Attitude readjustment

[Mental Trousers]

I think that was entirely the point I was trying to make.

I have no problem with the "it's me against the world" approach to riding, my original post clearly states "us against the world". It's the whole "I don't know you from Adam but I'll stick by you because you're a biker" concept that I have a problem with. Would you really align yourself with a rapist simply because he rides a motorcycle?

Finally. You should've made that clear a long time ago.

I don't tend to do that because there are some bikers I've met that are just as much of a bunch of fuckwits as the equivalent non-biker bunch of fuckwits. Sharing a similar interest does not mean they're a better person to me.

[Crisis management]

Yet again MDU, a well formed and reasoned arquement which I agree with.
However, as I understand Katmans viewpoint ( & mine), it is not an obliogation to accept an arsehole simply because he rides a bike.
My treatment of people is simple, let them earn my respect, I always meet people with an open mind and let them show me themselves. I decide from then on.
This doesn't mean it's a "one strike and your out", I've brought up kids and understand that everyone cocks up fairly regularly but it's how you respond to the realisation that you've made a mistake that will show the value of a person.
Taking SM as an example (he is the topic of the moment), while I admire your tenacity with this person I have no wish to waste my time on him, he seems to be simply feeding off all the fuss rather than trying to learn from it. As a comparison ZeroIndex? made a similar cock of himself not long ago but appears to have listened to the advice given and is geting on with a useful life.
I would happily spend time with Zeroindex but have no interest in SM.

At the end of the day I will always offer my advice but from then on it's up to the individual to accept / decline it. I make decision on their character not based upon their chosen method of transport but on their dealings with me.

[Macktheknife]

We are a community (motorcyclists) within a community (society at large). Treat those around with some respect and watch it come pouring back.

I am unsure of the original posters intentions, however, I have been riding for a considerable time now and I have noticed that in general bikers do tend to stick together and there are good reasons for that. It is in fact a 'band of brothers' to some extent, all of the hallmarks are there and one of the great things about KB is the frequency of the evidence of that.
Having said that, there are idiots and wankers in any community or sub-group, they will generally either learn not to be so (with help from those around them) or fall from the group. This is a normal human process that has been going on forever, why should it be different here?

[MadDuck]

a 'band of brothers' to some extent,

Ahemmm..... last time i looked I didnt have boy bits (thank god)

[sunhuntin]

My mum always said, if you have nothing positive to say, don't bother saying anything.

Wasn't that Bambi's mother?.....Oh my god, a computer savvy Fawn.
(goes to get rifle, mmmm Venison).

no... that was thumpers mother! or rather, her husband said it. he also said "eating greens is a real treat. it gives long ears and great big feet!"

[ManDownUnder]

...however, I have been riding for a considerable time now and I have noticed that in general bikers do tend to stick together and there are good reasons for that. It is in fact a 'band of brothers' to some extent, all of the hallmarks are there and one of the great things about KB is the frequency of the evidence of that.

I hear you. I personally put that down to a couple of things. Riding a motorcycle is an activity that only appeals to people with a certain risk profile. The truly risk averse stay away in droves. That's one aspect of commonality

The other major (and related) factor is the higher incidence of death in this group. Because of that risk obviously, but heightened in KB by the much higher awareness of what's going on nationally. As an example - I never met UncleB or DSS but knew them by proxy. A number of people I respect were absolutely gutted at what happened and their respects given gave me a view of the person I never got to meet.

Nothing unites a group like a common foe, and if that foe is ever present danger then we simply learn to deal with it, and teach others to do so. AWNMR being an example LEAPING to mind.

The fact the KB logo is popping up all over the place in patches, stickers etc demonstrates a strong sense of identity for the group as a whole... but eh "vs them" is the bit I have a problem with. Particularly the "vs"... when did it become a contest with winners and losers?

Or more importantly - why?

[007XX]

Ahemmm..... last time i looked I didnt have boy bits (thank god)

Would be a lot of fun though, wouldn't it?

But more seriously and on track with this thread (I think Joni might fall out of her chair in sheer disbelief here! ):

I agree with Mack that the bikers community has one of the strongest sense of belonging about it I have ever come across...

We protect our own, we help each other, we are brothers and sisters...

Would we have it any other way: Of course not!

Do we still have individuals that are considered "black sheep"? : Of course we do!

No one and nothing is perfect. That's what make us individuals and interesting to get to know.

[Joni]

How can you judge an individual without knowing them!

Words I so much agree with... well pointed out.

I do agree with Katman to some extent... however, when the community of motor cycle riders becomes a bit more centralised on a site like KB, it becomes a little different. No we dont all have to be "brothers" just because we ride... that's bullshit. However its not just the random meeting of bikers on the road we are dealing with... you are dealing with so many more people on here than you would normally meet. Or course there will be people you like and people you dont see eye to eye with, thats part of life.

However!!! Do you know Skidmark? Do you know his personal circumstance? Or any other person on this site for that matter... If the answer is yes, then so be it, if not, maybe people should think twice before they comment.

[oldrider]

At least your head ain't stuck up your arse!

So OK, who is that guy in the picture then! John.

[Vagabond]

So OK, who is that guy in the picture then! John.

I can't tell from here!
But he'll definately have skidmarks after that!


(Not a piss tiake of our Skidmark)

[Marmoot]

Not only does katman have a good point, we need to stop squelching the discussion that arises every time somebody has a fatal or near fatal "learning experience".

Common interests do make it easier to make friends with someone, often lifelong friends but motorcycling isn't a band of brotherhood.

Can't give green rep due to system not letting me, but I wish I can.

Calling motorcycling as "us against the world" is quite similar to Self-righteous Jihadist, no?

[Goblin]

Would be a lot of fun though, wouldn't it?

Hell yeah! First thing I would do is the Wooowoooo thing and wave it around to see if it feels as funny as it looks.

Back on topic...I think FROSTY's sig line says it all. The biking community is like a family in that we have members that we dont necessarily like or get along with but they are part of the family. Same goes here...we bicker and fight just like siblings too.

[Macktheknife]

Ahemmm..... last time i looked I didnt have boy bits (thank god)

Maybe not, but I will bet you've had a couple! lol.

[007XX]

Hell yeah! First thing I would do is the Wooowoooo thing and wave it around to see if it feels as funny as it looks.

Yeah, that'd be funny, but personally, I'd have more carnal interests...

Back on topic...I think FROSTY's sig line says it all. The biking community is like a family in that we have members that we dont necessarily like or get along with but they are part of the family. Same goes here...we bicker and fight just like siblings too.

Exactly...Since I have been on KB, I have made friends that I consider as close to me as family...

But are we making the mistake of thinking that this is just KB or is this customary of the whole Biker community??

I think that KB is very much unique and the people that make it are just willing to make this the awesome community it is!

The fact that we all happen to be bikers as well was just the common ground that got us all here in the first place...

It doesn't define solely who we are...

[avgas]

Would you really align yourself with a rapist simply because he rides a motorcycle?

Honda riders aside, what was your question?
No, i dont align myself with a rapist off a bike either? Does that make me inhuman?