Many different images are associated with motorcycles. Asking randomly about some of them, the answers would probably include recklessness, rebellion, community or freedom. Yet what is undeniable is the fact that a motorcycle is much more than a simple transportation vehicle, more than just a soulless tool that serves a purpose and no further. It enjoys a completely different status, for the role it has played so far in human history and culture.
The legacy of movies such as Easy Rider, The Wild One, or Mad Max, iconic characters interpreted by Marlon Brando, Clint Eastwood, Arnold Schwarzenegger or Nicholas Cage, plus the multitude of pursuit scenes, daring stunts or rides into the sunset, all are classics of cinema and still very present in today’s cultural scene.
Then you have the image of the biker. A tough-looking guy (for some reason, not too many women are usually associated to motorcycling, but that too is changing), dressed up in worn out denim or leather, complete with riding boots, inseparable from his bike. Sometimes a loner, on occasions in groups, yet always with a feeling of belonging to a community.
Bikers have their own codes of conduct and unwritten rules, which they enforce and defend according to their views, even when these are not necessarily in harmony with legality. The dark side of this is biker gangs (rather few when compared to the total number of bikers) defying law and order and pursuing criminal activities.
Biking can also be hazardous. A little too much speed, uneven or wet surfaces, rough weather, a mechanical failure… All of these can occur and cause an accident, possibly with unhealthy consequences, which may lead the biker to check on a site like livi for good measure.
A more pleasant aspect of motorcycling can be seen at rallies all over the world. These happen at all times of the year and are used by all sorts of bikers to get together, share experiences, enjoy life and have fun. Some of these gatherings are themed, be it over bike brands, country of origin, accessories like side cars, specific periods of history, or pretty much anything. Bike lovers will have a field day riding around, mingling with fellow riders, displaying their motorcycles, sharing stories or just watching the action.
Then there is also competition. Pure speed on track, endurance in long raids, cross off the road, mud sliding and whatever else promoters can come up with. All makes for a good playground for motorcycle makers to test improvements and develop new ideas, for sponsors to advertise their products, for the pilots to chase fame and glory, and for the public to get entertained.
In view of all this, it must be concluded that motorcycles are certainly not just any means of transportation. Far more than that, they have merits that transcend their intended role as an object. And their story keeps getting written, with no plans yet as for the final chapter.
