Riding Habits

Riding Habits

The Fundamentals of motorcycling style...

ROGER HULL

Over a period of time, each motorcyclist arrives at his own individual riding style. For the most part, such a style evolves gradually and naturally as the rider develops a "feel" for his machine. Other styles, however, are carefully calculated to achieve an effect. The rider assumes a pose in an attempt to convey a certain image to those who observe him. The majority of road riding styles involve more than just a special stance or way of handling the cycle. Frequently they include the type and size of the bike, the riding apparel, and even selected accessories. Yet, almost all styles tend to fall within a few major categories.

For the benefit of styleless riders (or those who may wish to alter their image), herewith are illustrated the fundamentals essential to each of the basic styles.

The average rider should discover that his own style fits within one of these major categories. There are other styles, of course, such as SIDEHACK MAC, PROUD PARENT, CHAINED MALE, or VESPA VAMP. However, these are favored by specialized groups and are not in common use.

CONVENTIONAL STANCE (or, EVERYBODY'S DOIN' IT): This is the most natural, and probably the safest, road riding style for motorcyclists. Helmet is a must; protective clothing is worn, as are adequate boots. The stance is relaxed, alert, neat, protected.lt isa comfortable,neuter sort of style, equally well adapted for either male or female.

TIRED-BUT-SPORTY BUSINESSMAN (the MILD ONE): This definitely requires a certain appearance of weariness and specific clothing. A vinyl or nylon jacket (never leather) of bright colors is essential. Other requirements are a visorless white helmet worn well back on the head, oxford cut shoes, and a white shirt with a necktie. (This clothing may be changed for coveralls once the rider arrives at his job.) A budding potbelly adds to the general effect, and it IS permissible to stuff in a small pillow should nature have overlooked this particular accessory. This style is limited for use on 500-cc-and-under bikes (except BMWs).

COOL COWBOY: This is a style used primarily by trail and dirt riders, then only for brief periods. For the most part, the stance is the important thing. The feet (sometimes bare or in tennis shoes) and the hands (which attempt to curl the handlebars as if they were a barbell) are the only points at which the rider is permitted to touch his bike. The expression should convey a self-satisfied, look-at-me message. As far as apparel is concerned, worn-out clothing is best, simply because it is cheaper to replace. Some experts suggest that the rider wear a jacket or shirt with his name across the back. This not only lets the audience know just who is doing all this fancy riding, it also provides them with a name to which they can address the get-well cards.

OLD TIMER: This combines the bulk of the rider with that of his motorcycle to present an illusion of years of experience. The riding apparel is a battered jacket, preferably graying, cracked leather (although denim shirts are acceptable in some areas), well worn Western boots and darker shades (but faded, of course) of Levis or Chinos. A helmet is a strict no-no. Instead, he wears a soft hat which is barely visible beneath an array of old run badges and pins. The half-smoked cigar is optional. The expression should be one of amused tolerance, particularly in traffic. (Note: This is the only riding style permitted owners of reconditioned Indian Chiefs.)

TERRIFIED TYRO: This pose requires that the rider sit well forward. (Extremists move completely on to the fuel tank.) Clothing should be fairly snug. Anything loose enough to flutter, particularly below the waist, ruins the image. Face shields are not permitted in that they obscure the what-do-l-do-next expression essential to this stance. (Extremists favor the use of an occasional scream.) The rider's overall appearance should indicate that he has just come from a successful panic stop. Many automobile drivers, upon spotting this type of rider, tend to veer as far away as possible. Hence, the major advantage of this style is that this rider frequently has the entire road to himself.

REGAL LEGAL EAGLE: This is reserved for riders of the heaviest of bikes. Here the big machine (preferably a black and white Harley-Davidson) blends with both the stance (feet firmly placed on the foot boards, back in a ramrod military stiffness) and the clothing to produce a definite image. Riding breeches and knee-high boots (brightly polished) are as essential as a fur-collared police-style jacket and a police-type helmet (preferably with a chin strap). Some extremists equip their luggage rack with a small black box complete with a phony whip antenna. The major advantage of this style is that the rider is rarely passed. Major disadvantage is that this rider often is delayed by tourists asking for road directions.