How to Approach a Biker

I’ve been around bikers a long, long time, and I’ve learned how to approach just about any group of riders in many situations. You can find people willing to talk with you or even ride with you almost everywhere you find bikers. Including places like meet and greets, fuel stops, charity runs, bike nights, parties, local bars and even stop lights.

With the correct persuasion, you can approach just about anyone. As far as groups of people are concerned, bikers are one of the easiest of any group I’ve encountered. They can also be the toughest, but you can often see those few from a mile away. Don’t let the fact that you’re riding a Sportster keep you from approaching people.

The easiest way to approach a biker, just about any biker from sport riders to off-roaders, and in many cases club members, is to just ride up to them and say “hey, what’s up?”

That’s it. Maybe ask them something about their bike, or their trip. Most bikers love talking about bikes, especially their bikes. Once started, many bikers, including myself, will ramble on about their bikes or riding as long as time permits. Often longer.

If you see a group of bikes stopped getting gas or stopped at a diner or in a parking lot, stop in and say “hey, what’s up?” Sometimes it’s even acceptable (with the proper approach) to tag along during a ride. Ride in to the back of the pack, and nod at the last guy as if to say “hey, what’s up?”