Why do some professionals become "Bikers" when they reach a certain age?

[Rob]

I'm 41, and seeing more and more of my friends becoming "bikers". Sporting the leather, the bandannas, and buying vests for their wives. They post pictures online of them looking like Samco rejects. I just don't get it. Is it a midlife crisis thing? Is it because during their day jobs as bankers, doctors, lawyers, they're pushed around so much, this is how they rebel? I seriously don't understand the meaning.

[dyna mo]

Did you ask them why they do it?

[Colmike9]

They're just bored and bike-curious..

[L-Pink]

Like this .....

[Va2k]

Biking is awesome. If I could afford that life style I would do the same. Maybe when my kids are grown I will be able to do just that!

[DBS.US]

[2MuchMark]

I completely understand it. Biking is a lot of fun. Younger people seem to prefer the crotch rocket bikes with the color-matched suits, while the older guys prefer the casual, jean-jacket look. I don't think its anything to do with a mid-life crisis. It costs more money and time and may be seen as a relaxing thing to do, all of which are ideal for the 40,50,60 year old set.

Personally I never used to be interested in Bikes, but they are looking better and better to me as time goes on, especially since Harley Davidson announced an Electric Bike.

[Rochard]

I think it's because they can afford it when they get older?

I've had bikes all my life. Started with dirt bikes, trikes (yes, trikes!), and (don't laugh!) mopeds when I was a kid. (Don't mock my moped - I was the only 13 year old who had his won transportation when I was a kid!) When I was older I had a Honda Rebel, and then a Kawasaki Ninja - I wanted to be just like Tom Cruise in Top Gun. However, the reality of it was that was all I could afford for transportation at the time. Eventually I moved away from motorcycles until I went to work for Lightspeed Cash, when we all got motorcycles as a bonus one year. I got a Honda CBRxxx 1100 and I rode that for 40k miles without incident. I continued to ride when I moved to California to work for Playboy and one day... I just stopped riding, and eventually sold the bike six months later. No reason why, just got tired of it.

I completely fail to understand the old man Harley thing. For me motorcycles was about speed and adrenaline. Kicking back and going slow.... That's an old man thing.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by Rob

I'm 41, and seeing more and more of my friends becoming "bikers". Sporting the leather, the bandannas, and buying vests for their wives. They post pictures online of them looking like Samco rejects. I just don't get it. Is it a midlife crisis thing? Is it because during their day jobs as bankers, doctors, lawyers, they're pushed around so much, this is how they rebel? I seriously don't understand the meaning.

Initially I was going to suggest that for some it might be a midlife crisis kind of thing, but when you mentioned the professions of those you are talking about it came clear.

Around 1986 Harley-Davidson became a very roadworthy motorcycle. You could change the oil, add gas and ride it around the country with virtually no mechanical concerns. You no longer had to get your hands dirty, repairing your bike under an overpass. At the same time, I started noticing brain surgeons, precious metals brokers, stockbrokers buying H-D. H-D had become a status symbol to the Rubbies (Rich Urban Bikers). This caused the price of H-D to escalate like noone's business.

Dealerships would take an $8,500 motorcycle, throw on $100 in additional chrome and a $400 paint job and double the price of the bike.

So, to answer your question, the reason you see all your friends getting into it now is that they can now afford it. Harley has pretty much been priced out of the reach of 18 year olds.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by Rochard

I completely fail to understand the old man Harley thing. For me motorcycles was about speed and adrenaline. Kicking back and going slow.... That's an old man thing.

Face it, you fail to understand most things. You prove it to all of us on a fairly regular basis.

So, what was the furthest you rode on those 40k miles?

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by baddog

Initially I was going to suggest that for some it might be a midlife crisis kind of thing, but when you mentioned the professions of those you are talking about it came clear.

Around 1986 Harley-Davidson became a very roadworthy motorcycle. You could change the oil, add gas and ride it around the country with virtually no mechanical concerns. You no longer had to get your hands dirty, repairing your bike under an overpass. At the same time, I started noticing brain surgeons, precious metals brokers, stockbrokers buying H-D. H-D had become a status symbol to the Rubbies (Rich Urban Bikers). This caused the price of H-D to escalate like noone's business.

Dealerships would take an $8,500 motorcycle, throw on $100 in additional chrome and a $400 paint job and double the price of the bike.

So, to answer your question, the reason you see all your friends getting into it now is that they can now afford it. Harley has pretty much been priced out of the reach of 18 year olds.

Why would they choose Harley over BMW?

[georgeyw]

Better question is, why do these same geniuses blip the throttle while stopped at a red light?
I'd like to know what that is all about.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

Why would they choose Harley over BMW?

Because this is the USA, not Germany.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by georgeyw

Better question is, why do these same geniuses blip the throttle while stopped at a red light?
I'd like to know what that is all about.

They are in Australia, right? Since it is the Southern Hemisphere many older flow carburetors flood so they "blip the throttle" to keep the engine running.

If they have fuel injection and are still doing it they are either showing off or need a tuneup.

[PR_Glen]

i would imagine they wear the leather for protection. i guess you could get those textile jackets but they don't really look very good for the most part. Why is someone who rides a motorcycle a 'biker' in your eyes is a better question.

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by baddog

Because this is the USA, not Germany.

perhaps. but BMW is a status symbol, and as you pointed out, professional buy h-d because it's a status symbol.

I used to call them rolex riders, i wondered why they never went BMW, but i never really knew any. they plop their amex card down at the dealer and go pick out a jacket before they even consider bike. hell, i had to roll pennies to get my first h-d. i think it's because the billy badass factor combined with status symbol. it's rarely, if ever, on account of the open road calling.


also, don't forget the harley tariff of 1986. 50%

[Best-In-BC]

Because the bikers of the 90's are gone, and phonies rule the workforce

[L-Pink]

Twenty years ago in Lexington, Ky. a guy named Dave owned the Harley dealership. It was in an old commercial area, had 2-3 new bikes max on the floor, a waiting list for popular models and some misc gear for sale.

Now it's a 3 story building with an elevator in a high profile retail area, owned by an investment group, over a hundred new bikes on display, dozens of employees, a clothing department.

[Robin]

I guess is more about passion. I became a biker at 20 because i really wanted to ride. Sold my bike when the kid got born. Still thinking to buy a bike again.

[Rob]

I don't think it's the "they're able to afford it now" argument. A guy I know is an Ophthalmologist, and has owned a chain of those laser eye centers since we were in our early 30's. He's never been hurting for money. But recently he took a dive into the biker pool head first, and totally immersed himself. The guy looks like a full blown biker on the weekends. And it happened within the span of a month. That has happened to several well off people I know, and I know they've been able to afford that lifestyle for a long time.

I enjoy the freedom and excitement of motorcycles as much as the next guy. And I'll go out and ride every now and then, but I've never once had the urge to buy a pair of leather chaps, or a bandanna. Go out, ride your bike during the weekend, enjoy life. But why do people always have to assume the stereotypical biker look when they do? It's like they're unknowingly sucked into a subculture, and slowly get assimilated into it.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

perhaps. but BMW is a status symbol, and as you pointed out, professional buy h-d because it's a status symbol.

I used to call them rolex riders, i wondered why they never went BMW, but i never really knew any. they plop their amex card down at the dealer and go pick out a jacket before they even consider bike. hell, i had to roll pennies to get my first h-d. i think it's because the billy badass factor combined with status symbol. it's rarely, if ever, on account of the open road calling.


also, don't forget the harley tariff of 1986. 50%

Not sure what crowd you roll with, but BMW motorcycles have never been a status symbol in my world.

And the tariff you speak of was 1983, only applied to imports of over 700cc, was supposed to last 5 years but Harley told them they could drop it in 1987. Be that as it may, how would the tariff of 1983 have anything to do with influencing who rides them 30 years later?

[Ferus]

I just turned 40 - but having a Honda CBR1100XX dont make me a "biker" or "ricer".
Anyone idintifying themself based on their ride have some basic identity problems.

But Next spring, I will trade in the Honda for this new BMW
BMW Motorrad : Motocycles : Enduro : BMW S 1000 XR : Overview

Its the S1000r Engine in a touring frame... it rides brilliantly

[MetaMan]

Closet homosexuals. What other type of grown man gets leathered up and likes their cock vibrating? Homos.

Look at the GFY biker crew and convince me you dont think they all look like closet homosexuals. Im waiting.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by Rob

I don't think it's the "they're able to afford it now" argument. A guy I know is an Ophthalmologist, and has owned a chain of those laser eye centers since we were in our early 30's. He's never been hurting for money. But recently he took a dive into the biker pool head first, and totally immersed himself. The guy looks like a full blown biker on the weekends. And it happened within the span of a month. That has happened to several well off people I know, and I know they've been able to afford that lifestyle for a long time.

I enjoy the freedom and excitement of motorcycles as much as the next guy. And I'll go out and ride every now and then, but I've never once had the urge to buy a pair of leather chaps, or a bandanna. Go out, ride your bike during the weekend, enjoy life. But why do people always have to assume the stereotypical biker look when they do? It's like they're unknowingly sucked into a subculture, and slowly get assimilated into it.

I thought you said you ride. You don't wear chaps to look cool, you wear chaps because when you go down your legs are the first to hit the ground and leather is a lot thicker than Levi's and human skin. Bandannas keep the wind from knotting up your hair.

As far as you not buying my explanation, I am sorry, I may not have explained why one individual (your friend) did it, but I am confident that generally, I am correct.

[Ferus]

Originally Posted by MetaMan

Closet homosexuals. What other type of grown man gets leathered up and likes their cock vibrating? Homos.

Look at the GFY biker crew and convince me you dont think they all look like closet homosexuals. Im waiting.

You are the only one keeping me from being 100% hetro. If you had a facebook fanpage, I would join facebook - that is how Deep my love is for you... leathersuite or not

[Ferus]

... where the fuck is VendZilla?

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by baddog

Not sure what crowd you roll with, but BMW motorcycles have never been a status symbol in my world.

And the tariff you speak of was 1983, only applied to imports of over 700cc, was supposed to last 5 years but Harley told them they could drop it in 1987. Be that as it may, how would the tariff of 1983 have anything to do with influencing who rides them 30 years later?

i wasn't disagreeing with you, merely sorting out something i used to wonder about.

but i do disagree that BMWs aren't status symbols due to prestige of the brand identity and price. rolex riders stroll into a BMW shop just like the do a h-d shop and go straight to the accessories department. BMW is a second in merchandising, right behind harley.

i was recollecting the year(s) of the harley tariff by summarizing it as in 1986. my point was it increased the cost of harleys by 50%. going along with what your view was, that in the 1980s, harley had an uptick in reliability, they also had a very large price increase, i was suggesting that both combined to create the rolex rider.

[dyna mo]

let's not forget the sons of anarchy factor.

it's yuge. you can tell by the style of bikes on the street today. drag bars on super tall risers with a cafe fairing. op even referred to samcro.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

i wasn't disagreeing with you, merely sorting out something i used to wonder about.

but i do disagree that BMWs aren't status symbols due to prestige of the brand identity and price. rolex riders stroll into a BMW shop just like the do a h-d shop and go straight to the accessories department. BMW is a second in merchandising, right behind harley.

i was recollecting the year(s) of the harley tariff by summarizing it as in 1986. my point was it increased the cost of harleys by 50%. going along with what your view was, that in the 1980s, harley had an uptick in reliability, they also had a very large price increase, i was suggesting that both combined to create the rolex rider.

The tariff raised the price of imports not HD

[Sid70]

Originally Posted by Rob

I'm 41, and seeing more and more of my friends becoming "bikers". Sporting the leather, the bandannas, and buying vests for their wives. They post pictures online of them looking like Samco rejects. I just don't get it. Is it a midlife crisis thing? Is it because during their day jobs as bankers, doctors, lawyers, they're pushed around so much, this is how they rebel? I seriously don't understand the meaning.

Fuck that. I have this.

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by baddog

The tariff raised the price of imports not HD

oh yeah huh. i was remembering it bassakwards

[baddog]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

oh yeah huh. i was remembering it bassakwards

Yeah, it was mainly to combat Japanese motorcycles that were flooding the market with low prices, supplemented by the Japanese government. The tariff raised the price of their motorcycles to be compatible with HD pricing.

[MetaMan]

Originally Posted by Ferus

... where the fuck is VendZilla?

Ya how long until he storms in here telling us how hardcore he is. Did u know he smelled the farts of an HA member once? He's basically patched.

Someone who's his friend please send him this thread. Does anyone know if his dog uses skype? Anyone?

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by baddog

Yeah, it was mainly to combat Japanese motorcycles that were flooding the market with low prices, supplemented by the Japanese government. The tariff raised the price of their motorcycles to be compatible with HD pricing.

it's funny because i actually had a 86 yamaha virago 700 way back when, yamaha detuned their 750cc bikes to 699cc to bypass the tariff.

another rider that emerges in this category is the honda goldwing guy. never rode a bike until >mid 40s then goes all in on the goldwing lifestyle.

[MetaMan]

Originally Posted by baddog

I thought you said you ride. You don't wear chaps to look cool, you wear chaps because when you go down your legs are the first to hit the ground and leather is a lot thicker than Levi's and human skin. Bandannas keep the wind from knotting up your hair.

"Bandannas keep the wind from knotting up your hair."

Tell me that doesn't sound gay. If you wear leather and drive a bike you like cocks in your mouth. No ifs about it.

[Black All Through]

Not only that, Baddog gets 20% off at the HD dealership simply by flashing his AARP card

[crockett]

My question would be.. why do they always have to dress up like clowns just because they get a bike.

They buy a bike then they have to also buy the silly leather shit that is just for fashion and isn't gonna protect their ass.

[jimmycooper]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

it's funny because i actually had a 86 yamaha virago 700 way back when, yamaha detuned their 750cc bikes to 699cc to bypass the tariff.

another rider that emerges in this category is the honda goldwing guy. never rode a bike until >mid 40s then goes all in on the goldwing lifestyle.

I'm 39 and if I were to get a bike I'd probably get a Triumph because I like the way they look. Just out of curiosity, what does that mean?

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by crockett

My question would be.. why do they always have to dress up like clowns just because they get a bike.

They buy a bike then they have to also buy the silly leather shit that is just for fashion and isn't gonna protect their ass.

everybody does that shit though, have you seen wannabe cyclists on $10,000 bicycles with their beer bellies stuffed into neon lyrca?

[Rob]

Originally Posted by baddog

I thought you said you ride. You don't wear chaps to look cool, you wear chaps because when you go down your legs are the first to hit the ground and leather is a lot thicker than Levi's and human skin. Bandannas keep the wind from knotting up your hair.

As far as you not buying my explanation, I am sorry, I may not have explained why one individual (your friend) did it, but I am confident that generally, I am correct.

I'm not trying to be argumentative. I think there's substance to your explanation as being able to afford it now. But with most professionals, I think maybe it was never the money, but the free time to do it. There are people who work hard their entire life to be able to afford the cost of biking, and then there are others that work hard their entire lives to be able afford the time to do it. That's was my meaning, I wasn't saying you were wrong.

I don't ride on a regular basis. I don't own a bike, and never see myself purchasing one. If some friends want me to come hang out and cruise a little, I won't turn them down. But to say I'm an enthusiast, it completely off base. I know why chaps are important for riding horses, but never really considered the functionality of them for bike riders.

[dyna mo]

Originally Posted by jimmycooper

I'm 39 and if I were to get a bike I'd probably get a Triumph because I like the way they look. Just out of curiosity, what does that mean?

triumph is another brand that has a strong identity, i don't necessarily understand how it all boils down, i would guess Triumph is similar to harley, a rebel outlaw spirit.

Brando rode a Triumph in "The Wild One" btw

[Rob]

I think we've strayed off topic. I don't care about people riding motorcycles after they turn 40. What I was asking is why they immerse themselves in the culture? You can get a Harley, take it out for the weekend, ride it all over God's green, but where does the desire to start hanging out at seedy bars, wearing all black, wearing a bandanna over your eyes (or better yet, a skull face one), donning enough leather to make a cowboy puke, and growing out your beard come into play?

I enjoy going to hockey games, but you don't see me wearing ice skates or pads to a match. I don't even wear a jersey (I'm not that guy). A hobby quickly becomes a lifestyle, and I'm trying to figure out why. And it's usually the quiet ones that you would never expect.

[baggg]

Harleys are for menchildren.They look retarded as fuck, especially if you wear those try hard leathers.
Real men ride real bikes like KTM, BMW or Yamaha with proper gear.
But anyway, im still a good decade from 40, i hope i never turn into one of them "bikers"

[ITraffic]

because they realize despite their success they have become lame, boring and tired and want to do a cosmetic change so they can feel bad, dangerous, wild and vital.

of course the change is just cosmetic ... like when someone starts to wear glasses in order to make themselves look smart.

[jimmycooper]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

triumph is another brand that has a strong identity, i don't necessarily understand how it all boils down, i would guess Triumph is similar to harley, a rebel outlaw spirit.

Brando rode a Triumph in "The Wild One" btw

Awesome. Thanks.

[dyna mo]

well, i see the thread is back on topic.

[2MuchMark]

Originally Posted by georgeyw

Better question is, why do these same geniuses blip the throttle while stopped at a red light?
I'd like to know what that is all about.

It sounds cool to the owner, but that's it. It's some kind of macho pissing contest. No one else really likes it though. You Know Who Likes it When You Rev Your Engine? No One!*|*Ivan Decker

Originally Posted by Rochard

I've had bikes all my life. Started with dirt bikes, trikes (yes, trikes!), and (don't laugh!) mopeds when I was a kid.

Share some pics, you badass!

Originally Posted by Rochard

I completely fail to understand the old man Harley thing. For me motorcycles was about speed and adrenaline. Kicking back and going slow.... That's an old man thing.

Not me. If I had a bike I would take it nice and slow. And if alone on a long twisty road or highway I'd probably still take it slow just to enjoy the ride. I've seen some people really speed past me while driving on the highway and they freak me out.

[BlackCrayon]

Originally Posted by baggg

Harleys are for menchildren.They look retarded as fuck, especially if you wear those try hard leathers.
Real men ride real bikes like KTM, BMW or Yamaha with proper gear.
But anyway, im still a good decade from 40, i hope i never turn into one of them "bikers"

maybe its a euro thing but that bike looks like a dirtbike with makeup on. harleys look way cooler.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by MetaMan

"Bandannas keep the wind from knotting up your hair."

Tell me that doesn't sound gay. If you wear leather and drive a bike you like cocks in your mouth. No ifs about it.

Then you are dumber than I thought.

Originally Posted by crockett

My question would be.. why do they always have to dress up like clowns just because they get a bike.

They buy a bike then they have to also buy the silly leather shit that is just for fashion and isn't gonna protect their ass.

Leave it to a fucking crockett scientist to suggest that leather doesn't help. I have PROOF they will protect you.

Originally Posted by Rob

I don't ride on a regular basis. I don't own a bike, and never see myself purchasing one. If some friends want me to come hang out and cruise a little, I won't turn them down. But to say I'm an enthusiast, it completely off base. I know why chaps are important for riding horses, but never really considered the functionality of them for bike riders.

I have only ridden a horse once and it became readily clear why cowboys wore chaps ... those animals are filthy and sweat all over you if you don't have protection.

Originally Posted by Rob

I think we've strayed off topic. I don't care about people riding motorcycles after they turn 40. What I was asking is why they immerse themselves in the culture? You can get a Harley, take it out for the weekend, ride it all over God's green, but where does the desire to start hanging out at seedy bars, wearing all black, wearing a bandanna over your eyes (or better yet, a skull face one), donning enough leather to make a cowboy puke, and growing out your beard come into play?

You may not be trying to be argumentative, but you sure are not stopping to think.

Wear black - hides the dirt
Covering face with bandanna - Have you ever hit a bee at 60 MPH? Every little bit helps
Seedy bars - Fuck, they are a lot more fun than some club
Beards - Help as a cushion/buffer against rocks, hail, bugs a lot more than a bandanna

[2MuchMark]

Originally Posted by dyna mo

everybody does that shit though, have you seen wannabe cyclists on $10,000 bicycles with their beer bellies stuffed into neon lyrca?

I've seen that and its ridiculous.

Here in Montreal I've seen men and women riding to work on bicycles and motor cycles wearing suits. Looks good to me!

Originally Posted by Rob

I think we've strayed off topic. I don't care about people riding motorcycles after they turn 40. What I was asking is why they immerse themselves in the culture?

It's probably not a cultural thing at first. People like to associate with other like-minded people. Musicians want to meet other musicians and join bands, Mustang drivers join mustang clubs, adult webamsters join adult webmaster forums. People who want bikes grew up with the image of a biker. The first thing they do after buying a bike is buy some clothes that help match the image they have in their heads, and then after that maybe start associated with others who look like them, and who have bikes as a common interest.

I don't know why it happens but a psychologist would know the answers.