Are you a Biker or a Commuter?

[Conquiztador]

Some things that have happened lately have made me look at what it means to be a Biker. Be clear about it, not everyone who uses a two wheel motorised thingy is a Biker.

So I looked at some things that are definite differences between the two.

Feel free to differ with me and also to add some if you feel I have missed some.

NOTE: I have used "He" here, but in this writing of mine it means He, She or It (As gender or planet you originate from has no bearing whatsoever on if you are a biker or a commuter)!

Magazines
A biker will have loads of Bike Magazines at home that he reads again and again. Any other magazines that turn up at his place will be used for starting the fire or as packaging material. When the new magazine turns up at the shop he will buy it even if it means he will have to go without bread and butter for a few days.

A commuter does not care about bike magazines. Why should he? They have same importance to him as buying shoe magazines because he uses shoes.

Maintenance of the bike
A biker will spend the free time (i.e. middle of the night) to maintain the bike. He enjoys it, he polishes his bike and he can't wait to get home to fit those new grips that he bought!

A commuter will use the bike until it dies under him. Then he will take it in to get fixed or get something else for transport. He will only get things fixed as a result of not passing WOF.

Riding
A biker will ride the bike whenever he has the time. He will never say: "I am bored, there is nothing to do". He does not need a destination. The ride is what gets him out! If he is going somewhere he prefer the long way around. He will also always take the bike instead of any other transport if possible.

A commuter does not use the bike if he has nowhere to go. He will always need a purpose or a destination for the trip. He will make sure he always takes the shortest route.

Manual
A biker will look forward to read the new bikes manual. He gets him self in a quiet space, a beer or two and then he reads the manual from front to back in one go.

A commuters manual is still inside its plastic wrapping when he sells the bike.

Friends
A bikers friends are not all bikers. But the ones that understand him are.

A commuter is often the only one in the group who rides a bike.

Bike
A biker is always planning what will be his next bike. He might already be building it in his garage. Often he will have more then one bike. Not because he needs them. But because he wants them.

A commuter has no plans for another bike. Not as long as the current one takes him from A to B.

The web
A biker will be reading about bikes on the web. He will belong to more then one site that deals with bikes. He does not care that he has no idea what whovere he is chatting with looks like or he knows their age. But he gets annoyed if he has no idea what bike the other has.

A commuter does not join a site because the site is about bikes. He might still be on a bike focused site. But his main reason is to chat and everything else that the site offers.

Attitude
A biker will tell you what he thinks. Then if you can not handle it it is your problem.

A commuter will make sure he does not upset you as there is always a chance he might need you for something in the future.

No bike
A biker can, as a result of circumstances, be without a bike. This does not make him, in his own mind, a non-biker, as he is working his butt off to get back on the road.

A commuter, when he gets rid of the bike, does consider that part of his life over.



As said, this is my take on the subject. You might differ. But that will not change my sleeping habits.

[FROSTY]

HMM--like a few of em but some are a bit off base
Im a biker but cant afford new bike mags
:mad:

[Nasty]

Yay .. i definately qualify as a biker!

Although I do pay for somethings to get fixed cos I don't want to break my nails!

[crynsie]

I think I qualify as a bikomuter...

[ManDownUnder]

I think I qualify as a bikomuter...

Cool - coz I'm a ciker!

[James Deuce]

I'm a Cyco.

[jrandom]

I'm a cyclist with a motorbike.

:sunny:

[Zuki Bandit]

Sweet, I qualify as a biker. It's strange though, when I commute to work and back everyday, I get fantasies about bypassing my turn-off to work and going on an endless ride to anywhere. Maybe I will do that one day, I wont even ring in to work and just ride to some obscure part of the country.

Better tell the wife though.....or should I?

[FROSTY]

Sweet, I qualify as a biker. It's strange though, when I commute to work and back everyday, I get fantasies about bypassing my turn-off to work and going on an endless ride to anywhere. Maybe I will do that one day, I wont even ring in to work and just ride to some obscure part of the country.

Better tell the wife though.....or should I?
NO--do it dude--JUST DO IT

[Conquiztador]

NO--do it dude--JUST DO IT

Fully agree. Time to start building memories.:Punk:

[release_the_bees]

If I had to give myself a point for each of the above, then I would be 6/9 biker.

[jtzzr]

NO--do it dude--JUST DO IT

Yeah what Frosty said , I went for a ride today with no idea which way I was going except for "THAT WAY":woohoo::woohoo:

[Trudes]

I'm a definite "weekend biker", somewhere in between. (that's weekend, not weak end)

[banditrider]

I think I qualify as a biker under most categories except maybe maintenance - the shop looks after it, I just clean it. Had current bike for 3 months and 6,300k's but yes already thinking about a stable mate - c'mon lotto...

[Deviant Esq]

Do I still qualify if I haven't read the owner's manual cover to cover in one sitting over a beer? It's only come out when something needs fixing... :sweatdrop

[Conquiztador]

Do I still qualify if I haven't read the owner's manual cover to cover in one sitting over a beer? It's only come out when something needs fixing... :sweatdrop

A biker will have an interest in reading the manual. To find out all there is to know about his baby. He has just spent a load of cash on the new bike and probably more then what he should have (He could have got a cheaper one...) And now he is like a kid at Christmas. Enthusiasm.

[DMNTD]

All but the bike mags...don't see the point in owning them when I can just go for a ride with what I already love anyway. Plus I get to suss out all the new info via the Net.
Anyway,they're expensive and take from my petrol and tyre allowance and hinder my next bike purchase...and that's a BIG NO NO!

[Maha]

All but the bike mags...don't see the point in owning them when I can just go for a ride with what I already love anyway. Plus I get to suss out all the new info via the Net.
Anyway,they're expensive and take from my petrol and tyre allowance and hinder my next bike purchase...and that's a BIG NO NO!


Agweed....i gave up my subscription this year to a bike mag....have such a pile of them...should really take them to the Doctors/Dentist waiting room. I just by of the shelf if i feel the need...and no, they come in wrapped in plastic....:cool:

[janno]

I'm a bimuter.

But I bet I get as much happiness and points on the thrillometer from my diddly widdle jaunts about the place as a hard core "biker" who qualifies under your list! :2thumbsup

Whosoever loveth their motorbicyle is alrighteth by me . . . it's the lurrrvve factor that counts, baby :whistle:

[James Deuce]

Agweed....i gave up my subscription this year to a bike mag....have such a pile of them...should really take them to the Doctors/Dentist waiting room. I just by of the shelf if i feel the need...and no, they come in wrapped in plastic....:cool:

Noooo - send them to Starship, just make sure they're the ones without bums and tits. Drop them off in Orthopedic wards too. Dentists and Doctors are rich enough to buy their own bloody tax deductible magazines.

[Rockbuddy]

Im a biker that commutes, yep one bike for going for rides to where ever on, and one bike for work and back. and yes its true the commuter gets ridden and thats it, maybee a clean now and then, but the other bike gets cleaned and polished even when it doesnt really need it e,g after a ride and again before the next ride. thats when i drag myself away from the magazines

[hospitalfood]

fix my bike if i can
read the manual
look forward to rides
commute to work on bike everyday
try to set people on fire sometimes

[crashe]

Magazines - Nup can't afford them... but will read them if lying around or if they are handed out for free.

Maintenance of the bike - Yep, I will do what I can, otherwise it is in the shop unless a friend can help me out - you should see all the gear all set up in the garage...... (well one or two have now seen it)

Riding - Hell yeah always out and about on my bike..... and sometimes never know which way I am going go until I get to that corner or intersection....... will it be left or right.....

Manual - Yep, I got a full service manual recently and it is now covered in dirty oily fingerprints.

Friends - A bikers friends are not all bikers - And yet they understand my need to ride.

Bike - my next bike - I have to rob a bank first....... to get another bike (Virago 750) to sit beside my Virago 250 :blink:

The Interweb - Yep I read about bikes on the web.

Attitude - Fuck yeah......

No bike - As a result of circumstances, I can be without a bike but it won't be long before she (the bike) is back on the road again



So does that make me a biker... yep I reckon... and just don't fuck with my bike!!!!!!!!!

[Street Gerbil]

So what do you call a commuter who never takes the shortest route unless it rains cats and dogs?

[Daffyd]

I would agree on all points...except I don't buy mags. My sons do and I pinch them! :bash:

[Swoop]

Bike
A commuter has no plans for another bike. Not as long as the current one takes him from A to B.
Ahh! Those (almost exact) words came up in the scooter forum area the other week!
Was pissing myself over the opinions about "just getting from A to B".

A biker will know that "B" is optional. Go where the road takes you.

[Boob Johnson]

Yay .. i definately qualify as a biker!

Although I do pay for somethings to get fixed cos I don't want to break my nails!
lol



Got metro?



ps: im a bit of both, I commute on my bike & ride for pleasure, mostly the latter though :headbang:


Yeah what Frosty said , I went for a ride today with no idea which way I was going except for "THAT WAY":woohoo::woohoo:
Ha ha, yeah did that the other day, flatmates says "where ya goin" & im like "no idea man, im gunna follow the front wheel" :stoogie:

[Toaster]

Screw A to B....

I prefer A to B via CDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXY

[Conquiztador]

Just because you use your bike to commute does not make you a Commuter. Bikers commute too, but with style. :-)

[TRAINING WHEELS]

I think I qualify as a bikomuter...

Id have to agree with crynsie....Commute to work the long way down old north via coatsvile back up north...giant loop and on weekends i just like to ride destination unknowen....

[carver]

Attitude
A biker will tell you what he thinks. Then if you can not handle it it is your problem.




thank you

im fully qualified!

[mbazza]

I must be a biker/commuter as I qualify for almost every bit. Every time I sell a bike I think: "that's it, it's over!".
Then I start the magazine/ internet hunt and my ears tune into the rising note of an approachuing bike. Might be addicted! Cheers.:woohoo:

[KoroJ]

Dunno what I am. Too jewy to buy the mags but I'll quickly scan them if I see one. Don't think about next bike because where do you go from an ST,...not much point in a backward step....I guess I'll have to trade down eventually though!

I get it serviced 'cos I don't have time or inclination to do it myself.....I'd rather be riding.

Don't read much about bikes on the web, just upcoming rides and ride reports.

[cowboy]

I think I qualify as a biker
Just yesterday I was heading home from a friends place witch is about a 5k trip & got the "ride bug":scooter:
When I pulled in to my drive I had clocked 80 or so ks:yes:

[deanohit]

Im a biker but cant afford new bike mags
:mad:

Neither, so I get the back issues from the second hand bookshop.

Well yea, after reading that I would have to say I qualify as a biker! :headbang: :ride:

[howdamnhard]

I lean more over to the side of biker,but I commute to work everyday,so I guess I am both.;)

[skidMark]

no point me reading an owners manual in regards to oil amounts for oil changes what filter to use...i total them before that point.

[FROSTY]

Also--reading manuals contridicts the definition of "kiwi male"---take it to bits then try to putit back together THEN read the manual

[Bonez]

Polishing ones bike all the time eats into valuable riding time and is overrated. Paint it matt black and become a REAL biker.

Oh and if a biker gets all exited about fitting new grips maybe they should get out more.

[EJK]

I think I am half/half

[Conquiztador]

Polishing ones bike all the time eats into valuable riding time and is overrated. Paint it matt black and become a REAL biker.

Oh and if a biker gets all exited about fitting new grips maybe they should get out more.

Se, now you are starting to lean more towards Bikie. It is the next logical step (and what many on here clearly are) but I just did not want to confuse the ones who are still battling with the "Am I a Commuter or a Biker?" issue.

[cowboyz]

Magazines
A biker will have loads of Bike Magazines at home that he reads again and again. Any other magazines that turn up at his place will be used for starting the fire or as packaging material. When the new magazine turns up at the shop he will buy it even if it means he will have to go without bread and butter for a few days.

A commuter does not care about bike magazines. Why should he? They have same importance to him as buying shoe magazines because he uses shoes.


I dont buy mags. Waste of money and I already have my dream bike so I dont need to drool over the latest machine or worry about if the lastest yamaha redlines at 14 or 14500 rpm.


Maintenance of the bike
A biker will spend the free time (i.e. middle of the night) to maintain the bike. He enjoys it, he polishes his bike and he can't wait to get home to fit those new grips that he bought!

A commuter will use the bike until it dies under him. Then he will take it in to get fixed or get something else for transport. He will only get things fixed as a result of not passing WOF.

I maintain the bike for cost and safety. Cant say I have ever been keen to do it in the middle of the night. Do it during work hours. at least then someone is paying you to do it.

Riding
A biker will ride the bike whenever he has the time. He will never say: "I am bored, there is nothing to do". He does not need a destination. The ride is what gets him out! If he is going somewhere he prefer the long way around. He will also always take the bike instead of any other transport if possible.

A commuter does not use the bike if he has nowhere to go. He will always need a purpose or a destination for the trip. He will make sure he always takes the shortest route.

Give you this one. I like the "wonder where this road goes" rides. *warning* you *may* get a rep for getting lost.

Manual
A biker will look forward to read the new bikes manual. He gets him self in a quiet space, a beer or two and then he reads the manual from front to back in one go.

A commuters manual is still inside its plastic wrapping when he sells the bike.

If you need to read the manual you should stop breaking shit.

Friends
A bikers friends are not all bikers. But the ones that understand him are.

A commuter is often the only one in the group who rides a bike.

Some of my friends are bikers, some are not.
Bike
A biker is always planning what will be his next bike. He might already be building it in his garage. Often he will have more then one bike. Not because he needs them. But because he wants them.

A commuter has no plans for another bike. Not as long as the current one takes him from A to B.
I have no plans to buy another bike. Brought the right bike the first time.

The web
A biker will be reading about bikes on the web. He will belong to more then one site that deals with bikes. He does not care that he has no idea what whovere he is chatting with looks like or he knows their age. But he gets annoyed if he has no idea what bike the other has.

A commuter does not join a site because the site is about bikes. He might still be on a bike focused site. But his main reason is to chat and everything else that the site offers.
I read about bikes on the web cause I too poor/old/tired to ride 24/7

Attitude
A biker will tell you what he thinks. Then if you can not handle it it is your problem.

A commuter will make sure he does not upset you as there is always a chance he might need you for something in the future.
I am always PC minded and try not to offend. :2thumbsup
No bike
A biker can, as a result of circumstances, be without a bike. This does not make him, in his own mind, a non-biker, as he is working his butt off to get back on the road.

A commuter, when he gets rid of the bike, does consider that part of his life over.


when I crashed my last bike it took me 2 days to get another. That was only cause I had to work and wait for the weekend.

[Street Gerbil]

Also--reading manuals contridicts the definition of "kiwi male"---take it to bits then try to put it back together THEN read the manual

Sounds pretty international to me :-) Reading the manual once the job is done is the most interesting part.

[MisterD]

Reading the manual before you pick up a spanner is grounds for handing in your man-card alright...by the way, the word for someone who reads the manual for pleasure isn't biker, it's anorak (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anorak_%28slang%29)

[Bonez]

Se, now you are starting to lean more towards Bikie. It is the next logical step (and what many on here clearly are) but I just did not want to confuse the ones who are still battling with the "Am I a Commuter or a Biker?" issue.If the person can't make their own mind up on what they are then there's no help:oi-grr:

[Conquiztador]

Reading the manual before you pick up a spanner is grounds for handing in your man-card alright...by the way, the word for someone who reads the manual for pleasure isn't biker, it's anorak (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anorak_%28slang%29)

"an anorak is a person, typically a man, who has unfathomable interest in arcane, detailed information regarded as boring by the rest of the population, and who feels compelled to spout this information to anyone within earshot"

Not sure if I can agree with you there... If I have just spent $20K+ on a bike I have been dreaming about I will find out all I can about it so that I know what makes it tick. And if you find info re bikes boring then perhaps you are not a biker at all???

[Conquiztador]

If the person can't make their own mind up on what they are then there's no help:oi-grr:

Well se, this all came out of ppl getting a bike and suddenly considering them self bikers. Perhaps a little like someone with a vegie patch considering them self a farmer.

[Bonez]

Well se, this all came out of ppl getting a bike and suddenly considering them self bikers.Some probably are. For instance a teen whos spent all his spare time reading as much as they can about m/cing then finally get there full license and on to better things two wheeled. It comes natural to some but takes time for others just like gardening.

[dogsnbikes]

with the house littered with mags/books,vids and riding gear its a fair indication Im a biker or maybe Im just addicted to bikes As I get the DTs when I dont have anything to ride

having one bike parked in the house a side valve engine in the lounge one bike in pieces in the garage along with two project bikes and one hack bike

I ride my bike to work but wouldnt call a 400k round trip a commute

So you decide ..........

[Motu]

Im a biker but cant afford new bike mags
:mad:

I used to go down to the local tip after work and dig out the the bike mags with the corner cut out of the covers.I'd read them and toss them away if I didn't want it.....then another local degenerate biker who looked like aqualung would snatch them up and put them in the saddlebags of his CB350 sidecar.Times can get hard at times,but you NEVER stop being a biker.

If I can't mentally strip my bikes down to the last nut and bolt then I obviously don't know much about it.....time to read the manual again or pull the damn thing down for verification.

[The Pastor]

I don't like reading bike mags - temps me to upgrade my bike when i need to get better at riding it first!

def a biker, but i love cars as well, just don't really see the point in them tbh ;)

[Bonez]

I used to go down to the local tip after work and dig out the the bike mags with the corner cut out of the covers.Just got some of those from dad on Sunday(nice article about the Bonney Thruxton in one), who got them off my uncle who kindly recycled them ;). A freind gets them from a newsagent when they are ready to be tossed out. I haven't bought one for years. This interwebthingy seems a better resource anyway.

[Motu]

Just got some of those from dad on Sunday(nice article about the Bonney Thruxton in one), who got them off my uncle who kindly recycled them ;). A freind gets them from a newsagent when they are ready to be tossed out. I haven't bought one for years. This interwebthingy seems a better resource anyway.

I just can't understand people who insist on paying good money for things.Inorganics here at the moment - I was going down the road to strip a washing machine and saw a motorcycle frame (XR200 I think,a white one) I figured I'd pick it up on the way back as it was only a 100 metres from home,but it was gone when I went back 10mins later.Fucking unemployed scum cruising the streets picking all the good stuff before I get a chance!

[Grinner]

I can just remember getting out the old tee shirts and giving my first bike a clean every week, making sure the chrome glistened. It took all afternoon just to get between all those wire spokes on the wheels.
Nowaday's my idea of cleaning is to go for a ride in the rain.
Don't know what made the differance me getting older or all that plastic they hide the bikes behind.

[Bonez]

I just can't understand people who insist on paying good money for things.Inorganics here at the moment - I was going down the road to strip a washing machine and saw a motorcycle frame (XR200 I think,a white one) I figured I'd pick it up on the way back as it was only a 100 metres from home,but it was gone when I went back 10mins later.Fucking unemployed scum cruising the streets picking all the good stuff before I get a chance!Propably a relation of mine. Got given an old Celeron 500 PC today. It's going to take over duties as the families backup linux server. Personnally I love this throwaway society of ours.

[Petale]

I'd have to be somewhere between. I do 'commute' to work but it's because I enjoy bikes so much and ride every chance I get.

[Bonez]

I can just remember getting out the old tee shirts and giving my first bike a clean every week, making sure the chrome glistened. It took all afternoon just to get between all those wire spokes on the wheels.
Nowaday's my idea of cleaning is to go for a ride in the rain.
Don't know what made the differance me getting older or all that plastic they hide the bikes behind.Cleaned mine regularly till I got Gerty. Then just sprayed her with WD40 then a quick squirt with degreaser, spray with a hose and a wipe with a rag with neopol whenever I thought it was needed. Repeat for 20 years.

[NordieBoy]

Magazines - Nope, got the internet for that.
Maintenance of the bike - Ride it 'till it starts making stranger noises than normal.
Riding - I commute on my bike all day every day. On my days off I go for a ride.
Manual - Don't drink, downloaded the manual. Only check it if something goes wrong and I can't fix it within a week.
Friends - What are they?
Bike - 4.5 bikes is enough for anyone.
The web - The web... :drool:
Attitude - I don't got no fcukin attitude :2guns::angry2:
No bike - No bike? :eek5:

[Ixion]

Propably a relation of mine. Got given an old Celeron 500 PC today. It's going to take over duties as the families backup linux server. Personnally I love this throwaway society of ours.

Oh yes. But you have to be quick the good stuff goes fast. I got a nice lot of angle iron the other day though which was exactly what I wanted.

The toff suburbs are the best, always worth a cruise in the Pajero. I'm a poor old man, I need to make ends meet.