Are you a REAL biker? [Archive]

vifferman

17th September 2004, 09:53

You are, or you wouldn't be on KiwiBiker (instead of working). Unless of course, you were a real REAL biker, then you'd be out riding.:yes: :laugh:
Yeah - there is a point to this. I was talking to A Guy At Work who is about to take delivery of a brand-spanking-new SV650, and who is currently riding a loaner SV1000, and we seemed to be talking at cross-purposes. I was talking about facets of various bikes with respect to the Whole Riding Experience, while he was talking about tank size, fuel consumption, suitability for commuting.

I asked, "So - do you like the SV1000?" and he gave me an answer that was so tangential to the question that after talking to him for half an hour or so, I still have no idea whether he liked it, hated it, or what. :spudwhat:
Then it dawned on me - he isn't a biker, just someone who happens to ride a bike.
The reason I ride a bike is The Whole Enchilada. I like putting on the gear. I like sitting on the bike and warming it up. I like working on it. I like cleaning it. I like the feeling when you take off from home first thing in the morning. I like that when I'm riding it, I'm RIDING, not thinking about work, home, sex, or anything else, just The Ride, just the next corner, whether I should pop a wheelie or overtake that car. My commute is usually not "travelling to work", it's Riding The Bike, as it's about the journey, not the destination.
Do you know what I mean? If you don't, then you may as well be travelling by bus, or in the back of a hearse.

gav

17th September 2004, 09:58

hmm, can we save this post and refer it to you next time you mention selling your bike?

riffer

17th September 2004, 10:07

Don't be such a troll Gav.

FS I understand perfectly. :yes:

vifferman

17th September 2004, 10:15

Don't be such a troll Gav.Yeah, don't be such a Gav, Rossi.
Or as we say in our house, "What a Todd!" (after those LTSA ads with that loser Todd in 'em, which have no impact at all on my teenage boys because they can't relate to that poor specimen.)
But you're quite right, Gav/Rossi/Todd. Feel free to beat me around the head with this post the next time I'm being a twat. (I'm having a good day today, and enjoyed riding in after a day in the car yesterday.):third:

Quasievil

17th September 2004, 10:16

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Good one Gav

duckman

17th September 2004, 10:19

There are "Riders" and there are "Owners" .... nuff said.

Glad you enjoyed your ride in this morning, I'm jealous cause I came in the car with the g/f today. I plan to have a few drinks after work, (the usual Friday thing) so no bike riding for me!!! :Police:

Quasievil

17th September 2004, 10:19

Yeah, don't be such a Gav, Rossi.
Or as we say in our house, "What a Todd!" (after those LTSA ads with that loser Todd in 'em, which have no impact at all on my teenage boys because they can't relate to that poor specimen.)
But you're quite right, Gav/Rossi/Todd. Feel free to beat me around the head with this post the next time I'm being a twat. (I'm having a good day today, and enjoyed riding in after a day in the car yesterday.):third:
I know what you mean tho FS its like Fishing, its not just about being on the Boat actually fishing its about getting the rods ready getting the gear all in the boat the anticipation of a awesome day, dreaming about the BIG one, will it be today etc etc etc , is all part of it eh. Not to mention the kids smiles when they catch a fish, it

ching_ching

17th September 2004, 10:46

I like that when I'm riding it, I'm RIDING, not thinking about work, home, sex,

For God's sakes man we've gotta be thinking 'bout the sex at the same time at least come on!

We are but men. :crazy:

Slim

17th September 2004, 10:52

For God's sakes man we've gotta be thinking 'bout the sex at the same time at least come on!

We are but men. :crazy:
We're not all men!!! <_< :kick:

But I know exactly what Firestormer is on about though. I sold my bike due to financial problems and a lack of a lockable garage, when I moved back to Hamilton. After 3 years without a steed, a friend took me for a ride one weekend & I just had to have another bike again. So I brought my CBR6 and I've been a happy camper ever since & I don't think I could ever be without a bike again. :love2:

Blakamin

17th September 2004, 11:04

The reason I ride a bike is The Whole Enchilada. I like putting on the gear. I like sitting on the bike and warming it up. I like working on it. I like cleaning it. I like the feeling when you take off from home first thing in the morning. I like that when I'm riding it, I'm RIDING, not thinking about work, home, sex, or anything else, just The Ride, just the next corner, whether I should pop a wheelie or overtake that car. My commute is usually not "travelling to work", it's Riding The Bike, as it's about the journey, not the destination.
Sounds like my morning run to work!
couldnt Live without the cleaning and maintaining.... it's like therapy!

and i need therapy :D

vifferman

17th September 2004, 11:05

No Mr Firestormer I donot think I am a realbiker. I hope to be when I have a real bike. :sunny:

Hitcher

17th September 2004, 11:56

Riding a bike is a spiritual experience. I like the way my bike acknowledges me when I walk past, saying "Hey, Hitcher, let's go for a ride..." I too like getting suited up while the Zrex warms up outside. I love exiting our street and descending the Ngaio Gorge's twisties and then waiting at the lights with breathless anticipation for the next part of the journey. I shall stop here rather than continuing to wax eloquent. Hopefully you've got the picture...

Motorbiking isn't about getting somewhere, it's about the ride!

scroter

17th September 2004, 12:46

For God's sakes man we've gotta be thinking 'bout the sex at the same time at least come on!

We are but men. :crazy:

i can go almost 6 minutes without thinking about sex now. im so proud i heard the national male average was about 4. :cool:
by the way nice bike

TwoSeven

17th September 2004, 12:46

I couldnt imagine not having bikes - but I guess if you have to ride em all day long every day, or fix em for a living - your outlook is going to be different from someone who's circumstances mean they are unable to own one (perhaps, finance, age etc). Then there are the people with money for which an asset is an asset - doesnt matter what it is as they can say they have one - even if it spends its time in the garage.

Ms Piggy

17th September 2004, 12:49

For God's sakes man we've gotta be thinking 'bout the sex at the same time at least come on!

We are but men. :crazy:
I'm with Slim on this one...we're not all men and thinking 'bout sex isn't restricted to the male of the species. :rolleyes:

Anyhoo regarding riders & people who ride bikes - big difference. I'm a rider for sure - I love everything about it - even on the days when the weather is shitty.

Today for example I got treated like shit by Study Link and I was pretty upset about it, so I took the long way home and felt a lot better for it! :niceone:

Paul in NZ

17th September 2004, 13:10

I buy bikes with my heart. I could not give a hat full of fluffy puppies how big the friggin tank is but the bike has to need me as much as I need it... Simple!

When I bought the Guzzi it I had a bunch to choose from and I picked the oldest one. The guy asked me if I wanted a test ride?? Why? I asked him. I already loved it and no matter how it went I was gunna fix it!

I could not stand a bike with nothing to do!

brm brrrrrrmmmmmmmmm............

Hooks

17th September 2004, 13:14

it's about the whole thing .... there's more to the bike ride than just the fact that you're moving .... It's how you move with the bike that makes the whole package a spiritual journey as well as a physical one !!
I went 14 years without being on a bike ..... and I couldn't understand why I was such a grumpy prick ..... then I pulled out the bike and spent some time and effort getting her ready to ride ...... and I salivated the whole time .... then getting on and going down the road for just a test run was almost orgasmic in it's release !! .... 2 Wheels !!! yeah !! :niceone:

Nutter34

17th September 2004, 13:23

vifferman

17th September 2004, 13:33

I've been through stages where riding hasn't particularly done it but tinkering and modifying the bike has. Doing cosmetic mods or manufacturing different pipes etc. just because it's there to be done. Of course riding after a mod has been done and knowing it works/attracts enough attention by other bikers makes it all worth it.Oh yeah!
I haven't admitted to this yet, when my wife is bleating about all the things that need to be done to the bike. I have admitted that there were a few things that weren't necessary, but not how at night I when I'm nodding off to sleep I think about the things I've yet to do, like flushmount front indicators, CF hugger, etc. I was almost disappointed that the modified mufflers and lack of a rear mudguard didn't fail at the WOF inspection, because that would've legitimised new cans and a hugger.:msn-wink:
Unfortunately, some of my tinkering has been expensive, like breaking the throttle position sensor (actually suprisingly easy to do, and not uncommon).
But for budgetary constraints (imposed by the primary income earner) I could easily spend a lot of time and money personalising the FahrtSturm.

Gasman

17th September 2004, 13:39

:not: You're all absolutely right. I especially like the bit about motorcycling being about the ride, not so much where you're going (paraphrasing Hitcher). After so many years without a bike, being back on one regularly has been a revelation.

A major grin generator!

Here in the south we do of course have plenty to look at when out in the quiet spots, and getting off the beaten track just gets the grin wider.

:bye:

pete376403

17th September 2004, 13:44

Totally agree, Paul. Both my bikes are old and well past their use-by dates, but there is something rewarding about finishing a long road ride or a difficult trail ride in the company of much newer/faster/flasher bikes.
The fact that they are much cheaper to buy had little to do with it.

dhunt

17th September 2004, 13:48

You are, or you wouldn't be on KiwiBiker (instead of working). Unless of course, you were a real REAL biker, then you'd be out riding.:yes: :laugh:Does a real biker work to pay for his biking or does he just live off the smell of an oily rage? That's why I'm at work so that I can pay for riding on the weekends.

Also does a real biker enjoy every second of every ride? I know sometimes I don't enjoy riding so much like on days when it is rainy and windy. But then other days I just can't wait to get out on the bike.

David

Blakamin

17th September 2004, 13:57

Does a real biker work to pay for his biking or does he just live off the smell of an oily rage? That's why I'm at work so that I can pay for riding on the weekends.

Also does a real biker enjoy every second of every ride? I know sometimes I don't enjoy riding so much like on days when it is rainy and windy. But then other days I just can't wait to get out on the bike.

David

Every second of the ride for me...rain, hail or shine
I ride everyday to work, around the beach roads etc.
and I work to pay the bills at home :weep:

vifferman

17th September 2004, 13:59

Pete3764309 your post sticks out. Why does it do that ?
Why does my posts say L-plate rider? My motorcycle has no plates so this is not true. How can Ichange this or take it off?

Hitcher

17th September 2004, 13:59

the smell of an oily rage?
Any mechanics/restorers who would like to elaborate?

Mr Skid

17th September 2004, 14:22

Pete3764309 your post sticks out. Why does it do that ?
Why does my posts say L-plate rider? My motorcycle has no plates so this is not true. How can Ichange this or take it off?

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=747

You need to do some more blathering to loose the L plate title.

May I suggest starting a thread on your favorite beer, a poll on what colour to paint your bike, or ask why sportsbikes are uncomfortable :banana:

Paul in NZ

17th September 2004, 14:23

Any mechanics/restorers who would like to elaborate?

Vicki can smell an oily rage a mile off... usually just after that vital thrunge grommet made of un-obtainium rolled off the work bench and into the cosmic worm hole under the bench never to be seen again (until you buy a new one).

Besides... Vicki assures me i must be a real biker. The only T shirts I own were either corporate freebees (ya gotta wear em a few times to get em soft enough to use as polishing rags) OR have bike stuff on them and are nearly buggered!

Plus.. I have hundreds of old bike mags with articles about bikes I will never own, pictures on the wall of bikes I've never seen and spare parts for bikes that don't exist any more...

:beer:

Paul N

vifferman

17th September 2004, 14:28

Vicki can smell an oily rage a mile off... usually just after that vital thrunge grommet made of un-obtainium rolled off the work bench and into the cosmic worm hole under the bench never to be seen again (until you buy a new one).:killingme Very good as usual, Paul!

Besides... Vicki assures me i must be a real biker. You required her assurance? Was there ever any doubt?:spudwhat:

Blakamin

17th September 2004, 14:59

into the cosmic worm hole under the bench never to be seen again (until you buy a new one).

We've got one of those in the kitchen... keeps taking all the beer :(
and the dogs ear drops for some reason :thud:
never takes the rubbish or empty cans or the bloody dog tho

Ms Piggy

17th September 2004, 15:43

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=747

You need to do some more blathering to loose the L plate title.

May I suggest starting a thread on your favorite beer, a poll on what colour to paint your bike, or ask why sportsbikes are uncomfortable :banana:
Don't be listening to him! I'm a whore so I know more!

And please look here before you go posting any random threads about nothing in pa-tick-you-laaaa.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=91270&posted=1#post91270

ching_ching

17th September 2004, 15:54

i can go almost 6 minutes without thinking about sex now. im so proud i heard the national male average was about 4. :cool:
by the way nice bike

Well you're a better man than me.
You gotta nice bike too! :niceone:

Paul in NZ

17th September 2004, 16:03

We've got one of those in the kitchen... keeps taking all the beer :(
and the dogs ear drops for some reason :thud:

Are you sure your Dogs ears drop or have we found who is takin' all the beer??

:devil2:

Paul N

Blakamin

17th September 2004, 16:22

Are you sure your Dogs ears drop or have we found who is takin' all the beer??

:devil2:

Paul N
hahahhahaha :niceone:

vifferman

17th September 2004, 16:29

It is like all the threads start to talk about beer before much time past. :eek5: I am liking beer but Im not allowed to drink beer.

Gasman

17th September 2004, 16:51

:drinknsin Beer. Now there's a bloody good idea. It's the time of day to go and have one or two...so goodbye to u!

Hitcher

17th September 2004, 16:54

vifferman

17th September 2004, 16:59

Doh, the stuff that buys me beer
Ray, the guy who sells me beer
Me, the guy who drinks the beer
Fah, a long way to get beer
Soh, I think I'll have a beer
Lah, lalalala beer
Tee, no thanks, I'm drinking beer
And that brings us back to Doh!

(Unquote, Homer Simpson):) I don't think I've heard that before, despite being a Simpsons fan.
I feel sorry for that GoatFood guy though - I think I'd top myself if I couldn't have beer.
Well.... maybe not. But definitely if I had to give up beer AND bikes AND sex. And The Simpsons.

Motu

17th September 2004, 17:18

How soon is too soon? - I've just opened my first of the day,and it's not 5 o'clock yet...customers still coming in the door.

I am wondering where the real REAL riders are.These are the guys who rode a bike continuously,it was their only transport and they used it for everything possible,they wore the paint off their tanks,kinda like Willie Nelson's guitar,but the tank never rusted,it was in constant contact with their legs.Their bikes and riding gear were adapted for the long years of use - they didn't change bikes because a newer model came out,they didn't buy new riding gear because their old stuff was now out of fashion.I used to like checking out their bikes,little things,like if they used the Auckland Harbour Bridge in the toll days there would always be a clip to hold the 20cents toll,saddle bags chock full of stuff for repairs on the road,full puncture gear,tubes,a complete clutch,you name it,they were ready for it.If something broke,it was repaired with something to make it ten times stronger,these guys were real serious bikers,there for the long haul....pity we seldom see their like today.

Not always guys of course - there was a woman out in West Auckland who never learned to drive a car...or ride a bike,she rode sidecars all her life,bringing up kids,carrying babies in them,shopping - I often saw her loading her chair at the Titirangi supermarket.Sadly passed away last year I think - her coffin fitted to the chassis of her outfit.

marty

17th September 2004, 17:22

:) I don't think I've heard that before, despite being a Simpsons fan.
I feel sorry for that GoatFood guy though - I think I'd top myself if I couldn't have beer.
Well.... maybe not. But definitely if I had to give up beer AND bikes AND sex. And The Simpsons.
i just feel sorry for goatfood full stop.

Blakamin

17th September 2004, 17:48

:) I don't think I've heard that before, despite being a Simpsons fan.
I feel sorry for that GoatFood guy though -.

Probably cant drink with the medication :lol:

moko

17th September 2004, 18:02

Well I`ve never had a car,never wanted one and probably never will despite the dodgy knees,clicky elbows and stiff fingers from nearly 30 years of riding in everything the shitty Brit weather can chuck at a person.I still get the same buzz even when riding to and from work and take the long route home every morning.I usually dont even have a destination in mind when I scoot of for a leisure run,just head out towards the sticks and end up where I end up,more than a few times I`ll just stop off for a quick coffee and jump on and ride straight back again.I`ve had all sorts of bikes,including some real heaps when I`ve been skint but usually have managed to keep something 2-wheeled on the go.When I started out "Bikers" were the ugly guys with the "Lemmy look",the tats and the **** the world attitude.Times have changed and I`ve slowly but surely followed the rest of the Brit biker community along the road to respectability.When I was in N.Z. I could have quite happily spent the whole time just cruising around taking in the scenery and only stopping to refuel.I find riding really calming,got the knack of total mental focus while being totally physically relaxed.part of "the old" biker mentality is still with me and I really dont care what other people think of me,what I do or what I think.One time all I could afford was a scabby old RXS100 Yam,buzzy little commuter thing.I probably looked bloody stupid on it but didn`t care,had some great times on that bike bouncing around the country roads scaring the crap out of anyone that saw me cornering in a shower of sparks,the bike wobbling all over the place.

SPman

17th September 2004, 18:27

A REAL biker? - nah! not me!

Jackrat

17th September 2004, 18:33

I,m not a real biker,just like I'm not a real fisherman or real hunter.
Or so I get told some times by purists that do things different to me.
I've just been riding bikes of all kinds ever since I could,same with hunting,been a Bow hunter for around thirty years but like my rifles as well.
Love sea fishing but chase trout with dry flys,streamers,spinners,an anything else I can get my hands on.
I bloody hate labels,I've been called a Hippy,bikie,fisho,hunter,Farmer,trucker,
an several other things we won't get into.
Even had some one call me Sir once, :o
Nah mate I'm just me,an I'll do it how I please thanks.

vifferman

17th September 2004, 18:44

i just feel sorry for goatfood full stop.
Why? You shuld not feel sorry for me. I am happy like this.
:)

vifferman

17th September 2004, 18:51

How soon is too soon? - I've just opened my first of the day,and it's not 5 o'clock yet...customers still coming in the door. :laugh: Yeah, the sun's over the yardarm somewhere (whatever the hell that means). Me too - we have drinkies and snacks at work (provided by the company), so I had a Stella before I went home (no low-alcohol beer available). My last few posts were a bit dodgy, as was my riding. :Oops:
Hey - that GoatFoodDood's a character - y'reckon he's for real?:spudwhat:

I am wondering where the real REAL riders are.These are the guys who rode a bike continuously,it was their only transport and they used it for everything possible,they wore the paint off their tanks,kinda like Willie Nelson's guitar,but the tank never rusted,it was in constant contact with their legs.Their bikes and riding gear were adapted for the long years of use - they didn't change bikes because a newer model came out,they didn't buy new riding gear because their old stuff was now out of fashion.I used to like checking out their bikes,little things,like if they used the Auckland Harbour Bridge in the toll days there would always be a clip to hold the 20cents toll,saddle bags chock full of stuff for repairs on the road,full puncture gear,tubes,a complete clutch,you name it,they were ready for it.If something broke,it was repaired with something to make it ten times stronger,these guys were real serious bikers,there for the long haul....pity we seldom see their like today.

Not always guys of course - there was a woman out in West Auckland who never learned to drive a car...or ride a bike,she rode sidecars all her life,bringing up kids,carrying babies in them,shopping - I often saw her loading her chair at the Titirangi supermarket.Sadly passed away last year I think - her coffin fitted to the chassis of her outfit.
Hey, that's really cool, Motu. I know exactly the sort of blokes/blokesses you're talking about. Not many of them about. Even guys like you, Moko, Paul et alia come close but no cigar - too um.. what's the word.. not civilised... domesticated? Tamed? I dunno...

What's that bike in your avatar, Motu? Looks interesting.

Firefight

17th September 2004, 19:48

Why? You shuld not feel sorry for me. I am happy like this.
:)

Ah I know this is :Offtopic: But I have to ask you Mr Goattucker can you tell me how many goats there are in Remuera? ,And are they happy living in such a built up area ?, where do they stay. Who feeds them ?

F/F :confused:

Motu

17th September 2004, 20:31

What's that bike in your avatar, Motu? Looks interesting.

That's the Honda NS750,a flattracker,they punched the CX500 out to 750 and turned it 90 deg,not a great success but it spawned the RS750,the bike that beat Harley at their own game,which in turn was responsable for the bastard XLV750.That was only a small thumbnail picture but it really stuffed up being reduced to avatar size - suggestions anyone?

We got old and soft,plain and simple...

Posh Tourer :P

17th September 2004, 21:15

Send me the thumbnail and I'll reduce it properly for you Motu

Posh Tourer :P

17th September 2004, 21:19

There are "Riders" and there are "Owners" .... nuff said.

Not sure which way you mean that. People who enjoy "riding" as an experience and others who just own, or people who enjoy "owning" as the full kitten caboodle, and other who just ride.

hondav2

17th September 2004, 21:55

Im with you firestormer, I hate leaving home on a dirty bike, I was going to sell the VTR but are riding it more than ever now, something about a vtwin aye. I done about 20,000km on the bikes last season and take the car to work each day.Cheers Toddy

Bob

17th September 2004, 22:34

Something interests me here. There is a view from some that unless you get out the spanners and work on the bike, you are not a 'real' biker. Why?

Why is it that if you're not competent with tools, you are not really a biker? This is a point of view often put forward by the classic bike set - mainly when they're looking for reasons to slag off modern bike owners.

I ride all year round, I cover a lot of miles in that time. I do not own a car, the bike is the only form of transport. I look forward to going to work, as it means I get out on the bike for a ride (I'll even ride the work route at weekends if I need a quick blat to try something out or just need a fun ride, as I know the roads so well). I probably ride 6 days a week, sometimes 7.

But I have no mechanical talents at all - even flatpack furniture is a challenging task for me. So why does that mean I am not a real biker? I have total respect for people that can whip out a spanner and do amazing things - but I don't have that ability. And I'm honest enough to admit it.

Likewise, to some people, the fact of owning a Very Yellow SV650S would preclude me from 'real biker' status. "Well it isn't a sportsbike/cruiser/chopper/trailbike/classic (delete as applicable), so it isn't a real bike, is it?" Well yes it is - a 650cc twin is probably one of the classic engine configurations, when you think about it!

To me, the best example of a 'real biker' I ever saw ran the most awful piece of cack I think I've ever seen on the road. It was an MZ of some kind - don't know what, as he had 'modified' it by lashing on a C90 fairing and painting it in desert camoflage... with exterior wall paint. But he loved that bike with a passion - and rode 7 days a week on it.

That, to me, is what being a 'real biker' is about - enjoying bikes and riding them.

SPman

17th September 2004, 22:38

Im with you firestormer, I hate leaving home on a dirty bike, I was going to sell the VTR but ....
Why? Was it dirty?
You must be a real biker!

SPman

17th September 2004, 22:54

That, to me, is what being a 'real biker' is about - enjoying bikes and riding them. Being a REAL biker , is about somethoing within you. I have a brother who rides bikes occasionally, an aquaintance who used to ride bikes, aquaintances who ride (wobble around on) bikes. They are not REAL bikers!They ride bikes, but are not at one with bikes. They do it, but......I feel, that to ride bikes as a REAL biker, it is something within you, that lets you, nay, compels you, to ride bikes.You can have a "layoff", sometimes of many years, but something draws you back! You are "compelled" to ride. It is not a matter of choice. It has nothing to do with style, fashion,peer pressure, whatever, it is something within yourself!. Whatever your riding style - road, off road,no one can say - yes, you are a real biker, It is something that, ultimately, only you can answer!

Holy Roller

17th September 2004, 23:15

Why? Was it dirty?
You must be a real biker!
Still got to get the mud off mine from Cold Kiwi been to busy riding it to clean it :o
I'll take it to the garage and get it steamed cleaned sometime I'm passing that should do the trick. Then a quick polish and you'll never know the difference. :Punk:

Jackrat

18th September 2004, 08:46

Ms Piggy

18th September 2004, 09:52

That, to me, is what being a 'real biker' is about - enjoying bikes and riding them.

Yeah :niceone:

Motu

18th September 2004, 10:01

Send me the thumbnail and I'll reduce it properly for you Motu

I'm running Mozilla and Mozilla Thunderbird for my mail now,but they don't seen to work together - Mozilla won't let me send an image????? I'll put it here for you.

Posh Tourer :P

18th September 2004, 10:45

Being a real biker is just another label people will throw around in an atempt to make them selfs feel better.
Just how the fuck can you be a real anything unless you live a totaly single diamention life.I am a Father,Husband,Son,Brother,Uncle and a hell of a lot of other things that come way before any machine.
The only thing people that go on about being real anything are,is real image bunnys.
I work on my own bike but never my cars,all that means is that I enjoy working on my bike,nothing else.
I love purists,it's so much fun shaking their trees to see what kind of nut falls out. :lol:

What are you on?!

Being a real anything doesnt mean you dedicate your entire life to it. By the looks of it, I'm a "real" biker - I ride 7 days a week, no other transport, do all my own maintenance, and enjoy all aspects of biking, including riding in the rain, and the maintenance.
I also play soccer, bridge and fencing, used to cycle regularly, work two jobs at about 30 hours a week, and study full time.
That is a hell of a lot of dimensions that dont revolve around bikes.....

Posh Tourer :P

18th September 2004, 10:46

I'll reduce that for you when I get home Motu, and post it up in this thread

White trash

18th September 2004, 12:43

Motorbiking isn't about getting somewhere, it's about the ride!

My sentiments per-zactly.

In Feb, myself, Jimbo, Fizzerman, Busajim and a couple of others went to Aexandra from Wellys in one day.

860km after leaving and getting there, I didn't want to stop. Then we rode home two days later, get to Picton and I was actually dissapointed.

Jackrat

18th September 2004, 12:55

What are you on?!

Being a real anything doesnt mean you dedicate your entire life to it. By the looks of it, I'm a "real" biker - I ride 7 days a week, no other transport, do all my own maintenance, and enjoy all aspects of biking, including riding in the rain, and the maintenance.
I also play soccer, bridge and fencing, used to cycle regularly, work two jobs at about 30 hours a week, and study full time.
That is a hell of a lot of dimensions that dont revolve around bikes.....

Not on anything,particuarly not on an ego trip,which is all this REAL crap is about. :calm:

manuboy

18th September 2004, 14:05

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...

I dunno about all this Real malarky, but i was up at 7 this morning for a blast to Akaora.. yup - my first blast for about 10 years. What a road! (apart from 40-50 sheep that decided to see if they cold graze tarmac, and the nice lady out walking her pet lawnmower half way up the hill). What a bike! Shame about the rider but i managed to get at least 1 one corner right i think.. farken A!!

If riding gives me the feeling i have right now but i'm not 'Real' i coudln't give a rats rear... i'd go back right now except the partner threatened abstinence if i didn't manicure (petticure???) the lawns around the 'east' wing this arvo. Maybe if i was a real biker i'd go anyway....

scumdog

18th September 2004, 14:05

I'm a real biker, don't need anybody to tell me that.

Sure I don't put in the miles like some or ride balls out or have a raggedy old bike I have had for eternity or spend every last dollar on my scoot but where is the rule book that says that is what it takes to be a 'real' biker? :spudwhat:

Coyote

18th September 2004, 14:54

I like that when I'm riding it, I'm RIDING, not thinking about work, home, sex, or anything else, just The Ride, just the next corner, whether I should pop a wheelie or overtake that car. My commute is usually not "travelling to work", it's Riding The Bike, as it's about the journey, not the destination.

I like the fact that when I'm riding, I stop thinking. Total Bliss.

Deano

18th September 2004, 14:57

Keep it real everyone......boooashacka...respect.

Coyote

18th September 2004, 15:08

Keep it real everyone......boooashacka...respect.
??????????

Deano

18th September 2004, 15:17

??????????

Was that over your head or do I have a warped sense of humour ?

Everyone is talking about realness, and I was quoting Ali G, who at times is REAL funny.

El Dopa

18th September 2004, 15:21

Was that over your head or do I have a warped sense of humour ?

Everyone is talking about realness, and I was quoting Ali G, who at times is REAL funny.

I is gettin' it, and I is larfin'. But it's spelt: respec'

Deano

18th September 2004, 15:27

I is gettin' it, and I is larfin'. But it's spelt: respec'

True dat. :eek:

Jackrat

18th September 2004, 15:43

NordieBoy

18th September 2004, 16:18

True dat. :eek:

Tru dat. :eek:

Jackrat

18th September 2004, 16:23

And back on the subject of REAL.
Just got back from a ride up the heads.Stopped on the way for gas,Norton and Trident coming out of the gas station as I'm going in,give em' a nod,Nothing,well I know both those two posers,work at the mill,both drive jap cars but hate jap bikes.But REAL bikers both of em'.A lady on a black Triumph
legend did stop for a chat,but she's not a REAL biker cause she's a girl right :shutup:
Get up to Grahams beach,stop for a smoke an two guys one on a pale yellow Suzuki GS1000,the other on a Lawson rep' Kawasaki pull in just up the beach from me.I wasn't in the lest bit suprised when they turned around an rode away both looking the other way.Couple of REAL bikers there,Real unfriendly that is.. :no:
Ah well got home,had a REAL good ride,finaly admited to myself my clutch is REAL stuffed an I'll be ordering new plates from the USA sometime soon. :crybaby:
That's another thing too ain't it??I can get a full set of clutch plates for a Jap bike from the USA cheap as in 2-3 weeks but I can't get them from Japan
for any amount of money inside 3-6 months.
So there ya' go aye,the only one of five other bikers I came across that would even aknowlage me was a lady on a Triumph Legend and a lot of REAL bikers wouldn't give her the time of day either,So bugger REAL bikers,you meet nicer people that ain't. :shifty:

scumdog

18th September 2004, 17:18

Keep it real everyone......boooashacka...respect.

When Neale on 'The Young Ones' said that word it sounded like 'boomshanka', does it mean the same thing? ' :spudwhat: 'Oh wow, heavy man, take it easy guys, I was the one that got it together and soaked the lentils'

Motu

18th September 2004, 17:21

Seeing as we are all getting upset about what a ''real'' biker is....how bout we try to find out what makes an ''unreal'' biker???

Coyote

18th September 2004, 17:25

Was that over your head or do I have a warped sense of humour ?

Everyone is talking about realness, and I was quoting Ali G, who at times is REAL funny.

I think it just went over my head

scumdog

18th September 2004, 17:26

Seeing as we are all getting upset about what a ''real'' biker is....how bout we try to find out what makes an ''unreal'' biker???

The One? :whistle: get it? get it? huh? didja get it? - ah forget it :wacko:

Posh Tourer :P

18th September 2004, 21:45

Not on anything,particuarly not on an ego trip,which is all this REAL crap is about

Sorry, I got a bit carried away. I still claim to have refuted your point though.

And back on the subject of REAL.
Just got back from a ride up the heads.Stopped on the way for gas,Norton and Trident coming out of the gas station as I'm going in,give em' a nod,Nothing,well I know both those two posers,work at the mill,both drive jap cars but hate jap bikes.But REAL bikers both of em'.A lady on a black Triumph
legend did stop for a chat,but she's not a REAL biker cause she's a girl right :shutup:
Get up to Grahams beach,stop for a smoke an two guys one on a pale yellow Suzuki GS1000,the other on a Lawson rep' Kawasaki pull in just up the beach from me.I wasn't in the lest bit suprised when they turned around an rode away both looking the other way.Couple of REAL bikers there,Real unfriendly that is.. :no:
Ah well got home,had a REAL good ride,finaly admited to myself my clutch is REAL stuffed an I'll be ordering new plates from the USA sometime soon. :crybaby:
That's another thing too ain't it??I can get a full set of clutch plates for a Jap bike from the USA cheap as in 2-3 weeks but I can't get them from Japan
for any amount of money inside 3-6 months.
So there ya' go aye,the only one of five other bikers I came across that would even aknowlage me was a lady on a Triumph Legend and a lot of REAL bikers wouldn't give her the time of day either,So bugger REAL bikers,you meet nicer people that ain't. :shifty:

Ummm, so what you are objecting to is the ego thing of saying "I'm a real biker and you aren't". Why should all these "REAL" bikers you have told us about should all like each other too? They all enjoy motorcycling, and ride for fun rather than as a means of transport (ie because they have to). That is a principle underlying all the definitions so far of "REAL" bikers. Just because your extrapolated view of what people are calling a "REAL" biker doesnt fit well with your view of what good bikers are like, doesnt mean you ought to rubbish the concept. Think about it in a non-egotistical sense, and compare it to car owners. Some are enthusiasts, most just drive the car because they have to. With motorcyclists, most are enthusiasts, because there is little mainstream acceptance of motorcycles as a mode of transport...

Posh Tourer :P

18th September 2004, 22:29

In the interests of not starting too many threads, heres an avatar for Motu, and completely off topic, but I said I'd put it here.

If you want Motu, I used a program called "Mihov Image Resizer" - search for it, it is a free download - quite satisfactory :D

Motu

18th September 2004, 22:48

Jackrat

18th September 2004, 22:59

Hey Posh,I know what you mean and I also know what the majority of other posters to this thread mean.
But then most of the people on this site are maybe a bit more thoughtfull than a lot of others in life.(How's that for a good greese)
But I often find when people start talking real anything there is a judgment call going on.As I said I like fishing,I do a lot of trout fishing and we have our little group of REAL trout fishers that only use dry flys and claim some superiority based on that(Real purist snobs).
The same applys to bowhunting,I've been told a few times I'm not a REAL bowhunter because I also carry a rifle at times,also because I like to go bush with a dog for company,(again real purist snobs).
I know people that consider any jap bike as not being a real motorcycle and any jap bike rider as not being a real biker.I'll leave that one for somebody else I think.
Yeah there are some people that only ride bikes for purely practical reasons but their reasons are just as real to them as yours or mine are to us.
So yeah I am a sour bastard,an mainly because I don't like being judged by others on how I do things,or being told one thing is more real than another.
I'm a member of a traditonal Archery site and a Fishing site,on both of them the subject also comes up as to weather your a real Bowhunter or fisherman/woman.The answers are also always the same,people claiming to be the REAL thing on the backs of those that don't comform to their veiws.I fortunatly don't conform to any purist veiws on anything but I've been involed in all of these things most of my life.
So please forgive me but the whole REAL thing gets my back up.
It's all the same road,the same targets,the same fish,so I don't judge others motives.I do question their views of whats real because we all are,no matter what our level of participation.

Posh Tourer :P

19th September 2004, 09:33

Thanks Maarten - I'm off to give it a try...

We went on the tramway to the dam today,part of a homeschooling trip,someone canceled so there was a place for me.I've done it before - a twilight one,I just love finding out what they did in those days,tough bastards all.Kids just love it,the little train,tunnels,wetas,climbing the dam...um...big people kinda enjoy it too!

Do you know any of the drivers? I wonder if John Gurney still drives the train - he was an important part of the motorcylce scene in Auckland for many years.

Howzat!

I don't know any of the drivers unfortunately - I havent had the opportunity to go on that yet, and I know I should....It is incredibly popular up at work, so much so we have to ration the brochures - we hide them behind the counter until people ask, rather than letting just any old riff-raff take them :P

I have walked along the route though, part of the way. Very pretty place...

Posh Tourer :P

19th September 2004, 10:09

But then most of the people on this site are maybe a bit more thoughtfull than a lot of others in life.(How's that for a good greese)
8/10

But I often find when people start talking real anything there is a judgment call going on.As I said I like fishing,I do a lot of trout fishing and we have our little group of REAL trout fishers that only use dry flys and claim some superiority based on that(Real purist snobs).
The same applys to bowhunting,I've been told a few times I'm not a REAL bowhunter because I also carry a rifle at times,also because I like to go bush with a dog for company,(again real purist snobs).
I know people that consider any jap bike as not being a real motorcycle and any jap bike rider as not being a real biker.I'll leave that one for somebody else I think.
Yeah there are some people that only ride bikes for purely practical reasons but their reasons are just as real to them as yours or mine are to us.
So yeah I am a sour bastard,an mainly because I don't like being judged by others on how I do things,or being told one thing is more real than another.
I'm a member of a traditonal Archery site and a Fishing site,on both of them the subject also comes up as to weather your a real Bowhunter or fisherman/woman.The answers are also always the same,people claiming to be the REAL thing on the backs of those that don't comform to their veiws.I fortunatly don't conform to any purist veiws on anything but I've been involed in all of these things most of my life.
So please forgive me but the whole REAL thing gets my back up.
It's all the same road,the same targets,the same fish,so I don't judge others motives.I do question their views of whats real because we all are,no matter what our level of participation.

Fair enough and well said. There's two aspects here. Firstly, that there is a stigma associated with being a "REAL" biker, and using that to put others down. But I think there is a distinction that can be made, between people who ride bikes and enjoy it, and people who ride bikes and use it as a convenient means of transport. They are different types of people and act differently. I'm not saying that you can't enjoy and use the bike as a means of transport too (I do) but the people who do the latter, wont be the people who come on line looking for a bikers forum for instance...

moko

19th September 2004, 14:05

I know what you`re saying Jackrat,and Bob will back you up on this.I also use www.realclassic.co.uk (note the name)and the main reason Bob got pissed off with that was the attitude of some of the blokes on there.All the digs about "you dont own a bike more than 20 years old so you`re not a "real" classic owner/rider.Their loss,he did there basically what he does here and a couple of twats with shit attitudes were enough for him to move on.I got the same but my nature is to meet idiots head-on and I pointed out to them that I was riding bikes in the 70`s same as them,just that I wasn`t silly enough to buy some pile of shit out of blind patriotism.As with everywhere else there are some really good guys there amongst the muppetts so I made the decision to stay.For me the "real" bit comes in when I`m parked outside a bike shop and some dork on a Fireblade looks down his nose at me and my bike.He`s some hand-job that crawls out when the thermometer says it`s safe to square-off the tyres on a bike that he`s incapable of stretching to any more than maybe 60% of it`s potential.Me,I`m out there all year round because I enjoy it,my bike`s been on the road all winter in all kinds of crap/potentially dangerous conditions and I feel some kind of bond with it(o.k. so maybe that`s deeply pathetic but it`s the truth).I dont care what other people think about me,my bike or any part of either.In fact I`ll admit that my machine has probably one of the tackiest paint-jobs ever to leave the Yamaha factory in a mis-guided attempt to make an ugly bike look less ugly.It`s a bike,there`s such a thing as perspective,my bike gets knocked off it`s stand I`ll get pissed off,any of my mate`s kids gets badly hurt and ,in the privacy of my home,I`d probably cry.I do what I do because I enjoy it,bikes arent life and death.....they`re just bikes.Anyone who sees any machine as a status symbol is missing the point and a whole load of other things as well.

FROSTY

19th September 2004, 14:53

I guess by all accounts I'm not a real biker. But then how do you define a real biker/
Isn't that what is so fantastic about this sport/means of transport? -The diversity of reasons for riding we all have?
When I was in my late teens and early 20's I wouldn't get in a car. Id ride rally race all on a bike.
Nowadays I ride for pleasure and sometimes beacuse its heaps cheaper than driviung a cage.

jrandom

19th September 2004, 14:59

the only one of five other bikers I came across that would even aknowlage me was a lady on a Triumph Legend and a lot of REAL bikers wouldn't give her the time of day either,So bugger REAL bikers,you meet nicer people that ain't. :shifty:

I doubt I'm a Real anything in particular, but I keep thinking it'd be great to go for a ride up Awhitu way. Is that where you were talking about? I could see myself surreptitiously blowing half a day off work and heading out there once I get a new rear tyre and front sprocket on. A bit bleak, but lovely roads and no traffic.

Mongoose

19th September 2004, 15:06

Sometimes I wish I was a plastic biker and not a real one. Just think of it, no worries about the wet, cold would be no worries and new parts of me or plastic welding would fix any damage.
But, alas i am real so none of that counts, huh? :moon:

jrandom

19th September 2004, 15:10

Sometimes I wish... plastic welding would fix any damage

I dunno, mebbe it's just never been tried, eh? :doobey:

Jackrat

19th September 2004, 15:42

I doubt I'm a Real anything in particular, but I keep thinking it'd be great to go for a ride up Awhitu way. Is that where you were talking about? I could see myself surreptitiously blowing half a day off work and heading out there once I get a new rear tyre and front sprocket on. A bit bleak, but lovely roads and no traffic.

Yeah that's the road,
Places to be carefull,after the Pollock hair pin you drop into a valley,as you go up the other side you pass Hamiltons gap.The wind coming thru the gap can get very strong and blow you about,after this you find yourself on a short straight leading into a sweaping up hill left hander,you come out of this corner into a shaded damp road with moss right were your going to be.
After Awhitu there is a long straight with a bit of a kink and then you start to drop into another valley,just after you start going down there is a sharp right hander,go wide into this corner because all the locals take it wide from the other direction,same coming back,stay close to the inside of this corner because the locals cut it.After that there is a short straight with a sweaping down hill left,it has a permanant water stain where water always flows across it in a small stream if it's been raining.As you come out of that valley there,s a 90degree left hander that you won't see until you come over the top of the hill and then your right on it.Then your on a one km straight that finishes in a Y intersection,you take the right into an off camber down hill corner thats followed by a left that's also off camber and often wet.These are the only sections that will give you any real problems.
You can avoid the section after Awhitu by turning off to the left just before you get to Awhitu and take the back way to the signal station.Twisty as,top veiws over the west coast and back over the Manukau,down into destruction gully ect,ect,.
There are plenty of other back roads around the area as well.
Cheers.

Storm

19th September 2004, 16:45

A bike can be many things. Mechanical learning tool, something to polish for hours on end, or it can be your ticket to freedom. I just got back from taking the missus for a quick spin around some of the local back roads, and it was a perfect day to ride-sunny, warm, not too crowded. My bike is a means to an end. I get a huge buzz from riding, but then again , I get a buzz from doing my day job properly too. I guess waht I am saying is to just enjoy life for what it is and as it happens, and so much the better if it involves a bike :sunny:

Mongoose

19th September 2004, 17:00

I dunno, mebbe it's just never been tried, eh? :doobey:

Trust me, how plastic and Mongoose skin do not bond that well :banana:

Firefight

19th September 2004, 17:04

Yeah that's the road,
Places to be carefull,after the Pollock hair pin you drop into a valley,as you go up the other side you pass Hamiltons gap.The wind coming thru the gap can get very strong and blow you about,after this you find yourself on a short straight leading into a sweaping up hill left hander,you come out of this corner into a shaded damp road with moss right were your going to be.
After Awhitu there is a long straight with a bit of a kink and then you start to drop into another valley,just after you start going down there is a sharp right hander,go wide into this corner because all the locals take it wide from the other direction,same coming back,stay close to the inside of this corner because the locals cut it.After that there is a short straight with a sweaping down hill left,it has a permanant water stain where water always flows across it in a small stream if it's been raining.As you come out of that valley there,s a 90degree left hander that you won't see until you come over the top of the hill and then your right on it.Then your on a one km straight that finishes in a Y intersection,you take the right into an off camber down hill corner thats followed by a left that's also off camber and often wet.These are the only sections that will give you any real problems.
You can avoid the section after Awhitu by turning off to the left just before you get to Awhitu and take the back way to the signal station.Twisty as,top veiws over the west coast and back over the Manukau,down into destruction gully ect,ect,.
There are plenty of other back roads around the area as well.
Cheers.

Jack is the tea rooms at the bird farm place still open,? we rode there a couple of times last year, was a good spot to stop for a break.I heard a rumor the old girl had closed down .

F/F

Posh Tourer :P

19th September 2004, 17:44

A bike can be many things. Mechanical learning tool, something to polish for hours on end,

Better than a purple helmet then.... :msn-wink:

Jackrat

19th September 2004, 18:49

Jack is the tea rooms at the bird farm place still open,? we rode there a couple of times last year, was a good spot to stop for a break.I heard a rumor the old girl had closed down .

F/F
Not sure,I'll get back to you on that.

Deano

20th September 2004, 13:57

When Neale on 'The Young Ones' said that word it sounded like 'boomshanka', does it mean the same thing? ' :spudwhat: 'Oh wow, heavy man, take it easy guys, I was the one that got it together and soaked the lentils'

Didn't boomshanka mean "may the seed of your loin be fruitful in the belly of your woman" ?

I think booashucka is just an expression like "word", or "awesome".

The new Ali G series was on Tuesday nights but I think its finished again already.

vifferman

20th September 2004, 15:10

I's almost sorry I started this 'ere thread, I yam...

I started it because I guess I was frustrated by trying to talk about bikes with someone who was obviously on a different wavelength, if not a different planet. After reading some of the comments here, especially Jackrat's:
"I don't like being judged by others on how I do things,or being told one thing is more real than another.....The answers are also always the same,people claiming to be the REAL thing on the backs of those that don't comform to their veiws.I fortunatly don't conform to any purist veiws on anything but I've been involed in all of these things most of my life."
And also XJ/Frosty's:
"But then how do you define a real biker/
Isn't that what is so fantastic about this sport/means of transport? -The diversity of reasons for riding we all have?"

I have decided "Are you a REAL biker?" was a dumb and judgemental question to ask. Yeah, sure there are some people who are just fair-weather riders, and some who are just poseurs, and some who just have a bike for transport/status/image/entertainment/investment only, but that's their business, I guess.:blank:
And people change. I used to be almost proud of being a 'REAL' biker, and riding in all weathers, especially when people at work would go, "You rode in this weather!?!":blink: :thud: But now I've realised:

I have the option of not riding to work when it's wet,
I don't enjoy it as much as I used to,
It's more dangerous,
I'm commuting on the bike so much it's spoiling the way I feel about it.
So I decided this year that I'm only going to ride if I feel like it, and whatever anyone else feels about it is their business, and I don't care. And it doesn't make me any less of a biker, or less serious, or less committed or whatever.
I also used to be proud of the fact that I am amongst the elite 3% of people at work who ride a bike, despite many (including several of the managers) confiding in me that "I used to ride a bike, but then I grew up / had the shit scared out of me / got sick of it / realised it was too dangerous".

Maybe humans (or maybe just some humans, including me?) are naturally judgemental, and divide their fellows into groups, and we as bikers are just the same.

Perhaps my thread title should have been: BIKING IS VERY ORDINARY.
And the post should have read:
Have you noticed there's as much diversity amongst bikers as there is amongst people, and although we like to think we're different and elite or special or whatever, we're not: we're just a bunch of people who ride all kinds of different sizes, makes and types of bikes sometimes, for whatever reason. And just like any other group of people, we have factions and prejudices and elitism and fears and envies. And some of us are loners, and some of us are gregarious, and some of us are nice, and some aren't and some are complete and utter wankers. And some of us don't even have a bike (at the moment, but I'm getting one soon, as soon as I have the money / my leg's better / I get out of prison / I sell the car / I get a job). And some of us are newbies, and some of us have been riding like FOREVER, Man, and some of us are great riders and can ride faster than Rossi, and some of us fall off all the time and shouldn't even own a bike.

So there you go: the biker mythos has now been completely and utterly debunked. There is nothing special about riding a bike, and just because you ride one makes you no different to anyone else. "It's just a bike". Say that to yourself next time you're out riding, and it feels good, and you feel special.
"It's just a bike. There's nothing special about this, it's just a mechanical contrivance that's missing a couple of wheels, and is an inherently dangerous means of transport."
You'll feel much better for having regained your tenuous grip on reality, really you will...

vifferman

20th September 2004, 16:09

Ah I know this is :Offtopic: But I have to ask you Mr Goattucker can you tell me how many goats there are in Remuera? ,And are they happy living in such a built up area ?, where do they stay. Who feeds them ?

F/F :confused:
I am sorry. I was not telling the truth I donot live there so I dont know how manny goat live there. I was live there for a little while but now I do not. My goats they live at home not in remueara.

Motu

20th September 2004, 17:17

scumdog

20th September 2004, 17:43

Thanks for coming back with that Firestormer - I posted a couple of other repleys,but deleted them,I'm not happy with passing judgements about such things.One of my replys was along the lines of - there are lots of different people riding lots of different bikes for lots of different reasons - you just can't pidgeon hole them.

See my posting on page 5, without wanting to sound too big-headed I think it covers it for most of us.

Despite my rantings I can see most points of view and don't slag the other guy too quick - maybe it's an age thing?

Jackrat

20th September 2004, 19:55

Bob

22nd September 2004, 00:34

Seeing as we are all getting upset about what a ''real'' biker is....how bout we try to find out what makes an ''unreal'' biker???

OK, I can do this!

The Ace Cafe in London - very famous biker meeting place. Gets all sorts turning up. Including a couple who come along in matching leathers, carrying their matching helmets. Come in, sit down, have something to eat and drink, chat to other people and eventually leave... and go round the back somewhere, get into their car and drive home.

I think they fit "unreal" quite nicely...

And Firestormer, don't worry. :calm: So you put up a point of view and some people disagreed with it. :whocares: I've been reading through and it doesn't seem to me that anyone has gone down the 'nasty' route (admittedly some points of view have been, er, 'forcefully put'). And this has turned into quite a wide ranging discussion!

So well done I say! :beer:

Skyryder

26th September 2004, 23:00

Go to http://motorcyclecity.com/Real_Biker_Test/popquiz.htm.

7 out of 20 for me. :o :o

Skyryder

Posh Tourer :P

26th September 2004, 23:25

35% to 45% - It is time for something a little larger than that Moped your big sister handed down to you. Get a real motorcycle and there still might be hope

8/20 for 40%

Skyryder

26th September 2004, 23:30

35% to 45% - It is time for something a little larger than that Moped your big sister handed down to you. Get a real motorcycle and there still might be hope

8/20 for 40%

Think we had better down size. Or even a better idea re register and cheat.

Skyryder aka (Cheetah) :killingme :killingme :killingme

Bonez

27th September 2004, 19:57

Hmmm I don't know if I'm a "REAL" biker (the Teddy attached to my canvass shoulder bag has "Biker" on his T-shirt and he wears an imitation leather jacket cap, pants and boots). :Oi: Dad has a bike, mum has bike all my brothers have own bikes at some stage in their life (Sister never did though). My stepsons both own bikes. I have 5 bikes- 3 servicable in the garage-2 awaiting attention in the garden shed. My freinds own bikes. I can change a tyre with a set of tyre levers and a can of CRC 5.56 (oh I forgot the boot), do all my own oil/filter changes and servicing. My m/c haven't seen the inside of a m/c repair shop for at least 10 years. One bikes done 120,00kms , the other 143,000kms. All are over 14 years old, one is 31 years old, one is 26 years old. I order bits for my jap bikes from England. I don't mind tenting at a m/c rally. I wave to other m/c like vehicals no matter how big or small ,country of origin or gender of rider or whether it has a bit on the side. In fact I wave to cyclists, cockies, tractor drivers, trucks drivers and the odd tintop driver as well. I don't mind/am not scared of riding a road bike of gravel or dirt tracks (the more the better the adventure). Wont get upset if a cow, sheep, deer , hawk feeding on a dead possum is on the road (hate magpies put) I don't mind a kickstart or getting my hands dirty oiling/adjusting the chain. Can ride in all sorts of weather anytime during the year. Don't beleive m/c tyres should be as wide as my wifes Honda Civics (she bought me an HD pocket watch for my 40th birthday, God bless her cotten socks, and I didn't secretly pawn it off). Wonder what she'll get for my 45 next week (hopefully an air compressor-it will probably cost the same as the watch) Mum signed me up for that "Grow Old etc" outfit because I signed dad up when he turned 40. I'll ring someone up a say "It's a nice day for a ride" quite often. I'm really at a loss as to what I am. :ride:

avgas

21st November 2004, 20:33

That test sucked, its was pro harley / cruisers.
Im a triumph man to the bone in historic bike bloodlines. If i wanted a harley i would get a buel.
They assumed that all classic rebels ride harleys, What about the ace cafe'? Some of the scariest bad asses ive ever met rode nortons (when does the Norton Nemesis come out?)
Now dont get me wrong, harleys do deserve respect, and i have seen a few sporty's to my liking, but by assuming all REAL bikers ride chop jobs.
bloody 45%, bloody oats
I must be a motorcyclist, ive dissassembled countless bikes, forgetting how they were assembled, have lots of crash scars, and also a titanium pin in my leg.
Tattoo's are cool, but chicks dig scars

Fatt Max

29th January 2009, 08:15

I was watching ‘Wild Hogs’ last night with the missus and she says to me:

“So, do you consider yourself a biker?”

Well, that certainly got me thinking and to be honest, I don’t really know. It’s a bit like the answer to life, the universe and everything….don’t know the answer because we don’t know what the real question is…..(you following this so far).

So, the question is “What is a biker?”. Is it just the fact that you ride a bike or is there more to it.

Over to you lovely people for some clarity on this one….

vifferman

29th January 2009, 08:19

There have been threads on this before, like this one (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=5212&highlight=real+biker).

Fatt Max

29th January 2009, 08:23

There have been threads on this before, like this one (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=5212&highlight=real+biker).

Fair do's mate, only been on the site since september last year. Fanx for the info

vifferman

29th January 2009, 08:33

Fair do's mate, only been on the site since september last year. Fanx for the info
It's (nearly) always good to have threads like your one.
Hopefully someone'll come along soon and say summat interesting. I <s>would</s> might but I'm (supposed to be) working.

firefighter

29th January 2009, 08:34

I think it depends if your view of a "biker" is tattoos, leathers and a cruiser, or merely someone who rides a bike, or someone who only owns a bike.......bla bla bla....

Plenty of people would'nt consider me to be a "biker", because of my choice of motorcycle.....yet it's my only transport, I ride it to and from work, and regularly on my days off around the place.....in fact it's my hobby.
The choice of my bike was purely dictated by my available funds, yet I could have had a reasonably nice car, yet I choose to ride.....
So am I a biker? in some people's eyes no, (purely based on my bike) but out of those people who say no, how many of them ride more than I do, and have sacrificed a car for their ride?
There are plenty of posers out there, but if your out enjoying your bike and use it as more than merely a form of transport, in my eyes your a "biker".....the weekend warriors.....not so much...

The whole thing is pretty wank wank though....

vifferman

29th January 2009, 08:36

There are plenty of posers out there, but if your out enjoying your bike and use as more than merely transport, I reakon your then a "biker".....

The whole thing is pretty wank wank though....
True and true.
It's not the bike - it's what it means to you (and not what it menas to others). For me, it's not just transport, but partly defines who I am, as it's one of the most important things in my life.

Big Dave

29th January 2009, 08:36

Me.

<tenchars> </tenchars>

imdying

29th January 2009, 08:40

Not really, they're just fun toys, they don't define me. (the wife would probably disagree, something about having a vacuum oven in the roof for making carbon bits :laugh:)

sunhuntin

29th January 2009, 08:41

my view of a biker is: someone who rides for the love of riding, and not so they can say 'look at me! ive got a bike!'

dipshit

29th January 2009, 08:51

Google result for 'biker'... http://dallasvintageshop.com/wp-content/uploads/Image/bikers/biker_man_with_gun.jpg

Google result for 'motorcyclist'... http://www.houseofhearing.co.uk/Images/motorcyclist.jpg

It's pretty f*ing obvious really.

3L4NS1R

29th January 2009, 08:57

not so they can say 'look at me! ive got a bike!'

however, surely looks/perception has A LOT to do with it... Why else would we have fairings? :P

dipshit

29th January 2009, 08:58

So am I a biker? in some people's eyes no, (purely based on my bike) but out of those people who say no, how many of them ride more than I do, and have sacrificed a car for their ride?

Do you belong to a gang and sell drugs for a living and rape 16 year-old girls and regularly wet your bed? No?

Don't kid yourself Mr Hyosung rider... you are a motorcyclist.

:rofl:

cowboy

29th January 2009, 09:07

A biker is someone that rides there bike rain or shine
A biker is someone that spends more time riding there bike than polishing it
A biker is someone that rides for the hell of it & has no idea were the hell they are going till they are there :scooter:

Ride hard live free :Punk:

spookytooth

29th January 2009, 09:11

however, surely looks/perception has A LOT to do with it... Why else would we have fairings? :P
What are they?

Swoop

29th January 2009, 09:11

Does it have anything to do with being an accountant/lawyer/white-collar scum ,who rides (on fine days only) a piece of metal manufactured and pimped by the harley davidson marketing machine, down to the latte shop to pose in all the aftermarket apparel and accessories?
Then rides home again?

:lol:

yod

29th January 2009, 09:11

A biker is someone that rides for the hell of it & has no idea were the hell they are going till they are there :scooter:

*sigh*

i guess that counts me out

ohwell

dipshit

29th January 2009, 09:11

Jantar

29th January 2009, 09:12

Anyone who rides a motorcycle is a motorcyclist. Then there is the subgroup of motorcyclists called Bikers. They are the ones who prefer motorcycles to cars and who will use their bikes much more than cars. There is another subgroup called Bikies. These ones are usually gang related and use their bikes and riding gear as a form of intimidation. Some bikies are also bikers although that is not universal.

The Lone Rider

29th January 2009, 09:13

MY answer found here:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1896876&postcount=40

RUBs piss me off, motorcyclist only slightly but I guess if they just want to putter around thats cool. Better than RUBs who spend more time with turtle wax and a cloth.

Bikes are there to ride. RIDE THEM!

yod

29th January 2009, 09:16

A biker is someone that rides for the hell of it & has no idea were the hell they are going till they are there :scooter:

Ride hard live free :Punk:
According to this guy I'm not a biker

Anyone who rides a motorcycle is a motorcyclist. Then there is the subgroup of motorcyclists called Bikers. They are the ones who prefer motorcycles to cars and who will use their bikes much more than cars. There is another subgroup called Bikies. These ones are usually gang related and use their bikes and riding gear as a form of intimidation. Some bikies are also bikers although that is not universal.
According to this guy, I am!

Help!! please! I don't know which neatly packaged category I'm part of!

whatever will I do!?

cowboy

29th January 2009, 09:20

A 'motorcyclist' would also cover that definition.

So you get my point then :first:

Pumpkin Pie

29th January 2009, 09:21

I'm a person and I ride a bike. I'm a piker! :woohoo: I hope they can fit me in somewhere.

Lissa

29th January 2009, 09:29

Anyone who rides a bike is a 'biker' as far as I am concerned, whether they ride because they just love it or because they like the bling and attention. I dont have the luxury as some people have of being able to ride their bike everyday as I have children who need to get to places and picked up. I also cant leave them at home alone to go for rides when I feel like it, still I think of myself as a bikerchick when I can fit it in, and I ride because I love it.

Cary

29th January 2009, 09:38

Alway good to see threads like this statrted again. not everyone saw the last one or the one before that..........I've been slamed before for doing the same thing yet most people who looked at the thread hadn't seen it before! :mad:

Me, I've been riding for over 20 years, the first 10 my only transport was a bike. I'm a motorcyclist.

vifferman

29th January 2009, 09:58

Anyone who rides a bike is a 'biker' as far as I am concerned, whether they ride because they just love it or because they like the bling and attention.
But y'see, there's another subset you haven't mentioned: those who ride a bike just because it's cheap transport. To them, that's all it is, and there are no other ramifications/aspects/implications to it. They ride to work, and ride home. It saves them money, and that's that.
I doubt whether there's very many of them, which is just as well, because they're probably zombies. If you ride a bike (or even a scooter) and fail to appreciate the thrill of it, then you're a commuter who travels by motorcycle, not a biker.
Many scooterists are like that, treating their scooter just like a glorified bicycle.

EDIT: Oh - and bring back GoatFood (I saw one of his posts in here, under my name) - I miss him! :(
EDIT(2): Looking at some of my earlier posts, written as "firestormer" or "Goat Food" or whoever, I can't believe I wrote them.
My brane has really <s>deteriroroeted</s> <s>determinaortated</s> <s>despterminetered</s> fukt out in the last few years... :(

Swoop

29th January 2009, 10:25

whatever will I do!?
"Worrying about it" shouldn't be on the list...

alanzs

29th January 2009, 10:39

I ride, therefore, I am. Been riding for about 40 years now. It's in my blood... :2thumbsup

Rodney007

29th January 2009, 10:52

eeek, changed

vifferman

29th January 2009, 10:58

if you own a bike , and ride it, your a biker.

i dont ride in wet, i dont ride to work everyday, my bike stays in my garage as a toy for me to thrash to my liking when a hot day comes or a trackday,
There's stuff you're not saying here, like why do you actually ride it?
Wouldn't a car or go-kart give you the same thrill?

although i do work on it alot, adjustments, lubricating and services when need to.. gives you an andrenaline rush that you become addicted to .
This reveals a bit more.
Unless, of course, you could very easily sell it and take up other 'adventure sports'. If the answer is "Yes, and I wouldn't miss the bike", then you're not a biker.
If it's: "No, I wouldn't want to sell it - I'd really miss it!" then you ARE a biker. (One who changes his posts...)

Rodney007

29th January 2009, 11:05

sry about changing my posts, gota be careful wat i say

yes like hell il miss it , done it before, just gota have a bike there to stay happy

because im not good at anything else..(not exactly good at riding but better than i am at other things)
i have a car i use for work, warm, radio etc...

prefer to keep kms on my bikes low... means there tight for the track.
after so many trackdays the road doesnt "do it" for you
although i will go for the occasional ride with friends to the pub etc..

Oscar

29th January 2009, 11:33

I ride a motorcycle because I likes it.

Whereas it's the thing I like to do the most, and one of the things I'm best at - it doesn't define me (I loathe being described as "Biker").

So, no - I'm not a real biker.

ManDownUnder

29th January 2009, 11:36

Oscar

29th January 2009, 11:40

Mikkel

29th January 2009, 11:56

It's hilarious that a group of, supposedly, vehement non-conformists are so bloody concern with applying labels on what they are and are not!

Google result for 'biker'... http://dallasvintageshop.com/wp-content/uploads/Image/bikers/biker_man_with_gun.jpg

So a biker is someone who puts an effort into costume parties, I see... <_<
In that case I am a biker, I spent $19 on a straw hat for a 30th birthday with a garden party theme this saturday.

I've decided I'm not a real biker.

I'm not tough
I bathe regularly
I'm a romantic at heart
I don't have any tattoos
I like fine food and wine
I cry
I don't like the sight of blood, expecially mine
I prefer to run than fight
I'm not the fastest person on the road
I don't have any demerit points
I've never been to prison

Same, except I won't admit to crying, I have 20 demerit points (got them in the car, so might be irrelevant) and I'd rather walk than run. Does that make me borderline in your opinion or am I still in the clear? :scratch:

SARGE

29th January 2009, 12:09

i refuse to be pigeonholed..

i ride a bike.. i dont commute on it and i dont "tour" on it..i can maintain, modify and upgrade my bikes by myself and i know the model history on each of the bikes i own or have owned (since 1973 with a Briggs and Stratton - powered homebuilt minibike)

i ride my own pace and if i get left behind on a curve, its not gonna make my dick any smaller, same as being the first wont enlarge it..

i have ridden Rt66, the Tail of the Dragon, the Blue Ridge Parkway and across the US in all 4 directions and seen 48 US States, parts of Canada and Mexico and the better part of the North Island of NZ from behind the handlebars..

i live by a set of rules, that while well within the norm of "pleasant society" are undeniably mine and have alot to do with "situational ethics"

i am covered in tattoos and facial hair and have a tendency for leather jackets, jeans and combat boots and i enjoy a cold beer a cigar and a glass of 12 year old single malt Liquid Smoke..

does that make me a Biker?..

does having a university education make you smart?..does having kids make you a Dad?..

I've decided I'm not a real biker.

I'm not tough
I bathe regularly
I'm a romantic at heart
I don't have any tattoos
I like fine food and wine
I cry
I don't like the sight of blood, expecially mine
I prefer to run than fight
I'm not the fastest person on the road
I don't have any demerit points
I've never been to prison

amazing we get along so well.. we have absolutely nothing in common.....:rofl:

ManDownUnder

29th January 2009, 12:13

A variation on the SNAG, the SNAM (Sensitive New Age Motorcyclist).

Can't say SNAG.. it's sexist. Must be SNAP - "... Person". The greenies and feminists are gonna hate you!!!!!

SARGE

29th January 2009, 12:17

The greenies and feminists are gonna hate you!!!!!

cmon in.. i have a reserved table at THAT party

ManDownUnder

29th January 2009, 12:19

cmon in.. i have a reserved table at THAT party

And you can leave your potty mouth at the door Mr! Don't go upsetting them - they're the future of this cuntry (TM)

Big Dave

29th January 2009, 12:29

8 out of 11 opposite.

Big Dave

29th January 2009, 12:31

I would consider having the word 'Biker' tattooed on my body.

Call.

The Pastor

29th January 2009, 12:34

the fact that you started this thread is evidence that you are not a biker.

Big Dave

29th January 2009, 12:37

the fact that you started this thread is evidence that you are not a biker.

Schrodinger's bad ass.

Oscar

29th January 2009, 12:46

Can't say SNAG.. it's sexist. Must be SNAP - "... Person". The greenies and feminists are gonna hate you!!!!!

Meh...most people end up that way...

Oscar

29th January 2009, 12:49

I would consider having the word 'Biker' tattooed on my body.

Call.

There's an adage in the Advertising world that says you know your product has made it when people have the logo tattooed on their body (my brother has a "Triumph" tattoo, for example).

I was in the supermarket earlier, and I saw a guy with "KTM" tattooed on his shoulder. Strange.

Big Dave

29th January 2009, 12:59

"KTM"

Koolaide Thanks Mum.

What about the guy who tattooed the word 'loser' on his own forehead - but he used a mirror and it came out backwards.

Big Dave

29th January 2009, 13:01

For a reasonable fee I will give 'How to be a real biker' lessons and tuition.
Subject to qualification criteria.

short-circuit

29th January 2009, 13:27

It's hilarious that a group of, supposedly, vehement non-conformists are so bloody concern with applying labels on what they are and are not!

Exactly - Get over yerselves. Enough drivel!

vifferman

29th January 2009, 13:35

the fact that you started this thread is evidence that you are not a biker.
Is that so, Einstein? How did you work that out? :laugh:
Because I can type? And spell? And have a brain?
Because I'm typing crap on the Interdweeb instead of out riding my bike?

The Pastor

29th January 2009, 13:42

Is that so, Einstein? How did you work that out? :laugh:
Because I can type? And spell? And have a brain?
Because I'm typing crap on the Interdweeb instead of out riding my bike?
some idiot mod merged the threads, i was refering to fatmax

Oscar

29th January 2009, 13:43

Koolaide Thanks Mum.

What about the guy who tattooed the word 'loser' on his own forehead - but he used a mirror and it came out backwards.

I guess having a motorcycle brand name tattooed on yer body qualifies you as a "real biker", but I'd thought you'd wanna pick one with a bit more history than KTM.

I suppose there are a few guys out there that are sick of people asking "..so what's that tattoo? What's a Hodaka..?"

Maha

29th January 2009, 13:49

I've decided I'm not a real biker.

I'm not tough
I bathe regularly
I'm a romantic at heart
I don't have any tattoos
I like fine food and wine
I cry
I don't like the sight of blood, expecially mine
I prefer to run than fight
I'm not the fastest person on the road
I don't have any demerit points
I've never been to prison

I'm not tough.....but your wife is
I bathe regularly.....with other bathers
I'm a romantic at heart....but you hate fucken' candles and roses.
I don't have any tattoos....that are visable
I like fine food and wine....McDonalds is not fine food and Sprite is not wine.
I cry...during Coronation st
I don't like the sight of blood, expecially mine....its green isn't it?
I prefer to run than fight.....because you middle name is Forrest.
I'm not the fastest person on the road...most just think they are.
I don't have any demerit points.....left to loose.
I've never been to prison.....and im sticking to that story.

Big Dave

29th January 2009, 13:50

I guess having a motorcycle brand name tattooed on yer body qualifies you as a "real biker", but I'd thought you'd wanna pick one with a bit more history than KTM.

I suppose there are a few guys out there that are sick of people asking "..so what's that tattoo? What's a Hodaka..?"

Combat Wombat - there was a motorcycle.

Mikkel

29th January 2009, 13:55

Koolaide Thanks Mum.

What about the guy who tattooed the word 'loser' on his own forehead - but he used a mirror and it came out backwards.

In which case he must have been sorry he forgot the p.

ManDownUnder

29th January 2009, 14:02

I'm not tough.....but your wife is
I bathe regularly.....with other bathers
I'm a romantic at heart....but you hate fucken' candles and roses.
I don't have any tattoos....that are visable
I like fine food and wine....McDonalds is not fine food and Sprite is not wine.
I cry...during Coronation st
I don't like the sight of blood, expecially mine....its green isn't it?
I prefer to run than fight.....because you middle name is Forrest.
I'm not the fastest person on the road...most just think they are.
I don't have any demerit points.....left to loose.
I've never been to prison.....and im sticking to that story.

w... we... we're... WE'RE TWINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maha

29th January 2009, 14:07

w... we... we're... WE'RE TWINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, we have the same middle name but thats where it ends!....:love:

Oscar

29th January 2009, 14:07

Combat Wombat - there was a motorcycle.

Don't forget the Road Toad and the Super Rat...

ManDownUnder

29th January 2009, 14:13

Ok, we have the same middle name but thats where it ends!....:love:

.... Ruprect?????

7P5qJAI9BIc

Pwalo

29th January 2009, 14:17

Combat Wombat - there was a motorcycle.

I really, really wanted a Hodaka when I was at college. Got a TS185 instead.

SARGE

29th January 2009, 15:09

there's an adage in the advertising world that says you know your product has made it when people have the logo tattooed on their body (my brother has a "triumph" tattoo, for example).

I was in the supermarket earlier, and i saw a guy with "ktm" tattooed on his shoulder. Strange.

i have an old lynyrd skynyrd tat..

Oh,... And a butterfly

AD345

29th January 2009, 17:55

I bike

therefore I am

Big Dave

29th January 2009, 17:59

I bike

therefore I am

Man's gotta believe in something.
I believe I'll have another drink.

Motu

29th January 2009, 18:54

EDIT: Oh - and bring back GoatFood (I saw one of his posts in here, under my name) - I miss him! :(
EDIT(2): Looking at some of my earlier posts, written as "firestormer" or "Goat Food" or whoever, I can't believe I wrote them.
My brane has really <s>deteriroroeted</s> <s>determinaortated</s> <s>despterminetered</s> fukt out in the last few years... :(

Hmmmm.....did I miss something somewhere??..?? I liked Goat Food,I am less than impressed to think he was a figment of someone's imagination.

rocketman1

29th January 2009, 19:06

I figure a real biker is simply someone who loves motorbikes, if you dream about the rides you last did, the gear changes, the wind in your face, the gear changes, the corners,the rumble of the exhaust, just looking at the bike, cleaning it, fixing/servicing it, and reading about other bikes, watching MotoGP, World superbikes on TV.
and just talking about bikes, then if you do all or moast the above IMHO youre a REAL BIKER.
I dont think "Image" is being a real biker

jrandom

29th January 2009, 19:15

EDIT(2): Looking at some of my earlier posts, written as "firestormer" or "Goat Food" or whoever, I can't believe I wrote them.
My brane has really <s>deteriroroeted</s> <s>determinaortated</s> <s>despterminetered</s> fukt out in the last few years... :(

Dunno about that.

Either way, we still love you.

:sunny:

For true. Serimouse.

Bonez

29th January 2009, 20:13

Bring back Jackrat. Goodness 4 years gone just like that...............

jrandom

29th January 2009, 20:19

Bring back Jackrat. Goodness 4 years gone just like that...............

I know. I miss him too.

I'll be having my six-year joining-KB anniversary before I know it.

That's a fairly reasonable amount of time really innit.

ducatilover

29th January 2009, 20:24

i have the a-style logo on my lower right arm [slightly altered] needs to be finished though, i have only done the outline :baby:

Maha

29th January 2009, 20:24

I know. I miss him too.

I'll be having my six-year joining-KB anniversary before I know it.

That's a fairly reasonable amount of time really innit.

When you say it in months it doesn't sound that long...72

WolfCollared

29th January 2009, 20:25

To be a biker you have to be one with the bike. Love the two wheel freedom, engage with wild isolated spaces and ride into an abyss of passion!

And riding past a cage, slap your ass in style...mmm leather!!! :spanking:

gijoe1313

29th January 2009, 22:34

If you have time to read this and post in this thread, you ain't riding! Er ... wait :slap: :thud:

DarkLord

30th January 2009, 09:46

I R ride bikez. I R alwyas thinkn about bikez. I R constantlee dreeming ov bigar bikez than two fiddy. I dus not owns a car, I R only owns a bike. I ridez in rane, wind and sumtimes evn sunshyne.

Therefore I R iz biker. :banana:

GSXR Trace

30th January 2009, 09:48

If you have time to read this and post in this thread, you ain't riding! Er ... wait :slap: :thud:

the man has a point... my excuse: im bikeless

Headbanger

30th January 2009, 09:54

I'm fake.....

The Lone Rider

15th February 2009, 11:08

After someone complaining yesterday at our monthly club meeting about lack of members in our biker club, and lack of repeat riders I'd like to contribute further to this thread -

A motorcyclist rides his/her bike when there is time
A biker makes time to ride his/her bike

I think thats pretty straight forward ain't it.

Bonez

15th February 2009, 11:47

The Lone Rider

15th February 2009, 11:58

The thing is you don't need to ride with a club to do that.

That was more to the point of - if there are so many motorcyclist who can't even make time to ride (only ride when they have time), how can you expect to find people wanting to make a small commitment to a club.

There is a huge abundance of motorcyclist.

gunrunner

15th February 2009, 12:03

Must admit im a rider that just happens to own the bike , but i do know of a cleaner as thats all he seems to do with it .:clap:

Goblin

19th February 2010, 08:50

Living the Dream! :laugh: We dont care what anyone else believes.

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vifferman

19th February 2010, 09:08

Holy Thread Dredge, Batman! :eek5:
In the intervening time since the thread was slumbering, I seem to have become a hypocrite, for now I ride my bike only for communtering, and then only when #2MutantTroglodyteSpawn doesn't need a ride to work. I almost never ever ride for leisure or on the weekends.

Eye Yam Undone...

dipshit

19th February 2010, 09:22

Living the Dream! :laugh: We dont care what anyone else believes.

Americans... :tugger:

avgas

19th February 2010, 10:07

Americans... :tugger:
Looks like some common sense is sinking in over there.
I am excited
http://www.local-motors.com/

Mikkel

19th February 2010, 10:40

Living the Dream! :laugh: We dont care what anyone else believes.

Either that's an elaborate piss take or they don't get irony...

Made me think of this though:
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Ratti

20th February 2010, 10:44

i'm not a biker, I'm a person who chooses to ride.

Riding is only part of my identity, not my whole existence.
Don't attempt to limit me by hanging a label around my neck

shrub

20th February 2010, 11:06

Either that's an elaborate piss take or they don't get irony...

No, they don't get the irony. Somehow that clip is especially poignant given that Christchurch is filled with hundreds of hogs wallowing and weaving slowly down the road.

Skyryder

20th February 2010, 16:59

Never could get into this ‘real’ thing. Ya either biker or not. This 'real biker' bit is nothing but elitist. A put down to those who have other interests. If biking’s ya thing and you have no other interests then so be it, but don’t give me this shit that when the salmon are running I’m any less of a biker than those who have no interest in the piscatorial pursuits.

Skyryder

Ratti

20th February 2010, 17:13

piscatorial...o god I love it when a man talks dirty!

dpex

20th February 2010, 20:52

Yeah. I agree. It's a visceral thing. Even when not suited up.

Just standing there, looking at your bike brings on an ancient understanding. It's an atavistic association with power.

The perceptive go down into the world of heirarchical reductionism. They get to feel, almost, the molecular structure of the bike and measure this against their control of it. It's a beast, but in the hands of a lover....oh no, not such beast. More a partner. Yet, like any other partner, they really know little about it's structure.

Every sense is engaged. I feel, I hear, I smell, I see, I taste. I am overcome. I do not understand the very essence of the molecular structure of my bike. I just know it works, within certain parameters

What I do know is; this wonder of man's invention is now in my hands. It is mine, no matter how small or large. It is a reality which was merely a phantasm in the mind of an author, just a hundred years ago.

Yet here, beneath me, NOW, betwixt my legs is 100 horses, ready to flee at my simple twist.

I have an awesome responsibility. I am in control of 100 horses which can accelerate 'us' from zero to 100Kph in a blink. Can, when conditions allow, take us to 240Kph. Awesome stuff. But we can. Bike and I, do these things on the track.

Every time I get on my bike I feel the reverence which is redolent in your post, Viffer.

And every time I come off the track I look down at Team zinmmerframe and I wonder about the engineering which enabled me to get up to such speeds as i do, and stay upright in the corners...as I mostly do.:--)) And so I have this visceral contact with not just my bike but the very clever buggers who built it.

Does all that make some sense to you Viff?

sinfull

20th February 2010, 20:58

Living the Dream! :laugh: We dont care what anyone else believes.

>
Aint laughed so hard in eons !!!

Yeah. I agree. It's a visceral thing. Even when not suited up.

Just standing there, looking at your bike brings on an ancient understanding. It's an atavistic association with power.

The perceptive go down into the world of heirarchical reductionism. They get to feel, almost, the molecular structure of the bike and measure this against their control of it. It's a beast, but in the hands of a lover....oh no, not such beast. More a partner. Yet, like any other partner, they really know little about it's structure.

Every sense is engaged. I feel, I hear, I smell, I see, I taste. I am overcome. I do not understand the very essence of the molecular structure of my bike. I just know it works, within certain parameters

What I do know is; this wonder of man's invention is now in my hands. It is mine, no matter how small or large. It is a reality which was merely a phantasm in the mind of an author, just a hundred years ago.

Yet here, beneath me, NOW, betwixt my legs is 100 horses, ready to flee at my simple twist.

I have an awesome responsibility. I am in control of 100 horses which can accelerate 'us' from zero to 100Kph in a blink. Can, when conditions allow, take us to 240Kph. Awesome stuff. But we can. Bike and I, do these things on the track.

Every time I get on my bike I feel the reverence which is redolent in your post, Viffer.

And every time I come off the track I look down at Team zinmmerframe and I wonder about the engineering which enabled me to get up to such speeds as i do, and stay upright in the corners...as I mostly do.:--)) And so I have this visceral contact with not just my bike but the very clever buggers who built it.

Does all that make some sense to you Viff? Jeeeesus wept David, i almost came !

Bikemad

20th February 2010, 21:06

yeah..........what he said............i think............

dpex

22nd February 2010, 18:17

Aint laughed so hard in eons !!!

Jeeeesus wept David, i almost came !

Do you think I should maybe charge for delivering imaginary hand-jobs?

dpex

22nd February 2010, 18:43

I ride my bike for my daily work.....I do in-home consultations for a product. About 20 per week, so I get around a bit. My product is an eco-thing, so when I rock up on old Zimmer Frame my intro is always, 'Eco-warriors at your service.'

This kinda breaks the ice of some utterly unknown (me) rocking up on a bike instead of in a Porsche or similar. In fact I could rock up in my car but I far prefer to ride.

My market tends to be older folk so an old cunt like me rocking up on what 'they' perceive to be a hot bit (race number/team-name displayed) often starts a talking-point; always good when you're selling stuff.

They ask about stuff. I rattle on with the juicy bits. Then we're done and I flip my leg over Zimmer, to go the the next, and it's kinda like getting home.

She's an old banger, but then so am I. But we now have a working relationship which has developed out of untold road miles and sundry track miles; both racing and messing about. I now know where the 'fuck-you' points are on dry and wet, shingle and stones.

It's now a pretty rare event that I misjudge a surface situation. But it happens, and old Zimmer gives me a wake-up call. It's kinda like the wife. You just know when you've pushed too far and you get the teach.

And so I think it's fair to say I have some sort of relationship with this bike, one which allows me to now feel the slightest nuances of her annoyance at me failing to contain my control within her parameters.

Mind you, I have recently put on a set of second-hand Contis. Bugger me but they're sticky tyres.

I know this sounds sick, like religious shit, but after every ride I always pat my seat and say, 'Thanks Zim. Good ride.'

You'll appreciate that I have only ever been able to do that because at the end of each ride Zim and I are still in one piece.

May it continue.

elle-f

22nd February 2010, 19:01

I dunno (original question) but I have loved every bike I have owned....I dunno what that makes me but I would think most are like that in here. Maybe its a type of syndrome!

gijoe1313

22nd February 2010, 19:11

Ahh, always great to read the passion in the posts about our canterkerous steeds o'freedom! :yes: I just love it when you have any excuse to go for a ride! :msn-wink:

Real bikers? I think of the real people behind that ol'moniker! And like all things in life, you get many shades under that appellation!

brett7777

22nd February 2010, 21:31

I really enjoy riding. But I don't think it really matters if some people just buy a bike as a mid life crisis, something to talk about, look at sometimes, show to their friends, as an asset, something to collect, have a change from the car, use less petrol, etc etc etc.
It all helps the biking economy circulate, and if someone doesn't find it as uplifting,spiritual, or epiphany inducing as you or I do, then who cares?
I'm not as much of a 'real biker' as some of the guys who ride every single day, several times a day, rain or shine, (I like dry roads) but I like to ride most days. I'm sure there are many,many different levels that people experience bikes at.
Whether your a hardcore 'real biker' or a poser or a commuter with a reflector vest on or an old person on an Enfield, it's all part of the picture.