What is it about motorcycles in economically developing foreign countries around the world? Maybe it’s that motorcycles have always been a cheap form of transportation as well as the fact that there are many motorcycle enthusiasts who love nothing more than to carry their motorcycle helmet bags with them as they travel on their open air bike.
Lots of myths, lifestyles, and subcultures have been built around motorcycles. A Harley bikers’ group roars by and everyone sports a head scarf with motorcycle helmet bags on one arm and black jackets draped on the other. Caf racers cruise around with their classic helmets on and motorcycle helmet bags on the side. Mod racers speed by, each with a colorful helmet on their heads and equally colorful helmet bag and gears on their cycles’ saddlebags. Rockers won’t be left behind with creative and outrageous helmet designs, helmet bag and saddlebag varieties, motorcycle gear types, and wild designs on their bikes. Each group espouses a different lifestyle forming its own subculture.
The variety of color and style in motorcycling is not limited to just subcultures; clubs and social take on their own colors. Some social groups focus on ownership of a particular brand of bike. Members of groups dedicated to Harley Davidson will of course ride Harleys, but will likely wear Harley Boots, Jackets, Vests and helmets and carry Harley brand motorcycle helmet bags, saddle bags; even key chains! Members of BMW MOA groups will carry and wear only gear made by their brand – whether it be clothing, protective parts, motorcycle helmet bags or accessories. These more informal groups come together for many reasons – to help charities, to celebrate a part of society, to leave society for a short period, or simply because the riders love the experiences they gain.
Some groups are more organized and influential in the motorcycle world. They all group themselves in able to build a force to be reckoned with politically and socially. Some groups even lobby for a more biker-friendly legislation that would create better traffic, safety and manufacturing laws. Each of these special groups carry with them a special insignia and trademark that they plaster on all of their gear, ranging from helmets and motorcycle helmet bags to jackets and even their bikes. In order to form a more influential group and gain clout these groups form federations and confederations. These groups not only travel, but also politically lobby. Motorcycle clubs have many reasons for forming, some for reasons of touring and casually riding, all the way to extreme sports riding and stunt-riding. And of course every club and group proudly sports their own motorcycles, helmets and motorcycle helmet bags. These accessories are all important to every rider regardless of group. Some motorcycle groups are even outlawed for reasons such as breaking traffic laws and typical misdemeanors. Most of these groups still remain the minority compared to the more respected honest motorcycle gangs.
Finally, it would be improper to fail to mention that the ladies have their own motorcycling subgroups. These clubs – dedicated to and required as membership being a woman – focus on more feminine apparel. These particular bikers tend to wear jackets, boots, pants and other clothes that emphasize their shape and sexiness. Besides their clothing, this particular subgroup brings to the biker mythology more ‘feminine color’ in the form of pink shaded helmets, motorcycle helmet bags and even saddlebags.