Old school biker to me is someone who doesn't ride the latest, newest bikes and who knows how to work on his or her own bike. They (we) don't mind changing points, like carburetors, and can feel the heartbeat of their (our) bikes.
I consider myself old school because I follow the original way of thinking and that is: Do your thing. Ride what you want, wear what you want, look how you want, and be free. I’m die hard Harley but I’m not a bike snob (hate that shit). I’ll wave at you and talk to you regardless of what you’re riding. It’s all about the freedom and nothing else matters. Be safe.
I think mostly the same way. I have my Aprilia, but can enjoy anything on two wheels. Bikers... hot-rodders... we're all the same really. Most important is to be safe out there and enjoy the ride... wherever it may take you
You bring up some very good points. I'm 60 years old, but I consider myself an old school two-wheel enthusiast, not a biker. Why? Because I've ridden everything from old vintage Vespa's to my now Harley. As for our attitude, a large number of us "old guys" are military veterans. I myself spent 29 years in the service. I was a Medic, and I've seen shit that you'd think came out of the Twilight Zone. Too many riders nowadays do feel entitled. Millentials proclaim they have 'right', but seem to lack responsibility. Yes, it has a lot to do with our life experiences. As for the facial hair, I shaved every damn day for 29 years. When I retired, I quit shaving. This is just my take on the attitudes of us 'old guys'.
Thank you for your service sir! And yes, the people who love old school scooters have exactly the same attitude to their machines as the Harley dudes. 👍🇬🇧
I think the reason old school bikers looked down on Japanese bike has to do with how the original motorcycle clubs formed. After WWII discharged GI’s formed the first MC clubs, and weren’t to fond of the Japanese, and therefore didn’t want their biles in their clubs
I came across this while following my nose on you tube.I should imagine "werent to fond is an understatement". My grandfather died a Japanese POW. However i think American patriotism sustained their motorcycle industry, whereas here across the pond they didnt perceive the threat and it was the death nell for Triumph,Norton,BSA etc,
It's because they are not americain made it madders to the clubs but to every day rider it doesn't make any difference. It's two wheels under you and it's enjoyable and I happen to agree with them.
I totally get the point of riding an American brand motorcycle and don’t blame people for their feelings on that but why is just the Harley Davidson brand the accepted brand but other US brands like Indian are not accepted? That’s the part of motorcycle culture I don’t understand. You’re still supporting the greatest country but yet shunned for not riding an HD
@@bd6839 From what ive seen riding an original Indian, like an old scout or chief that was made in Springfield Massachusetts back before they shut down in the early 50s, will get you a fair bit of cred. The new Polaris owned Indian... Less so.
I still like to ride with my club brothers, having a good time. The only thing about being old school is my back hurts a lot more, I dropped my heavy HD E-glide a few times, and I can't hold the amount of booz I use to do when I was younger. Whatever! I always say.... Just do your thing and don't worry about the others.
Get a tri glide I'm young and I ride on.so much fun.or Kim does she is 28.yrs old.she said she feels safe on it I ride a 2020 lowrider flxr.beatiful hwy bike .for myself so nimble.
You described me almost to a "T". I'm old, and I have been called a "biker", but I think attitudes are pretty much the norm for all old people. We're tired as shit, hurt all over, and have little to no tolerance for stupid bullshit. My attitude has nothing at all to do with the fact that I rode a Harley for most of my life and still do when I can. Additionally, I earned a master's degree early in life, but gave that shit up long ago and became a machinist/mechanic, which enabled me to live life on my own terms. Most of my vacations were the three day suspensions I got for violating company policy, and my "benefits" we're being allowed to keep my job....
Sorry for your loss, with your Dad! I lost my father, who was my hero, in 2015. We never get over the loss of our parents. I have an entire collection of easy riders from the first issue up to the early 2000's if anybody is seriously I interested! The antique guys paid $250 just for the first 10 issues!
I believe old school is a attitude , that you have respect , manners , and you are doing your best to be the best person you can be. Live and let live , but take no shit
Old school is simply bare bones motorcycling. Get down to the basics without fairings, sounds systems, ABS, GPS and whatnot. It ain't got nothing to do with age of the bike or rider or the make or model of the bike. Old school bikes are typically home repaired and maintained. Typically not dealership maintained that is not to say that a dealership can't maintain and old school bike. IMO
I wish all bikers could live by the code the old school bikers lived by but I afriad think won't or they can't. First they have to know what it is then you have to respect it and I don't know if they can do that.
Old School Bikers are very simply, riders to whom they're bike is not a weekend toy or status symbol. The bike is essential to theyre perception and style.
Holy heck yes ! Thanks for saying what I just couldn't put into words. And so, no "off the shelf" bikes, of course.....Almost forgot to mention, I always ride my Bike to trailer week. Sadly no Daytona trip in 2021 though, not stopped by covid. Stopped by severe engine trouble ! Hope to make it to Barber MC rally in October !
this video really hit home for me.. it is hard riding as much as I do being married and having 2 young kids.. hell sometimes I even feel guilty riding all the time..sometimes... LOL riding for me is a way to relieve stress and let all my troubles go for the time being. great video!
I was 14 years old. When the movie Easy Rider came out. a few years before I could get a driver license. Plus the TV show Then Came Bronson. That made a lot of us young boys to want a ride motorcycle's and travel the U.S. Plus the year of Woodstock happen. I ride and I'm retired now. Away's love being on a motorcycle.
"Then Came Bronson" had us guys on our Schwinn String Rays pretending we were Jim Bronson... I loved motorcycles from then on.....now I'm retired and enjoy cruising the back roads on my Heritage 114. Don't have any buds really that ride so I'm a loner but, I enjoy the freedom. Love to polish on my bike when I can't ride too, keep it crisp and new looking. Take pride in your machine !
@@Holly1960- why havent I ever heard of then came Bronson? and I'm not a young man . Been around since watching older brothers "arm starting" their shovelheads and breaking their wrists now and then lol
@@morfeophantasm7435 A few Episodes of "Then Came Bronson" on The Daily Motion, video channel. Series only ran one season. Michael Parks riding his Harley Davidson Sportster across Country.
In the early 70's my dad and his crew was on a magazine cover going to Dayton (run to the sun)...he was die hard yamaha...his crew rode all different creations to Indians to homemade 3 wheelers
Just to shed some light on the early days of motorcycles. The first production motorcycle in the US was the Orient-Aster by Charles Metz, and the first mass production motorcycle company in the US was Indian (est. 1901). By the time WW1 rolled around, Indian was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
When I was a kid I worked at an automotive service center. Right up the road was an outdoor biker bar and restaurant. A lot of those hardcore looking bikers with really nice scooters that hung out there on the weekends worked at Westinghouse during the week. Most of them would have their vehicles serviced at our shop. They could turn it down when they needed to and on the weekends they could definitely turn it up. Most some of the nicest people I ever met good tippers too. You all take care and stay safe.
I've been riding the same Harley Panhead since 1969 and my generation has put up with citizens and police harassment since the beginning...... We weren't socially acceptable like the yuppie posers are today, we were and still are the people that your parents warned you about. RIDE FREE MY REAL BROTHERS ✌
Well I was an “old school biker” from the very start of adulthood , I was good wit my hands , wrenchin , welding , building , so I could work anywhere I looked , I most definitely , had a attitude , don’t fuck wit me , I won’t fuck wit you ! Take 0 shit from anybody , I grew up in the 60’s thru 72 , joined the marines right outta h/s ! And then I got my first , real bike , a Harley Iron head sportster then another sportster , then I was noticed by a few clubs , I had a 50 panhead by then , and I knew every nut and bolt on her ! And if you didn’t have a Harley , don’t even talk to me ! I was asked , to prospect ,for a club , I made full patch in only 59 days , as the time was at the time was 6 months ! And I was also , real good with the books , so I was the treasurer , right after , and our chapter started making coin from my first day ! I was well known through out the whole club , in 3 , then 4 states , got along with 99% of them , the one % I didn’t , was not up to my par ! But the times had changed , in early 04 , and the club slowly , just started to go under , as nobody wanted to pay dues , prospect , nor come to meetings …..then I was injured in a motorcycle /car wreck , and that just ended , my riding days , in just the fraction of a second , but now I’m 69 , and am still mentally, the same guy I was back then ! But I am pretty much house bound , can’t hear shit , am all but blind , and I am crippled up , so I don’t get out much , and the club is now , for the better part …gone , many of my brothers , have died , or just drifted into history , but I still got all the good stories , and memories to talk , shit at our parties , when we meet , at a funeral, or get together, once every few years ! But I ain’t bitchin! That’s life !
Have a pile of old Easy Rider magazines. Been riding since I was 16. Over 50 years at it. Old school bikers have invested into their lifestyle for many years. Sport bike riders are just as hard core about what they do. Same with touring riders. We should respect (there's that word again) what others do even if we don't agree.
I picture guys that I was around in the late 60s and 70s that rode and raced 20 years before I met them . The bigger part of these men are gone but they taught me EVERYTHING
I'm from Greece and I ride 32 years in a row. I ride mostly sport bikes. I do not discriminate bikers for what bike they have. I consider my self an old school biker cause I ride 365 days a year, I don't like abs and traction control.. Keep riding brothers and sisters! 👍
Ride safe from Italy, bro. We are neighbours, and yours is a fantastic Country that I rode both on a Harley and on a Super Ténéré 1200 Yamaha. Love Greece!
MANY mechanics / welder jobs are six figure incomes. Lots of them are union jobs, paid time off, and and benefits. Just have to be a bit skilled without D.U.I. or felonies...
Spent 50 years as an Electrical engineer - clean cut, clean shaven etc. Now at 72, still clean shaven and riding my Harley. Prefer riding alone. Never enjoyed clubs or groups. I consider myself "Old School" without the attitude.
62 been rid'in over 50 years, my dad rode Harley's in high school, and my mom rode with him, my Grandmother was A head nurse in an emergency hospital , pulled me aside when I was around 12 , and told That , I know I can't stop from riding motorcycles, your Dad still rides , your Grand owned 27 bikes so Ride safe , and don't show up in my emergency room from a bike or teach you a lesson you'll never forget I never let that happen , my Dad worked on"Club" bikes and never was in a " Club" he was that good a Bike wrench , and I'm sittin In my shop writing to Info because I've got along beard an attatude I'm sitting here with my Shovel head , pumped XR 650 , Yamaha FJ1100, and Several dirt bikes and mini Bikes.I'm young enough to Go fast , and old enough to know Better. Now every Is calling them selves bikers entil it comes to doing biker stuff. Thanks from NOR-CAL.
Hey itchy I just ran across your channel and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to what you had to say. Life is about choices, we all have to make them, and by the way I commend you for the choices that you made, and all we can do is hope there will be no regrets. Yeah we might look like hell 99% of the time and we might even look like hell that other 1% of the time when we think we don't but you can bet your ass you will not find a more loyal friend or brother, you know the ultimate, one that would kill for you or die for you. Just think of those lines on our faces as the roads on the map on the screen of your GPS. To sum it up stop treating us and looking at us like we are all a bunch of lowlife pieces of shit and above all treat us with the respect that we deserve as human beings and maybe you might start to notice some of the attitude going away. And I would also like to point out that those true "old school bikers" of today are of the right age group to have fought for you and our country's freedom in the Vietnam war, they can try to pass it off as a political conflict but it was a fuckin' war with no holds barred. Those fighting men, who were no more than boys two short years before, that were lucky enough to get to come home, because thousands and thousands didn't, were met at the airport with animosity and total disrespect from the very people they were fighting to protect. Attitude you say well I say maybe they have a reason and some may never lose it. So treat them with respect, like you are supposed to do anyway, and then maybe none of that attitude will spill over on you. No human on the face of this earth has a god given right to judge another human being and until you have walked a mile in his biker boots you can't have any idea of what that man may have had to endure in his life's travels. Respect, it's not that damn difficult people.
True Nomad free rider... loner.... someone on bike no destination just a highway and his bike after serving in the war only thing gives him peace is rolling 100+ roaring down highway going nowhere calling every stop home until he comes across brothers he might or served with over seas or group who been through same! That's what I picture when I hear old school biker! Cause when you say old school that mean 40+ years the original days!
AM I AN OLD SCHOOL BIKER ? Started riding bikes when i was about 12 on my local town beach ,left home town moved to England,got more into bikes joined a M C Club,drank,smoked.got into trouble,then joined the army. Spent 12 years in an Airborne Regiment, and for all that i now have bad knees bad back neck and that many aches and pains,when i ride a bike i wonder is it worth it.Wwll now i am 68 years old,and when i get behind the bars of my rebuilt 1973 T140 v Triumph Bonneville,the winds in my face,not through my hair,asnot only do i have to wear a helmet,theres not just as much hair for the wind to tug at anymore.You are right it is worth it, So OLD SCHOOL!!!! Who the hell cares,if its in your blood its there,just get out and ride,Thats my two pence worth,Oh yeah remember, OLD BIKERS DONT GO GREY,THEY JUST GO CHROME!!
Hmmm old school biker to me is someone that feels they kept the Harley motor company alive by a shoestring and if it wasn't for the older guys support and comradery the company very well could have gone under Sooooo a huge gratitude to those die-hards for supporting HD way back when so we can all enjoy the Harleys of today and yesterday ----thank you, DIEHARDS,, and that's my 2cents
I think the only thing that kept HD alive was genius marketing and people gullible enough to believe they were buying a “lifestyle”.. I actually had a sales guy at HD use that term when I was looking to trade. I’m like “ I have a lifestyle already thanks”..
Like my grandmother used to say you may have rode a lot of motorbikes but you haven't rode a motorcycle to you rode a Harley Davidson that was her opinion and is my opinion
The brand of bike you ride doesn't make or discount you as an old school biker and that's coming from someone that has been inside the MC world for 37 years, old school is an attitude, a state of mind and living by a code of loyalty, honour, respect, integrity, and living by the code that you preach. Harley has nothing to do with the traditions regarding the British or European biker and club culture, we've also had our own officially documented motorcycle clubs in England since 1901 with the first documented club simply calling themselves "The Motor Cycling Club". We have our own culture, our own history, and our own traditions - that doesn't make us any less of old school than the guy on a Harley, Harley simply wasn't part of our history or the biker culture in the UK until modern times when the American clubs opened chapter/charters in the UK, we rode British bikes or what ever was available at the time. H&R
Back in 1986 I was 21 and bought a Honda V65 Magna. Riding home from the dealer I passed two Harley guys (that's what they were called) and I waved at them in passing. My Dad and my friend riding in the car behind me told me later that they gave me the thumbs down sign. I was not surprised. IMHO, old school bikers I find are very Nationalistic (which is different than Patriotic), probably raised on and continue to support "tough love" (not the everyone-is-special-and-unique philosophy developed during the 1990's), and don't believe others are "worthy" unless they, too, have lived a hard life. It is also the flavor of how they present themselves to others. The post here by Hugh Jorgan is a great example of that flavor. I'll also add that it is not just old school biker's that behave this way. My mother would preach about how her generation was the best because they grew up in the depression, survived WWII, and were proud because they had to scratch and crawl for everything they got...not handed to them on a silver platter like all my spoiled friends I hung out with. JC
I don’t stereotype people. Ride what you like. Enjoy it. I ride a Harley. My buddy has a Vulcan. Same wind. He loves his bike. I love mine. I certainly don’t tell him how to spend his hard earned money.
I've never met a truly unhappy Vulcan rider. Most are happy with what they have for now, and have no plans to trade. But, and this might be just my experience, Vulcan 500 riders seem to always be on the lookout for a touring bike with triple the engine size. Never to trade. No, they all seem to want to keep the Vulcan while buying a second bike for touring.
You touched home with me ......I remember my uncles garage like it was yesterday....a Harley pan....57 BMW....a matchless.....sunbeam ....1917 Harley.....riding in a sidecar ....my uncle lived motorcycles and riding.....got my first bike 48 years ago....180 twin Yamaha.....I’ve owned a lot of bikes in that time.....had a Harley and read easyrider.....awesome stories in that fine rag.....sitting here at 64 to me it is all about the experience of being out on the road....riding a motorcycle whichever one you choose.....47 years in a steel foundry.....been good to me.....it’s all your choice and and still love to ride.....thank for the video.....enjoy
I wear old school patch I've got long hair long beard and I've always had it my kids and my wife have never seen me without long hair or long beard I have a 77 lowrider and I have an 84 evolution that's two bikes I have and I believe I'm an old school biker I've done a lot of riding in my lifetime and I am a machinist retired and when I can't ride two wheels I'll get three
We had a saying if u cant kick ur bike over ur done, Im 75 and in good shape, still ride but love that button, I would like to see if I can still crank over a old Pan or Shovel, but fat chance no kickers around mexico where I live,
I remember that Easyriders magazine in the late '70's came out with another magazine called Iron Horse that featured "chopper" bikes with Japanese,English as well as H-D engines for the non-purists.
Good conversation Itchy. I agree with you on the definition of old school. I tend to go with if it has two wheels it is cool by me. Moped, Triumph, Kawi, whatever, I love them all. Truth be known though, I love dirt biking more than anything. I ride street a lot, but nothing tops the dirt. Thanks again.
Old school bikers, to me is those that ride there bike 90 percent of the time and there bikes are usually more the 10 years old. I meet a, sort of young guy that just loved his pan heads and shovels. He quit riding for his young family but still loves bikes. He owns his own powder coating business and does a lot of peaces for old school bikers. He was working on a pan head frame when I met him. My respect for those guys, like myself, that love, ride, and wrench there own rides. I don't look like the so called "old school biker" but I've been riding for over 40 years and haven't been with out a bike any day of those years. I'm now 65 with 5 bikes in my stable. I've loved motorcycles ever since I started riding with my father in 1964.
I ride a 70s Suzuki gs750 that I custom built into a bobbed cafe brat type of bike, and it must resemble an old triumph because I get stopped multiple times a day from people telling me they like the bike, and asking if its an old triumph (there aren't any badges or emblems anywhere that say Suzuki). The best is when I get compliments, or "the nod" at stoplights, from members of our local Highwaymen MC chapter, who in my experience will rarely even return a 2 fingers down signal if you aren't riding a Harley. Its always fun telling people its a Suzuki. Everyone is always a good sport about it--even the old school bikers, though I I think the way I look and carry myself probably plays a big part as well, as you can tell I'm not a White collar office worker. Also, I'm sure the fact that the bike is customized and I did all the work myself probably comes into play with the opinion the old school bikers form of me. Hell, maybe I'm just a Harley away from qualifying as an old school biker LOL.
I was a superintendent and when I started a job they loved me but once they saw me in colors it changed , overnight . I loved the money but I'm not too good at kissing ass . But I did it for 10 years and payed off everything I had . Yep a lot of people think I have attitude , and I guess maybe I do , , , but ask me if I care lol .
Yep. I lived that too. In an executive meeting my wallet chain caught on the arm of the chair. All eyes went to me. And after the meeting the boss said hold up... we need to talk before you leave. Yes... "Lose the wallet chain now or lose your job!" I wasn't good at ass kissing either, so it never went well for me.
I am a member of ABATE sense 1986. We ride and do poker runs. Some of the newer members don't know how to ride in a group. They fart around kicking at stuff on the road, doing wheelies. I lost my job after 34 years, as a machinist. I have a lot of tats and long beard. It's hard to find a job now.
I agree with the description of old school bikers being able to throw a wrench. About 15 years ago I was hanging out with a guy Tioga Dan who rescued motorcycles, mainly the 70s era Honda Goldwing. He also allowed motorcycle parking for the one popular restaurant in this little town that celebrates the birth and life of Gene Autry. A yuppie pulled up on a Harley and I was asking him about the springer front that was actually a spring over shock and he had no idea what I was talking about. All he had was a crap-ton of money to ride his status symbol for about 10 miles on a weekend. I was accidentally old school without even owning a bike at the time. 03:56 I was watching an interview with Sonny Barger, who had been, at the time retired, still the longest serving prez for the Oakland Chapter of the Hell's Angels. He said, "There are people who have been to jail for this organization. There are people who have died for this organization. If you do not have that level of commitment, you do not need to be here." Fair enough and clear and to the point. I was never asked to join, was not near them. I had a friend who rode with the Scorpions. Worked with some guys from the Rebels. All nice and good people. I was even offered supportive patches and stickers from the Rebels. I politely declined because that would get me heat with the police and with other clubs not affiliated with the Rebels. But Sonny was right. And so I knew I could not be a member of these clubs because I valued more my job and my wife and home and casting no aspersions on those who choose the club they belong to. Others make similar decisions. There is a high divorce rate among special forces soldiers because of their work life, for example. Same with police officers.
Old school biker is a biker who actually wrenches and knows his bike, wears gear, boots, jacket, not color cooridinated sport gear, doesnt just ride on sunny days and doesnt complain when the weather is less than perfect! Also doesnt ride like a jerkoff doing wheelies and stunts, just loves to ride at every chance he gets!
I find the ones with the Biggest attitudes are the Blue hairs riding their Little rascal scooters . A Surly bunch for sure , especially when zooming up and down the aisles of my local supermarket .
TO ME AN OLD SCHOOL BIKER, IS SOMEONE, WHO HAS RESPECT IF YOU SHOW HIM RESPECT WHO STANDS UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST BUT LOVES HIS BIKE AND RIDING
This is Cool again and I am old school. I have spent my life at it. To me it is a way of life. If you hold it against me then that's to damn bad. I don't think I am alone with this. To me it is how I have to be and I'm not sorry for it. Thank you for your time.........
Patriotic,....most were/are vets, the lost feeling of brotherhood, people you relate too, ww2, korea, viet-nam, most are dead or dieing off, the REAL lifestyle has changed, very quickly in the last 20 years. Bikers were proud to be that, it was literally an occupation.... So called bikers today are mostly enthusiasts, or like you said (weekend warriors) living off the coattails of us real bikers , the internet opened up Sturgis and other Rallys to them and overnight, every mid life crisis jerkoff became a Biker, Harley pushed for it, (sales) and wanted an image change, most old bikers cant afford a new bike, that doesnt keep Harley in business, so.....it changed, ..I dont care for mom and pop and all the rubs,..but if thats whats left,....If they see and party with me, theyll have a story on monday. Ha ha, take care Itch.😎
I have: Vmax Rune Bourget 124 Fatso BMW 1600 B BMW 1250 A If I want to strut around and hit bars? Bourget.. and a nap “It’s a hardtail” If I want to travel Europe/Turkey-Greece? 1250 A Pull up to the Ritz? The bagger. Does not matter. We all love our bikes💪
Old school bikers who have attitudes are just people with attitudes. Believe it or not, the exact same people exist in every area of society. Everyone has an excuse for their ego problem.
When I think Old School Biker I think of an enthusiast who lives to ride, whether he holds a job and has a family or not but his heart gets tugged by his bike. I'd love to own a HD 1933 VLD for the sake of embracing an old Harley because I think they are awesome bikes period.
Thanks Itchy the bike thing definitely has changed but it also brings me to wonder when Harley's and Indians came out before WW1, what was the mentality back then, was it like my attitude? I tend to think the 50's to present began to weave the stereo type you're mentioning, but, before that our society was somewhat more innocent and perhaps attitudes were limited to local trips and riding to be a fun outing. Personally I don't mind the character some might view so as to maintain the mystery. When I went cross country a lot of folks naturally draw to you because you represent freedom and fun along with a daring on the edge lifestyle which conflicts with the everyday norm one lives.
Its not hard to figure out just because you ride a motorcycle does not make you a biker. Biker is a full time way of life. There are bike riders and then there are bikers. It's that simple.
If you love to ride…. Ride! Don’t get caught up in stereo types and others opinions. What ever brand you ride thank you for contribituing to the motorcycle culter as whole. Don’t be a lost soul looking for acceptance…. enjoy your freedom and be you.
I put more miles on my bike than a cage, I work on my own shit, many of times I slept under a tarp bungy tied to my bike, as far as work, I'm my own boss, I have tatts, long hair, been a club member for 30 years, and I have brothers that work various jobs and they make it work, the thing about old school bikers is respect, loyalty, and the military belief of no man left behind, main thing loyalty,,, I once road four hours on my bike in a rain storm cause a brother needed help,, that's old school biker style, that's what we do, that's who we are
I ride all the time 2 wheels is in my blood me and the open road and road everyday to work and when I'm not at work I just ride and enjoy life on my 2017 Harley street Bob
I started riding minibikes in 1964 & in 1967 at the wise old age of 10 I rode my 1st motorcycle . I was hooked. Am I old school???? You tell me. I know how to wrench on them as I had to as a kid to keep riding the dirt bikes I had. I have owned a few bikes through these years. 1 Kawasaki, 5 Yamahas, 1 Suzuki, 1 Bultaco, 2 BSA's, 1 Triumph, 4 Honda's , 1 Harley. I just ride these days by myself or a few friends. Never been 1 to want to be in a Motorcycle Club. Nothing wrong with them just wasn't my thing. Could have owned Buddy Hollies Indian for $1200.00. We lived next door to the Hollies. But I listen to my Dad at the time & didn't buy it. He told me son you will just tear that old motorcycle up, sides that it ain't worth nothing. What a DUMBASS I was for listening to my Dad that time, LOL. Waylon Jennings wound up with it & it sold in an auction some years back for S180,000.00 I think it was. Hell if I want to go I just get loaded up & go. Yeah it pisses the wife off but what the hell.
Eddie Hubbard ... nice story ... I never knew Waylon was into bikes . Believe it or not I went to school with one of waylons music industry friends son . his name is Dion Pride. ; ) I been riding since 72 on honda trail 70's at summer camp . Die hard Harley right here.
@@TexHoss1 yea they were tough little machines . I used to go to Charlie's house to visit Dion . His dad would be in a big leather easy chair reading the paper or watching TV. And his wife Rozene was one of the sweetest people I've ever met . Sadly Charlie just passed away about three weeks ago . If you google Charlie Pride family pictures you'll see a picture of Dions sister Angela sitting on a clean shaven Waylon Jennings lap .
I got my endorsement on my motorcycle license when I just turned 18 back in 1982_83 first day I rode to school you would have thought I was a 1%er hell I was on a 75 Honda cb125 lmao 65 top speed but that was the bike I worked for washing dishes after school and weekends best part is now I have a road king still very proud of it to and I'm still in the wind thanks be to the lord for that I love my riding and motor cycles still
I think of my dad !!! When he got home from Vietnam back in 1968 he was sick of being forced to be clean cut ,so he grew a beard long hair and found a cheap iron head that was wrecked ... He took the whole thing apart put it in a riged frame and put a Springer front end on it !!! He's 72 now so he isn't albe to ride much these days but he still owns that same iron head chopper. He has had quit a few other bikes over the years, shovels and a few britsh bikes. Ive been ride in wiith dad since i was around 5 or 6 and i know all about what it takes to be a real biker ... Not like some yuppie with a dime a dozen softtail and now thinks he's eazyrider !!! You cant have a bike like dads if your not a real biker
my version of an old skool biker is 1 they ride either Indian,Harley,or English built bikes,eg,Norton, BSA, aerial,triumph, royal Enfield, Scott, 2 they keep to their own company unless you're invited, 3 brotherhood, look out for each other, 4 if one stops due to problems with bike they all stop. 5 they look after their regular cafes,pubs where ever they drink or eat,
I guess I am old school by default. Been riding since 1968. Panhead days. Yeah I have a beard, not as long as it once was. Yeah I build my own shit. I have a 75 shovel no kickstart chopper. I thank God that I m in good shape enough to do this at 70 yrs. Old. I build scoots for friends. I love it. Don't have one tattoo. My mother made me promise not to. Even after she passed I did not. Any body want to know how to chop a bike I m here for you. We have an attitude because we work at our craft. People put us down. They have their shit serviced at the dealership. Not the same commitment brothers. I won't work for anybody that tells me what to look like. I did great in my life. I m married with 7 grown kids, no criminals. God bless.
Sounds like you've done very well Bob. I really wish I had more time in my life to put into bike build as you do. I really enjoy working on mine. I have one tat and it's no big deal to be... in fact I don't even remember that I have it much of the time. I often wonder why I even got it. God bless.
@@itchymoche you keep doing your thing sir. You're a good man. I'm loyal to your Channel. We'll run into each other one of these days at an event. I want to meet you. God bless.
If you rode a rigid you might be an "old school biker"! If you rode a pan you might be an "old school biker"! If you have the best memories ever you might be an "old school biker"!
To me old school biker is those who respect the bikes and devotees to the machines too much and restoring bikes from his childhood eras and those roots to biking stuff spiritually and physically.
Looks like it's a bit different here in Europe. When I hear "old school" I think of a guy who not only rides passionately, but also does a lot of work on his / her bike, possibly owing to the fact that bikes used to be rather unreliable beasts. The "old-school" biker I think of actually predates the Beard-Tattoo-Harley-One-Percenter-Wannabe-look, which i more like associate with weekend-fair-weather-badasses (you can spot the odd Enduro on a supermarket parking-lot, but only once I saw a Harley that wasn't mine). I also don't see that much collision potential with career paths that require you to look "neat". I'm often amazed to hear from folks completely unexpectedly that they ride, too. A breed I hardly see anymore is the intellectual biker. There used to be a time (about 20 years ago) when a University department or student bar without at least one SR-500 or Enduro parked in front of it was unthinkable.
Over thirty years of riding and sometimes I get called old school but I rarely put much thought into it I just mostly get along with most and the ones I don't can go do there own thing. P.S. Give mama a hug for me
I have a Yamaha R1 sport bike and a Harley Davidson softail custom. I love them both and I don't look down on anybody for what they ride at 52 years old and the way I see it if you can get out there on 2 wheels and enjoy the wind why not
My grandfather was an old school biker. He rode a Knucklehead before and after WW2. My Old Man rides a Panhead. Before and after Vietnam. Last time I saw the old man was in 2006? He's still kicking at 79 and rides with a gang in Florida. Last thing he said to me was don't make me shoot you. Back atcha old man. As for me I'm just a guy who rides and enjoys touring. Next time I see the Old Man I'll probably be tossing a handful of dirt on him but that's the way he wants it. Being Old Shool sometimes means you run off those you care about so they don't end up like you...
I have a option but I don’t want to piss a bunch of people off so I’ll keep it to myself! Great video ride when you want and what you want there’s no reason to be pissed off all the time!!
Its virtually impossible to define old school biker , I myself was a biker from the age of 9 year old to around 18 then I turned my attention to cars but always keeping a bike or two or three in the back of the shed , it was not till I got into my 50s that I went back into bikes , I did never consider going to a modern bike they did nothing for me my mind was still firmly set in the bikes of my youth , does that make me old school ? there's so many variants of old school biker I think , But I enjoyed listening to you thanks for the vid .
Im getting close to 70 retired, no beard and not much hair. Old school? Only because i started on a bike in 1968 , sorry for getting older perhaps i should have smashed into a tree before i got to 30. I just ride the bloody things because i like em. If its got 2 wheels and an engine its a motorcycle i wont judge you ever. You are a biker end of ,enjoy, stay safe.
I think bikers have attitudes are because of the way they are treated. I have rode all my life and I remember how it was. They were scared of us because of what a few did which gave the biker a bad name. When you've been called enough bad things then you start giving them what they expect.
I have a long beard but that doesn’t make me a biker nor does my ink . Being a biker old school or not is attitude and love of the life style but not in the modern weekend warrior kinda way .
Our sport will only remain a sport when sales are high and registrations are high, dissing "weekend warriors", RUBS, YUPPIES, and others is nonsensical. If a guy can only ride on weekends due to his job, clothes he has to wear to work, stuff he has to carry, kids he has to drop off etc, does not make him not a "biker" old school or not as you say. Remember, "You meet the nicest people on a Honda"? The weekend warrior, the RUB saved the industry. If you want your rights protected, and a nice variety of machines and parts to choose from, embrace ALL motorcyclists, division only hurts everyone else.
Agreed.....I have the hair too, and beard, and sleeves....and a customized by me older Dyna plus a Pan/Shovel in bits.....and at 67 have been riding for about 50 years....and I also recall incidents of delivering "driver education" lessons in years past...so I guess kind of Old School.
Oh.....on listenign to the employer spiel....I worked for about two decades in mineral exploration/construction surveys....and the lfinal 20 as a social worker...I almost always had the hair....no one really cares if you are excellent at your job....at least up here in Canada.
And for the love of God.. don’t call squids and dirt riders “biker”.. I’ve been riding over 50 years. All types from dirt to HD to Goldwing.. I’m a motorcyclist.. not a “biker”. And having a Harley don’t make you biker any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
Old school biker to me is someone who doesn't ride the latest, newest bikes and who knows how to work on his or her own bike. They (we) don't mind changing points, like carburetors, and can feel the heartbeat of their (our) bikes.
Good point and so true.
I consider myself old school because I follow the original way of thinking and that is: Do your thing. Ride what you want, wear what you want, look how you want, and be free. I’m die hard Harley but I’m not a bike snob (hate that shit). I’ll wave at you and talk to you regardless of what you’re riding. It’s all about the freedom and nothing else matters.
Be safe.
I think mostly the same way. I have my Aprilia, but can enjoy anything on two wheels. Bikers... hot-rodders... we're all the same really. Most important is to be safe out there and enjoy the ride... wherever it may take you
You bring up some very good points. I'm 60 years old, but I consider myself an old school two-wheel enthusiast, not a biker. Why? Because I've ridden everything from old vintage Vespa's to my now Harley. As for our attitude, a large number of us "old guys" are military veterans. I myself spent 29 years in the service. I was a Medic, and I've seen shit that you'd think came out of the Twilight Zone. Too many riders nowadays do feel entitled. Millentials proclaim they have 'right', but seem to lack responsibility. Yes, it has a lot to do with our life experiences. As for the facial hair, I shaved every damn day for 29 years. When I retired, I quit shaving. This is just my take on the attitudes of us 'old guys'.
Thank you for your service sir! And yes, the people who love old school scooters have exactly the same attitude to their machines as the Harley dudes. 👍🇬🇧
Thankyou for your service Sir
I think the reason old school bikers looked down on Japanese bike has to do with how the original motorcycle clubs formed. After WWII discharged GI’s formed the first MC clubs, and weren’t to fond of the Japanese, and therefore didn’t want their biles in their clubs
It was earlier, one of the largest 1%er mc's started in 1935. But many did start out of ww2 and then vietnam.
I came across this while following my nose on you tube.I should imagine "werent to fond is an understatement". My grandfather died a Japanese POW. However i think American patriotism sustained their motorcycle industry, whereas here across the pond they didnt perceive the threat and it was the death nell for Triumph,Norton,BSA etc,
It's because they are not americain made it madders to the clubs but to every day rider it doesn't make any difference. It's two wheels under you and it's enjoyable and I happen to agree with them.
I totally get the point of riding an American brand motorcycle and don’t blame people for their feelings on that but why is just the Harley Davidson brand the accepted brand but other US brands like Indian are not accepted? That’s the part of motorcycle culture I don’t understand. You’re still supporting the greatest country but yet shunned for not riding an HD
@@bd6839 From what ive seen riding an original Indian, like an old scout or chief that was made in Springfield Massachusetts back before they shut down in the early 50s, will get you a fair bit of cred. The new Polaris owned Indian... Less so.
I still like to ride with my club brothers, having a good time. The only thing about being old school is my back hurts a lot more, I dropped my heavy HD E-glide a few times, and I can't hold the amount of booz I use to do when I was younger. Whatever! I always say.... Just do your thing and don't worry about the others.
yup
Get a tri glide I'm young and I ride on.so much fun.or Kim does she is 28.yrs old.she said she feels safe on it I ride a 2020 lowrider flxr.beatiful hwy bike .for myself so nimble.
You described me almost to a "T".
I'm old, and I have been called a "biker", but I think attitudes are pretty much the norm for all old people.
We're tired as shit, hurt all over, and have little to no tolerance for stupid bullshit.
My attitude has nothing at all to do with the fact that I rode a Harley for most of my life and still do when I can.
Additionally, I earned a master's degree early in life, but gave that shit up long ago and became a machinist/mechanic, which enabled me to live life on my own terms.
Most of my vacations were the three day suspensions I got for violating company policy, and my "benefits" we're being allowed to keep my job....
Trust,respect ,and loyalty just like the the brothers that got your back in the field
Sorry for your loss, with your Dad! I lost my father, who was my hero, in 2015. We never get over the loss of our parents. I have an entire collection of easy riders from the first issue up to the early 2000's if anybody is seriously I interested! The antique guys paid $250 just for the first 10 issues!
You get an old school nod from me especially since you honor your responsibilities. Thanks for sharing some good heartfelt wisdom.
I am a fifty year old new school biker and ride a XR650 super moto love it! I've had all kinds of bikes over the past 40 years. Love my super moto.
Your like me. I'm 61. I left that culture long ago and I just love to ride. Any brand any style. I never met a bike I didn't like
I believe old school is a attitude , that you have respect , manners , and you are doing your best to be the best person you can be. Live and let live , but take no shit
Old school is simply bare bones motorcycling. Get down to the basics without fairings, sounds systems, ABS, GPS and whatnot. It ain't got nothing to do with age of the bike or rider or the make or model of the bike. Old school bikes are typically home repaired and maintained. Typically not dealership maintained that is not to say that a dealership can't maintain and old school bike. IMO
I miss the old days when a Biker was a biker and not just, say your proctologist or your ex wife's lawyer! Ha Ha Like your videos!
I started riding in 1982 at 17 years old, still riding now am I old Skool? No I'm just a bike rider and enthusiast 😎👍🏻
You live by a code of the road and you'll get there.
I wish all bikers could live by the code the old school bikers lived by but I afriad think won't or they can't. First they have to know what it is then you have to respect it and I don't know if they can do that.
Old School Bikers are very simply, riders to whom they're bike is not a weekend toy or status symbol. The bike is essential to theyre perception and style.
Great description.
Holy heck yes ! Thanks for saying what I just couldn't put into words. And so, no "off the shelf" bikes, of course.....Almost forgot to mention, I always ride my Bike to trailer week. Sadly no Daytona trip in 2021 though, not stopped by covid. Stopped by severe engine trouble ! Hope to make it to Barber MC rally in October !
Always take care of mom. She's the only one you have..
this video really hit home for me.. it is hard riding as much as I do being married and having 2 young kids.. hell sometimes I even feel guilty riding all the time..sometimes... LOL riding for me is a way to relieve stress and let all my troubles go for the time being. great video!
A man that puts him self 1st before family is not a man. Respect to you sir FAMILY 1st.
I've always said "family first"! Thank you.
Question should be , why do you care about what people think it's your life no one should tell you how to live it if your happy FTW. 👍
I was 14 years old. When the movie Easy Rider came out. a few years before I could get a driver license. Plus the TV show Then Came Bronson. That made a lot of us young boys to want a ride motorcycle's and travel the U.S. Plus the year of Woodstock happen. I ride and I'm retired now. Away's love being on a motorcycle.
"Then Came Bronson" had us guys on our Schwinn String Rays pretending we were Jim Bronson... I loved motorcycles from then on.....now I'm retired and enjoy cruising the back roads on my Heritage 114. Don't have any buds really that ride so I'm a loner but, I enjoy the freedom. Love to polish on my bike when I can't ride too, keep it crisp and new looking. Take pride in your machine !
@@Holly1960- why havent I ever heard of then came Bronson? and I'm not a young man . Been around since watching older brothers "arm starting" their shovelheads and breaking their wrists now and then lol
@@morfeophantasm7435 A few Episodes of "Then Came Bronson" on The Daily Motion, video channel. Series only ran one season.
Michael Parks riding his Harley Davidson Sportster across Country.
@@Holly1960- ah ok wow .. I'll check it out . Thanks btw I had a schwinn banana peeler lol now an 02 Softail Springer ; )
@@morfeophantasm7435 Awesome
In the early 70's my dad and his crew was on a magazine cover going to Dayton (run to the sun)...he was die hard yamaha...his crew rode all different creations to Indians to homemade 3 wheelers
Just to shed some light on the early days of motorcycles. The first production motorcycle in the US was the Orient-Aster by Charles Metz, and the first mass production motorcycle company in the US was Indian (est. 1901). By the time WW1 rolled around, Indian was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
When I was a kid I worked at an automotive service center. Right up the road was an outdoor biker bar and restaurant. A lot of those hardcore looking bikers with really nice scooters that hung out there on the weekends worked at Westinghouse during the week. Most of them would have their vehicles serviced at our shop. They could turn it down when they needed to and on the weekends they could definitely turn it up. Most some of the nicest people I ever met good tippers too. You all take care and stay safe.
I've been riding the same Harley Panhead since 1969 and my generation has put up with citizens and police harassment since the beginning......
We weren't socially acceptable like the yuppie posers are today, we were and still are the people that your parents warned you about. RIDE FREE MY REAL BROTHERS ✌
Well I was an “old school biker” from the very start of adulthood , I was good wit my hands , wrenchin , welding , building , so I could work anywhere I looked , I most definitely , had a attitude , don’t fuck wit me , I won’t fuck wit you ! Take 0 shit from anybody , I grew up in the 60’s thru 72 , joined the marines right outta h/s ! And then I got my first , real bike , a Harley Iron head sportster then another sportster , then I was noticed by a few clubs , I had a 50 panhead by then , and I knew every nut and bolt on her ! And if you didn’t have a Harley , don’t even talk to me ! I was asked , to prospect ,for a club , I made full patch in only 59 days , as the time was at the time was 6 months ! And I was also , real good with the books , so I was the treasurer , right after , and our chapter started making coin from my first day ! I was well known through out the whole club , in 3 , then 4 states , got along with 99% of them , the one % I didn’t , was not up to my par ! But the times had changed , in early 04 , and the club slowly , just started to go under , as nobody wanted to pay dues , prospect , nor come to meetings …..then I was injured in a motorcycle /car wreck , and that just ended , my riding days , in just the fraction of a second , but now I’m 69 , and am still mentally, the same guy I was back then ! But I am pretty much house bound , can’t hear shit , am all but blind , and I am crippled up , so I don’t get out much , and the club is now , for the better part …gone , many of my brothers , have died , or just drifted into history , but I still got all the good stories , and memories to talk , shit at our parties , when we meet , at a funeral, or get together, once every few years ! But I ain’t bitchin! That’s life !
Have a pile of old Easy Rider magazines. Been riding since I was 16. Over 50 years at it. Old school bikers have invested into their lifestyle for many years. Sport bike riders are just as hard core about what they do. Same with touring riders. We should respect (there's that word again) what others do even if we don't agree.
" Old School " : Your Best Friend, ad your WORST enemy....
Jan 18th 2023 northern Michigan went for a ride today. No attitude here. Just love to ride when I can.
Old school was American and British bikes as I grew up in 1970's Australia.
Still riding.
Love my Hog.
My Dad had to sell his Triumph T100R ,1967 year to fund his mortgage when he had me.
He worked at Triumph , Meriden from 1965 to 1975.
That's cool!
I picture guys that I was around in the late 60s and 70s that rode and raced 20 years before I met them . The bigger part of these men are gone but they taught me EVERYTHING
I'm from Greece and I ride 32 years in a row. I ride mostly sport bikes.
I do not discriminate bikers for what bike they have.
I consider my self an old school biker cause I ride 365 days a year, I don't like abs and traction control..
Keep riding brothers and sisters! 👍
Ride safe from Italy, bro. We are neighbours, and yours is a fantastic Country that I rode both on a Harley and on a Super Ténéré 1200 Yamaha. Love Greece!
A mechanic a welder sounds like a man's job to me
MANY mechanics / welder jobs are six figure incomes. Lots of them are union jobs, paid time off, and and benefits. Just have to be a bit skilled without D.U.I. or felonies...
Except of course during the Second World War when it was all woman
Spent 50 years as an Electrical engineer - clean cut, clean shaven etc.
Now at 72, still clean shaven and riding my Harley. Prefer riding alone. Never enjoyed clubs or groups.
I consider myself "Old School" without the attitude.
@@itchymoche Thanks Itchy. Ride safe my friend and enjoy our great Buckeye state.
62 been rid'in over 50 years, my dad rode Harley's in high school, and my mom rode with him, my Grandmother was
A head nurse in an emergency hospital , pulled me aside when I
was around 12 , and told
That , I know I can't stop
from riding motorcycles,
your Dad still rides , your
Grand owned 27 bikes so
Ride safe , and don't show up in my emergency room
from a bike or teach you a
lesson you'll never forget I
never let that happen , my Dad worked on"Club" bikes and never was in a "
Club" he was that good a
Bike wrench , and I'm sittin In my shop writing to
Info because I've got along beard an attatude
I'm sitting here with my
Shovel head , pumped XR
650 , Yamaha FJ1100, and
Several dirt bikes and mini
Bikes.I'm young enough to
Go fast , and old enough
to know Better. Now every
Is calling them selves bikers entil it comes to
doing biker stuff.
Thanks from NOR-CAL.
Hey itchy I just ran across your channel and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to what you had to say. Life is about choices, we all have to make them, and by the way I commend you for the choices that you made, and all we can do is hope there will be no regrets. Yeah we might look like hell 99% of the time and we might even look like hell that other 1% of the time when we think we don't but you can bet your ass you will not find a more loyal friend or brother, you know the ultimate, one that would kill for you or die for you. Just think of those lines on our faces as the roads on the map on the screen of your GPS. To sum it up stop treating us and looking at us like we are all a bunch of lowlife pieces of shit and above all treat us with the respect that we deserve as human beings and maybe you might start to notice some of the attitude going away. And I would also like to point out that those true "old school bikers" of today are of the right age group to have fought for you and our country's freedom in the Vietnam war, they can try to pass it off as a political conflict but it was a fuckin' war with no holds barred. Those fighting men, who were no more than boys two short years before, that were lucky enough to get to come home, because thousands and thousands didn't, were met at the airport with animosity and total disrespect from the very people they were fighting to protect. Attitude you say well I say maybe they have a reason and some may never lose it. So treat them with respect, like you are supposed to do anyway, and then maybe none of that attitude will spill over on you. No human on the face of this earth has a god given right to judge another human being and until you have walked a mile in his biker boots you can't have any idea of what that man may have had to endure in his life's travels. Respect, it's not that damn difficult people.
True Nomad free rider... loner.... someone on bike no destination just a highway and his bike after serving in the war only thing gives him peace is rolling 100+ roaring down highway going nowhere calling every stop home until he comes across brothers he might or served with over seas or group who been through same! That's what I picture when I hear old school biker! Cause when you say old school that mean 40+ years the original days!
AM I AN OLD SCHOOL BIKER ? Started riding bikes when i was about 12 on my local town beach ,left home town moved to England,got more into bikes joined a M C Club,drank,smoked.got into trouble,then joined the army. Spent 12 years in an Airborne Regiment, and for all that i now have bad knees bad back neck and that many aches and pains,when i ride a bike i wonder is it worth it.Wwll now i am 68 years old,and when i get behind the bars of my rebuilt 1973 T140 v Triumph Bonneville,the winds in my face,not through my hair,asnot only do i have to wear a helmet,theres not just as much hair for the wind to tug at anymore.You are right it is worth it, So OLD SCHOOL!!!! Who the hell cares,if its in your blood its there,just get out and ride,Thats my two pence worth,Oh yeah remember, OLD BIKERS DONT GO GREY,THEY JUST GO CHROME!!
Good words Cliff.
Hmmm old school biker to me is someone that feels they kept the Harley motor company alive by a shoestring and if it wasn't for the older guys support and comradery the company very well could have gone under Sooooo a huge gratitude to those die-hards for supporting HD way back when so we can all enjoy the Harleys of today and yesterday ----thank you, DIEHARDS,, and that's my 2cents
I think the only thing that kept HD alive was genius marketing and people gullible enough to believe they were buying a “lifestyle”.. I actually had a sales guy at HD use that term when I was looking to trade. I’m like “ I have a lifestyle already thanks”..
I'm 58 years old and I think it had to do a lot also With Pride & Country but I couldn't agree more with your comment right on
Like my grandmother used to say you may have rode a lot of motorbikes but you haven't rode a motorcycle to you rode a Harley Davidson that was her opinion and is my opinion
Things that were never said for $200
The brand of bike you ride doesn't make or discount you as an old school biker and that's coming from someone that has been inside the MC world for 37 years, old school is an attitude, a state of mind and living by a code of loyalty, honour, respect, integrity, and living by the code that you preach. Harley has nothing to do with the traditions regarding the British or European biker and club culture, we've also had our own officially documented motorcycle clubs in England since 1901 with the first documented club simply calling themselves "The Motor Cycling Club". We have our own culture, our own history, and our own traditions - that doesn't make us any less of old school than the guy on a Harley, Harley simply wasn't part of our history or the biker culture in the UK until modern times when the American clubs opened chapter/charters in the UK, we rode British bikes or what ever was available at the time. H&R
my first bike was a 650 BSA lightning did most of the wrenching myself -- GOD save the QUEEN Bro
Back in 1986 I was 21 and bought a Honda V65 Magna. Riding home from the dealer I passed two Harley guys (that's what they were called) and I waved at them in passing. My Dad and my friend riding in the car behind me told me later that they gave me the thumbs down sign. I was not surprised. IMHO, old school bikers I find are very Nationalistic (which is different than Patriotic), probably raised on and continue to support "tough love" (not the everyone-is-special-and-unique philosophy developed during the 1990's), and don't believe others are "worthy" unless they, too, have lived a hard life. It is also the flavor of how they present themselves to others. The post here by Hugh Jorgan is a great example of that flavor. I'll also add that it is not just old school biker's that behave this way. My mother would preach about how her generation was the best because they grew up in the depression, survived WWII, and were proud because they had to scratch and crawl for everything they got...not handed to them on a silver platter like all my spoiled friends I hung out with. JC
I don’t stereotype people. Ride what you like. Enjoy it. I ride a Harley. My buddy has a Vulcan. Same wind. He loves his bike. I love mine. I certainly don’t tell him how to spend his hard earned money.
This guy gets it
I've never met a truly unhappy Vulcan rider. Most are happy with what they have for now, and have no plans to trade.
But, and this might be just my experience, Vulcan 500 riders seem to always be on the lookout for a touring bike with triple the engine size. Never to trade. No, they all seem to want to keep the Vulcan while buying a second bike for touring.
If he's talking Kawasaki Vulcan, they are 1500 cc. Nice cruiser.
You touched home with me ......I remember my uncles garage like it was yesterday....a Harley pan....57 BMW....a matchless.....sunbeam ....1917 Harley.....riding in a sidecar ....my uncle lived motorcycles and riding.....got my first bike 48 years ago....180 twin Yamaha.....I’ve owned a lot of bikes in that time.....had a Harley and read easyrider.....awesome stories in that fine rag.....sitting here at 64 to me it is all about the experience of being out on the road....riding a motorcycle whichever one you choose.....47 years in a steel foundry.....been good to me.....it’s all your choice and and still love to ride.....thank for the video.....enjoy
I wear old school patch I've got long hair long beard and I've always had it my kids and my wife have never seen me without long hair or long beard I have a 77 lowrider and I have an 84 evolution that's two bikes I have and I believe I'm an old school biker I've done a lot of riding in my lifetime and I am a machinist retired and when I can't ride two wheels I'll get three
We had a saying if u cant kick ur bike over ur done, Im 75 and in good shape, still ride but love that button, I would like to see if I can still crank over a old Pan or Shovel, but fat chance no kickers around mexico where I live,
@@klausuhlig7141 I'd bet money you still could kick one over .
I remember that Easyriders magazine in the late '70's came out with another magazine called Iron Horse that featured "chopper" bikes with Japanese,English as well as H-D engines for the non-purists.
Way back when , Brit bikes were common . In the '70s chopped sohc 750 Hondas were a thing . Even 1st gen KZ 900 were semi accepted for a cpl years .
Good conversation Itchy. I agree with you on the definition of old school. I tend to go with if it has two wheels it is cool by me. Moped, Triumph, Kawi, whatever, I love them all. Truth be known though, I love dirt biking more than anything. I ride street a lot, but nothing tops the dirt. Thanks again.
You are an old school biker. You were probably riding bike before i was even born!! Plus old school values and respect.
Just find a few close friends who also ride...
Old school bikers, to me is those that ride there bike 90 percent of the time and there bikes are usually more the 10 years old. I meet a, sort of young guy that just loved his pan heads and shovels. He quit riding for his young family but still loves bikes. He owns his own powder coating business and does a lot of peaces for old school bikers. He was working on a pan head frame when I met him. My respect for those guys, like myself, that love, ride, and wrench there own rides. I don't look like the so called "old school biker" but I've been riding for over 40 years and haven't been with out a bike any day of those years. I'm now 65 with 5 bikes in my stable. I've loved motorcycles ever since I started riding with my father in 1964.
I ride a 70s Suzuki gs750 that I custom built into a bobbed cafe brat type of bike, and it must resemble an old triumph because I get stopped multiple times a day from people telling me they like the bike, and asking if its an old triumph (there aren't any badges or emblems anywhere that say Suzuki). The best is when I get compliments, or "the nod" at stoplights, from members of our local Highwaymen MC chapter, who in my experience will rarely even return a 2 fingers down signal if you aren't riding a Harley. Its always fun telling people its a Suzuki. Everyone is always a good sport about it--even the old school bikers, though I I think the way I look and carry myself probably plays a big part as well, as you can tell I'm not a White collar office worker. Also, I'm sure the fact that the bike is customized and I did all the work myself probably comes into play with the opinion the old school bikers form of me. Hell, maybe I'm just a Harley away from qualifying as an old school biker LOL.
Itchy, good to see you again. Retired and riding '98 evo ultra as much as I can. Always somethin' to tinker with.....
I been itchin to get an old evo Harley just real bikes carbs and ez design
I was a superintendent and when I started a job they loved me but once they saw me in colors it changed , overnight .
I loved the money but I'm not too good at kissing ass . But I did it for 10 years and payed off everything I had . Yep
a lot of people think I have attitude , and I guess maybe I do , , , but ask me if I care lol .
Yep. I lived that too. In an executive meeting my wallet chain caught on the arm of the chair. All eyes went to me. And after the meeting the boss said hold up... we need to talk before you leave. Yes... "Lose the wallet chain now or lose your job!" I wasn't good at ass kissing either, so it never went well for me.
I am a member of ABATE sense 1986. We ride and do poker runs. Some of the newer members don't know how to ride in a group. They fart around kicking at stuff on the road, doing wheelies. I lost my job after 34 years, as a machinist. I have a lot of tats and long beard. It's hard to find a job now.
I agree with the description of old school bikers being able to throw a wrench. About 15 years ago I was hanging out with a guy Tioga Dan who rescued motorcycles, mainly the 70s era Honda Goldwing. He also allowed motorcycle parking for the one popular restaurant in this little town that celebrates the birth and life of Gene Autry. A yuppie pulled up on a Harley and I was asking him about the springer front that was actually a spring over shock and he had no idea what I was talking about. All he had was a crap-ton of money to ride his status symbol for about 10 miles on a weekend. I was accidentally old school without even owning a bike at the time.
03:56 I was watching an interview with Sonny Barger, who had been, at the time retired, still the longest serving prez for the Oakland Chapter of the Hell's Angels. He said, "There are people who have been to jail for this organization. There are people who have died for this organization. If you do not have that level of commitment, you do not need to be here."
Fair enough and clear and to the point. I was never asked to join, was not near them. I had a friend who rode with the Scorpions. Worked with some guys from the Rebels. All nice and good people. I was even offered supportive patches and stickers from the Rebels. I politely declined because that would get me heat with the police and with other clubs not affiliated with the Rebels. But Sonny was right. And so I knew I could not be a member of these clubs because I valued more my job and my wife and home and casting no aspersions on those who choose the club they belong to.
Others make similar decisions. There is a high divorce rate among special forces soldiers because of their work life, for example. Same with police officers.
Old school biker is a biker who actually wrenches and knows his bike, wears gear, boots, jacket, not color cooridinated sport gear, doesnt just ride on sunny days and doesnt complain when the weather is less than perfect! Also doesnt ride like a jerkoff doing wheelies and stunts, just loves to ride at every chance he gets!
Good description!
Im 20 years old and u mentioned most the things i do building bikes myself and spending time on bikes im currently rebuilding a honda hawk 1978
Makes good conversation
Harley should brand their Logo on depends😂😂😂. It would be huge!
I find the ones with the Biggest attitudes are the Blue hairs riding their Little rascal scooters . A Surly bunch for sure , especially when zooming up and down the aisles of my local supermarket .
Been driving a semi for 35 years and riding as much as I can for the last 20
TO ME AN OLD SCHOOL BIKER, IS SOMEONE, WHO HAS RESPECT IF YOU SHOW HIM RESPECT WHO STANDS UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST
BUT LOVES HIS BIKE AND RIDING
This is Cool again and I am old school. I have spent my life at it. To me it is a way of life. If you hold it against me then that's to damn bad. I don't think I am alone with this. To me it is how I have to be and I'm not sorry for it. Thank you for your time.........
That's great brother stay that way and you'll be ok.
Patriotic,....most were/are vets, the lost feeling of brotherhood, people you relate too, ww2, korea, viet-nam, most are dead or dieing off, the REAL lifestyle has changed, very quickly in the last 20 years.
Bikers were proud to be that, it was literally an occupation.... So called bikers today are mostly enthusiasts, or like you said (weekend warriors) living off the coattails of us real bikers , the internet opened up Sturgis and other Rallys to them and overnight, every mid life crisis jerkoff became a Biker, Harley pushed for it, (sales) and wanted an image change, most old bikers cant afford a new bike, that doesnt keep Harley in business, so.....it changed, ..I dont care for mom and pop and all the rubs,..but if thats whats left,....If they see and party with me, theyll have a story on monday. Ha ha, take care Itch.😎
I have:
Vmax
Rune
Bourget 124 Fatso
BMW 1600 B
BMW 1250 A
If I want to strut around and hit bars? Bourget.. and a nap “It’s a hardtail”
If I want to travel Europe/Turkey-Greece? 1250 A
Pull up to the Ritz? The bagger.
Does not matter.
We all love our bikes💪
Even our Harleys. Glad you admit to using Depends, though. That's class.
Old school bikers who have attitudes are just people with attitudes. Believe it or not, the exact same people exist in every area of society. Everyone has an excuse for their ego problem.
Like the old saying live to ride ride to live
When I think Old School Biker I think of an enthusiast who lives to ride, whether he holds a job and has a family or not but his heart gets tugged by his bike. I'd love to own a HD 1933 VLD for the sake of embracing an old Harley because I think they are awesome bikes period.
Thanks Itchy the bike thing definitely has changed but it also brings me to wonder when Harley's and Indians came out before WW1, what was the mentality back then, was it like my attitude? I tend to think the 50's to present began to weave the stereo type you're mentioning, but, before that our society was somewhat more innocent and perhaps attitudes were limited to local trips and riding to be a fun outing. Personally I don't mind the character some might view so as to maintain the mystery. When I went cross country a lot of folks naturally draw to you because you represent freedom and fun along with a daring on the edge lifestyle which conflicts with the everyday norm one lives.
I've fell under the title of "Weekend Warrior" for some time now...
Its not hard to figure out just because you ride a motorcycle does not make you a biker. Biker is a full time way of life. There are bike riders and then there are bikers. It's that simple.
"...maintenance, welder job..."
Real man's job .
If you love to ride…. Ride! Don’t get caught up in stereo types and others opinions. What ever brand you ride thank you for contribituing to the motorcycle culter as whole. Don’t be a lost soul looking for acceptance…. enjoy your freedom and be you.
Following the old codes many bikers don't follow the old codes anymore
I don't ride a Harley I ride an ole classic. Honda Shadow ace vt 1100 lol. Love it.
Glen Jones, I have had one since 1996 only 53 k and its just getting broken in.
As a fellow ace owner, I have to ask, have you done anything to increase the power output?
I put more miles on my bike than a cage, I work on my own shit, many of times I slept under a tarp bungy tied to my bike, as far as work, I'm my own boss, I have tatts, long hair, been a club member for 30 years, and I have brothers that work various jobs and they make it work, the thing about old school bikers is respect, loyalty, and the military belief of no man left behind, main thing loyalty,,, I once road four hours on my bike in a rain storm cause a brother needed help,, that's old school biker style, that's what we do, that's who we are
Genuine Old School! I like that. MLLH&R
I ride all the time 2 wheels is in my blood me and the open road and road everyday to work and when I'm not at work I just ride and enjoy life on my 2017 Harley street Bob
I started riding minibikes in 1964 & in 1967 at the wise old age of 10 I rode my 1st motorcycle . I was hooked. Am I old school???? You tell me. I know how to wrench on them as I had to as a kid to keep riding the dirt bikes I had. I have owned a few bikes through these years. 1 Kawasaki, 5 Yamahas, 1 Suzuki, 1 Bultaco, 2 BSA's, 1 Triumph, 4 Honda's , 1 Harley. I just ride these days by myself or a few friends. Never been 1 to want to be in a Motorcycle Club. Nothing wrong with them just wasn't my thing. Could have owned Buddy Hollies Indian for $1200.00. We lived next door to the Hollies. But I listen to my Dad at the time & didn't buy it. He told me son you will just tear that old motorcycle up, sides that it ain't worth nothing. What a DUMBASS I was for listening to my Dad that time, LOL. Waylon Jennings wound up with it & it sold in an auction some years back for S180,000.00 I think it was. Hell if I want to go I just get loaded up & go. Yeah it pisses the wife off but what the hell.
Eddie Hubbard ... nice story ... I never knew Waylon was into bikes . Believe it or not I went to school with one of waylons music industry friends son . his name is Dion Pride. ; ) I been riding since 72 on honda trail 70's at summer camp . Die hard Harley right here.
@@morfeophantasm7435 Honda trail 70. Those were good little machines. You couldn't hardly break em.
@@TexHoss1 yea they were tough little machines . I used to go to Charlie's house to visit Dion . His dad would be in a big leather easy chair reading the paper or watching TV. And his wife Rozene was one of the sweetest people I've ever met . Sadly Charlie just passed away about three weeks ago . If you google Charlie Pride family pictures you'll see a picture of Dions sister Angela sitting on a clean shaven Waylon Jennings lap .
I got my endorsement on my motorcycle license when I just turned 18 back in 1982_83 first day I rode to school you would have thought I was a 1%er hell I was on a 75 Honda cb125 lmao 65 top speed but that was the bike I worked for washing dishes after school and weekends best part is now I have a road king still very proud of it to and I'm still in the wind thanks be to the lord for that I love my riding and motor cycles still
I think of my dad !!! When he got home from Vietnam back in 1968 he was sick of being forced to be clean cut ,so he grew a beard long hair and found a cheap iron head that was wrecked ... He took the whole thing apart put it in a riged frame and put a Springer front end on it !!! He's 72 now so he isn't albe to ride much these days but he still owns that same iron head chopper. He has had quit a few other bikes over the years, shovels and a few britsh bikes. Ive been ride in wiith dad since i was around 5 or 6 and i know all about what it takes to be a real biker ... Not like some yuppie with a dime a dozen softtail and now thinks he's eazyrider !!! You cant have a bike like dads if your not a real biker
my version of an old skool biker is
1 they ride either Indian,Harley,or English built bikes,eg,Norton, BSA, aerial,triumph, royal Enfield, Scott,
2 they keep to their own company unless you're invited,
3 brotherhood, look out for each other,
4 if one stops due to problems with bike they all stop.
5 they look after their regular cafes,pubs where ever they drink or eat,
I guess I am old school by default. Been riding since 1968. Panhead days. Yeah I have a beard, not as long as it once was. Yeah I build my own shit. I have a 75 shovel no kickstart chopper. I thank God that I m in good shape enough to do this at 70 yrs. Old. I build scoots for friends. I love it. Don't have one tattoo. My mother made me promise not to. Even after she passed I did not. Any body want to know how to chop a bike I m here for you. We have an attitude because we work at our craft. People put us down. They have their shit serviced at the dealership. Not the same commitment brothers. I won't work for anybody that tells me what to look like. I did great in my life. I m married with 7 grown kids, no criminals. God bless.
Sounds like you've done very well Bob. I really wish I had more time in my life to put into bike build as you do. I really enjoy working on mine. I have one tat and it's no big deal to be... in fact I don't even remember that I have it much of the time. I often wonder why I even got it. God bless.
@@itchymoche you keep doing your thing sir. You're a good man. I'm loyal to your Channel. We'll run into each other one of these days at an event. I want to meet you. God bless.
I like to wear my son's of anarchy 3 patch cut and hang out with old school bikers ,but for some reason they ignore me.
Great video Itchy enjoyed it.
If you rode a rigid you might be an "old school biker"! If you rode a pan you might be an "old school biker"! If you have the best memories ever you might be an "old school biker"!
Those are great clues. Spot on.
To me old school biker is those who respect the bikes and devotees to the machines too much and restoring bikes from his childhood eras and those roots to biking stuff spiritually and physically.
this is really important.
Old school biker in my book is= works on his own bike, will ride anywhere anytime and yes tats and leathery skin😝
Alfa Papa26 yeah man so many people stereotype “bikers” but at the end of the day the biggest and scariest bikers can be the nicest
Bang on! Also builds his own bike and never leave a biker behind.
Some old school bikers are also veterans of the U.S. Military.
Easy Rider good rag
Looks like it's a bit different here in Europe. When I hear "old school" I think of a guy who not only rides passionately, but also does a lot of work on his / her bike, possibly owing to the fact that bikes used to be rather unreliable beasts. The "old-school" biker I think of actually predates the Beard-Tattoo-Harley-One-Percenter-Wannabe-look, which i more like associate with weekend-fair-weather-badasses (you can spot the odd Enduro on a supermarket parking-lot, but only once I saw a Harley that wasn't mine).
I also don't see that much collision potential with career paths that require you to look "neat". I'm often amazed to hear from folks completely unexpectedly that they ride, too.
A breed I hardly see anymore is the intellectual biker. There used to be a time (about 20 years ago) when a University department or student bar without at least one SR-500 or Enduro parked in front of it was unthinkable.
Old BMW rider on an old BMW that has done many a mile.
Over thirty years of riding and sometimes I get called old school but I rarely put much thought into it I just mostly get along with most and the ones I don't can go do there own thing.
P.S. Give mama a hug for me
Will do Ron!
I have a Yamaha R1 sport bike and a Harley Davidson softail custom. I love them both and I don't look down on anybody for what they ride at 52 years old and the way I see it if you can get out there on 2 wheels and enjoy the wind why not
My grandfather was an old school biker. He rode a Knucklehead before and after WW2. My Old Man rides a Panhead. Before and after Vietnam. Last time I saw the old man was in 2006? He's still kicking at 79 and rides with a gang in Florida. Last thing he said to me was don't make me shoot you. Back atcha old man. As for me I'm just a guy who rides and enjoys touring. Next time I see the Old Man I'll probably be tossing a handful of dirt on him but that's the way he wants it. Being Old Shool sometimes means you run off those you care about so they don't end up like you...
I have a option but I don’t want to piss a bunch of people off so I’ll keep it to myself! Great video ride when you want and what you want there’s no reason to be pissed off all the time!!
Its virtually impossible to define old school biker , I myself was a biker from the age of 9 year old to around 18 then I turned my attention to cars but always keeping a bike or two or three in the back of the shed , it was not till I got into my 50s that I went back into bikes , I did never consider going to a modern bike they did nothing for me my mind was still firmly set in the bikes of my youth , does that make me old school ? there's so many variants of old school biker I think , But I enjoyed listening to you thanks for the vid .
Im getting close to 70 retired, no beard and not much hair.
Old school? Only because i started on a bike in 1968 , sorry for getting older perhaps i should have smashed into a tree before i got to 30.
I just ride the bloody things because i like em.
If its got 2 wheels and an engine its a motorcycle i wont judge you ever.
You are a biker end of ,enjoy, stay safe.
I think bikers have attitudes are because of the way they are treated. I have rode all my life and I remember how it was. They were scared of us because of what a few did which gave the biker a bad name. When you've been called enough bad things then you start giving them what they expect.
I have a long beard but that doesn’t make me a biker nor does my ink . Being a biker old school or not is attitude and love of the life style but not in the modern weekend warrior kinda way .
Our sport will only remain a sport when sales are high and registrations are high, dissing "weekend warriors", RUBS, YUPPIES, and others is nonsensical. If a guy can only ride on weekends due to his job, clothes he has to wear to work, stuff he has to carry, kids he has to drop off etc, does not make him not a "biker" old school or not as you say. Remember, "You meet the nicest people on a Honda"? The weekend warrior, the RUB saved the industry. If you want your rights protected, and a nice variety of machines and parts to choose from, embrace ALL motorcyclists, division only hurts everyone else.
Agreed.....I have the hair too, and beard, and sleeves....and a customized by me older Dyna plus a Pan/Shovel in bits.....and at 67 have been riding for about 50 years....and I also recall incidents of delivering "driver education" lessons in years past...so I guess kind of Old School.
Oh.....on listenign to the employer spiel....I worked for about two decades in mineral exploration/construction surveys....and the lfinal 20 as a social worker...I almost always had the hair....no one really cares if you are excellent at your job....at least up here in Canada.
And for the love of God.. don’t call squids and dirt riders “biker”.. I’ve been riding over 50 years. All types from dirt to HD to Goldwing.. I’m a motorcyclist.. not a “biker”. And having a Harley don’t make you biker any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
😆👍