What’s Your Motorcycle Temperament?
Aug 7th, 2008 by Leo
A lot of readers wind up on this site looking for ideas on what kind of bike to get next… why not buy your next bike based on your personality profile? We at citybikerblog have conducted extensive scientific research (yeah right) to determine the fundamental personality types that gravitate toward certain types of machines. An alternate title for this waste-of-time post is “What fortune cookies would tell you about a bike, if fortune cookies knew bikes…which they don’t.” But that was just too long. So just for fun, you can ask yourself: What’s your bike temperament?
Suzuki Burgman 400 (Also comes as a 650 “executive” model…)
“The Engineer”
You are no nonsense, practical and unafraid of complexity. Nevertheless you often use the geeky expression k-i-s-s “keep it simple, stupid!” You probably played a good amount of D&D in your day (the game, not the exhaust). You are a non-traditionalist, and aren’t afraid to challenge authority. Even though you got rid of your pocket protectors years ago, people still sometimes question your sense of style, and say you are too “practical.”
Vespa 250
“The Prima Dona”
You like being the center of attention without trying. You do care about what other people think, especially when they think well of you. You’re known for having good taste, a fun side, and a healthy credit limit on your cards. On the down side you’ve been accused of being high maintenance. And although you deny it, you secretly take pride in your demanding taste.
Honda CB900 or CB919 “Hornet”
“The Down-to-Earth Guy”
You are strikingly unpretentious. You see yourself as the “small town” guy, and that’s a good thing… You don’t aspire to be a big shot, but would rather be who you are, no matter how rich you get from your share of Wal-Mart. You’re good at taking care of things yourself, and you like things that work well and are low maintenance. You like camping and fishing and hanging out with your folks, apple pie, and lemonade…
Yamaha R6
“The Badass”
You’re the person who likes doing things that people tell you not to… Often just because they told you not-to. You may act sensible and reasonable, but deep down you are always looking for an excuse to break with convention and do things your way. I know Marlon Brando rode a Harley…but if he was still a wild one he’d be riding an R6.
Triumph Scrambler/Thruxton/Bonneville
“The Traditionalist”
You are a connoisseur. You don’t believe that something new is better just because it’s new. You like classic lines, classic rock, classic books, things that stood the test of time. But unlike an old fogey trying to hold onto what is past, you don’t look to tradition for comfort, you look back to find something new, something true.
Harley Davidson (it really doesn’t matter which model)
“The Dude/Dudette”
To the outside world Harleys have a badass image leftover from 60’s biker gangs and old movies, and you actually like that. But the truth is you’re way too chill to be a badass. Being a badass would require you to get all worked up over stuff. You don’t get worked up. You like the expression “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” You know what you like, and you’re not worried about anything else. You’re not in a hurry, and you’re not anal about anything…except keeping your bike clean and running well.
Preliminary Conclusions
More research data is coming in as we speak, so this is definitely TO BE CONTINUED…
By the way, you can help if you’re really really bored at work: name a bike and the particular personality temperament it represents…
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Hmmm. I’ve got a Vespa GTS AND a Honda 599 (Hornet CB600F), which, in the case of the Honda, could be argued is even more “mundane” than its bigger brother you’ve got listed (Honda 919). So, either I’m making up for the lack of attention when I ride the Honda by alternating with the Vespa, or the huge amount of attention I do receive with the Vespa is disciplined by my sensible Honda.
Which is it?
Regardless of what the answer is, one thing’s for sure: they’re both awesome rides.
Haha, it may mean you have a split personality… Or it could be a progression, a natural development of your personality. (Which did you get first?) Or, third option is that one is your secret identity and the other the one you want to put forward to the world. You may want to consult a shrink, haha. Cheers!
By the way cool t-shirts… You can click on robotribe and check it out.
The Honda 599 came before the GTS, but I’ve had similar affairs with other scooters in my past. Maybe I’ll buy an HD just to mess with my personality even more. Bikes are like shoes: you can’t just own one pair. Puh-leez.
(thanks for checking out the shirts)
Damnit. How did you know I like hanging out with my folks?
Dude…Whoa. I don’t know what to say. I’m shocked actually. “I know Marlon Brando rode a Harley…but if he was still a wild one he’d be riding an R6.” Marlon Brando did NOT ride a Harley. He in fact rode a 1950 Triumph Thunderbird T6. His antagonist, Lee Marvin, rode the Harley. And yes, full disclosure, I admit I ride a Bonneville.
Ha! Yeah – you got me Zac, Brando rode the Triumph!