What kind of biker are you?

[Maki]

This discussion came up elsewhere and I would like to carrry it on here on kiwibiker. There seem to be people areound who think that those who just ride their bikes on fine weekends can hardly call themselves bikers. The real bikers are those who use their bikes as a primary mode of transport and ride on most days, rain or shine. What do you think?

Would you agree that the skills of someone who rides every day will in most cases be superior to those who only ride on some weekends?

Do you think that people who ride rarely are more prone to accidents than those who ride on most days?

Would you agree that measuring someones riding experience in terms of total km covered is meaningless? Would someone who rides 20 km a day in city traffic for 50 days (1000km total) not gain a lot more valuable experience than someone who takes a 1000km road trip along highways?

[Headbanger]

I'm an owner.

[98tls]

There seem to be people areound who think that those who just ride their bikes on fine weekends can hardly call themselves bikers.

Theres the problem right there,who cares what they thnk.

[vifferman]

Would someone who rides 20 km a day in city traffic for 50 days (1000km total) not gain a lot more valuable experience than someone who takes a 1000km road trip along highways?
Maybe.
I commute almost every day by bike (except when it's laid up getting the forks overhauled). However, partly because of this, I very rarely ride in the weekend, and because I'm an antisocial arsehole, I don't tend to do group rides. As a result, I've found my open-road skills get a little rusty. Going 110km/h on the motorway's not the same as riding at open-road speeds on a two-lane carriageway, with varying radius corners, a variety of road surfaces and conditions, and at times limited visibility. So while my handling skills are OK, and my traffic skills ina variety of weather contitions well honed, it takes me probably 30 minutes to get my mojo back on a fast, twisty road.
Ten years or so ago, I was doing much less around town riding, and there was more variety. Overall, I'm probably a better rider than ever, but not as good as I could be.

[Headbanger]

Theres the problem right there,who cares what they thnk.

Me, keeps me awake at night. thats why I'm so nice and polite, so people will like and approve of me.

Also, I like to drink the blood of chickens.

[Subike]

I ride my bike when ever my budjet allows me to ride it,
When my health allows it,
When the weather is such that I would enjoy the ride..
That may mean that it is weekends, when I am not working,
Summer when there is no snow, ice or rain,
The temperature is such that I am not going to freeze,
I dont think it has anything to do with how often you ride that makes you a biker or not.
It is an atitude, a life style, a passion,
It is not milage clocked up in all weather condition just because it is your daily transport,
Its not showing off your most powerfull, shinnyest, newest, iron horse at the local on a Sunday afternoon,
Its not having a vest full of Ralley badges to flaunt at the bar,
IMHO, it has many forms, being a biker, as such you could not isolate it into one corner, thats what the gov wants to do with all our live so they can control it.
Freedom to ride when you like, what you like, how you like, thats a biker.

[Headbanger]

I just consider myself a pretty shit rider and try not to do any cunning stunts that end in getting killed.

I ride when I want to.

[PirateJafa]

Whether you ride your bike seven days a week, or just in the summer weekends makes no difference to the "kind" of biker you are in my view.

However I will mock mercilessly any fag with a clean bike.

[Maki]

Very intersting....

Thanks to all that responded so far. What you have and have not written reveals a lot...

[Cajun]

i use to ride every day, but where i live in relation to where i work (2.9kms) now, its pointless and not good for bike doing small trips like that.

So now i am only a fine weekend rider.

[MadDuck]

However I will mock mercilessly any fag with a clean bike.

So anyone who takes pride in looking after one of their major assets (and means of much joy) is a "fag" and should be "mocked" :scratch:

Thats interesting.

[Drunken Monkey]

Different types of riding, innit? Some skills cross over, some don't. I was mostly only a fair weather rider, I don't mind admitting it.
I rode for enjoyment, and I didn't find riding in the rain very enjoyable. However I also enjoyed the convenience of getting to town quickly at peak hour and not having to find a park, so when I visited customers in town, I did ride sometimes.
I don't think lane splitting up the southern motorway at 8:30 in the morning lends much to keeping the rubber side down on the coro loop on Sunday arvo, and keeping the front pinned nice and tight coming over John Deere at Pukekohe wasn't much use for "keep alive" skills on Symonds St.
In saying that, some saddle time is better than no saddle time. You're always working on throttle/clutch control, braking skills, etc...

[PirateJafa]

So anyone who takes pride in keeping in one of their major assets (and means of much joy) is a "fag" and should be "mocked" :scratch:

Indeed.

___

[Chrislost]

I like to ride slowly and with only one knee on the deck at a time.

:zzzz: fkn speed lmits and cars and trees and...:zzzz:

[NDORFN]

I only ride some fine weekends. My total KM's are probably less than 3k. I couldn't give the tiniest shit how anyone's skills or "Bikerness" compares to anyone else's except for MotoGP. And my bike is generally clean as a whistle except straight after a ride.So bascically, I share fine weekends evenly between other hobbies, my family (gets first priority), and my bike. I'm about quality riding not quantity, I only compete with myself when I'm riding, and I love looking after my bike (she's getting better with age). What does that make me? An anti-biker?

[PirateJafa]

I like to ride slowly and with only one knee on the deck at a time.

:zzzz: fkn speed lmits and cars and trees and...:zzzz:

...and cliffs? :Pokey:

[vifferman]

I ride my bike when ever my budjet allows me to ride it,
When my health allows it,
When the weather is such that I would enjoy the ride..
That may mean that it is weekends, when I am not working,
Summer when there is no snow, ice or rain
You should try stepping out of your comfort zone occasionally. Having ridden multiple times in very heavy rain, and twice when it was snowing, and once in a very heavy hailstorm, I must say I don't regret the experience. Like you, I'd rather be warm and dry, but there is satisfaction to be had in braving adverse conditions.
Part of being a motorcyclist means you're not divorced from the 'real world' as much as a car driver. I absolutely love riding along in summer, smelling the honeysuckle in the hedgerows ("don't be alarmed, man!"), the smell of farms, and riding through a cool pool of air in the shadow on a grove of trees. I also love the feel of a crisp, cold, early morning, rather than the comfort of an air-conditioned car.

While I'd rather not ride in the rain, due to poor visibility and slippery roads, having water trickle down past your waterproofs, or fill up your boots or gloves all adds to the rich experience motorcycling should be.

[gijoe1313]

Different strokes for different folks, as for me, I just go out and ride whenever, whereever and however as much as I can :yes: Long as you enjoy it, then whos to say otherwise? :2thumbsup

[Headbanger]

I enjoy riding in bad weather (though I don't actively seek out bad weather), Makes ya feel alive.

Ridden for hours in killer storms, Puts hair on your chest (works for you ladies as well)

[slofox]

T Would someone who rides 20 km a day in city traffic for 50 days (1000km total) not gain a lot more valuable experience than someone who takes a 1000km road trip along highways?

Different skill sets. Apples and oranges, innit?. You can't really say someone with lots of apples is "better" than someone with lots of oranges can ya?

I did my first d'Auckland motorway run in some 20 years yesterday...and no, I didn't have any apples at all...very stressful. Very pleased I don't do that every day.
But coming back, there were a few apples in the basket - it's amazing how quickly you learn to work the spaces...

But I soon got bored and cut off to SH22...and found the orange bin was still full....:whistle:

[T.W.R]

10yrs of having a bike as the only form of transport and riding every day rain/hail/snow/shine. Now 13+ yrs on the bike is used at least 4 times a week and clocking up in excess of 1000kms a month.

doesn't matter how often people ride it's the experiences we endure whilst we ride that make us the riders we are and each of our experiences depend on how we percieve each situation we encounter......and everyones perception is different

[slofox]

I enjoy riding in bad weather (though I don't actively seek out bad weather), Makes ya feel alive.

Ridden for hours in killer storms, Puts hair on your chest (works for you ladies as well)

Yep. Agreed...still no chest hairs though, buggrit...

[ManDownUnder]

I enjoy taking my bike out for the ocassional strop and have nothing to prove to anyone except myself. I know that my ego will kill me. I tend to leave it at home.

I don't care too much for what other bikers think and enjoy the company of good likeminded people. I'm aware of others with less skill that just don't know it yet, who still do have something to prove and the chip on their shoulder is leading them unfailingly toward an early death.

I respect riders that do know their limitations and ride accordingly, to push the limits in order prove themselves on the track, improve themselves, or ride within their limits and just enjoy the experience.

I envy those that love riding and somehow get paid to do it (Big Dave being a prime example). It doesn't matter a damn if I ride daily or if I once rode and am now unable to due to age, illness or anything else.

I am who I am.

[usa-vtwin]

I've just got back into biking after a long spell. I rode through winter and often rode winter nights at 10pm and 0 degrees just to get out.(as Rosie can confirm) I ride pretty much every weekend, and whilst I have to take a car to work as my job requires such, if I can I do take my bike if its an admin day in the office....or like yesterday I finished at 1.30pm, went home and rode the bike for 3 hours. I ride as often as I can work permitting. Once I upgrade to a bigger beast I'm super keen to ride both passes in a day or weekend etc...

[Big Dave]

Cool. <tenchars> </tenchars>

[p.dath]

Nothing replaces experience, and you get that only by spending hours on the seat riding.

[Headbanger]

Nothing replaces experience, and you get that only by spending hours on the seat riding.

A wise man once told me competence is a combination of training and experience.One without the other is only a half measure.

You can spend years in the saddle and still be a danger to yourself and everyone else if no one points out what your doing wrong. And I'm not referring to the bizarre system of taxing people for poor driving.

[imdying]

However I will mock mercilessly any fag with a clean bike.Cleanliness if the most basic step in any maintenance regime. Physically touching every part of your bike on a regular basis is the easiest way to spot little problems before they become big ones.

[Big Dave]

He's already got big problems.

[hospitalfood]

real bikers don't use the internet because they are to busy riding.




However I will mock mercilessly any fag with a clean bike.

both my bikes are super clean. spotless, very well looked after and maintained. they both got ridden yesterday ( and the day before ), so far today I have only rode the old one.

so mock away, but if you start flirting with me and calling me a fag I WILL ROOT YOU SWEETHEART !

[crazyhorse]

This discussion came up elsewhere and I would like to carrry it on here on kiwibiker. There seem to be people areound who think that those who just ride their bikes on fine weekends can hardly call themselves bikers. The real bikers are those who use their bikes as a primary mode of transport and ride on most days, rain or shine. What do you think?

Would you agree that the skills of someone who rides every day will in most cases be superior to those who only ride on some weekends?

Do you think that people who ride rarely are more prone to accidents than those who ride on most days?

Would you agree that measuring someones riding experience in terms of total km covered is meaningless? Would someone who rides 20 km a day in city traffic for 50 days (1000km total) not gain a lot more valuable experience than someone who takes a 1000km road trip along highways?

Does not matter how much you ride, you are still a biker of sorts. The more riding you do the more experience you gain. However, if you only ride within the 50km/h area, then you would not gain wide knowledge of the open roads.

Same goes for riders who won't ride in the rain or on shingle. You will never get better at it if you aren't prepared to get out there and do it. And the more you do, the better you get at it.

You can also not compare someone who rides every day with someone of natural ability who rides once in a while. You either have it or you don't.

But hey, interesting thread :yes:

[sondela]

I tend to ride whenever I feel like riding which is mostly..
(snow and work permitting =)

[SMOKEU]

I never ride my CBR to work because there are too many people that will fuck with it or steal it, same with my car. So I ride my push bike to work. It's a sad world we live in.

[imdying]

He's already got big problems.Oh I don't know... being young and ignorant isn't a big problem... he'll get older at least.

[Oakie]

There seem to be people areound who think that those who just ride their bikes on fine weekends can hardly call themselves bikers.

Playing Devil's advocate ... perhaps the 'real bikers' are those who only take their bikes out in the weekend? They obviously don't need a bike for daily transport but they still have one anyway. They have a bike just because they want one ... not because they need one. Biker by choice ... not necessity.

I think all you need to be a 'real biker' (whatever that is) is to have a bike that you enjoy riding and can ride competently / safely.

Hmmm. Afterthought: Perhaps it's as simple as a 'real biker' is the guy who, when given the choice between taking a car or the bike somewhere, takes the bike?

[PirateJafa]

He's already got big problems.

The voices say otherwise.


Cleanliness if the most basic step in any maintenance regime. Physically touching every part of your bike on a regular basis is the easiest way to spot little problems before they become big ones.

Sod that, the dirt and grime is the only thing holding 'em together.


so mock away, but if you start flirting with me and calling me a fag I WILL ROOT YOU SWEETHEART !

Dinner and a movie first, bitch.

[vifferman]

Cool. <tenchars> </tenchars>
That seems to be really important to you.

I'm just barely cool enough to not care if I'm cool or not.

[Maha]

So anyone who takes pride in looking after one of their major assets (and means of much joy) is a "fag" and should be "mocked" :scratch:

Thats interesting.

Those that own shiters dont really need have any pride, whereas, those that have invested good honest hard earned cash into thier spankin' near new bundle of joy....do!
I hate a dirty bike, mine got the big spray down and water blast on Sunday.
And now its back to showroom condition (cept for the wee scrape on the left hand grip)

Oh and I ride when I want to/when I can which normally is the weekend.

[Sidewinder]

weres the multi choice, i dont ride because i have no bike but when i do i ride everyday

[Disco Dan]

Should say - work days and days off, rather than weekends.

I work shifts - have not had a full weekend off work in 8 years. :buggerd:

[Big Dave]

I'm just barely cool enough to not care if I'm cool or not.

I noticed.

I'm currently doing an article on what bike the Fonz would ride today.

[kit]

I mainly ride during weekends or planned rides away.....taking my bike to work is just a tease, as i want to keep riding but have to go to work :(

[kiwifruit]

weres the multi choice, i dont ride because i have no bike but when i do i ride everyday

I'm with Jeremy :love:

[Sidewinder]

I'm with Jeremy :love:

thanx allan, i gotta get down there and have a spin on that 400 still

[Fatt Max]

I'm a fat one

[Maha]

weres the multi choice, i dont ride because i have no bike but when i do i ride everyday

Same theory goes for Weet-Bix.

[gsx83esd]

riding bikes just great , love to get out on the bike with the wife on the back , been riding since i was 12 , now 54, dont get out much as work commitments dont allow but manage to get to a couple of rallies a year and out on occasional weekends weather permitting , must be lots of guys and girls out there in the same boat as me and the wife , so i guess riding the bike everyday is good experience, but however once you got it you dont lose it !!! ( L plate rider, geeez)

[Bonez]

Those that own shiters dont really need have any prideCrap :lol: Some of us are quite proud of our dirty old shitters. The fact that they're still going after decades of use and abuse is testiment of this :girlfight:

I chose the last option though I have been known to walk to work on occasion.

[Big Dave]

Oh I don't know... being young and ignorant isn't a big problem... he'll get older at least.

His bike has rust older than him.

[nighthawk]

I have been riding for many years but in the past 3 years I've only ridden 9980kms and I've enjoyed every km of it.
Lifes experiences have taught me many things some of which pertain to riding.
I will not ride in the wet,occassionally in the wind and very seldom with a group,this does not make me a want to be biker as some one once suggested but rather a motorcycle enthusiast who has learnt to pick the best time to enjoy the open road.
I will acknowledge anyone on two wheels and get a great response from most.

I have always felt that if you enjoy the sight and sound of a motorcycle, be it old new large or small and have the occassional hankering to hit the open road then your a Biker nothing more nothing less.
Here's wishing you all a safe and enjoyable ride wherevere it may be...

[MIXONE]

I ride whenever the wife is up for it.






Oh you mean bike.

[Big Dave]

Oh you mean bike.

You can probably get medication for that sense of humour.

[MIXONE]

You can probably get medication for that sense of humour.

I self medicate thanks.

[PrincessBandit]

Short but feisty.

[Bonez]

I noticed.

I'm currently doing an article on what bike the Fonz would ride today.Is Mrs Cunningham past it now?

[mister.koz]

Weekends and to work most days (when its dry)

Basically any time i can have fun going somewhere (no matter how significant)

it is getting increasingly hard to find interesting roads... took me an hour to do the 10km journey home from work last week because i had to go via raglan, hw22, ngaruawahia etc...

[Maha]

Crap :lol: Some of us are quite proud of our dirty old shitters. The fact that they're still going after decades of use and abuse is testiment of this :girlfight:

I chose the last option though I have been known to walk to work on occasion.

Your situation Bonez is as unique as unique thing when its really unique, and a real testiment? yes indeed.

[Bonez]

Your situation Bonez is as unique as unique thing when its really unique, and a real testiment? yes indeed.Why thank you. I think.:whistle:

[Big Dave]

Is Mrs Cunningham past it now?

Sit down. Deep breath. Ready. It was fiction. Ralph, Potsy - Didn't happen.

Sorry.

[PirateJafa]

His bike has rust older than him.

Only half of them. The other half I edge out [barely] by a couple of years, and are shiny and rust-free.

A few more years of TLC and abuse should fix that though.

[Sidewinder]

Same theory goes for Weet-Bix.

nah they make me fat, because they have to have sugar on them. thats why i always have hot chips for the salt to stop cramps.........

[Bonez]

nah they make me fat, because they have to have sugar on them. thats why i always have hot chips for the salt to stop cramps.........Try to stop rubbing it. Apperently it helps.

[Sidewinder]

Try to stop rubbing it. Apperently it helps.

i like fingering it so i dont have the rubbing prob:banana::2thumbsup:banana::2thumbsup

[Bonez]

i like fingering it so i dont have the rubbing prob:banana::2thumbsup:banana::2thumbsupThe other hand get amputated or something?

[SPman]

I noticed.

I'm currently doing an article on what bike the Fonz would ride today.
It wouldn't involve Buells or Street Scramblers, would it??????

[Sidewinder]

The other hand get amputated or something?

nah its to busy stroking my mates ego, im telling ya its a full time job

[Bonez]

nah its to busy stroking my mates ego, im telling ya its a full time jobHave you tried asking for payment then? No wait, please don't aswer that......................

[Sidewinder]

Have you tried asking for payment then? No wait, please don't aswer that......................

were do you think i get my pocket money to buy lollies with from??

[Bonez]

were do you think i get my pocket money to buy lollies with from??Have you considered marbles would be more usefull. You can suck them for a lot longer.

[Sidewinder]

Have you considered marbles would be more usefull. You can suck them for a lot longer.

but the school kids dont come when i have a bag of marbles tho:whistle::whistle::whistle:

[Bonez]

but the school kids dont come when i have a bag of marbles tho:whistle::whistle::whistle:Try challenging them to a game of keepsies.

[Chrislost]

...and cliffs? :Pokey:

and people who turn up at the pub first, after following people for the last 80km...

[P38]

There seem to be people areound who think that those who just ride their bikes on fine weekends can hardly call themselves bikers. The real bikers are those who use their bikes as a primary mode of transport and ride on most days, rain or shine. What do you think?

Who is a Real Biker then?

This comment would fit into the
He who rides the "Most, Longest, Fastest, Hardest,Loudest" has the biggest Penis category maybe also overlapping into "Sooner or Later Your Arse Will Be Meeting Your Face" category.

The people who think this, while they may have a big Penis, are most certainly Not Thinking People.

I'm aiming for the "He Who Lives the Longest Gets to Enjoy Their Riding Much Longer" category.

:scooter:

[Big Dave]

It wouldn't involve Buells or Street Scramblers, would it??????

Certainly not a Buell. Too comical.

A roadified and bobbed Scrambler would be a contender, yea.

[98tls]

I noticed.

I'm currently doing an article on what bike the Fonz would ride today. Joanie.Ritchie gave a wonderful speech.

[Big Dave]

Who is a Real Biker then?

People who pronounce what a 'Real' biker or 'Real' bike is, suffer from what I call Carlin Syndrome.

Everybody going faster is a maniac, slower is an idiot.

[P38]

People who pronounce what a 'Real' biker or 'Real' bike is, suffer from what I call Carlin Syndrome.

Everybody going faster is a maniac, slower is an idiot.

Yeah.

Individual Perception.

[98tls]

People who pronounce what a 'Real' biker or 'Real' bike is, suffer from what I call Carlin Syndrome.

Everybody going faster is a maniac, slower is an idiot. Then theres those of us that dont wave,virtual lepers:(

[MarkH]

I ride most days and quite often in the weekends too. I ride even more in summer. Last week I sold my car - it sat in the driveway most of the time and didn't even manage to travel a thousand kms in a year, so not worth the $250 in rego or the cost of 2 x WoF each year.

I have run about 22,000 kms on the scooter over the last year and commute on it regardless of weather. My longest ride in a day was Auckland to Christchurch (that was a long day), that was part of a five day trip that went from Onehunga to Christchurch to Winchester where I spent 2 nights at the magpie madness rally then to Palmerston North and back to Onehunga (enjoying heavy rain and gale force winds on desert road). Regardless of the weather on the final leg home I really enjoyed that trip.

If I had the money I would buy a bike for weekend riding (an SV650S appeals) and keep the scooter for weekday commuting.

I enjoy riding and today was really nice. I don't miss the car and I especially don't miss trying to travel by car on a wet day in Auckland - grrr, fuckin' traffic. 98% of the time when the car was my only transport I was just transporting myself and no gear to speak of - talk about a waste of resources.

[gatch]

Since my bike blew up I have ridden very little. I have been very sad.

However when I had the Spada I rode nearly every day, in the rain, snow, lightning, wind, hail, sun, fog or meteor showers. To work, the supermarket, on random 400k rides, or even the length of the south island in winter..

When I get another bike it will be much the same.

As far as "real bikers" are concerned I dunno, labelling people is a bit naff, although I figure the queer cunts that spend most of their sundays at the local harley shop talking about harleys instead out riding said harleys, I'd call em posers, but each to their own I guess..

[mattian]

there isnt an everyday option so, I chose most working days

[98tls]

...................

[Oscar]

I always figured that people who call themselves "Bikers' are trying to join a club that doesn't really exist, in an attempt to make themselves look a bit windswept and interesting.

Me, I ride a bike for fun, not to define myself.

[avgas]

I just come here for the porn

[avgas]

Who is a Real Biker then?
Saddam. He was ghost rider dont ya know

[toebug]

They have a bike just because they want one ... not because they need one. Biker by choice ... not necessity.


Hmmm. Afterthought: Perhaps it's as simple as a 'real biker' is the guy who, when given the choice between taking a car or the bike somewhere, takes the bike?

That sums it up for me, biker by choice not necessity.


Then theres those of us that dont wave,virtual lepers:(

Virtual lepers....... or cruiser riders!!!



I ride at every opportunity, commuting if I can, just to get some kind of fix because theres always the long way home.

Weekends are better so I can find some twisties and attempt to carve it up. My bike is always clean, cause its custom and shiny not gay (that would be a honda)..Still I only managed 15000k's in the last year, I dont mind riding in the rain but dont head out in it for a joy ride as it takes far too long to clean my overly shiny bike, thats when I take the honda.

[Motu]

I don't even have a tattoo -

[MarkH]

Hmmm. Afterthought: Perhaps it's as simple as a 'real biker' is the guy who, when given the choice between taking a car or the bike somewhere, takes the bike?

I had a car, it was running fine - but I bought a bike. After a year I had used the car so little that I sold it (still running fine and had WoF & Reg till next January). So now I don't have the choice of taking a car - but I had voluntarily given up that choice. Essentially I had the choice of riding or driving and I made the decision in favour of riding.

I think that anyone that chooses to ride (even a student on a 250 could sell the bike and buy a cheap car) is a 'real biker'. Someone with a bike in the garage gathering dust (owning a bike, but not riding one) would not qualify.

[road king]

i ride to work every day rain hail or shine, its about 80km away and all open road. sometimes if its a nice arvo ill go for a ride after i get home. i usually go for a ride on the weekends unless its pissing down with rain, then i clean my bike.i choose to have a bike over a car. a small car would probably be cheeper to run to work and back but not as fun

[modboy]

I clean my bike a couple of times a week. Come round to my place and call me a fag to my face because of that and see what you get. I'll ram a torque wrench up your gay arse and demand you shout me 10 pints.

I ride every day - unless it's completely pissing down (call me a pussy if you like - I don't give a shit, I hate getting wet - must be my gay hairdresser past). Having said that, I've ridden to and from work in Welly when the radio has advised people to stay at home cos it's a storm.

Storm force winds on the Hutt road aren't fun, nor is hitting rim deep water at 110k ... doesn't mean I like it. I hate it.

I love riding in perfect conditions like everyone else. But - my triumph is my primary mode of transport. So, I ride virtually everyday. Makes me enjoy getting up in the morning to ride to work (a 25k commute).

... so, yes, I consider myself a real biker - but then, that's a state of mind. A bit like being Maori, if you think you are Maori (or a real biker) then I reckon you are entitled to be that. :2thumbsup

[Lucy]

I noticed.

I'm currently doing an article on what bike the Fonz would ride today.

Couple of years ago I happened to see a rare exterior shot of Happy Days. The Fonz took off on his bike and slowly wobbled down the drive, it was funny, he was useless. But it made me happy, cos now I can say I'm a biker like the Fonz....

[caseye]

Though I've had to ride to work on and off I usually only ride weekends.
Over the last 2 years I've clocked up nearly 17,000 K's though so I've not done too badly.
Anyone who can own operate and enjoys riding a bike, is a biker in my opinion, good thread this one.

[PeteJW]

If some of the full time drivers on the road are anything to go by, we are all crap for driving/riding too much.
We get over confident and cocky.
I love learning new skills, so never think I am a good rider...always learning. I try to ride every day.

[Ixion]

Well, I ride to work pretty much every weekday. And to the shops when I need stuff. And to collect stuff. And to meet people.

And after work in summer is good for getting lost for a few hours.

And most weekends manage at least 2 or 3 hundred kilometres.

And when I want to go somewhere. And when I don't.

Other than that I take a car. Unless I can find an excuse not to.

Unless one has to cart people or big stuff, I dunno why anyone would bother with a car. Just too much hassle.

EDIT. I cleaned a bike once. About 1975. A moment of aberrant weakness.

[Big Dave]

Couple of years ago I happened to see a rare exterior shot of Happy Days. The Fonz took off on his bike and slowly wobbled down the drive, it was funny, he was useless. But it made me happy, cos now I can say I'm a biker like the Fonz....

Yeah - I heard the yarn is that Henry Winkler is not into bikes.

But we ain't talking about him! Izz da Fonz eh.

[pritch]

Some thoughtful responses to this thread.

"Biker" seems to be a relatively recent addition to the local lexicon, probably imported from the USA. In NZ it seems to be used in more inclusive sense than in the original setting.

On reflection there is only one guy I can think of who might not qualify to be a "biker". He owned Harley but never rode it. I don't mean he didn't ride it very often, he used to get someone else to take it for a Warrant...

I'm also not sure about the school kids on scooters. Not because I don't consider them bikers, but because I doubt that most of them would see themselves that way.

[CM2005]

I ride everyday, all year round

[EnzoYug]

Motorcyclist, Aficionado, Enthusiast, Old Salt, or just 'Biker'... who cares?

Unless people are walking around taking a hard-earned title, that is recognised by the greater population (ie. 18 year old kids walking around calling themselves "Dr" or "Honour") then it's a matter of semantics.

And I don't do semantics.

People who know me call me a spanner head (incorrectly; I can barely get the fairings off - but I talk a good lot of convincing shit) and a biker. Yeah, I ride every day - so I'll buy that one.

The question is what makes it?
20,000ks a year? Sure. That's only 10-15 weekends and some commuting.
No problem. Less? Maybe it's what you know - or who you know - or who you ride with....

But who cares?

Everyone who knows me doesn't need a title to know who I am and what I do.

Everyone else just says - "So you ride a bike huh? You ever take it on any sweet jumps?" or (my neighbours @ 10.30 on a Sunday*) "SHUT THAT BIKE OFF YOU LITTLE CUN..."

What's in a name anyway. Do you really need to earn it?



*don't know what they're on about the yoshi barely cracks 110dB.

[EnzoYug]

... I absolutely love riding along in summer, smelling the honeysuckle in the hedgerows ("don't be alarmed, man!"), the smell of farms, and riding through a cool pool of air in the shadow on a grove of trees....

You make it sound like a Jane Austin novel.

Truth be told - those books of hers do make good reading on a long ride. You just need to get the big-type (books for the sight impaired) edition so that the vibrations don't get in the way of your reading. And a little clip to hold the pages down.

[Oscar]

Yeah - I heard the yarn is that Henry Winkler is not into bikes.

But we ain't talking about him! Izz da Fonz eh.

Da Fonz would ride whatever today's equivalent of a bobbed knucklehead HD or Trumpy Speed twin is.


Actually, if he really was that cool and around today, he'd be on a KTM;)

[Bonez]

An interesting tidbit:

"According to the “King of Cool” himself, “The Fonz” (Henry Winkler) never actually rode any motorcycles during the ten year Happy Days television run. Winkler, never rode a bike in real life either, he has dyslexia, which made it difficult for him to co-ordinate the clutch, throttle and brake. Instead, the bikes (Harley Davidson’s, Triumph’s, BSA’s were used) were mounted on a piece of wood with wheels to make it look like he was riding,...... "

Hickley Triumph Bonnie on a servicing trolley ftw aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

[Big Dave]

Da Fonz would ride whatever today's equivalent of a bobbed knucklehead HD or Trumpy Speed twin is.


Actually, if he really was that cool and around today, he'd be on a KTM;)

Agree up to the orange angular plastic bit.