-- Tasha R. Howe, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology Transylvania University 300 N. Broadway Lexington, KY 40508 (606) 233-8144 FAX (606) 233-8797
You have some good points there but the majority of "real" bikers build their own bikes from frames they've purchased. In fact, they view RUBS very negatively and think that you should only be privileged to ride a Harley if you can build it from the ground up and work on it yourself. The more leather-clad, blue collar, and working poor bikers I interviewed for the article had a lot of money in their bikes, but it occurred very gradually and most bought the frame and built upon it. There's also quite a bartering system where "I'll trade you a tank paint job for a carburetor re-build", etc. The whole biker culture is very into doing things on their bikes as a hobby. Customizing is not only big business, but it can also be done for a reasonable price if you have friends and/or know how to do it yourself. Rick Adams wrote: > Tasha wrote: > > > Having just written a popular article on the History of Harleys and > > Indians, I think that the actual most prevalent myth is that bikers ARE > > outlaws and criminals. In reality, bikers are exactly like us. Yes, > > there are RUBs (Rich Urban Bikers), yes there are criminals, yes there > > are gardeners and plumbers. The average Harley owner is the average > > American citizen. But many charity runs, like the one in LA for Muscular > > Dystrophy, which occurs every year, are full of movie stars and RUBS, so > > people may see this on TV and get that idea. > > Good points, Tasha. > > Given the high prices commanded by Harleys (or Gold Wings, for that > matter), coupled with the obvious fact that most bikers also own an > automobile or truck (often a SUV) for use in when a bike isn't appropriate > (bad weather, shopping, transporting family, etc.), I would suspect that > economically the average owner would be somewhat above the national average > in terms of income. A single gardener may have a bike, but the married > gardener is unlikely to have one--or at least a good one--unless he owns his > own gardening firm. A professional, on the other hand, can easily afford > such purchases (and has the credit to finance a bike), and--in addition--can > take the time off from work for the runs (which may not be an option to the > working class owner). If that's the case, I'd be surprised if the > professionals _weren't_ over-represented among Harley owners. > > Just a few thoughts. > > Rick <--former Harley owner > > -- > > Rick Adams > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Department of Social Sciences > Jackson Community College, Jackson, MI > > "... and the only measure of your worth and your deeds > will be the love you leave behind when you're gone." > > Fred Small, J.D., "Everything Possible" -- Tasha R. Howe, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology Transylvania University 300 N. Broadway Lexington, KY 40508 (606) 233-8144 FAX (606) 233-8797
