What It Really Means to Be a Biker: It’s Not About the Brand
Spend any amount of time in the motorcycle community, and you’ll hear it: “You’re not a real biker unless you ride a Harley.” Or maybe it’s an Indian. Or a Victory. Or whatever the current brand loyalists are rallying behind. It’s almost cult-like — brand wars, style wars, arguments over what makes a “real” biker.
But here’s the truth: Being a biker has nothing to do with what brand you ride. It’s not about whether your bike is American, Japanese, or European. It’s not about whether you’re throwing your leg over a cruiser, sport bike, dirt bike, or café racer. It’s not even about whether your tires touch asphalt or gravel.
Being a biker is about what you do with the machine you have. It’s about the time you spend on two wheels and the miles you rack up. It’s about the wind in your face, the sound of the engine in your ears, and the feeling of freedom that only comes when you’re leaning into a curve or tearing down an open road.
It’s about the places you see along the way — the way the sun dips below the mountains in Colorado, the vast open plains of Kansas, the winding back roads of Tennessee. It’s the feeling of crossing state lines with nothing but your bike beneath you and the open road ahead. It’s the small towns where you grab a greasy burger and a cup of coffee, the neon lights of a city you’ve never been to, the smell of pine trees in the Pacific Northwest or desert air in Arizona. Every mile tells a story, every highway has its own rhythm, and every city has its own vibe.
It’s also about the bond you build with the brothers and sisters you ride with — the ones who’ve got your back when you break down on the side of the road, the ones who know the feeling of a sunrise ride or a midnight sprint. It’s about the stories you share over a cold beer after a long day on the road, the laughter, the road grime, and the camaraderie that forms when you’re living life at 70 mph.
A real biker isn’t defined by a logo or a brand. A real biker is someone who rides. Someone who knows the open road better than their own backyard. Someone who understands that the only thing that matters is the ride, not what’s stamped on the gas tank.
So, whether you’re on a Harley, a Honda, or an Indian, if you’re out there chasing sunsets, feeling the wind, and living life with a throttle in your hand — you’re a biker. Period.
Ride safe. Ride free. Ride your way.
-Nefarious
And when it comes to expressing that freedom off the bike, your gear should say just as much as your ride. That’s why we created Nefarious Moto Co. — for the riders who live outside the lines, who wear their grit with pride. Whether it’s our OG skull biker shirt, our tattoo face tee, or a snapback hat that speaks your vibe, our motorcycle apparel is made for men, women, and kids who ride for the love of it. Locally designed in Utah and built for every mile of the journey, our biker lifestyle clothing keeps the spirit of the road with you — even when the engine’s off. Because at the end of the day, it’s about the ride, the tribe, and the freedom you feel wherever you go.
Shop Now: Nefarious Apparel