love the last two sentences of this piece..
Yogesh sir i have one thing everyone is a Biker that’s what u say but there is a term Real Biker according to me its the biker who respects all his fellow Roaduser’s, Help’s people in crisis on the road and drive’s responsibily is a Real Biker!
That’s what a Real Biker is made of!
Om, that’s what happens when I start writing something, without first thinking about the “professional consequences and repercussions”. :p
Abhinesh, that is what being a good and sensible human being is all about, not a biker!
A Combination of Good Human and a biker make a Real biker!
ok a person is riding to his office but with high speeds and stupid lane Changing without switching on Indicator’s and blaring out Horns he is not a biker he is just a Irresponsible Two wheeler User!
Abhinesh, what about a scenario where some biker (who is there for touring) up in Ladakh is doing something similar i.e. continuously honking behind a truck, which is driving on a road as wide as the truck itself and that too at a place where trucks give way without even asking?
What would you call him?
[...] for Touring. Fitness and Stamina With love, to the Bulletters participating in this thread So who is a Real Biker? __________________ BCMTouring: FAQ | [...]
I know what I’d call him – a hole preceded by the first letter of the alphabet!
one is a forced biker and one is a biker. forced biker is one who does riding for commutation for obvious reasons of riding a bike. some people also have bike to stunt off, some also make there status symbol etc and the list is endless. well a when we start in a normal indian family its obvious we all have our certain reasons which can be found in that list. after all, all ‘real bikers’ are not sent directly to earth. many evolve. biking is all about endurance and endurance to an extent which can inspire others. this endurance does not refer to long continuous rides, it is said here in the entirety of complete experience of biking. nevertheless fast biking on some high CC bike is a real thrill but the point comes when u learn to endure it. the point comes when u self maintain your bike. the point is there when u need none other then just our bike to live. it is such an machine which can make you connect to earth, water, air, people, family, friends, your inner self. if you learn the trick actually a biking can give u ‘happyness’. well this is the reason a ‘bike trip’ to leh is most valued rather then a cozy comfortable car or by others means.