Here Are Eight Types Of Indian Bikers, Which One Are You?

I recently read an article about a Belgian study conducted using a sample of 3,000 16-years-old-and-over bikers to identify the eight kinds of bikers there are . The results were intriguing and hilariously relatable. According to the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), this study helps identify the different types of motorcyclists that exist in Belgium and also to study how they behave. They identified eight kinds- the time optimizer, the ‘time-for-me’ seeker, the unconditional user, the good-vibe seeker, the ‘I want it all’ rider, the multimodal rider, the day-to-day rider and the life-long experience rider.

I will link the source article below for you to read the detailed breakdown of each kind. That said, this study made me wonder, we’re not very different from these Belgians. In fact, we all know someone that fits each kind, and they even add their own unique take on it as well. So over the next four Sundays I will pick two types from above and give it an Indian take. This week let’s begin with the ‘time-for-me’ seeker and the unconditional user.

The 'time-for-me' seeker

I love this bunch, most of my friends now fall into this category. In essence, these are riders that seek out motorcycles to unwind after a heavy week of diligent duty towards work and family. These weekend warriors love it when public holidays stack up against the weekends. Such luxuries beckon the mandatory multi-day ride to locations like Goa because a beer by the beach just hits differently.

They’ll often express how back in college, they hit the road like every day of the week was Sunday, but now, they prefer Saturdays, because Sunday’s are usually reserved for ‘other commitments’. Riding is a ritual as important as that first cup of coffee without which normal functioning just feels lacking the right kick. The breakfast on these rides are usually the best and where one laps up the weekly download of what’s been up. These are great people to ride with to explore short and scenic riding locations around your city.

The unconditional user

Come rain or shine, morning or night, these are the guys who will ride without fail. Wet boots and uncomfortable feet will not shake their conviction, in fact these evangelists of biking will say, that’s the right way of doing it. I know there are exceptions to every rule but a majority of this kind are usually also always late for every meet. They usually pack for all four-seasons from head to toe and almost everything is double wrapped in enough plastic to choke an entire school of fish. But it keeps the stuff dry, Ishan!

Why I enjoy riding with this kind, especially on long tours, is because I’m lazy. And these guys always over-prepare. From a chocolate bar to a spanner you thought you’d never need, you’ll find it on these guys ALL THE TIME! They have strong personalities and are usually very well researched, so conversations are rich in information and the riding is always pure. They bring an amazing flavour to any riding group they may associate with.   

Next week, we will look at the ‘good-vibe seeker’ and the ‘I want it all’ rider. Tell us about your friends and their quirky riding habits in the comments below. Also have a look at the Belgian research on the eight kinds of motorcyclist.