Easy Rider and Chopperguy

Contrary to what a previous post might have suggested, I am not opposed to things other than old school DIY choppers. I actually like it that most people don't choose to go that route. Sticking out in a crowd is a lifestyle choice that fits me well. A motorcycle is still a motorcycle. So when my neighbor asked for help with her little Honda Rebel, I didn't even hesitate. Full sets of wrenches in metric and standard at her disposal. She has a flat tire up front so I offered to load it in my truck to get it to the gas station for air. And if we run into any problems I'm not familiar with, I know a guy who is trained to work on Jap bikes. We've got her covered, and that's what it's all about.

In fact, I like the Honda Rebel more than the Shadow. The Rebel doesn't pretend to be a Harley. There is even the Harley Wide Glide that pretends to be a chopper. Don't pretend. This weekend I went to a bar where a bunch of bikers were hanging out. They had the full leathers, the store bought patches, logos and slogans plastered all over them. Then in walked three Gypsy Jokers. The guys had the patch on the back, a couple up front, and that was it. They looked hard and dirty, gritty. They didn't act large and in charge like the other bikers had been trying. They just walked in, sat down, and ordered. But at that point the other bikers settled down. We had exited the land of make-believe, and I was grinning ear to ear. Don't pretend.

And I would chop a Rebel before I would chop a Shadow, but my neighbor doesn't want that. She isn't pretending, either.