What Kind of Rider Are You?

Have you ever stopped to consider what kind of motorcyclist you are? 

Motorcycling is widely considered its own subculture – and not only that, but one with subcultures within subcultures tucked inside the larger two-wheeled tribe.

The following list is not exhaustive, nor does it establish any barriers that can’t be crossed or blended. But it will hit upon a number of the most prevalent and easily defined types of riders one is likely to encounter out in the wild.

It might also open your eyes to how you’re most likely to be categorized by others.

Novice

The most innocent yet dangerous of all motorcyclists. The Novice is at the biggest risk of making a critical mistake and/or walking away from the lifestyle altogether. They are also the most eager and appreciative in terms of what makes riding so much fun and so cool in the first place.

We were all members of this class at one point or another, so have mercy on those who have chosen to embark down this path. Show the Novice kindness and grace them with your wisdom so that they may graduate to another category ASAP.

Commuter

Commuters are a funny lot. They are often at once the least precious about their rides, the least self-aware of their skills, and the least concerned with their place among other motorcyclists… and yet the absolute truest riders by another definition.

This is the everyday rider, one who is driven by practicality, efficiency, and economics rather than style or status. 

But it’s not only about getting from point A to point B. If they can squeeze a little excitement into their daily commute, that’s an added bonus. 

Weekender

While riding is a recreational activity for the Weekender, it’s one they take seriously. It probably consumes more brain cycles in their waking and dreaming mind throughout the week than it does for the majority of Commuters.

They take pride in their bike and count down the days to their next opportunity to hit the open road.

Grand Tourer

The time between rides from one Grand Tourer to the next can vary widely, but what they share in common is that when they do hit the road, they do so with commitment.

For them, a ride is not a loop around the county. It’s an epic journey across the nation. It is not a way to reach their destination – the ride itself is the vacation. 

While the Grand Tourers’ bikes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, the Goldwing and its ilk – i.e. dedicated touring machines – are the most defining among this sort.

Adventurer

The Adventurer is a fast growing population. They share many commonalities with the Grand Tourer with a significant difference. Their tour only becomes an adventure when the pavement pounding is mixed with some mud, dirt, and gravel.

Cruiser 

The Cruiser comes in long-distance and sprint variants. But the bike has to have a certain muscular, too-cool-for-school vibe to qualify. This one further breaks down into several subcategories – one of which – the Hard-Core Harley rider – ranks among the most populous and dominant forms to be found on the road.

Speed Merchant 

Fueled by speed and adrenaline, the Speed Merchant is attracted to sleek shapes and cutting-edge technology. This is another that splits into distinct subcategories, including the Racer, the Canyon Carver, the Helmetless Squid, and the Stylin’ and Profilin’ Poseur (the last of which also bleeds into other categories). 

Dirt Fiend

A major-yet-elusive category of rider will never be seen from the comfort of the highway. A sizable group of motorcyclists do all of their riding on motocross tracks or on trails. While Dirt Fiends are actually quite large in numbers, the only fleeting glimpse most get of them is when spotted in pickups hauling their motocrossers to the local track.

Retro Rider

For the Retro Rider, motorcycling was perfected a half decade ago and is best enjoyed in that mode. Elegant, timeless style has its appeal, as does simpler mechanicals that can be tinkered with sans a computer.

As a result, this one sports a large percentage who also rank as Mechanics or DIYers.

Collector

No one is prouder of their bikes than the Collector. No one has more bikes than the Collector. And no one puts fewer miles on their bikes than the Collector..

The collector is as much a museum curator as they are a rider, but they play an important role in keeping the proud history of motorcycling alive and well.

Generalist

The type of bike doesn’t matter. The type of ride doesn’t matter. The Generalist loves them all equally and quite simply lives to ride.