Bikers are cool, whether they’re invoking a 60s aesthetic or rocking a more modern, metal-inspired style.
Plus, it used to be a male-only club, but lately, many girls hopped on the bandwagon. As a result, it’s now a well-developed, massive subculture. Some people enjoy it as a lifestyle, while others use it to take a break from their day-to-day lives.
So, we’ve put together a little guide for all novice riders out there, explaining how you can become a part of this ever-growing trend.
Pick a Bike
The first thing to do is to purchase a motorcycle. If you already have your eye on a specific model, more power to you. If not, there are several things to consider to make the best decision.
Most importantly, think about how you plan on riding to choose between different motorcycle types. There are also questions about your budget, maintenance capabilities, and aesthetic preferences.
The key thing is, don’t expect everything to click into place at once. The motorcycle world is full of ever-changing jargon. Focus on the basics, and you’ll do much better.
The main motorcycle types are:
- Standard bikes. These combine control and comfort fairly well, and they could be the ideal starting point for complete novices.
- These are those traditional, Harley-Davidson long bikes for relaxed rides.
- These go fast, and they’re the best option if you’re looking for some adrenaline-boosting action.
- Adventure-tourers. These are comfortable, lightweight, and run seamlessly on and off the road.
- These are easy to ride, affordable, and low-maintenance. On the other hand, they don’t contribute as much to that biker style.
Of course, you’ll have to consider much more, including the make, model, and dimensions. Still, doing your homework is worth the trouble.
Develop the Look
It’s time to dress the part. Once you become aware of the fundamentals, modify the classic ‘biker apparel’ to your preference.
The Jacket
A leather jacket is a must-have. If you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly alternative, high-quality faux leather can get you all the same benefits while keeping your conscience clean.
Outfit
The rest of your attire is also all about leather. What goes beneath the jacket doesn’t matter much – it can be a white T-shirt, flannel shirt, or even a hoodie. A sturdy pair of boots of the same material will do the trick for the footwear.
Note: If leather pants aren’t your thing, go for some rugged denim. Choose looser fits and thick materials that can handle hours on the bike.
Accessories
Adding accessories turns your casual, slightly-too-much-leather look into a true biker style. Bracelets, rings, and chains make your look more hardcore, especially with the prominent heavy-metal style jewelry and Celtic motives.
There’s also the unavoidable skull. These bear particular importance in this world. A legend says that death leaves a skull sign when it visits a person. So, carrying such an amulet means you’re above death – how’s that for aesthetics?
Maintain Your Ride
You have your ride, and you have your look. Now’s the time to start riding. However, before you do that, let’s touch upon the essentials of maintaining your bike:
- Oil changes. Change the engine oil every several thousand miles to keep it running properly.
- Air filter replacement. If you keep your air filter full of debris, the performance will suffer.
- Tire pressure maintenance. Air compressors are available at every gas station, so this task is fairly straightforward.
- Coolant changing. By doing so, you prevent your engine from freezing or overheating. Make sure you’re getting the right coolant, though.
- Chain cleaning. You’ll notice the necessity of this chore by looking at your chain. If it’s particularly dirty, wipe and lubricate it.
The details and extras should be in the owner’s manual. Read it from cover to cover to keep your ride healthy and durable.
Stay Responsible
You’re a hardcore biker now, but that doesn’t mean you can get away with irresponsible behavior.
You’ll have to acquire a license first. The laws in this area are straightforward and logical, require some training, and ensure you’re keeping yourself and everybody else on the road safe.
Moreover, you don’t want to skip insurance. Most states require it by law, and it’s there for a good reason.
As the insurance experts at BrokerLink explain, a policy is there to protect you in case of an accident. It covers injury and property damage expenses, keeping your finances safe and your driving legal.
The Bottom Line
Be sure to cover all these bases before you find a community and start pursuing the biker lifestyle. Get a good ride, learn how to take care of it, get your documents in order, and develop the look. It’ll be smooth sailing from then onward.