Motorcycling is a diverse world filled with unique personalities. When you join the motorcycling community, you become part of a vast family, each rider expressing their individuality in different ways. While we all share a love for two wheels, there are distinct sub-groups within the community that many riders find themselves fitting into. Here’s a lighthearted look at some common motorcycling stereotypes.
Hipster
Hipsters have brought a cool factor back to motorcycling. Often seen on café racers and scramblers, they can be identified by their manicured beards, vintage clothing, and an impeccable choice of trendy cafés. Embrace the label and avoid anything mainstream.
Best Hipster Bike: Any type of café racer
Vintage
Think Steve McQueen or James Dean. With leather jackets, white tees, blue jeans, and Ray-Bans, the Vintage rider exudes Hollywood swagger. A vintage-style scrambler completes the look. While few can truly pull off this style, many try.
Best Vintage Bike: Triumph 1200 Scrambler XE
Mid-Life Crisis
Usually in their 40s or 50s, these riders decide it’s the perfect time to learn to ride. They often buy the biggest, best bike they can afford, inspired by adventures like those of Ewan and Charley. The bike may spend more time in the shed than on the road.
Best Mid-Life Crisis Bike: BMW R 1250 GS Adventure (expectation), BMW G 310 GS (reality)
Bad to the Bone
There are two types here: the old-school riders with big beards, faded tattoos, and stripped-down Harleys, and the new-age riders with full-body tattoos, lots of bling, and flashy bikes. Both groups ride cruisers and are not to be messed with.
Best Bad-to-the-Bone Bike: Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114
Enduro Geek
Enduro Geeks know their bikes inside and out, constantly tinkering with every component. They love tough trails and challenging terrain, often inspired by Chris Birch videos. Arguing with them is pointless—they know their stuff.
Best Enduro Geek Bike: KTM EXC 300
Motocross Punk
Motocross Punks love ripping open the throttle and spraying dirt. They prefer others to do the mechanical work or don’t service their bikes at all. Tattoos, flat caps, and energy drink stickers on their utes are essential.
Best Motocross Punk Bike: A clapped-out mid-2000s two-stroke
The Grey Nomad
With years of experience, Grey Nomads have been riding since before your parents were born. Now free from work, they explore the world on enormous touring bikes, often with their partners. They love pristine campgrounds and rural pubs.
Best Grey Nomad Bike: Honda GL1800 Goldwing
Valentino Rossi
These riders live for speed and idolize The Doctor (Rossi). They own the flashiest, fastest bikes and see rules as minor inconveniences. High-end leathers are worn even for a quick trip to the shops.
Best Valentino Rossi Bike: Yamaha YZF-R1
Commuter
Sensible and practical, commuters use motorcycles primarily to get to work. They choose economical, easy-to-ride machines that handle traffic well. Their playground is bumper-to-bumper traffic, not twisty mountain roads.
Best Commuter Bike: CFMoto 650NK
Delivery Rider
Opposite of the commuter, Delivery Riders often use clapped-out scooters and minimal safety gear. They focus on getting the delivery done on time, sometimes at the expense of safety and accuracy.
Best Delivery Rider Bike: Suzuki Address 110
Back-In-My-Day
Nostalgic and talkative, these riders reminisce about the good old days before modern technology took over. Their bikes are often classic models free of modern enhancements.
Best Back-In-My-Day Bike: Any old British twin
So, what type of motorcyclist are you?