Some very thoughtful posts. As a Harley noobie, I missed all of that shit.
I can see it, though.. I think Farmall and DaC have it right with the combination, alternative lifestyle/Real Bikers and maintenance/support/upgrade network providing the ER fanbase in a world before social media. That certainly describes the bikers I remember as a kid very well.
It's kinda why I asked, because it is all so different now from what I remember. But, in fairness? I wasn't that close to it. So, maybe I'm wrong?
But the difference I see is what Farmall hit on with reliable bikes making serious wrenching obsolete. And a difference among the aficionados - Where the "Bikers" of today aren't really alternative lifestyle types, living alternative lifestyles that happen to involve motorcycles.. So much as people who want to play act a little, and simply adopt a biker chic for a few hours, or a weekend at a time, as an escape.
Of course, they would disagree with this vehemently.. But I doubt the real bikers I remember from my youth, would.
Frankly? They shouldn't disagree with it at all. As it isn't an insult. The new batch are phonies, but they're probably better and more successful, and happier, people overall than many of the "real" bikers from back in the day, anyway. Just to be 100% honest about it.
In spite of this, I think the (ahem) "real biker" influence is the only thing that makes the hobby interesting now. The wannabees aren't fascinating and despite the amazing amounts of money lavished on them today, their machines are indistinguishable from one another.
Because of that, I'll probably give ER a look.. And we do subscribe to Greasy Culture and Dice. I guess, like in the old days, a couple of biker mags are filling the niche lifestyle of custom antique bikes and choppers? Maybe it is a formula that will work all over again?
I can see it, though.. I think Farmall and DaC have it right with the combination, alternative lifestyle/Real Bikers and maintenance/support/upgrade network providing the ER fanbase in a world before social media. That certainly describes the bikers I remember as a kid very well.
It's kinda why I asked, because it is all so different now from what I remember. But, in fairness? I wasn't that close to it. So, maybe I'm wrong?
But the difference I see is what Farmall hit on with reliable bikes making serious wrenching obsolete. And a difference among the aficionados - Where the "Bikers" of today aren't really alternative lifestyle types, living alternative lifestyles that happen to involve motorcycles.. So much as people who want to play act a little, and simply adopt a biker chic for a few hours, or a weekend at a time, as an escape.
Of course, they would disagree with this vehemently.. But I doubt the real bikers I remember from my youth, would.
Frankly? They shouldn't disagree with it at all. As it isn't an insult. The new batch are phonies, but they're probably better and more successful, and happier, people overall than many of the "real" bikers from back in the day, anyway. Just to be 100% honest about it.
In spite of this, I think the (ahem) "real biker" influence is the only thing that makes the hobby interesting now. The wannabees aren't fascinating and despite the amazing amounts of money lavished on them today, their machines are indistinguishable from one another.
Because of that, I'll probably give ER a look.. And we do subscribe to Greasy Culture and Dice. I guess, like in the old days, a couple of biker mags are filling the niche lifestyle of custom antique bikes and choppers? Maybe it is a formula that will work all over again?
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