By: Tim Gorman
Wow, did you see that? Cool bike!
Yep, almost any motorcycle is cool if you like 'bikes'. From Yamaha to Harley Davidson to Honda to Kawasaki, they all have their followers and enthusiasts.
In the bike world, even motor scooters and mini-bikes are cool!
You can drive a small motor scooter on the highway without a driver's permit (at least you can in Virginia) if it doesn't go over twenty-five miles an hour and is under a certain horsepower.
But real motorcycles are another breed. They are usually fast, fun and dangerous!
From a stock motorcycle off the showroom floor to a complete custom 'Chopper', there is one that is just right for almost anyone. That is, anyone who doesn't mind being exposed to losing life or limb.
OK, so being fun is a huge drawing card for motorcycles. Most people who buy one understand the risk and ride defensively, wearing protective clothing.
Proper clothing is usually long pants (ever have a bee fly up your shorts or cut-offs?), boots or tough shoes, shirt and jacket (leather is best for protection).
Anyone who has ridden a motorcycle for a long period of time has 'laid it down'... I mean, like not upright on the tires anymore, but sidewise on the street. It is scary, and if you're fortunate, you are not hurt - but you learn that you, too, are vulnerable to accidents.
Driving defensively is just common sense ... but lots of people don't seem to have common sense! You should always ride a motorcycle with the attitude that the people around you can't see you - you are invisible. 'If a car can pull out in front of you, it probably will' is good thinking for riding a motorcycle.
So what do you like, stock Hondas? Choppers?
Choppers are a different breed entirely. In the early days they were the complete realm of the 'outlaw' types, but not any more. It's commonplace to see business executives, as well as 'straight folks' too, riding 'chromed out' and 'chopped' motorcycles to work everyday.
Choppers can be any make of motorcycle, but the classic chopper is a Harley Davidson motorcycle ... with maybe a short fender on the back wheel and an extended front fork, with custom wheels and tires, and chrome everywhere! To say nothing of hopped-up engines that move you along FAST! Sometimes raised handlebars are used. Sometimes old motorcycle engines are featured - and custom paint, lots of custom paint - especially the gas tank! Customized gas tanks are a MUST-HAVE for a 'decent' chopper motorcycle.
So, whether you just like to look, or are an avid rider, motorcycles are an established part of the fabric of the American highway.
