Bikers...what's up with the wardrobe changes?

I know quite a few bikers in my hometown (and there's a few I don't know). Many of them have had bikes most of their lives and some are recent owners. Now, the one's who own Harleys seem to dress differently (while riding) than the rest. This one in particular, came home from work in his work clothes (car salesman), and went out for a ride on his Harley. But before he left he changed into...not just jeans and a t-shirt, but black boots, leather chaps, do-rag, leather vest. Is this some sort of requirement or what? I've asked these guys this question and their only response is "You wouldn't understand." Well of course I don't understand. That's why I'm asking for someone to explain it to me. Make me understand. I'm not trying to be a smarta**, I honestly want to know. Is their anyone here on Yahoo Answers that can give me an honest answer?

Bikers...what's up with the wardrobe changes?
protection is probably the least of the reason!!! it's more of "THE LOOK" that is expected ...





years ago, Harley was not necessarily bike of choice, but they were big, loud and mean looking... likewise, they had so many vibration issues, they dropped parts along the roadway (still do to a certain extent). most of the people back then that rode a Harley, was perceived to be "gang" related (aka, hells angels, monguls, banditos, etc.) and those were bad to the bone bikers... most of these early bikers were not very wealthy, didn't bath regularly, did alot of alcohol %26amp; drugs ... but they were free, did what they wanted and when they wanted... they had chicks, guns, knives, etc. and alot were really low life outlaw types... anyway, they had "the look" and made alot of people tremble with fear... again, they were free!!!





so, now with the modern day of mass production, higher technology bringing Harleys up to a much better bike (still not up to alot of other bikes in quality standards), the Harleys have made quite a resurgence into the biker market and all the "so called biker want to bes" are now the average joe office worker, lawyer, doctor, nurse, etc. that can afford the price tags but this is their little way of being "free" at least for a small portion of their life.... so they want "the look" ...





similar to the urban cowboy craze back in the mid 1970s that brought out the "drugstore cowboys" and everyone had boots, starched wranglers and a hat (no matter how stupid they looked compared to the "real working cowboy")...





it's a phase in the life of the baby boomers and the generation below them...





2 cents worth from someone that grew up thru all the original phases and seeing the styles coming back around...
Reply:Unless your neighbor is riding a mechanical bike on weekends at the bar, he is a real biker. Report It

Reply:It's only a requirement if you want to fit in.


pmk's reference to the "Urban Cowboy" craze was spot on.


There are those that ride, there are those that dress for the ride, and then there are those that dress up for the ride(and it's usually very short).
Reply:Partly to protect oneself in the event of a fall. Partly for comfort. Partly to fit in with the rest of the bikers.





Safety addendum: If he's not wearing a helmet, he's stupid. Road rash heals. Spilled brains on the pavement don't.





Comfort: Not sure how fast he'll be riding. But, even at slow speeds, shirts with collars are not very comfortable when the collar flaps keep whacking you in the neck, perhaps even leaving papercut type wounds. That's why bikers wear either no collars or turtlenecks.





Fitting in. Very few folks in general are brave enough to show up not wearing something similar to the rest of the crowd.
Reply:That's the official poser costume. Fingerless gloves are optional. If it's not comfortable, safe or visible, it's "cool".
Reply:Typical H-D attire. Got a neighbor has a Harley and his wife don attire similar to what you describe. Ride his bike to a bar several miles away, spend the evening there, and ride home.
Reply:"You wouldnt understand" is dodging your question because you are calling them out for exactly what they are - POSERS.





I ride a motorcycle to work daily. I wear protective gear that consists of covering every inch of exposed flesh on my body - I dont wear a leather vest with a short sleeve shirt and beanie helmet, because these offer little to no protection in the event of a crash. Chaps - how many people do you know that fall off a bike and land exactly on their knees only? NOt many - most of us end up on our butts - where chaps provide NO protection. I got hit on the Bay Bridge at 45mph and walked away from it without a scratch - something your Harley riding neighbor would be hard pressed to do with his "uniform" on...





They are friggin posers, brah.
Reply:Okay now for the real answer to your question. It's not about protection from falls or accidents. Chaps and vests serve a very good purpose. Your jeans will "flap" in the wind to the point of rubbing the hair right off your legs. The leather does not flap like that. Your tee shirt will flap until it rubs your nipples off and a leather vest prevents that painful event from happening. Black is a traditional color to cover oil leaks on your clothing and dries faster that a lighter color after a rainfall. A do-rag keeps the hair from tangling up into knots. These are the facts the posers don't know.
Reply:If he was going to the 7-11 he might be over dressed but I got alota that stuff and use it on long, cold or wet runs. I'm clubed, I got a vest, but I tend to wear it mostly cause its got a lot of pockets and holds the stuff I'd normally have to put in my trouser pockets and that can get uncomfy after while. It also keeps a loose t-shirt from flapping around. Mostly in hot weather I got running shoes and tshirts on.
Reply:They have to roll play. Look the part you know. Pull up to red light, rev throttle, look right. Anybody notice me? Anybody looking? NO Ok. Rev throttle more, look left. Anybody notice me? Anybody looking? NO. Not all are like this but some just want the attention.
Reply:Leather is the fabric of choice due to it being highly durable and strong just in case the rider falls and is sliding along the street. It is also recommended in most Dept of Motor Vehicles motorcycle handbooks. It is also why you see most Highway/Motorcycle and Mounted(on horseback) Police Officers wearing Leather gloves ,high leather boots, leather jackets and reinforced pants. There are synthetic versions that you usually see the guys on dirt bikes and high speed bikes wearing because they are lighter and more breathable.
Reply:All the gear is for safety and comfort. Harley riders are more into the black leather that riders of other kinds of bikes. We all have safety gear though. My husband changes into boots and a textile jacket when he rides.
Reply:leather holds up better in a slide than jeans by a wide margin, but a vest wont protect the arms. ya might as well wear a tank top.


if in a low speed turn u think ur gonna drop it, what do u usually do out of instinct....put ur foot down to catch it. that'll work on a dirt bike in the dirt....that will get ya a busted ankle on a street bike. but it will protect ur ankles in a slide better than tennis shoes. if u mess ur ankles up, u will never walk right again....or for that matter, ride again since u cant pivot the foot to shift or brake.





chaps will keep the legs warmer in colder weather...so will leather jacket. but a dew rag is t.f.w. for head protection....tfw='s totally f**in worthless. chalk it up to 'his a ss not ur's'. helmets...let those who ride decide.
Reply:Boots above the angle-protection


leather chaps-protection, road rash/cold weather (leather jacket too-protection)


leather vest-that's where you put all of those patches %26amp; ride pins for all of the rally's/events/fund raisers that you attend. Your club patch shows who you ride with.


Do-rag?? Keeps his hair out of eye's ?


Plus......


Just part of the Harley deal for some.


Definatly not required.
Reply:Harley drivers are individuals, and express their individuality through their clothing (and their facial hair, attitude etc.).


It's only coincidental that they all wind up wearing the same uniform.
Reply:pmk, nicely put for that rememberence of yesteryear...





most of the touring riders have their look, just like the sports bikes have their look, the Harley riders have their look... it's more of a status symbol of sorts...





protective gear should be worn at all times in my opinion ... but that's because it has saved my life too many times when I was younger and more daring (and stupid) liking to show off... cruising down the highway or the back roads, the chances are much less on needing the protective gear ... I still wear it though...



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