What Makes Someone a Real Biker As Opposed to a Poser?

There are several traits of the poser that are easier to distinguish. You can identify them from their costumes and their attitudes. They are very different from true bikers. If you are a real biker, it would be easy for you to identify a poser.

A poser does not have the natural passion for motorcycles that a real biker has. Their interest is not genuine; instead, they engage in such activities to imitate or gain other people's approval. Their expertise in bikes could be a lot higher.

Although they may own a motorcycle, it’s just for display purposes, not for use. Continue reading this article to learn what makes someone a real biker as opposed to a poser.

Some might think that being a biker is as simple as having a motorcycle, but it is so much more. It is about having a passion for motorcycles, respect for other riders, and experience riding a motorcycle. A real biker is a person who has a passion for motorcycling not only as a machine but as a lifestyle.

They know how motorcycles are made, their origin, and relevant aspects of culture. It is about the adrenaline rush, the opportunity to tour on a motorcycle, and the bond with other biker members of the community.

A poser is a person who wants to live the life of a biker but does not have any idea of how it is. They would dress like bikers or even own a bike or two, but they do not have the spirit or the appreciation for the bikers.

Posers have had very little exposure to actual bike riding, and they are more interested in the bike's appearance. They might be impolite to other bikers and shy away from confrontations.

Motorcycle lovers are living encyclopedias of information about bikes. They are able to talk about engines, motorcycle frames, suspension systems, and braking systems. They aren’t limited to the latest models.

They are also quite familiar with the history of motorcycles, various riding techniques, and the cultural aspects of the biker community. Such depth of knowledge is achieved through years of riding, studying, and being interested in motorcycles.

Riding a motorcycle entails more than just turning a throttle; it is a process that one masters over time. Real bikers have been in situations that require them to ride their bikes under different circumstances. They know how to ride within the city and in busy traffic. They know what it is like to go off-roading.

Real bikers are well-trained riders who understand and manage bikes well. Some of their advanced riding skills include cornering and effective braking. They can also learn the roads and their dynamics and respond to on-road incidents as they occur.

Some of the real bikers have adequate knowledge of how a motorcycle functions mechanically. They can do simple jobs, detect problems, and sometimes even repair them. This mechanical knowledge is essential for them as it enables them to maintain motorbikes and keep them in good condition to live longer. Further, it creates more attachment to the motorcycle. The read bikers understand every part’s purpose and how essential their roles are.

Real bikers do not only ride bikes; they maintain them! It is better to know a little bit about motorcycle maintenance. Changing the oil or adjusting the chain can be done by themselves, thus saving money and keeping their bikes in good shape. It is like having a personal mechanic who fixes your motorcycle issues and maintains it without charging a penny.

Real bikers not only like their bikes but also tend to make them their own. They know the various components and attachments available, and importantly, they know which complements their motorcycle.

They are familiar with different aftermarket parts, including sissy bars, fairings, and saddlebags for those extended tours. They also know that taller handlebars are for enhanced comfort. Real bikers can make their bike to suit them perfectly. It is like having a blank canvas on which you are ready to draw the form of your dream bike and hit the road.

For this, bikers are often referred to as the ‘knights of the road.’ To ride a motorcycle, one needs courage, respect for others, and abilities. Real bikers are well aware of all the difficulties and dangers. They show good conduct when responding to situations likely to cause accidents.

Real bikers know how to avoid accidents and save themselves from injuries. They are comfortable going on long motorcycle trips. Motorcycling is all about taking on the odds and overcoming them; that is why it is fun. It is a way of developing talent through practice and getting more comfortable with bikes.

Real bikers are not mere riders. They love being part of a community or a motorcycle club. They love making friends with people who have the same interests as them. They are also friendly and always willing to spend time with other bikers, go for group rides, and assist each other in need. It is like having a large group of family or friends who are always there to support you.

A real biker is not a person who is trying to be cool by not following the law. They obey the traffic rules and take their safety and other road users’ safety seriously. They realize that being safe on a bike is significant to them and different people.

Real bikers are aware that the primary goal of riding a motorcycle is safety, no matter how powerful the bike is. They always wear helmets, jackets, gloves, and any other protective gear as they engage in motorcycle riding. It is like wearing armor that protects them and prevents them from getting severely injured in an unfortunate event. In doing so, they also set an excellent example for the other riders who don’t take safety seriously.

Remember that it is not the motorcycle that makes you a biker, but rather the attitude towards it. It is all about promoting a safe environment for everybody.

Every true biker is a walking encyclopedia of motorcycles. They can discuss for hours the various bike models available in the market, how they function, and what sets them apart. Meanwhile, a poser may be aware of the names of some bikes, but they are likely to be rather ignorant regarding their real functioning.

Some individuals use motorcycles as a way of gaining the approval of other people even though they do not enjoy it. They are all dressed in expensive leather and the latest accessories on their bikes, but they hardly ride them. A real biker sleeps, eats, and breathes bikes. They enjoy the feeling of riding on an open road and the freedom that is associated with it.

Posers usually act tough and rebellious, but you can always tell the difference between real and fake. Real bikers are confident and respect other people. They do not have to justify anything. They love to ride, and that love extends to other people.

Remember, being a biker is all about loving the bike, honoring your fellow riders, and the love for the road. Meanwhile, a poser can be rude and behave badly with other riders. They may also try to prove themselves superior just because they don’t want to be labeled as a poser.

The worst thing someone can be is a poser. Here's how to avoid it:

• Learn about bikes : It will be advantageous to know as much as you can about motorcycles, how they work, their varieties, and how to ride them.
• Ride often : The more a person practices riding a motorcycle, the more they will grasp the concepts of motorcycling. Experience is the key. The more you ride, the better rider you will become.
• Respect others : Bikers are a part of a group and a community. Do not be rude to other riders or express anger. Always deal with everyone nicely.
• Wear proper gear : Wearing proper riding gear is especially important when it comes to the safety of riders. Always wear a DOT-approved helmet, leather jacket, pants, gloves, and motorcycle boots while riding.
• Follow the rules : Do not cause harm to yourself and other road users by violating traffic rules when riding a motorcycle.

Bikers are often seen as tough because:

• Physical challenges : It is essential to note that there is power, balance, and skill involved in riding a motorcycle.
• Mental toughness : This is so because coping with the riding challenges, dealing with harsh weather conditions require riders to be mentally tough.
• Indepen dent: Bikers are perceived to be independent personalities and free thinkers.
• Overcoming fears : Riding and overcoming fears can help you gain confidence.

It is important to note that being ‘tough’ does not in any way mean being show off. It is simply about acknowledging difficulties and having fun while on the journey.

One cannot take the word poser lightly when used on the other person since it is rude and demeaning. Therefore, it is safer to look at the positive facets of motorcycling. It is better to persuade someone to read more about riding and biking culture instead of tagging them as posers.

Also, people should not be offended when you tell them what they are doing is dangerous. Just remember that the motorcycle community is formed based on helping each other.

Being a real biker is not very easy, as it requires time and effort. The first steps to consider are getting to know the motorcycle, training, and gaining experience. You should ride in a group or join a local motorcycle riding club to be part of the community and share a passion. Last but not least, enjoy the process and have fun.

Those who have chosen to be real bikers are not only because they own a bike. It’s a lifestyle and a process of knowing, learning, understanding, appreciating motorcycle riding, and caring for road users.