Getting to know them... motorcyclists!
By Maverick - Nov 21, 2005

Recently, one of our Cycle Matters visitors disclosed that she really “is not the least bit interested” in motorcycling.

Would she have visited Cycle Matters if she really was not interested?  I don’t think so.  This individual has spent a career working in the mental health field and is a career student of human behavior.  It occurred to me that it might be interesting to give her, and others like her, information about motorcyclists to read and think about.  It might just clear up some misconceptions.

Who are we and what do we do?

Some skeptics cast doubt on the authenticity and integrity of motorcyclists and the motorcycling culture.  They suggest that motorcycling is nothing more than bikers acting out some preprogrammed menu of subconscious and selfish motives and drives.  They argue that motorcyclists are loud, rebellious, dangerous, destructive, irresponsible and self-centered.  The bottom line, some will say, is that these are grown men and women who really have not developed and matured psychologically.  Herein, lies a somewhat veiled suggestion that motorcyclists really don’t comprehend or understand what motorcycling is about.

Among motorcyclists, there are those who go too fast or take chances that put others and themselves in jeopardy.  Some may appear a bit threatening.  But are they really?

The reality is a substantially different picture.  Consider this:

Most motorcyclists…

• work and earn more than $50,000 per year.
• generally are men, but the number of women (approximately 10%) purchasing and riding motorcycles is increasing.
• are older than 35.
• are independent by nature.
• have attended or graduated from college.
• are married.
• own motorcycles with more than 750 cc of power.
• often socialize as a byproduct of riding.
• ride in groups as a safety precaution because they are more likely to be seen.
• are fun loving and compassionate.
• contribute substantially to the positive dynamics of economics: i.e., they spend a lot of money.
• collectively, raise millions of dollars, year in and year out, for charity.

Famous people who ride or have ridden motorcycles:

• Cher – on the set and for charities.
• Dwight D. Eisenhower – Volunteered for the U.S. Army Transcontinental Motor Convoy from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco in the summer of 1919.  The Convoy included motorcycles to determine whether it was possible for a motorized military expedition to cross the continent.
• Larry Hagman – His wife Maj talked him into giving up his motorcycle at around 72.
• Howard Hughes – Created a motorcycle from spare parts.
• Lauren Hutton – Possessing an adventurous spirit, nearly died as a result of hitting rubble on a roadway at 100 mph.
• Michael Jordan – A motorcycle enthusiast and road racing sponsor.
• Wynnona Judd – Began riding in 1993.
• Queen Latifa – Even though she lost her brother to a motorcycle accident, she continues to ride.
• Jay Leno – A major rider in The Love Ride.
• Charles A. Lindbergh – Explorer, adventurer and insatiably curious.
• Ann-Margaret – Learned to ride as a child and mostly rode Harley-Davidsons.
• Steve McQueen - Into motorcycles and race cars long before it became "hip" in Hollywood to do so, and he raced both professionally.
• Heather Mills – Lost her lower left leg due to a motorcycle accident.
• Elvis Presley – Rode for fun.
• The Harley and Davidson families
• Ann Richards – Former Governor of Texas, owned a Harley-Davidson.
• And more; sports industry leaders and athletes, politicians, firemen and women, paramedics, healthcare providers, clergy and entrepreneurs.

Many motorcyclists are individuals with a record of substantial achievement in their chosen field. 

More about the reality of motorcyclists and motorcycling.

Motorcycle riding is a life and death issue!  A motorcyclist must be mentally alert and focused at all times.  Anything in the motorcyclists immediate “space” that is not anticipated; e.g., potholes, slippery roads, uneven surfaces, automobiles, trucks, etc., can put an immediate and tragic end to a beautiful ride.  On the occasion that a motorcycle comes into contact with any of these, the motorcyclist usually loses.  Motorcyclists understand this.

Motorcycling is a challenge, social, fun and a passion.  The requisite concentration and anticipation of negotiating a tight corner, leaning over further than you thought you could, popping out into the straight roadway and rolling on the throttle provides a physiological and emotional experience that can be equaled, but not exceeded in most other activities.  

Motorcyclists wave and nod at one another, greeting strangers simply because they also share the passion.  Motorcyclists treat one another like companions. 

Ian Chadwick summarizes the experience this way, “Any gathering of riders is generally sociable and more friendly, a place where strangers talk animatedly about their interests and their bikes.  Drawn together because of one common interest, motorcyclists have a basic underlying respect for anyone else who rides.  Sure, there are brand and style loyalties among riders, but the fact that you ride makes you welcome at almost any motorcycle event.  And you never have to defend your passion among riders.  They already know.” 

Start your engine. Roll on the throttle. Your heart beats a little faster and your senses come to life!