I opened up a pretty big can of worms when I tackled the subject of social networking for bikers. Back in August I wrote a post about Bikerworlds, the first social site I found geared toward the biker community. In October I wrote a follow-up post regarding BikerOrNot.com, which is another very popular social network (and also a very popular post for this site).
For part three of this subject matter I’m going to highlight a few more sites that I’ve found since I last wrote. One thing to keep in mind, not all of these sites are created equally. While a lot of them share the same basic idea and similar buckets of content, some are technically easier to use and more thought out than others. It all depends on what appeals to you in the end.
Motorcycle Syndicate: This site has been around since summer ‘07. I’m not quite sure what their member base is, but according to their site they “strive to be the premier interactive online community for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.” They also use other social networking sites to their advantage when trying to get the word out. You can also win a free T-shirt if you’re a registered member and help spread the word.
Hogstr: I got an email about this site a few weeks ago so I thought I’d check it out. Seems this site is a brand-spanking newbie, having only come into existence in the beginning of February. Not a lot of members or content yet and now that I look at it I’m not even sure if it’s officially “launched.” I see lots of profile pics with half-nekkid chicks on bikes, which kind of turns me off. I’m going to file this one under “wait and see.”
Harley Social: I think the title for this one speaks for itself, but this social network is for HD enthusiasts. It looks to have launched early this year and encourages it’s members to upload photos, videos and to post blogs. It’s a visually robust site, almost to the point where I don’t know where to look first, but the emphasis on this site seems to revolve around just having a good time.
Biker Nation: From what I can tell this site has been around since late 2006. Like all of the other sites it has forums, news feeds, blogs, classifieds, events, pictures, videos and music. It also has a “babes” section (if you’re into that sort of thing) and online auctions. For the amount of time this site has been in existence I guess I expected more. Perhaps they’ve been spending more time focusing on their heavily-tattooed, sister site Inked Nation.
If I had all the time in the world I would love to join all of these sites, but I just don’t. You can still find my profiles on Bikerworlds, BikerOrNot and of course, good old myspace.
Do any of you have a favorite social networking site that you use regularly?
March 7th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Hey Liz, Thanks for bringing up the subject of online Biker communities or forums. It’s an area I have had issues with in the past. I guess being of the older generation I’m not quite as comfortable with the whole online thing as some people are. I have joined a few in the past to see what’s up with them. Most of my experiences have not been very good unfortunately. One thing I noticed is that usually there are a few “key” members that seem to run the show and ridicule new members if they don’t fit into the mold. Anonymity seems to bring out the tough guy in some just like alcohol brings out courage in a bar room. I once read what was obvious bad advice and made a comment contradicting one of the “key” members and was crucified for trying to help out. It’s bad enough trying to sort out the posers and B.S. artists in real life on bikes. In an online forum is almost impossible to know who is full of hot air and who is genuine. I guess my attitude is why bother? ….aggravation I don’t need more of in life! As far as the dating seen, or porn seen, if that’s what you into or looking for that’s fine, then don’t pretend to be something else to people. I think it boils down to the fact that some people who might not be comfortable with themselves, or have an identity crisis feel comfortable being surrounded by other folks that can reassure them that they fit in. For myself, I have been a motorcyclists/Biker/racer for over 30 years, I have never fit in and have never needed the approval from others. As anyone that’s read some of my writing/comments knows, I’m not afraid to say it like I see it. This subject could turn into quite the study of human behavior! On second thought, the best things about motorcycles are the simple things…. fun, freedom, and feeling great. That’s what we need more of in this world! -Crusty
March 8th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Hi Rip, 1st time visitor-I’ll be taking my FIRST bike riding class on May 2nd here in Michigan! I’ll be following up in your blog, hoping to learn more about riding. I’ve NEVER rode a bike b4! Talk to u later..bria
March 10th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Crusty, I totally get what you mean about participating in forums. They can be tricky places to interact with people. It’s very easy for the “mob mentality” to kick in and ganging up on someone who may not participate on a regular basis. I like to read forums on occasion, but I don’t live on them like a lot of members might. I feel like people who obsessively post on forums or discussion boards are like you mentioned: insecure and looking for validation from other people. And if that’s what they need, fine. But not at the expense of other members that are trying to help out.
As for social networking, I mainly use my profiles to get the word out about this site. It works well depending on the popularity of the site and allows me to get the message out to a wider group of people.
Oh, the other day I had to laugh: I had an encounter with a “drugstore biker” at a coffee shop I frequent. I immediately thought of your post! Have a good one!
March 10th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Bria, congrats on signing up for the rider’s course! That’s very exciting. One word of advice before you go: I hope you can drive a standard. If you can’t then you need to learn before you go. It’ll make your life easier.
I wrote a post about my motorcycle safety course: http://www.rippin-kitten.com/2007/04/04/my-first-time/
If you need any advice or if you have any questions just ask!