[Scott]

When I walk into a store wearing street clothes I might get a nod or smile. Especially if I smile, right? Pretty normal.
When I walk into the same store with my riding gear on and carry my helmet I get a fair amount of differing looks and interactions than when in street clothes. This is real and not perceived. My question is this.
In general are people looking at me like I'm an “idiot dead man walking”?
Or something more like “children don't get to close he's looking for trouble”?
Or something else? I really wonder what it is. Any thoughts you all?

 

[Hooplah]

Might be the "biker effect." You're wearing your gear so people assume you're one of the 1%s that like to ruin everyone's life with a look. It's not so bad if you don't have the helmet with you. Depending on the gloves (I'm looking at you Icon TiMax) they may not help your case either.

I don't get too funny looks if I leave my helmet with the bike while I make a quick trip into the gas station.

 

[MotoMike]

To the general public, you my friend, are of a different breed. You represent something most will never be. You travel a distinguished road, and you are an enigma to those who lead dull, ordinary lives. More power to those of us who have enough sense to wear the right safety gear, regardless of what others may think, good or bad.


P.S.: this post was not intended to be sarcastic. Sorry if it was seen that way.

 

[NSU]

You look like a stormtrooper. People aren't used to seeing the rubber fetish clothes off the bike.

You'd get the same looks wearing a tux.

 

[Scott]

It really is an interesting experience. I'll have to let this wash over me! Just wish I could have a blaster too!

 

[Jubis]

To the general public, you my friend, are of a different breed. You represent something most will never be. You travel a distinguished road, and you are an enigma to those who lead dull, ordinary lives. More power to you.

+1 This.

 

[live_to_ride]

You're wearing riding gear for the love!

 

[putoff]

To the general public, you my friend, are of a different breed. You represent something most will never be. You travel a distinguished road, and you are an enigma to those who lead dull, ordinary lives. More power to you.

Epic troll! Sublime. My wife and I had a good laugh over this post. Of course, if you were serious, you are a sad, sad individual. Either way, great post!

 

[TBC]

Try haveing tattoo's from you shoulders down to you calfs. You think you get looked at. LOL
My wife walks into store with her helmet on alot of the times, doesnt even take it off, she gets really strange looks.

 

[illegalpn0i]

You look like a stormtrooper. People aren't used to seeing the rubber fetish clothes off the bike.

You'd get the same looks wearing a tux.

then buy one of these haha!!

UD Replicas' David Pea on eTalk - YouTube

 

[Jubis]

Try haveing tattoo's from you shoulders down to you calfs. You think you get looked at. LOL
My wife walks into store with her helmet on alot of the times, doesnt even take it off, she gets really strange looks.

Unfortunately most professional businesses here (including all petrol stations) will include helmets in the "hats" category and will ask you to remove it, usually well before you enter the building.

 

[allen]

I don't wear my motorcycle helmet indoors (haha) but if the gas jockey wants me to take my UUC cap off, we're gonna throw down.

 

[MotoMike]

Epic troll! Sublime. My wife and I had a good laugh over this post. Of course, if you were serious, you are a sad, sad individual. Either way, great post!

No sarcasm intended. Just telling it like I see it. Lots of people out there leading lives of quiet desperation, with their mini vans, hauling 2.3 kids around to all those soccer practices, ballet classes... doing all the BS society expects of them. Deep down inside, they know that they lack the "sack" to go do something bold. When they see someone who is marching to the beat of a different drummer, they, the quietly desperate don't know what to make of it.

 

[putoff]

No sarcasm intended. Just telling it like I see it. Lots of people out there leading lives of quiet desperation, with their mini vans, hauling 2.3 kids around to all those soccer practices, ballet classes... doing all the BS society expects of them. Deep down inside, they know that they lack the "sack" to go do something bold. When they see someone who is marching to the beat of a different drummer, they, the quietly desperate don't know what to make of it.

@motomike You're too much.

@OP If anyone looks at you because you're in moto gear, its more a momentary "hey, that's interesting". Moto gear is visually stimulating with all of its "edgy" design. Most of the time though, people don't care what you're wearing at all, not even for a moment. Don't bother with what others might think.

 

[Scott]

@motomike You're too much.

@OP If anyone looks at you because you're in moto gear, its more a momentary "hey, that's interesting". Moto gear is visually stimulating with all of its "edgy" design. Most of the time though, people don't care what you're wearing at all, not even for a moment. Don't bother with what others might think.

Could be, but the other side of me is 2 children with an SUV,clean cut and fairly conservative. The response to my gear seems to be a little more than a "that's an interesting outfit" look. Maybe it is the wild look my sweet Alpine Jacket gives me! I'm not bothered at all about it, just an observation.

 

[live_to_ride]

You don't wear a uniform for a living do you?!

 

[Empty Sea]

I'm 50. 2 kids, SUV. I'm an insurance agent for God's sake. How much more square can I possibly be? So far, people look, some say "you ride?" most say nothing. I don't think I scare anyone and I think they look because I look different. I have to say that I stopped worrying about what people think about my attire or that I ride because I know I have the right gear and that riding is cool. Plus I have a helmet with which I can smack them upside the head if they get lippy. LOL

 

[the_lucky_owl]

I have been asked if I was a power ranger before....I've also had little kids proudly exclaim "look mom a motorcycle dude!". Most of the gas stations in my area know me so I don't usually have to take mine (helmet) off.
I once had a man get right in my face (he smelled suspiciously of alcohol at 8am on top of that haha) and quietly say "those full face helmets can be annoying to take off I understand why you keep your's on..."
My arctic circle bumper sticker tends to get more shocked looks then the gear however lol.

 

[Lowcard]

I get different looks from people when riding each bike. Riding my harley, i get "wtf is he wearing!?!?" looks. I tend to wear goofy ****. Camoflauge tuxedo, vans hi-tops and a gold flake half face. And when i ride the ceebee, i get the "wth is he riding!?!" look, considering majority of people cant read the sticker due to idiocracy.

 

[Scott]

You don't wear a uniform for a living do you?!

No uniform. I do take the bike everywhere I can If I am able to carry what I purchase. Wally World, grocery store, bank etc...I don't take my jacket and pants off before I go in either!!!