Posted by Frank (Not Moss, the other Frank) on June 04, 2002 at 00:03:34:
In Reply to: Cool people posted by Bryan Felsher on June 01, 2002 at 07:08:48:
The RUB issue has had a really big influence on the biker culture today. On one hand RUBS have pressured the factories to produce quality products and have been the cash source for other start-up companies, increasing competition. On the other hand, the brotherhood has suffered. Until about fifteen or tewnty years ago, motorcycles were not considered mainstream. Only starving students, outlaws and eccentrics rode bikes. Because of that, bikers felt a common bond with each other. The reason a biker stops for another biker is because they've been stranded before and knew the feeling of isolation from the general public. The RUBS don't have to worry about getting stranded. Because of their affluence, they have many options. They are never really stranded. I really feel we're lost a culture, that while not always law-abiding, is honest, true and real. The day may come when the yuppies move on and motorcycling will return to true enthusiasts again. Yeah, the factories will feel the pinch and the small start-up motorcycle companies will probably fold, but at least when your riding down a lonely highway and you see a single headlight coming over the horizon, you can be fairly confident that you'll get a wave or a nod. My 2 cents.
Frank
97-Suzuki Savage- 81,423 miles
01-Harley 883 Sportster - 18,031 miles