Originally Posted by
Winston001
FWI
When the English bikes disappeared the bikers looked around in desperation. Some adopted Ducatis and BMWs but eventually, after selling enough drugs, they started buying Harleys as being the only other true motorbike.
But this attitude went way beyond the gangs. Thousands of guys loved the bad boy image which went with a throaty exhaust note and originals (unwashed denims for you young'uns). They wanted a Bonneville or Commando or Sportster but they were hard to get.
I have to disagree totally with this statement.
I rode with one of those clubs at the time you are talking about, 1980 - 1988
I was never "patched" and was never asked to in the 2 years i rode with them.
I bought my 84 1100 Evo Harley Sportster as a one year old bike.
It took me the sale of a Car, working two jobs and my partner at the time
worked as well. It took us 9 mths hard out work to get that bike.. legal as.
Now
There were also 5 other members(patched) who also wanted Harleys,
For a woodcutting season these guys did fire wood, non stop for a year.
At the end of it they had made enouigh money to buy 6 Harley Davidson Evo 1340 bikes.
Why 6? The extra bike was raffeld around the club, with enough money being made to have a club fun fully paid for.
Other members were carpenters, concrete layers and a realestate dealer.
The attitude and direction of these groups changed in the 90's when young blood came into the clubs.
Arrogant ready to fight , too east to get bikes and money.
The "older" left. not wanting the crap of the young,
But that was just one group who were known as a "biker gang" as the police and media showed them
The rest of your post is ok, and I agree with you after reading it all.
To be old and wise, first you must be young and stupid.
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