Some things changes. But a lot of similarities are still there.
Around 15- 20 years ago. Harley Davidson was the thing.
“everybody” should buy a HD. Most of the buyers where 50 + years with a good income and a house to use for mortgage. So the bikes where in reality owned by the banks.
These persons adapted totally to the concept. Buying a HD. That was only a half usefully bike. Exhaust and air filter needed to be change. And a lot of accessories were added.
Personal equipment: Leather suit, open black helmet, sun glasses, tattoos.... Everybody looked identical.
The word “Concept bikers” was born. Persons that turned into hard core bikers on Saturdays (if the weather was nice). At least that is what they thought/pretended. That could not even change oil on their bikes.
I remember a large MC meeting. Where the HDs where lined up. All looking very similar. And nobody cared. Then I showed up on a rat version of a Suzuki GT 750. With 2-stroke noise and smoke. And it get so much attention. (It has cost me 5% compared to the new HDs. But it was my hands that had got it running again).
- GT_750_1_left.jpg (101 KiB) Viewed 6105 times
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I/we enjoyed the show. No critics. Everybody shall do what they like. And that we got some fun was just nice. How I laughed when I saw the move “Wild Hogs”
Fast wind 15-20 years to today. Things are almost same.
But HD has changed into BMW.
Same story with half ready bike. That needs half the Touratech catalogue to become a “real” adventure bike. Adventure bike has replaced cruiser.
The concept biker is now dressed in Gore Tex all weather dress. “Integral” helmet. Using Go Pro camera, communication equipment and GPS. All very similar. They take a tour on the main highway an Saturdays. (If the weather in nice) Or take a weekend ride to a 5 star hotel. Drink in the bar, eat in the hotel restaurant. Both dinner and breakfast. To live up to being Adventure bikers. But being careful so that the bikes does not get dirty. The MC meetings have changed into Adventure meetings. And even this with doing service at the dealer is the same.
Where are the dirty hands ?
Taking a look at the parking place... I can see the big variation of bikes.
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Same things, same way of marketing and making money. Just a new concept.
Please give us a new movie based on today's “concept bikers”. Adventure Riders. So we get something to laugh at.
And again. No critics, It is just fun....
(Only dead fishes follows the stream.)
Old men do not change easy..
At the same time I also felt like I was walking around back stage on the set of SOA
visa versa 300 meter sidsadlle wheelies on old xts and some tricks i can only dream of on stuff thats more than unlikly . ride and riden with lads who have only one leg ..been out with disabled lads on quads .... seen lads do inredable things and some do the most comical shit you can imagine ...ride unlikly bikes on shit tyres in places that i couldnt fathom ..hit a gate posing fer photo .. get away with shit by miricle and sadly get on occasion hurt too 
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