You Might Be a Biker If....Or Are You a Motorcyclist?

 

Motorcycles are everywhere these days. Decades ago, they were essentially novelties, but they’ve now powered into the mainstream. No matter where you go, you’re bound to see at least a few bikes out and about regardless of the weather, traffic, road conditions, or other factors. Whether you’re in the city or the middle of nowhere, motorcycles are sure to be part of the picture.

 

Biker Versus Motorcycle Enthusiast: What Are the Differences?

 

An estimated 10 million people in America now ride motorcycles based on the latest reports. That number has more than doubled over the last few years, and it’s sure to continue growing well into the future. To many people on the outside looking in, the term “biker” applies to anyone on a motorcycle. In reality, though, not everyone who rides a bike is a biker. Some riders are simply motorcycle enthusiasts.

 

How do you distinguish one from the other? Though the lines may be blurred a bit, there are certain differences. Does it really matter which one is which? Yes, it most certainly does! Read on to learn more about those key details that may not be visible on the surface but are important nonetheless.

 

On the Surface

 

Let’s start with appearances. Everyone knows you can’t judge a book by its cover. Still, certain telltale outward signs set bikers apart from motorcyclists.

 

Gearing Up

 

For one, bikers are likely to be clad in leather even in the sweltering heat and heaviest humidity of summer. Long pants are the norm as well. True bikers know it’s important to dress for the ride, not the destination.

 

High-speed bugs feel like bullets if you’re not properly protected, and rainstorms are almost as painful. Besides that, dealing with a bee flying up the leg of a pair of shorts in heavy traffic isn’t pleasant. Even in light traffic, you can’t pull over fast enough to prevent disaster in a situation like that. If you do manage to make it to the side of the road before getting stung, disrobing in public is frowned upon.

 

On a more serious note, no one on a motorcycle is invulnerable. When dealing with the hazards of the road and cagers who are more likely to overlook you than actually see you, crashes are a very real possibility. Asphalt can do serious damage to an unprotected body. You can always shed the jacket and chaps when you get to where you’re going.

 

Fresh Versus Frayed

 

Motorcycle enthusiasts, on the other hand, often focus more on appearances than practicality. They may wear leather because it looks good, but their leathers are likely to be in pristine condition. They’re quick to scrub away road grime and bug splatter, and if their leather gets scuffed, they replace it.

 

In contrast, bikers are the ones who don’t mind wearing dusty, cracked, faded leather. Wear equates to character. As far as they’re concerned, if there’s still enough material left to provide protection, it’s still in prime condition.

 

Digging Deeper

 

Now, let’s delve beneath the surface. Many of the aspects that truly set bikers apart from motorcyclists lie within. Being a biker isn’t all about wearing the right gear or riding specific types of motorcycles. It’s a state of mind that comes with several personality traits you won’t find in just anyone. You can’t see those characteristics by looking at someone, but you’ll definitely recognize them when they come to light.

 

Lending a Helping Hand

 

Real bikers are always willing to lend a helping hand even if you’re a complete stranger. If you’re broken down on the side of the road, even in a standard passenger vehicle, bikers will be the first people to offer assistance. If you’re struggling with a heavy load, a true biker won’t hesitate to take on some of the burden. When they see someone being bullied or harassed, bikers stand ready to intervene.

 

Showing Respect

 

Bikers also know the true value of respect. They’re not opposed to giving up their seats to pregnant women, the elderly, and clearly weary souls who need to get off their feet. They still pull over to the side of the road and bow their heads for passing funeral processions.

 

Real bikers treat everyone equally regardless of their past, social status, profession, wealth or lack thereof, and other factors. Though bikers don’t take boloney off of anyone, they keep respect for others at the forefront. As long as you extend it to them, they’ll return it in kind.

 

The Wave

 

Another sign of a true biker is the wave, that traditional gesture that all riders recognize. Even if they’re driving passenger vehicles they extend the wave to other riders. They’re well aware that it’s a sign of courtesy, respect, and brotherhood. Bikers understand that the only time it’s acceptable to forgo the wave is when taking their hands off the handlebars would be exceedingly dangerous or they’re passing a Can-Am instead of an actual motorcycle.

 

The Lean

 

Have you ever seen someone in a car, truck, minivan, or SUV who seems to be leaning with the curves as they travel down the road? That was a biker trapped in a cage against his or her will. When you’re a biker, leaning with the curves becomes second nature even if you’re not on a motorcycle.

 

Packing Light

 

Real bikers also have packing for road trips down to a science. They know how to make the most of the basic essentials, and they have no need for unnecessary frills. They’re real-world Tetris champions who can cram everything they need for an adventure into a couple of saddlebags. Motorcycle enthusiasts are likely to need a truck or SUV full of cargo and a trailer to haul their motorcycles to their destinations.

 

Spotting the Genuine Article

 

Having said all that, there’s nothing inherently wrong with being a motorcycle enthusiast as opposed to a real biker. Both are subsets of the human population, and they share a love of the open road. Still, they’re not one and the same. Certain differences set the two apart.

 

Being a biker versus a motorcycle enthusiast isn’t about the clothes a person wears or the motorcycle he or she rides. It’s about attitude and disposition. For motorcycle enthusiasts, riding is more of a hobby. It’s a fun weekend pastime as long as the weather holds out.

 

For bikers, riding is a way of life. It works its way into their blood and becomes part of who they are. It gives rise to a deep sense of respect and brotherhood that exhibit themselves in ways that aren’t always visible on the surface.