6 personality traits of motorcycle riders

Bikers are a strange breed. Often non-bikers struggle to understand the desire of biking and its incredible addictive nature.

Choosing to brave the elements rather than ride in the comfort of a car speaks to the soul of a biker and indeed there are often unique personality traits that draw this passionate community together.

In this article, we’ll explore what they are.

The psychology of motorcycle riders

In a cross-sectional study that was conducted with a randomly selected of 153 Brazilian motorcycle riders, the following was found:

“Motorcyclists exhibited higher scores for the temperament factors of novelty seeking and persistence and lower scores for harm avoidance and reward dependence in comparison to the Brazilian population). Considering the reason for motorcycle use, the group of riders that used their motorcycles for work exhibited more temperament factors associated with risk behaviors than those who did not. It was observed that 68.9% of them had low Harm Avoidance (HA) factor scores, whereas 72.1% had high Novelty Seeking (NS) factor scores.”

Clearly more studies need to be undertaken on broader populations, but the results suggest that bikers are novelty-seeking risk-takers.

6 personality traits of motorcycle riders

1. Adventurous

Bikers often possess an adventurous spirit that can only be satiated on the road. Exploring new routes and finding the best trails or twisties is one of the greatest satisfactions of biking.

2. Rebellious

Many of us are drawn to biking as an act of rebellion. One of the main attractions for me was that my parents were completely opposed to the idea of motorcycles, making me want to do it even more. I eventually ended up doing a motorcycle trip down the length of South America, which I only told them about afterwards.

3. Thrill-seeking

There’s nothing quite like the rumble of a motorcycle engine and the sensation of twisting the throttle, accelerating away from traffic. Or the feeling of leaning into a corner on a secluded mountain road. As a biker, you experience a deep thrill of just being out in the elements, at one with your bike.

4. Passionate

Bikers are passionate people. You have to be, when jumping on a bike for a long ride isn’t the most logical form of transport. Come rain or shine and even snow, many bikers are itching to get out riding, constantly checking the weather and planning ride outs with friends.

5. Brave

Much of the population are scared of bikes and rightly so. It’s a dangerous hobby, with motorcycle accidents proving all to common. When cars hurtle by and road conditions threaten to dislodge you from your bike, you must be confident in your riding skills. Even after having crashes or falling off, many bikers can’t imagine giving up riding.

6. Loyal

The motorcycle community are a tight bunch. Whether it be a tilt of the head or a kick of the leg, bikers are constantly acknowledging each other on the road and their part of something greater. If a biker’s having trouble on the side of the road, it often won’t be long before another biker pulls up to lend a hand.

Types of motorcycle riders

Not all motorcycle riders are the same, and it really depends what type of biking you like.

I personally ride touring bikes and motorcycle travel, otherwise known as adventure riding, making my reasons for riding different from a thrill-seeking sports bike rider.

Then you have Harley riders, for example, who are all about the camaraderie of being in a bike group or gang.

Classic bike enthusiasts and custom builders may love riding, but they might take greater pleasure in the mechanical aspect of the hobby.

Motorcycle brand stereotypes

Some motorcycle brands have stereotypes. We’ve all heard about Harley bike gangs, popularised in the media and shows like Sons of Anarchy, portraying groups like the Hells Angels.

A bikers personality traits may well play into the type of riding and bike they enjoy, as well as their biking friends and consequent stereotype.

Also, your bike of choice may evolve over time, much like your growth as a person. Whereas young bucks might start out as speed demons, older bikers may choose a more relaxed and comfortable touring bike as they age.

What your motorcycle says about you

To be honest, what your bike says about you really doesn’t matter.

Trying to live up to external images isn’t worth it.

Although bikers have some common personality characteristics, it’s really about the internal joy derived from getting on your bike and going for a ride.

So suit up and get out there!