Why do motor cyclists drive in troop like groups?

[HereSince1628]

Is this usually a club thing or BFF thing, or do random riders just find each other and form these traveling groups? I'm seeing a LOT of this group riding thing as the Harley-Davidson Anniversary celebration gets underway in Milw.

I'm just curious. I haven't any problem with 'cycles on the road.

Frankly, this anniversary celebration is going to be GREAT for struggling businesses in tiny hamlets along the "scenic" routes that are my usual commute to and from the exurbs and Milw.

[Wait Wut]

1. Usually because they're just out riding together.

But, it also improves visibility/safety, so if they all have a common destination they'll usually pack up.

[HereSince1628]

2. Interesting. They are pretty easy to notice. n/t

[bluesbassman]

3. Nothing real sinister about it. It's generally because they're all going to the same place.

A rally or such like the event this weekend for HD.

It's also somewhat safer as a group is more visible than a solo bike. I've been riding for forty years and I still can miss seeing a solo rider. Always notice a large group though.

[Wait Wut]

4. Was that you...

...I saw in Riverside riding with the Vespa gang? They all had matching satin jackets. They were adorable.

[bluesbassman]

6. Shhh!!! Don't let the secret out!

I remember the first time I ever saw a Scooter Gang. I was in Germany in '77 and waiting at a stoplight when about a dozen of these guys in full leather regalia roll up next to me on their Vespas looking all serious and tough. I'd never seen anything like that in California at that time and almost fell over I was laughing so hard.

I think they failed to see the humor, and when the light changed they all sped off in a putt.

[Wait Wut]

8. AHAHAHAHA!

I think the leather outfits would have made it MUCH worse! These guys looked like they were having too much fun to care what people thought!

But, yeah...I had never seen anything like it until California.

[flying rabbit]

13. I am told that German scooter gangs are

a result of tough DUI laws. Apparently you can still ride a scooter after you get your MC license taken away. Heard this from a buddy who was in the army and had a Harley over there. Sometimes his stories are a bit embellished though, so who knows?

[HereSince1628]

5. I didn't mean to suggest anything 'sinister' Milw has a summer full of lake front festivals

and Brewers games. Both can create lots of traffic going in the same direction, but that traffic doesn't ever really manifest itself in recognizable groups.

With thousands of bikers on the roads around Milw because of the H-D 'birthday' these groups are pretty obvious and somewhat novel.

[bluesbassman]

7. Nah, didn't think you did. A lot of people do though...

I once had a old guy reach over and lock his door when I pulled up next to him on the freeway doing 65mph. I guess he figured my girlfriend was going to leap off the back of the bike onto his roof and try to carjack him.

[Wait Wut]

9. It happens in movies...

...so it could happen fer realz. Probably not as successfully.

[Bunnahabhain]

10. Because motorcycles are now minivans.

As someone who's first bike was an H2 I can tell you things have really changed since I started riding a few decades ago. Now you see chunky middle aged house wives as part of these packs, wobbly arms exposed to get sun burned, dedazzled leather vests proudly displayed, pretending they're Peter Fonda riding with Dennis Hopper. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, let people find their happiness where they can, but Harleys are now Sunday morning minivan type things for many.

The movie "Wild Hogs" about sums it up.

[pinboy3niner]

11. Harley magnetizes them at the factory

[trof]

12. That's the best answer so far.

[B Calm]

14. You'd think it would be more dangerous. Try avoiding from

hitting that huge chunk of semi tire in the road when you are surrounded with other bikes.

[UTUSN]

15. They're lonely. n/t

[Mopar151]

16. It's the sound!

I live near Laconia - the big packs riding to Bike Week sound like a diesel train high-ballin.

[pipi_k]

17. Because

It looks cool?

[Tuesday Afternoon]

18. birds of a feather flock together.