OUR CULTURE IS DYING AND ITS ALL YOUR FAULT!
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- Опубликовано: 15 ноя 2023
- OUR CULTURE IS DYING! AND ITS ALL YOUR FAULT…
Our culture is dying. It seems like to only older riders on motorcycles. What can we do to attract younger riders? How can we make it cool to ride and show others the freedom we enjoy so much? Is Harley the answer?
Look at the bikes I showed @www.harley-davidson.com
You can hit me up on any of the platforms below:
Big Smitty Riding
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RUclips: / bigsmittyriding
Anyone want to sponsor a brother just hit me up… seriously. Call Honda on my behalf!
I want y’all to have a great day and let’s try not to be assholes to each other! 
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Lost my Dad (R.I.P Kevin J. Smith 03/14/1964 - 07/16/2021) a couple of years ago and the main thing he left me was a 2008 HD Dyna-Wide Glide 105th Anniversary bike, and I must say I cherish it, I even built a whole garage around it. I've done and learned all of my maintenance completely solo, with just RUclips videos to guide me, though it's definitely more than a lot of you older guys had to work with. Had to replace the starter on it a couple of months ago. Even though it seems strange whenever I ride it, or am around it, it's like I can feel him there. Don't know if I'm crazy or not, but it's a surreal feeling. I grew up quite a bit different than a lot (1996) of my generation (think I was born in the wrong one), and most of my childhood memories - Dad usually had a bike (when things were good). He did his best though, raising my younger sister and I all by himself, never asked anyone for anything. So now, when I'm on these Mid-Western highways, with nothing but the wind in my face, the rumble of two wheels beneath me, I'm home. There's an aspect to that rebel spirit of Freedom that never dies. Funny thing about finding yourself in the middle of no where, is that sometimes in the middle of no where - you find yourself. Peace.
My friend you are not one of the ones killing the culture. RIP to your father and my condolences to you. It’s badass that you have his bike and built a garage around it. And getting to ride his bike is something I’m sure makes him smile.
Comments like this are what lets me know the biker culture is alive and well! Thank you for sharing and for watching!
I ride Harley and sense my grandpa’s spirit. It’s a massive portion of the reason why I ride.
@@MrMann-gt1eh that’s a great reason to ride! I appreciate your comment and I’m glad you can feel close to him when you ride. I’ve said it before, Harleys have a feel like no other bike does. Thanks for watching.
It’s def not strange that u feel your dad’s spirit when u ride his bike.
He prob was most himself when on that bike. He’s prob riding with u are at least watching over u while u take rides and find yourself while getting lost in the middle of nowhere.
Ppl that don’t ride will never understand.
@@geraldgoodiii6993 excellent comment! Thanks for watching!
It starts with older bikers embracing the fact that new riders don't want to spend high dollars on a new Harley or Indian, we have to realize these new guys are wanting groms, royal Enfield and other small cheaper priced scoots... Nothing wrong with that it gets them into the love of 2 wheels and thats honestly what we need, for people to realize that the feeling of being on 2 wheels and the feeedom it brings is the #1 important thing.
I absolutely agree with you bro. The if you ain’t got a Harley you ain’t shit crowd has turned this generation off for sure. We gotta let them ride what they like and can afford so they continue to want to ride. Great comment my friend.
I'm riding a Honda shadow that sells brand new for 5k less than price of a Harley sportster 8k vs 13k. Granted I got it used with only 250 miles on it for 7k. The quality of the bikes is about equal in my opinion. That 5k difference also made it so I can get back on two wheels back in July instead of two years down the road when my car is paid off. A lot of people in my position can either get on a metric cruiser now or get an Indian or Harley in a few years. Harley needs to release affordable bikes for practical people to compete in this market.
@Magnarmis the shadow is an amazing bike, way lower maintenance and the cost of maintenance and repair is astronomically cheaper than indian and harley.
Very true. The Shadow is a great bike and doesn’t break the bank. Harley needs a few affordable bikes in the lineup that fit that bill. Thanks for watching!
I’m 31 and fell in love with motorcycles when I was younger seeing the neighbor pull up every day. Got my motorcycle license 4 months ago but lost everything before I could buy a bike! I cant wait to start riding
That’s awesome! Glad to see a younger dude wanting to ride. I’m sorry you lost everything. Hopefully you get back on your feet and can get in the wind. Thanks for watching!
Motorcycling is a luxury. An expensive luxury that requires money. Beyond the initial investment in the motorcycle, you have your insurance, helmet, gloves, boots, rain gear, vest, jacket, accessories, maintenance and repairs, and ongoing registration and taxes. I had a friend who couldn't see all the other expenses and was always looking at the monthly payment saying "it's the same as what I'm paying now", so he'd keep buying them and then realizing he couldn't afford them because of all the extraneous costs. I'd get excited when he'd buy a new one, and 6 months later he was always selling it because he was broke and facing bankruptcy.
Bottom line is, you have to have money to afford a bike, and the younger generation just doesn't have much disposable income. Their rents are astronomical (even people with good incomes can't afford rent in most decent places), they have student loans in many cases, and new bills like cell phone and internet that we never had at their ages. I'm so glad I bought a house when I did. I paid $84,000 and mine is now worth about $430,000. I can't imagine paying $1800 a month in rent with noisy neighbors, no covered parking, and all kinds of rules I had to live by, and facing annual potential rent increases. Food is outrageous, and every other bill I get keeps going up. I feel very fortunate to be able to afford my house, cars and bikes. But young people, even those making hefty incomes, in most cases can't afford luxuries like motorcycles, and in many cases, as they're starting to raise families, their spouses don't want them anywhere near a bike that would get them killed. Most don't have any life insurance, or enough to provide for their families if something happened.
It truly is a money thing. Motorcycling takes money, and most of us don't have it until later in life.
It sure was nice of your son to defend you about that McDonald's crack! What a son!
Thank you as always my friend. Your support means more than you know. I agree, the hidden expenses are great and not many people are ready for them. The cost of living these days is astronomical. It’s hard to believe what it currently is and that it could get worse. Something has to change…
Hopefully things will get better and the motorcycle community will grow again.
I miss riding but my biggest reason to stop is there's just too many people in 4 wheelers on the road these days that don't pay attention to anything, especially bikes. Too much looking at cell phones, eating, doing make-up, etc and no one looks where they're going (I'm guilty too). I don't even feel safe in my 1 ton dually half the time so on a bike, I just was tense the whole time and the point of relaxing and enjoying the open road was lost for me. The other part was that every bike event I attended was being taken over by 3 wheeled cars (Slingshots) and they were becoming stereo and light contests. The culture died for me and I'm out....dueces
I feel you Scott. The culture has changed dramatically and not for the better… as far as cagers running you down that’s the truth. Nobody pays attention and nobody cares. Thanks for watching and for the comment my friend.
Great topic absolutely correct. It is actually all areas that have changed. I ride as much as I can. I was born in 1959. It is the same way with guitars as well, I play and own 24 guitars. You can't give a guitar away these days. When is the last time you seen kids in a field playing baseball, going down the street carrying a gallon a gas and pushing a mower cutting lawns. We as a whole need to instill these values in our younger generation as much as we can, same thing with patriotism as well. At this point, I think it starts with us or it is lost forever.
I agree. It f we don’t champion change and try to teach the younger generation about the biker culture then no one will! Thanks for the comment and for watching!
@@BigSmittyRiding Yes Sir. Thanks for your response. I really Iike your channel. Keep up the great work.
@@GeraldDove-md4ww much appreciated! Thank you for the kind words!
Fantastic topic, I was born in 1962, the 70's were great time to be a kid had my first mini bike at 10!! Evel Knievel was the face of cool motorcycle stuff when I was a kid. Engines were simple and if you didn't have money, you built it. Most people coming out of High school today don't know how to change engine oil or a tire for that fact. Local mechanic garages seem to be dwindling also. I have NO IDEA of a solution other than if you or anyone has a kid, get them away from the computer screen and show them the joy of the culture.
I completely agree, get these kids away from the screens and get them outside and enjoying something besides the phones and tablets. I’m with you, I remember Evel as a kid and thinking how awesome he was. Great comment and thanks for watching!
No argument here, but you should have been a teen in the 60s!
YES!! The younger generation is not into being cool. Being liked by everyone is priority. They’re all actual friends with their moms and sisters. Value their opinions. It used to be edgy culture vs mainstream culture. To be cool was to be into bikes - dirt, sport, Harleys, Heavy Metal, the latest military jets. Anything aggressive was normal for teenage boys. Now it’s the girls.
Now here is where it gets interesting.
Today’s young culture is very much like the late 1960’s early 70’s. The whole Hippie movement, liberal politics being mainstream, conservatism is fascist or just evil and racist. Its a cycle.
As a 52 year old black Trump conservative, I’m finally cool, a rebel, identify with outlaw culture instead of trying to cool. The motorcycle. The Hayabusa or Harley gives me that. They’re fast and loud and masculine. They disturb the peace. It’s not considered socially responsible.
@Robbenjaminshadow thinks Gen Y people should listen to Millennials and Gen Z about ideas, life. That’s something grown ups should never do. Young people are idiots and WE always have been. Everything for them is now, instant gratification - sensitive feelings, smoking weed, credit cards, latest gadgets, college degrees in basket weaving, student forgiveness, 16 different genders, racism everywhere. It’s not The Walking Dead anymore, it’s The Walking Bigots out to bite you. Only thing young people are good for is new technology. It’s always been that way. The economy being bad. This president being terrible. College and credit card debt being epidemic. It forces them to grow up and get a reality check.
Im 35. I think a big part of it is that the younger generations never get told "go get on your bike and play, come home when the street lights come on" the pussifacation of basically the last 2 generations has done some damage to our youth's sense of adventure.
I was talking about this with my son. These generations are completely pussified. They lack the back bone we had. Some of it is our own fault for not teaching them and showing them how to be strong people etc. Some of it is society itself and how weak people have become. Very good comment and thanks for watching!
Hell as a kid I was told never to get a bike. And when I bought a motorcycle it was hell on earth from everyone in the family. Now I own 4. 🤷🏼♂️
That’s awesome! I’m the only one in my family that rides. That’s good stuff. Thanks for watching!
Preach
YES!! The younger generation is not into being cool. Being liked by everyone is priority. They’re all actual friends with their moms and sisters. Value their opinions. It used to be edgy culture vs mainstream culture. To be cool was to be into bikes - dirt, sport, Harleys, Heavy Metal, the latest military jets. Anything aggressive was normal for teenage boys. Now it’s the girls.
Now here is where it gets interesting.
Today’s young culture is very much like the late 1960’s early 70’s. The whole Hippie movement, liberal politics being mainstream, conservatism is fascist or just evil and racist. Its a cycle.
As a 52 year old black Trump conservative, I’m finally cool, a rebel, identify with outlaw culture instead of trying to cool. The motorcycle. The Hayabusa or Harley gives me that. They’re fast and loud and masculine. They disturb the peace. It’s not considered socially responsible.
@Robbenjaminshadow thinks Gen Y people should listen to Millennials and Gen Z about ideas, life. That’s something grown ups should never do. Young people are idiots and WE always have been. Everything for them is now, instant gratification - sensitive feelings, smoking weed, latest gadgets, college degrees in basket weaving, student forgiveness, 16 different genders, racism everywhere. It’s not The Walking Dead anymore, it’s The Walking Bigots out to bite you. Only thing young people are good for is new technology. It’s always been that way. The economy being bad. This president being terrible. College debt being epidemic. It forces them to grow up and get a reality check.
Great topic Smitty!! Half the younger people nowadays can’t even drive a stick shift car, let alone being able to ride a motorcycle.
Sad but true my friend. Hopefully they’ll come around and learn… hell, I did! Thanks for watching sir!
Good video. Great topic. Today was a said day for me. Riding season in west Michigan for me is officially over
I’m sorry. That sucks. Hopefully it’s a mild winter and you get back on twos ASAP! Thanks for watching!
No I want the snow I plow a little bit in the winter. Can't wait to get back on 3s
What’s funny and bullshit about Harley “boutiques”, now that I’ve been thinking about this is…. I remember the after completion of the MSF course the instructor introducing the class to the salespeople and the women look liked models and the guys looked like corporate interns. They were “yuppies” not biker people. They gave us the tour all around.
I had to keep reminding myself to be strong and not fall in love with the whole vibe of the place. You can easily lose your bank account. Its real. They had latest year bikes for young people and they were sexy. No lie. None of the bikes on the floor were 5-8 years old.
There was a lot of nice HD gear and accessories. They make so much money selling the brand vs the bikes. Everything that has an HD logo is made in china but costs a lot. But there was so much more clothing, gear, and souvenirs, in comparison to the room allowed for their bikes. Now I understand why. Then gave us all the talk about how cool/special the HD legacy is. And true! Told us how easy/quick it is to FINANCE a bike never considered if we could actually afford a $30,000 bike.
A two wheel Ferrari dealership.
When Harley forced their dealerships to turn into boutiques it changed everything. Gone are the days of walking into a dealership where the overwhelming smell of 90 weight tickled our noses.
Very true. They have become a merchandise and t-shirt merchant. They are very good at it but the center of attention isn’t the motorcycles any more. Great comment and thanks for watching!
Robinson Harley Davidson in Wheatley Ontario is still just like that. I don't ride a Harley but those guys just love bikes. I stopped in on my way to a rally a few hundred kilometers away on a cold rainy day and they gave me 15 bucks off a set of long gauntlet gloves and wished me luck. I've also seen the opposite at the Harley shop in Windsor
That’s good stuff. Thanks for the comment and for watching.
Go to Fort Thunder H-D in Oklahoma, they have over 300 bikes in stock.
Hell yeah! Thanks!
I think the younger generation has been wrapped up in video games and social media so much they don’t get outside and play like the rest of us did when we were kids. I was born in 1974 and remember playing some video games with my friends but we would also get on our bikes or skateboards and have fun outside for hours. I remember being 15 begging my parents to let me buy a scooter and they said not as long as you’re living under this roof. I was 21 when I got my first virago 750 and have been hooked ever since. I never buy new and look for deals online with cash in hand. Now I have several bikes but the Wing is my favorite. Wish I knew you were in Galveston. I was there Saturday and would’ve stopped by
That’s awesome! I agree, I was born in 1977 and we played outside and loved riding dirt bikes and anything with two wheels. I actually wasn’t in Galveston. I missed the rally this year… I’ll be down there next year and I live in Houston. Thanks for the comment and for watching!
Remember who bought the computers and devices for them we could not know the long term consequences and our parents grew up differently than we did we've allowed the politicians to prey on our worst inclinations for power and profit they now must see us destroying what still remains and possibly putting them under the boots of a would be totalitarian dictator and threatening war and death for them we're a nightmare for them they behave lawlessly and dont care because thats what we have allowed our so called leaders to show them that punishment for crime is not designed for the rich and politically connected
YES!! The younger generation is not into being cool. Being liked by everyone is priority. They’re all actual friends with their moms and sisters. Value their opinions. It used to be edgy culture vs mainstream culture. To be cool was to be into bikes - dirt, sport, Harleys, Heavy Metal, the latest military jets. Gaming consoles sucked compared with today’s technology. Forcing us outside to socialize - good or bad. Being aggressive was normal for teenage boys. Now it’s the girls.
Now here is where it gets interesting.
Today’s young culture is very much like the late 1960’s early 70’s. The whole Hippie movement, liberal politics being mainstream, conservatism is fascist or just evil and racist. Its a cycle. Only the grownups allow the young to dictate what the rules are.
As a 52 year old black Trump conservative, I’m finally cool, a rebel, identify with outlaw culture instead of trying to cool. The motorcycle. The Hayabusa or Harley gives me that. They’re fast and loud and masculine. They disturb the peace. It’s not considered socially responsible.
@Robbenjaminshadow thinks Gen Y people should listen to Millennials and Gen Z about ideas, life. That’s something grown ups should never do. Young people are idiots and WE always have been. Everything for them is now, instant gratification - sensitive feelings, smoking weed, credit cards, latest gadgets, college degrees in basket weaving, student forgiveness, 16 different genders, racism everywhere. It’s not The Walking Dead anymore, it’s The Walking Bigots out to bite you. Only thing young people are good for is new technology. It’s always been that way. The economy being bad. This president being terrible. College and credit card debt being epidemic. It forces them to grow up and get a reality check.
So much pointed out in this video and I agree with things like the price of living going up. However, when it comes to the culture I don't think it's the younger guys not wanting to ride motorcycles because I see a lot of them riding out here in SoCal. From what I've seen they really don't attend rally's because that stuff is tailored to the older crowd. If one of their relatives didn't ride motorcycles, I believe they find inspiration from a neighbor or from guys online who put down miles and do stunt riding. That's why most of them ride dyna's. They are not looking for a guy who talks about bikes in a garage. They want to hear from someone who is actually putting in miles on bikes or doing cool stuff. I'm blaming most of the folks on this platform who TALK a big GAME but don't put in MILES and are mainly older gentlemen. Trailering to a motorcycle rally is not cool shit. Having 9,000 miles on a 2019 Bagger is not cool shit. However, this motorcycle culture has room for everyone. If you trailer to rally's? There's a group for you. If you are a weekend guy? There's a group for you. If your an internet biker? There's a group for you. If your a stunt guy? There's a group for you. Just know which one you belong to and your good. Don't talk a big game to someone who actually rides and then you learn the hard way that you really are not what you thought you were.
Great comment. You’re right that things have changed. I see Dynas and guys riding stunt bikes more than ever. I myself see that I don’t put in nearly as many miles as I used to before I had 4 kids and worked a ton of hours. Everyone fits into their own segment I guess. I just want to see more people riding and have the camaraderie that comes with it. It really boils down to respect for each other and coming together to keep the lifestyle going. Thanks for the great feedback and for watching!
💯
We need more Motorcycle Movies and TV Shows. Bring back the "Biker Build Off" Series! What happened to the "Mayan" Series? :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)
Man I loved the BBO series! More motorcycle and chopper shows on tv would help I agree! Thanks for watching and for the comment!
Man, I agree with you 100%. Me and some friends were just having the same conversation the other day. Technology ruined the culture.
I feel ya. I miss the magazines, cold beer and just looking at bikes and wishing we had a cool chopper. Hopefully we get some of it back. Thanks for watching!
I think it’s a combination of technology, cost and the culture itself. Technology keeps kids inside, and a lot of newer parents are scared to death to let their kids out of their sight, the newer generation seems scared/timid of almost anything. Cost of bikes is a factor to, but the used market is more inflated than its ever been. Lastly the “old guard” or “gatekeepers” intimidate people out of wanting to ride, when things start feeling to clicky nobody wants to be around that. Some of us older folk need to loosen the grip on legacy and just let folks ride how/what they wanna ride. Or start letting em in on old school biker fun, like bike games and such, less on the lifestyle or nothing part.
You are spot on! I remember breaking into the biker lifestyle when I was younger and having the older generation look at me like I was a moron. And I think more biker parties, events and games is a great way to gain interest. Great feedback and thanks for watching!
I got my first bike 43 yrs ago it was my independence and freedom,I didn't want live in my parents basement and video games at 30 !
That’s awesome! So many kids today skip the freedom for the safety and convenience. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
As you know, I’m that 28 year old that rides a goldwing:). It’s expensive now adays for motorcycle stuff. A lot of people are just simply saying it’s better to save up and start a family and put the motorcycle thought on the back burner
You are actually one of the first guys I thought about when I sad there’s young guys riding Wings! Thanks for watching and for the comment. I think you’re spot on, other priorities are coming ahead of buying motorcycles.
Yeah; I don’t have a wife/kids so I have some disposable income that I can afford some of that stuff. A lot of people I know are buying cars and houses. I’m dumb and I bought a nice motorcycle. Also, a lot of young people don’t seem to be buying motorcycles because the thought that “they are dangerous”. Here at the hospital, everyone says I’m crazy for riding my bike and working in surgery.
I think the notion that you don’t have to buy the big expensive stuff should be pushed a little. You can buy some nice used bikes for relatively cheap.
@@F6B_ADVENTURES I agree. That’s why I posted pics of the cheaper used bikes to show you can get them for cheap. I’m thinking of buying a cheap used bike myself to teach my oldest son how to ride.
We the Dads and moms ( older gen ) are to blame it’s that we criticize everything the young people do, and like we’re trying to shove round pegs and square holes that saying we knew better, and we did better and the young people see us as hypocritical. We shocked our parents changed the world right before their eyes they were sure we was ruining everything and would amount to nothing we talked as if our past was the only way to be we as a generation behave with hate because we fear change and have become as the kids say Karen’s and Kevin’s they are trying to change the world because we have shown them our worst and as many wear red hats, talking about Being great again, they don’t believe us, and they actually despises us Insulting us is understandable from their point of view and from mine don’t expect that they will adopt our way. Some will many won’t we present hate we get it back in return and we’ve allowed our political system to deny them what we wanted the ability to afford basic things and they don’t want to live with us. They want to go out and live their own lives but it’s too expensive for that so they’ve given up on us we need to get over ourselves.
I agree we need to get over ourselves and that the cost of living is ridiculous. And my Dad thought I was an idiot and that I was wrong for wanting to be a biker and have all those tattoos etc. Things all around need to change. Cost of living needs to go down and we need to be a bit more tolerant of each other. Great comment and thanks for watching!
The culture has indeed changed in ways many would not expect. For example, one of the major appeals of the Grom, aside from just being a fun bike is that it can fit in an elevator and be stored in the living room of your apartment. I think for most young riders, practicality is one of the main considerations.
I’ve noticed a lot of young Grom riders and a lot of dual sport riders these days. Those who stay outdoors and like to trail ride are using different bikes. Good comment and thanks for watching.
The Grom is a kids bike. No self respecting man would ever have one as primary bike. Its a toy.
2022. My first time ever being comfortable walking into a Harley dealership. The showrooms are mall boutique quality. The T-shirts are expensive. I was there to take the MSF beginners course. Knowing that someday I’ll buy my one and only dream bike, the Gen 3 Hayabusa. Second choice is still the Lowrider S with V&H short pipes. I started loving Harleys since Sons of Anarchy. An older demo in my opinion. But my social circle is sport bikes and it’s small. Don’t know anyone that rides Harleys. Insurance on big cc bikes is expensive for younger people. The one hope is annual bike festivals shown on social media.
You nailed it with general inflation of living. If you consider 1970 to today. A home then was 40k, today it’s 400k. The value of the dollar is less. It keeps getting less due to government. Regan explained it perfectly what devalues the dollar is 1. Printing more dollars and 2. Borrowing against. Now what does the government due to get money 1. Printing money 2. Borrowing against and 3. Taxing.
I’m 20yrs old my generation is interested in sport bikes and dirt bikes. I recommend looking up the ruff ryders rc (might be a mc now). That style that dangerous behavior is what my generation is doing.
I’ve seen a ton of dirt bikes, four wheelers and sport bike clubs. Riding is riding and I’m glad to see anyone of the younger generation riding whatever they like. Thanks for the comment and for watching!
If you're going to compare bikes you gotta compare what these bikes come with stock. Harley is the one brand where you're going to pay more upfront and then change more than you would almost any other bikes.. Especially metrics. Also, social media made the bike world trendy in some ways. Guys trading in their bikes every year like an iphone. I buy bikes with no plans of ever selling it. At the end of the day as long as all riders of all types just keep riding, it'll never die. Just my 2 cents! Enjoy the ride!
Great take. And I hear you, Harley’s are the bikes everyone changes and does a ton of stuff to. Primarily because there’s so many aftermarket parts out there for them. I hope you’re right and that everybody keeps riding and we keep gaining riders! Thanks for the comment and for watching!
I don’t know if it’s only me, but now that I think about it, 14k today sounds like less than 10k in 2009 to me.
Dunno man, I’m 45 now. When I was a kid and someone bullied me at school my dad’s advice was “well… you punch him in the nose and don’t worry about the teachers. I gotcha”. Sounds familiar to anyone? We played with dirt, didn’t use seatbelts, travel in the back of pickup trucks pretty much like cargo….you know where I’m going. The rough/hard/dangerous part of riding a motorcycle wasn’t a big deal to us. But most kids now do almost everything virtually. All that exposure to the elements and the discomforts of riding (coz there are some) are bigger to them than to us. I thank God my kid is at least into guns and that’s the only “real” thing he does….even if I gotta pay for the ammo.
It could be. I remember paying around $10k back then thinking it was a decent price but still kind of expensive. Now $14k for a new bike seems cheap to me by comparison. And I agree, we played in the dirt, wrestled each other, fought and in general were rough and tumble. That's kinda changed these days... Motorcycles just seemed like a natural progression for us as kids. Thanks for watching and for the comment.
In my high school year book is a picture of me reading Cycle World at a 2 page ad for a Honda Hawk. Iwas a teacher assistant and I parked my Honda CM -185 Twin Star in the teachers parking lot and no one said bo about it.
Now that’s an awesome story! Ahhhhh, the good old days! Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching!
I think I'm gonna make a video response to this great topic as a newer rider I have some insights about.
That’s awesome! I’m looking forward to it. Thank you for watching!
ruclips.net/video/HSmrqSyxDkA/видео.html
The idea of being a "Biker" is so different now. SOA had some hate, but it advocated the idea of riding a motorcycle as "cool". The new movie the Bikeriders coming out, is supposed to be about early motorcycle club life that will hopefully make it more relevant again. More presence on T.V and movies would put a lot more riders on the street in my opinion. Great topic my friend!
Thank you very much Jason! Man I love the movie Hell Ride. It’s a crazy movie with really cool bikes. I wish we still had Biker Build Off and shows that kept motorcycles in front of viewers. Thanks for the support my friend.
The problem is millennials and younger generations are against club mentality. We can go on RUclips and see what they are like and are just not really interested in it.
@Cabooseified I agree. YT and the news ain’t an ugly picture of clubs and make it difficult for anyone to want to associate with them. Great comment and thanks for watching!
I am 26 and have been riding since I was 18. I will always ride and I encourage anyone I meet that’s interested to have enough courage in themselves to give it a go. Own a Harley and Indian.
That’s awesome! Owning a HD and an Indian is great. Two very good bikes. Thanks for the comment and for watching!
I think it all ebs and flows. 10 years ago you wouldn't see the whole dyna culture out there now with people stunting or customizing them like you do today, you didn't see the performance baggers like you do now and most of these dudes are topping out at 40, most are below that. I think the culture is still there, it's just evolving and doing new things overall. Great topic
Thanks Ben. I agree it’s evolved in a non traditional way and has started to branch out to riders of all races and ages. I just see sales are down across the board. Hopefully things straighten out soon. Thanks for watching Ben.
Buy secondhand and do the work yourself, remember if you cannot kick it or fix it don't ride it, all anyone wants is new and put it into the workshop, sent I bought my 1200 XLC Sporster it's never seen a workshop and never will, and I am looking at putting a kick start on her.
I bought a clean Roadking for 3k. Bought it off a 19 year old kid. Just needed a new clutch. 45k miles, but that's low for a police bike.
I’ve found a ton of low mileage bikes for less than $5k. It’s crazy the amount of bikes out there. Good score on the RK. Thanks for watching!
All that needs to happen is they make about 10 motorcycle versions of fast and furious and you'll have a whole new generation of bikers 😁
Hey, it worked for the car industry! 😂
Us young guys are out there trust me. The old guys dont see us because to us hanging out exclusively at the Harley dealer is super lame.
WellI don’t hang out at the Harley dealership and I agree that’s pretty lame. That’s good though, I’m glad to see several young guys comment and know the next generation is riding and enjoying bikes. Thanks for watching.
Culture comes and goes with every generation. That's just how is. It's like that everywhere.
I agree. It changes with every generation. I’m just hoping that it continues and we keep young riders interested in two wheels. Thanks for the comment and for watching.
I'll add another bit that some won't like.
All the tech in motorcycles now makes them hard af to wrench on and build at home. No one uses points anymore, not even RE. Everything is fuel injected. ABS is all but mandatory now. Engines and transmissions are almost all unit construction these days (with notable exceptions, of course).
If people who like to tinker can't tinker, it's hard to interest them. It's hard to build a custom if you can't swap parts.
The more the manufacturers do for you, the less room there is for you to get involved and have that intimate connection to it in the first place.
I completely agree with you. And I’m just as guilty because I ride a Goldwing with all the advanced equipment and electronics on it. The days of pulling the motor apart and doing your own work are gone. I like to tinker and my older Harleys made that possible. Not any more… Great comment and thanks for watching!
@gcanaday1 I agree with you. After I learned to ride on a Ninja 400, I traded it in toward my current bike: a Moto Guzzi V7 Stone. It's about as simple to work on as they get nowadays. I actually prefer not to mess with carbs, but it's still a very simple 2V air cooled engine apart from that.
@@Fishsticks187 That's awesome! Man I've always dug the look of the Guzzi and how they function. Thanks for watching and for your feedback.
Magazines, "rags," the news papers. Phones in the house, in the kitchen, on the wall, in the hall, even the bed or bathroom if you really wanted it there. Turntables and 45s. Mom had a big floor cabinet stereo, with an 8 track player and turntable for her albums.
8MM film home movies. Black and white photos, color too, we took ours to the little booth in the shopping center, where they would develop them in an hour or two.
Black Label Beer! Old German Beer, and Ballantine Beer. When's the last time you saw any of those?
Lucky Strikes, Camels, Winstons, they were all filterless at one time... And doctor recommended!
You turned on the radio, and you heard the top 40, all day long, no matter the genre of music.
I remember hearing the Jackson 5, followed by Elvis Presley, the 5 Tops, the Spinners, Marvin Gaye. "Music!" None of the dead noise of today, we call "Crap..." I mean, Rap.
On and on, things have either changed kept up with the times, or just went the way of the dodo...
We used to go outside to play in the yard as kids, or "to your room!" We had this thing called "Imagination!"
We ate dinner as a family, mom made that happen and we ate when dad got home from work.
We went for rides on the weekend in the family 'Thruster," (From the movie Vacation)
In the country, we went fishing and swimming on nice days. we hiked and made campfires, slept in tents and told ghost stories.
We didn't have cell phones or laptops, no video games or DVDs. "Pinball," was the biggest thing, or shooting pool, if you was old enough to go into the Billiards hall.
No cable with live streaming movies. Everyone had an antenna on the roof, or 'rabbit ears,' on top of the TV.
I remember the first TV I saw at home, when I was really small. A black and white TV, full of tubes and lights and the picture rolled constantly!
I remember our first color TV. I remember the first window mounted air conditioner we had!
We used to go to the local "Drive-in Theater," and watch movies through the windshield, with a big metallic speaker latched to the top of the driver's window. Snacking on fresh popcorn, candy or hotdogs, and cold sodas on ice, in paper cups.
"Paper straws!" Remember those?
I always felt I had a good life. Even when we were kinda poor and had to pinch tight to make things meet in the middle.
Sure, there's lots more I could say here. But the point is, the world is always in a state of change, if nothing else.
Nothing lasts forever.
Each generation, rejects what was before and attempts to get it through some other way.
But life goes on, weather you want it to or not.
One two things will always remain rock solid consistent... The Creator up above, His word, and the love we give and receive from other...
Rotary phones, CB radios in the car, not wearing seatbelts!!! Ahhhh, those were great times. Thank you for giving me a trip down memory lane. And you are very right, each generation go s a different way than the previous one did. And I agree that The One True Creator is the only consistent thing in this world! Thanks for watching and for the great comment!
I was born in 1968 and you just described my life. Wow, the memories.
@JoeSilver-em4bm that’s awesome! I was born in 1977 myself. I miss the old motorcycle culture days. They were fun! Thanks for watching!
@@JoeSilver-em4bm I was in second grade, when you were born!
Gosh, I'm getting old! Something I swore never to allow to happen!
I got old, I just seemed to never grow up. LOL 😝
@@BigSmittyRiding I was late to the party having only got my license last year at age 54. I spent the first year riding mostly alone and loved it whilst I developed my skills. One day I was parked up and a group of Harleys rolled in. We chatted and they asked if I would like to come out with them on their next ride. I thought they were taking the piss as I have a V Star 650 but sure enough I got the invite to ride the following Sunday. I've now been on about 8 rides with them and they are among the most amazing bunch of gentlemen i have known. Some are ex club members from different clubs in years gone by. All have interesting histories. Now in their 60's & one is 70 they just want to ride. No politics, no bullshit egos, no rules other than proper and safe riding etiquette. They're not bike snobs, I've seen Triumphs, the occasional sport bike and another V Star. Last ride they asked me to lead a particular leg where they typically open up and they didn't want to leave me behind. These guys embody what motorcycle culture means to me, and for me personally, the culture is not dying, it's just getting started.
It is a different world for sure. The generation gap is night and day. Most the younger generation can’t afford a house much less a motorcycle. When I thought about motorcycles I thought about the open highway and traveling across the country and thats what I’ve been doing for years now. I feel to truly experience what riding has to offer you really need to invest in the road. The journey always gives me memories to last a lifetime. Solo or embracing camaraderie you’ll be left with a soul changing experience. Take care brother and great topic 🤙🤘
I couldn’t agree more. The long trips I have taken hold memories that I’ll always cherish. From back road ice houses to nice restaurants in big cities. It’s all great stuff. I appreciate you watching and thanks for commenting!
It actually surprised me how many people are scared to ride. I started riding back in January and a lot of people brought up accidents as soon as they seen I started riding. That was foreign to me, the risk was never something that really scared me.
I hear it all the time about how dangerous riding is and how ER people hate bikers because they get so mangled. Well people die in car wrecks every day and nobody says shit about that… glad you’re riding and enjoying 2 wheels!!!
I stated riding in the 70s, same thing. Oh! Dangerous, you could get killed. They are right almost all of them ( the non fun folks) died. Me and my old riders are still here. I find it very funny. Oh! Most of the fuddy duddy's were dead while still living.
So kiddies go, have fun, live it up while you are young.
This! This comment wins the day!!! Thank you sir!!!
@@BigSmittyRiding you are welcome, bro.
Should we tell them that bikers ran on gas, grass, jack d. And coke?
@@billh.1940 😂😂😂 back in the day they did!!!
50+ yrs of riding. Yes I’m old! I absolutely hate the new B.S. electronics on my new bike. Why? What service does it provide having 16 idiot lights that at any time just light up like a Christmas tree. Constantly nagging me. I know how to ride, I don’t need my bike nagging me.
I’m with you. I’m looking at buying a secondary bike that’s carbureted with no electronics on it. My Wing is great but there’s too much electronics that can fail on it… Thanks for the feedback and for watching!
As an older biker I try to get the younger ones to become a member of a biker Rights organization. I'm also seeing a lot of weekend " bikers. They don't seem to eat, sleep, breath or ride except on the weekends.
That’s awesome! Anyway you can get them to ride is great. There’s only a few that still love bikes and talk about them constantly. Thanks for the feedback and for watching!
Many kids now won’t even get a license to drive a car. Maybe they are afraid of the wrecks and injury or risk of lawsuits? It’s hard to figure out. They just don’t want to be self-reliant about transportation
It’s crazy how many people have told me that same thing. These kids have no desire to drive or get out. I couldn’t wait to start driving and get a car. Then get on a motorcycle. Great feedback and thanks for watching!
cos-playin 😝
The culture you are referring to is not coming back. The only thing that can be done moving forward is just getting more people to ride but that poses new challenges.
i read an article this a.m. about the desire for the auto industry to start implementing speed restrictions on vehicles that are speeding via gps and the blah blah blah. This sort of thinking is taking over the "rebellion" thinking. Just look at how EPA regs have changed motorcycles over the last 20 years, then you add this "EV" push angle to the conversation. Things are just different and they won't be like they used to in any aspect. From kids growing up outside without devices to camping, hell the way we work is much different than it used to be. Some things are better, some are not, but IMO the best we can hope for now is just getting people on 2 wheels...just my 2 cents
I’m with you my friend. Just getting people on two wheels is the key. I’m with you, all the restrictions and rules have helped kill the lifestyle. Luckily there’s a few young guys like your son that are keeping the two wheeled dream alive! Thanks for watching and for the comment!
I have to agree, the whole bike culture has changed so much. The rebel without a clue that HD was pushing is out of style. In the end, I just be myself, whatever that is. Hiw do we keep it alive? Just be an advocate of anything on two wheels and help folks get into the sport. Spoken from a geezer on two. 😉 Great job as always, Smitty!
Thank you very much Eric for watching and for the feedback! I’m with you, our only hope is to keep pushing the two wheeled lifestyle and hope that some of the younger ones see it for the amazing experience that it truly is! Thanks again!
The problem is the biker/motorist who barely knows how to do an oil or filter change and has to believe everything that a dealership mechanic tells them. Modern bikes are essentially modern two wheeled cars run by computers. The same business model. You buy a vehicle which has a cpu and fancy electronics on board and the vehicle is essentially scrap after 10 years because repair becomes unaffordable. People don't 'own' their vehicles so much as lease them. Designed to pay everything by the month. This increases their insurance repair value so the write off value makes it scrap. Slaves to the machine.
The cut off point for DIY wrenching on a Harley was the Evo series and for most other bikes it was around the turn of this century. This means that there is a dwindling supply of DIY style starter bikes. I started on small Hondas and early Triumphs which were designed with diy maintenance in mind. What does a youth do now to get started without going to a stealership? Magazines are no help they are mostly just manufacturers shills. Clubs are full of old men complaining about 'the youth of today' like our grandparents did about us, so the youth won't go there. The Easyrider/Angel rebel without a cause was scary until Harley sold it to the middle class as a boutique 'lifestyle'. All this against the loss of traditional working class occupations to the far east. There is some hope as the youth recycle the old shovelheads and jap cruisers but thats a dwindling supply. The faster and more complex bikes will suffer from poor parts supply. The business model is designed to push everyone towards new disposable vehicles which squeezes more youth and poor people out of the leasure market biking has become. Computers tracking our movements, cameras everywhere. We were never free but at least we got the feeling for a few years before the police states technology caught up with us.
This was another great comment! I’m with you. It’s hard for me to talk shit when I willingly bought a Goldwing with all the technology and electronics on it. I used to work on my older bikes, like my CB750 and my V-Star 1100. Same with my 09 Street Bob. But these days everyone is dependent on the dealership and the warranty. You’re right, police state and people seeking safety over freedom has killed the lifestyle along with sour attitudes towards younger people coming around. Thanks for watching and for the excellent comment.
Yeah..... back in the seventies our dream was riding our motorcycle with friends, and being free. Now we are more then 50 years on two wheels and the end is near as we are getting old.
Today's youngsters are more into Tesla's and other electric crap with a screen full of apps. So be it !!
Yes sir. I agree. I’m 46 and I’ve already seen a massive change. I’m just as guilty for owning a Goldwing that has all the electronic Doo Dads on it. People are choosing the illusion of safety over freedom these days. Hopefully we’ll have a few youngsters who still want to enjoy two wheeled freedom. Thanks for watching!
I just bought my first bike this July at 23 yrs old. I have one buddy my age that rides as well. I do all my riding by myself aside from occasionally riding with my father. I've tried convincing other buddies to at least look at a bike and they just aren't interested. It's a real bummer man.
Well my friend you give me hope though! If you’re riding then there’s a chance other younger people will as well! Thanks for watching and hopefully you’ll find a few new folks to ride with.
I’m 62 years old and I’ve watched this culture dying out for a long time. I guess we get it back by showing our kids the culture and teaching them the benefits not following the crowd that actually buys the Groms and crap like that. Let them listen to an old Shovelhead idling and shaking. Take them for rides on bikes like that and make them really want one. That’s all I can figure. Great video. Just liked and subscribed!!
Thank you very much. I agree that we need to show them the older bikes that have soul. My hope is that the Grom riders continue to ride and buy bigger bikes etc. Culture might change but if we get them riding I think we can save it and build on it. Thanks for the comment and for watching!
We have gone through two recessions and are on the verge of a depression. It has everything to do with getting a reliable bike at a great price. Historically it makes sense. Humanity is following a present pattern. Either Harley adapts or dies. Regan isn't here to bail them out.
@Cabooseified truth! If Harley doesn’t adapt then they are in deep trouble.
@@BigSmittyRiding honestly I wish they would bring back out the street 500 and 750. Both those engines have potential. Especially in a naked or adv platform. Those are the two largest growing segments and they have a fantastic engine.
@@Cabooseified very true. That engine in smaller frame bikes and ADV bikes would be great. Harley needs to cash in on that market.
What the hell Chris, at 11:36 your video goes black!
I let it play to the end, just to see what would happen..
I guess you could call it a moment of silence.
😂😂😂 yeah I meant to fix it before I downloaded it and forgot… it was a moment of silence for the biker culture!!!
Even locally I've seen a change in the bike scene and some local groups. It happens. But people are still riding so thats good.
I’ve seen big changes as well. As long as we keep people riding I think we’ll be ok. Thanks for watching!
Perspective. Optics. If someone thinks or sees something that is, it could be that way to them. It becomes their reality. Sometimes gaining perspective can change that reality. As Bikers or Motorcyclists we are a subset of people who are participators. We seek each other and stay engage through Rally’s, Ride ins, Chapters meetings, social media platforms and dealership gatherings, etc. Culture is a spirit, it really never leaves, it’s intrinsic. Those of us who find it meaningful as you Big Smitty seek the camaraderie similar mindsets. Yesterday’s Rebels grew up, got responsible, became family men, owned homes, had kids. Realized there was so much to lose if they F’d up. Some even became politicians and corporate leaders. While others who either couldn’t buckle down, went to prison or is actually dead. All that had gone before us has has been replaced by social media to be able to vent our frustrations. Much quicker and more powerful communication tools. What we gain is knowledge and hopefully take some wisdom with it. Excellent topic. Just my .2. Nothing more. Perspective. Optics.
Very good take on the subject! I’m with you, a lot of the bikers or club members had families and had to change their ways. I myself have had to adapt to life with 4 kids and 1 who has Autism. No longer do I ride late into the night and such. Hopefully the culture will continue and will grow as things change. Thanks for watching and for the support!
We just do our part, be safe, respectful and have fun. Lead by example because it’s who we are. The industry ebbs and flows, grows and flatlines in repeating cycles. Time is the only unknown. How long and when. Love our families and friends. Go home and be grateful for all we have and not complain so much about what we do not have. Thankful we aren’t living on sand floors without heat, medicine, water or food, hunkering down somewhere in the dark basement or cave for weeks hoping we don’t get rooted out kidnapped or blown up. Just to survive. Our culture, by that analysis is quite alive. Peace Smitty.
What started for me was muffin tops in sport tuners on their flip phones. Then I tried again. Then I noticed tons of people on their smart phones. I mean what percentage of people use a stop sign anymore 🛑? I just thought it wasn’t worth it.
I think it’s been declining for a while. 2010 - 2018 saw a big rise in sells, albeit still older riders above 35 or so. There are a lot of reasonable-priced bike like Royal Enfield for instance that make great first bikes for under $6k new. Culture has definitely changed in the 45 or so years I’ve been riding.
Ya sir incomplete agree. It’s changed a great deal but you’re right, there’s plenty of bikes that are reasonably priced. We just gotta get people to want to ride them . Thanks for watching my friend!
alot of stuff is dying and in my opinion it is due to two things. People have become lazy and there seems to be a push in the name of "SAFETY" to strip our freedoms away.
I agree. People choose the illusion of safety over freedom. It’s sad really. Thanks for watching!
I bought a new 21' Vulcan 1700 Vaquero for about $18K. About $10K less than a comparably priced HD or Indian. I checked. My first bike was a 79' KZ1000 ST I paid $400 for, put another $400 into it to get it on the road. In today's economy, it's hard to justify spending the money just on a name. I like to ride, I don't care what to an extent, and I'm a Cold War Vet. Just saying.
The Vulcan is a great bike. Everyone I know that has them loves them. And I remember riding a KZ1000 when I was a kid and they were great bikes and fast as hell! I’m with you, I ride what I like and don’t care what anyone thinks. Thanks for the comment, for watching and for your service to our country!
Yeah…I bought Easy rider for the bikes😂😂😂 I think the culture is just changing as most cultures do. They evolve. I think more younger people gravitate to an “online presence”…and that’s a great way to keep the culture alive. By doing what you are doing now. Good talk Smitty!
Thank you sir! Yeah things are evolving and changing. As long as we have the biker culture around in some form or fashion then I’ll be happy! Thanks for the comment and for watching!
We all bought it for the bikes, at least that's what we told our old ladys. They knew, but they also knew what they signed up for.
The bad old days.
@@billh.1940 truth. My wife is happy that my truly wild days are over…
@@BigSmittyRiding mine says she's happy I survived.
I miss the fun.
European here. Not an american. Biking is kinda niche in my country. Its usually cold and very wet,and only get about 6 hours of sunlight from the start of november - start of march. Learning to ride a bike is expensive here. About 750 euro minimum i think, and insurance is expensive stariting out. I love it though. Money well spent. But for people like me, with small kids and a full time job i just dont have the time for it that i did a few years back. And wont for some time. Im only 36. But the problem for people younger than me is actually storage. You buy a bike you need somewhere to keep it and lots people who rent just have nowhere secure to store it. I wouldnt have had somewhere to store it til i was about 32. And thats not unusual. Got some good mates who are into it and im getting into it. But it was never about being a rebel or stickin it to the man. Thats not really much of a thing here, and riding a bike on the main public road isnt really insulting anyone. Its a hobby just like anything else. Bit more dangerous, but thats kinda it
I feel ya. I have 4 kids myself and that takes precedence over certain things. I’ve been told it’s expensive to ride in Europe but I appreciate you giving me the info. The culture here amongst bikers is much different but I do enjoy hearing and learning about European bikers and the history. Enjoy riding and thank you for watching and sharing your experience!
@@BigSmittyRiding its pricy alright. So here in ireland, i had to pay , about 750 for courses and driving lessons (your legally required to have i think 12 hours riding experience, maybe 3-5 lessons) you have to pass a theory test before you can start (40 euro) and then your practical test (another 40 or 50) and then your legally required to have insurance which for a beginner will be about 700 euro, depending on the type of bike. I drive a hinda cb500f and it was that on my first year.
Ah yeah, kids have bit into all my hobbies these days but thats cool. Not sacrificing anything for them. I get to spend time with them.
Cruisers and Harleys in particular arent that popular. Couple of reasons. We dont have the big open highways , so cruisers dont really suit. We need something that can handle better. Secondly they are super expensive. This is a holdover from that trade war a few years back, where they eu put tarriffs on HD, but even without them they are pricy. Fave example. Im looking at getting a cruiser soon. But ill be going honda rebel 1100. It will cost about 13k brand new (final price) and thats an expensive honda. The nightster will cost 17k, before abs , and thats the cheapest one. Between that and their transition from blue collar to luxury brand, and their bad rep regarding build quality and handling, they just arent a big brand here. Like we all know about them. But its reputation alone. Not from people driving them
@dermboss402 that’s pretty expensive! The Honda will be more reliable for sure. We have big wide open roads here so the bigger bikes are easier to ride. I love cruisers and the Rebel 1100 is a good one.
@@BigSmittyRiding Well the way i described it to a mate a while back
My head said MT-09
my heart said Rebel 1100
My penis said GSX-R 750
And my back said ignore my penis
@@dermboss402 😂😂😂 you that’s hilarious and very true!!!
I think younger riders just need the inspiration to ride. It is a test of courage to get a motorcycle and learn to ride. Besides the fact most are not earning the kind of money it takes to buy and keep one. I know you ae not as old as the Geezer here but, your generation and mine may be the last to ride motorcycles period. Taking chances is not what the younger generations have been taught. We are in the age of STAY SAFE. It is killing every aspect of our culture.
I completely agree with you. We may very well be the last generations to ride motorcycles which is sad indeed. The safety police seem to be in charge everywhere and people seem to prefer safety over freedom and adventure. Hopefully that will change. Thank you for watching and for the excellent response.
@@BigSmittyRiding It is a great video for asking the right questions.
No way anyone is having more fun spending 20 grand on a bike than I am riding 20 year ol bike paid $ 2500 I’m doing my part . Putting old bikes back together and keeping prices under a grand. Wanna better bike? Save your money and I’ll give you what you paid for this on trade. You pay parts I’ll supervise, provide tools you do the labor. I’m having a hard time getting enough bikes. If I could get more bikes I’d start a club. Club helps you fix this bike you can ride it during club events.
That’s awesome! Buying cheaper bikes and fixing them is the way to go! Thanks for the comment and for watching!
I see NOTHING WRONG with all those restaurants! I'd love to hit up Galveston, TX during this rally someday! It ain't dyin! Substitue the words "evil" for "the death of biker culture" here: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,”
Hence, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of the death of biker culture is for good (bikers) to do nothing,” Ride safe!!!!
Thank you very much for watching and for the comment Toby! You are absolutely right, if the bikers who really care do nothing then the culture will die. If we stand together and teach the next generation then we will survive!
@@BigSmittyRiding AAAND as long as you keep these intros and videos going the culture ain't dyin!!!!
I paid $7,190.00 out the door for a Brand new 1979 Z-28 Camaro
Now that 79 Camaro was an amazing g car! Thanks for watching!
This comment smacks of the “ I used to go to a movie and get popcorn and a candy bar for a quarter” . I certainly hope you still own the z28. I love them! those older ones are just the best!
@@peternorton5648 Yes I still own it with 54,000 miles on it and no Rust. 4 years ago I priced out the parts I need to built a Pro Street Touring car $30,000.00 I want an LS-7 Tremac 6 speed and a 4 link rear suspension with a Dana 60 plus roll cage.. New front suspension big disc brakes on all 4 wheels and maybe 18" tires instead of 15" it has now
@@peternorton5648 I sold Candy bars for $1.00 to raise money for Little League.. They were like 8" long 3" wide and an inch thick.. CA candy bar that size today would probably be $7.00 or more.. and No I won't pay $7.00 for French fries at the County Fair. I need to loose weight anyway .
It’s dangerous, you’ll get killed, too many people on their cell phones, you have kids…. What else. Everyone thinks it’s too crazy on the roads to be safe. And while a bike has it’s risk’s they can be mitigated by training and experience, and using the right PPE. There is an under current of a new generation of riders. Though the old school Harley crowd may not like them, there’s tons of smaller retro bikes being made and sold. The enfield 350, and newer triumph 2 cyl bikes, even Harley has a couple small bikes they are putting their name on. All under the $5k mark. But heaven forbid they bring those models here. Or Indian have an entry level bike for the ‘American only’ crowd. There has to be a point of entry. Otherwise there’s a new guard up and coming and the manufactures don’t care about us in North America.
I feel ya. Bikes priced right that are small enough for beginners are a must here. There's just not many of them in our market. I can say as a Goldwing rider the old school Harley crowd doesn't like me. I could care less but it's hard for some of these younger folks to break into the motorcycle scene and get the help they need. Great comment and thanks for watching!
I have not even started riding or bought a bike. It can not die yet. I want to ride or ride with someone. Ugh it can not die.
I don’t think it’ll die anytime soon. I’m pretty sure you’ll have time to buy a bike and have folks to ride with. Good luck and thanks for watching!
They new Road glide costs a good bit less than the 2023 specials.
And comes with a wayyy better motor
Liquid cooled heads. Wirh bigger intake ports and springs that take a 515 lift cam.
117? Hell yes.
Comes with RDRS and ABS standard
If I didn’t have a 2023 with a 124 in it (so lots of money I put into it) I’d be all over a 2024
Cam, tune, slip ons and DONE.
Actual good value for the money
Well done MoCo
I agree, HD did a damn good job on the 24’s. I’m impressed with the upgrades and how they refined some already great bikes. 124”! That’s a beast! Thanks for watching and for the feedback!
The culture is dying exactly how you said. People used to read magazines and see all the pictures and that would spark their imagination, next thing they would buy a bike and live out what they had imagined in their minds. Now all you have to do to have an experience is get on the internet and watch videos. It’s like that across the board not just in motorcycling. Everybody’s an expert at everything because of the Internet, used to be you had to actually do something to be one. I think it’s a culture thing right now but motorcycling will come back, everything always does and the era of Billy Lane, Indian Larry etc will be considered the golden age when it does.
Oh, I agree that Indian Larry and Billy Lane were huge influences on so many people and that they are Icons. I miss the magazines and the simplicity of things. I remember getting a magazine and being excited to see what they were building on the East Coast and the West Coast etc. I hope you're right and that we see a resurgence in the motorcycle scene. Great comment and thanks for watching!
Its the money factor really. When a used 08 HD SG with 50k miles on it still cost 10k. The younger gen isnt gonna go for that. Why spend 10k on a used bike when they can spend less than that on a sports bike. 2nd. The attitude of the older gen towards the younger gens doesnt help either. Just look at the comments. Theres all the proof you need 😅😅.
I agree with you. I myself am biased towards the younger generation at times. However I think old guys like myself have to sit back and let the younger cats enjoy riding whatever they want and be glad that they are riding. I'd like to see certain aspects of the culture continue to thrive, such as brotherhood, enjoying good times, the love of motorcycles and good biker parties. However, I hope that some of the bigotry, brand hate and disgust for the younger generation goes away. My parents generation thought we were weak... Yet here we are doing the same thing and wondering why these younger people don't like us. Thanks for watching and for the good comment.
Would you be willing to join us on a ride from Texas to Oregon? Money is not a consideration as we are sponsored
That would be badass. Would depend on the timing but absolutely I’d love to.
OK cool, I will get in touch with Douglas the road captain when he returns from Peru next week. We do several long rides each month for instance last month we all rode about 6000 miles in southern Europe thanks to our sponsors. I would suggest being ready to go without much notice, thats usually how it plays out. See you soon and keep up the good work!@@BigSmittyRiding
Mr. Wells wants to know if you can provide a van driver?
The young crowd doesnt see things like we do. They also have ideas that we should listen to. Love the intro
Thank you very much. I agree, the generations are much different from each other and you’re right, they do have some good ideas. Thanks for watching!
YES!! The younger generation is not into being cool. Being liked by everyone is priority. They’re all actual friends with their moms and sisters. Value their opinions. It used to be edgy culture vs mainstream culture. To be cool was to be into bikes - dirt, sport, Harleys, Heavy Metal, the latest military jets. Gaming consoles sucked compared with today’s technology. Forcing us outside to socialize - good or bad. Being aggressive was normal for teenage boys. Now it’s the girls.
Now here is where it gets interesting.
Today’s young culture is very much like the late 1960’s early 70’s. The whole Hippie movement, liberal politics being mainstream, conservatism is fascist or just evil and racist. Its a cycle. Only the grownups allow the young to dictate what the rules are.
As a 52 year old black Trump conservative, I’m finally cool, a rebel, identify with outlaw culture instead of trying to cool. The motorcycle. The Hayabusa or Harley gives me that. They’re fast and loud and masculine. They disturb the peace. It’s not considered socially responsible.
@Robbenjaminshadow thinks Gen Y people should listen to Millennials and Gen Z about ideas, life. That’s something grown ups should never do. Young people are idiots and WE always have been. Everything for them is now, instant gratification - sensitive feelings, smoking weed, credit cards, latest gadgets, college degrees in basket weaving, student forgiveness, 16 different genders, racism everywhere. It’s not The Walking Dead anymore, it’s The Walking Bigots out to bite you. Only thing young people are good for is new technology. It’s always been that way. The economy being bad. This president being terrible. College and credit card debt being epidemic. It forces them to grow up and get a reality check.
@caramel7123 man this is a great take on things and a great comment! I feel ya man I really do. You’re right, it’s a cycle and is just like it was in the 60’s and 70’s with the hippie movement. People don’t see that though. These young folks will learn and grow up then they’ll be the old folks complaining about the generation behind them! Thanks again for the feedback!
@caramel7123 I said listen to. Never did I say incorporate them. A lot of clubs and associations are dying out cause the older gen won't listen to the younger. Soon you won't see American Legions, VFW, MC and other things of this nature. Listen to em and see what ideas they have. Some.of them might be worth looking at
My 2008 Buell was $4,500.00
That’s awesome! My brother had a Buell back in 2000 or so and it was a great bike. Thanks for watching.
Haha, the ‘rebels’ now are the twenty-somethings riding 11 and 1500 Goldwings, and I don’t know about you, but my wages have effectively gone down in the past fifteen years while everything else has gone up.
Truth! Wages have no gone up like the cost of living certainly has! Thanks for watching!
We have to put the spirit of rebellion back into riding. Not sure how but that's what missing now.
I feel ya! When I first started riding that rebellious spirit was what alive and well! Thanks for watching!
Here in Hamilton Ontario Canada. My wife bought her house for $114,000 20 years ago... Housing in this area goes from $500,000 up to $700,000... In certain parts 1.2 million
That’s insane! But it’s the same here, houses that sold originally for $125k are now selling for $350k and up. Thanks for watching and for the comment Jack!
So I am 48 years old 6 foot 1 230 lbs. Most of my life I've had an issue with my right arm where the circulation would easily be cut off. So if I touched anything that vibrated for any length of time it would send my hand into numbness that would stop me from using it. This was with me for almost 20 years. They gave me a carpal tunnel surgery release. I can actually use my hand properly now. Vibration no longer hurts it.. riding a motorcycle was not an option for a very long time. Now all of that has changed. Living where I do motorcycle culture is very much part of Hamilton. There is a lot of history here. Seeing all the clubs do there Friday the 13th rides was just amazing growing up. In the summer seeing them just do rides around the neighborhood that was just awesome as well. So now the opportunity for me to actually get my motorcycle license is here. Unfortunately with the weather here in Canada the licensing and schooling for this is off until the spring. My preference being cruiser style. Something like the Indian scout rogue in particular. Love how that bike looks and the V-Twin. But might be a bit much power being 100. .that version here in Canada I believe starts at $17,000 ish but the scout rogue 60 only being $15,000... just giving you an idea of what they cost here... I think insurance can be around 1500 to 5000 a year depending on the bike and the person riding it ect.. so I have a lot of research too do. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated
@@jackboutcher68 man that’s awesome you get to ride. It’s so hard to pick the right bike. At 6’1” I definitely recommend sitting on as many bikes as you can and see what’s comfortable and what fits your frame. I’m a huge fan of looking at as many brands and test riding all the bikes you can. Let me know how the search goes and if I can help in anyway.
motorcycles are not "luxury" items, they are transportation. they are a solution to a problem. if you make your life that way, others will follow.. MC culture started with motorcycles as transportation.
I completely agree. Most people see them as luxury items and not as daily transportation. If we all rode every day and were seen riding it might very well help influence others to want to ride. Good take on the issue and thanks for watching.
Great subject matter, can i have my channel card on your wall? 😊
Thank you and absolutely!
My Gold Wing is right next to my Electra Glide. LOL I don't know that it can be saved. But I know I won't change.
Two great bikes! I’m jealous! Idk if it can be saved but I’m hopeful that it can be and we see some of the camaraderie and brotherhood riding brings come back! Thanks for watching!
@@BigSmittyRiding Shiny side up brother.
@NWTMasterWolf thank you! You do the same!
Sometims the best medicine is self reflection . Subscribed .
Now this is a very good point and a great comment!
@@BigSmittyRiding thank you friend.
Tks. much.
When the "biker" generation started there was Harley , Indian and some British bikes and they all needed work to keep them going. Now youngsters have so many choices. They want to go fast, and they dont want to work on the bikes. The bikers are still out there, they're just dispersed i to many generas. The "wild bunch " type of biker is out there still, you just have to look for them.
Oh I agree. There’s plenty of the old school minded bikers and “outlaw” types left in the scene. They just stay out of the limelight these days unlike years ago. I’m happy to see people riding and my hope is that the younger generation stays on twos of some type. Thanks for the comment and for watching!
It’s so much bigger than that and not so easy to fix. That free rebellious culture your talking about is the American culture of yesterday. The country as a hole needs to get that back first. Motorcycling is a subculture within the American culture. It’s no wonder that kids look at us and think we are full of shit with what they are being taught in school. It’s a much bigger problem. About car pricing I did some checking and the price of new cars should be coming back down some. The dealership’s problem now is that they have to much inventory. My local hands dealership was showing on the sticker for a 2023 Honda EX cr-v 33269 and Kelly blue book was showing best price of 33699. No extra markups at the dealership.
You hit the nail on the head good sir! The American culture as a whole has changed quite a bit. I’ll be more than happy to see car and truck prices drop! Thanks for the excellent comment and for watching!
The only reason I stop ridding is I got tired of people trying to run me over.Plus somebody thought it would be funny to pelt me with grape fruit.I want to go back to ridding off road it was
alot safer
Yeah, people are dicks and the highway is dangerous as hell to ride in. Sorry that happened to you. Thanks for watching.
You’re right the biker culture is dying,,, and I don’t think there’s anything you can do about it,,,,,,,,,,
We’ll see. You never know. Maybe it’ll make a resurgence soon. Thanks for watching.
The rebel experience is there you just gotta get out on your bike and see it for yourself also stop hanging around a bunch of vanilla guys that only ride to starbucks and to eat a burger 100 miles away 😂😂 im in the MC world and i can tell you the rebel, outlaw experience is there and there is people from all shapes and ages there 🤷🏽♂️
Well if anyone should know you’d be the guy! I’m with you, the outlaw experience is still there but it seems like a lot of the other folks are fading away. Thanks for watching and for the comment Bullseye
We could stop telling people how and what to ride. Too many rules.
Absolutely! I’ve had people giving me shit for not riding a Harley for years. But IDGAF. I ride what I want. Thanks for watching!
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Is it expensive to build a Harley.this day's.i don't know.;.but .when you mixed parts from different countries an put them together.its supposed to get cheaper. Right.well not for us.
Oh, I agree. It's pretty damn expensive to build up a Harley today. Years ago it was easy to get parts and piece one together the way you wanted... Not now. Good comment and thanks for watching.
lotsof really great used evos or early twin cams out there under 6 k,, no excuses people
Very true. I see Evos for sale on the cheap and twin cams listed everyday for good prices. Thanks for watching!
Most bikers are statists who love the system and their servitude to it.....smh.
I can see that. I’m an anti government guy myself. Of course I ride a Goldwing so I’m part of the problem… but most people have chosen safety over freedom. That’s sad but true. Thanks for watching.
A electric bike got me into riding motorcycles i wouldn't buy a electric motorcycle but it is what it is
Ain’t nothing wrong with that! Whatever got you into riding! I’m just glad to see people riding! Thanks for watching.
The intro 😂😂😂
I was hoping this one made you happy!
I suggest we drink more cold beer in the garage.
My thoughts exactly! The garage is the place where it all started!!! Thanks Dallas.
Riding a motorcycle is a huge risk and most of this new generation is all about being safe in a bubble
I’ve noticed quite a few folks choosing safety over freedom these days. Great comment and thanks for watching!
I’ve noticed quite a few folks choosing safety over freedom these days. Great comment and thanks for watching!
men 18 to 35 arent into anything !!!!!!...its sad what 2024 has become
Unfortunately that’s true… hopefully it’ll change but we’ll see what the future holds. Thanks for watching!
I think the difference is generational, these new dudes are a different breed in that they grew up with tons of tech and that's what they want on their bike. BMW adventure bikes and a lot of tech heavy imports. I believe that's why Indian fairs much better with the young demographic than Harley does. There are very few young guys with an old school mentality, they don't wanna join clubs, they don't want loud rough riding bikes ect. They are conformists not rebels and in that they buy electric bikes and echo friendly shit. Our culture of motorcycling is giving way to this new breed but the beauty in it is there will be that 5% of young dudes who are rebels and will ride Harleys and keep the dream alive until the culture shifts back once again as it always does.
I agree with you completely. Different generation with different views and wants. I can’t say anything I ride a Goldwing… tons of tech there. But I do believe there’s a group of youngsters out there who believe in the old ways and enjoy the biker lifestyle of yesteryear. Great comment and thanks for watching!
you’re missing all the points that could save this shit
Give them to me! Tell me! I want to know. I’m just as guilty as anyone else for riding a Goldwing and not helping further the culture. I openly admit that. I’m all ears I’m very much down to hear any and all suggestions.