Americans love to ride on two wheels! There’s nothing like the thrill of riding with another person, comparing bikes or sharing your knowledge with another motorcycle aficionado. But making friends as adults, even when you share the same interests, can be challenging at any age. The good news is that the percentage of U.S. households that own a motorcycle rose to 8.02 percent in 2018, so plenty of people should be interested in riding in your area.
Motorcycle owners span all ages and experience levels, including younger generations. The latest statistics show that 16 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds own a motorcycle. Although most bike owners are men, more women are hitting the road than ever before.
Whether you’re a new or experienced rider, use these tips to find someone who loves riding as much as you.
Riding with a Buddy
When you’re ready to ride with a friend, wear the required motorcycle safety gear to protect yourself from accidents and injuries and encourage your partner to do the same.
You’ll need to talk to them while riding without taking your hands off the handlebars or looking away from the road. Hand signals only work when you’re in front, and busy areas make it difficult to ride side-by-side. This is where a motorcycle helmet Bluetooth headset comes in. The device connects automatically when in range to minimize distractions. Just set it and ride to keep the conversation going.
Go to an Event
The best way to find a motorcycle buddy is to go where other riders hang out. Most major cities have motorcycle rallies and events celebrating the sport. Use websites like Meetup and Eventbrite to find motorcycle-focused theme get-togethers in your area. You can also try searching for “motorcycle events” on Google to find results near you. If you live in a rural area, you might have to drive to the next closest town.
Take a Class
Existing and prospective motorcycle owners need to learn the rules of the road. Search for motorcycle classes online to find a school near you. You don’t have to be a beginner to join. Most schools rank classes by experience level with options for more senior riders. If you’re a seasoned pro, ask the school if they know of any events or meet-up groups nearby.
Work the Parade
Nearly every town in America has at least one parade, usually during the Fourth of July, attracting motorcycles like magnets. Talk to the folks on bikes after the show. They just might be one of your neighbors.
Word of Mouth
Tell your friends, neighbors, co-workers, family or even the local bartender that you’re looking for a motorcycle buddy. Chances are someone in your network knows someone who rides. Having a mutual connection is also a great way to break the ice.
Use Social Media
Sign up for social media apps like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook and search for motorcycle-based content in your area to meet nearby users. Use hashtags like #motorcycle and #nameofyourtown. Facebook also lets users create groups around shared interests. You can refine your search by gender, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation based on how you identify to meet riders who share your background.
Find a Friend
Most people turn to the internet for everything these days, including friendships. Use platonic social apps like Friender or Bumble for Friends to make new connections. Include your interest in motorcycles in your profile.
Post about needing a motorcycle buddy on public forums like Reddit, Craigslist or Nextdoor. Look for posts about people parking or selling motorcycles to meet local owners.
Compare Your Interests and Experience Level
Just because you both own a motorcycle doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to hit it off. Consider what type of relationship you want. Are you looking for a riding buddy, someone to pass along knowledge to or a fellow adventurer who wants to chart new territory for days at a time? When getting to know each other, discuss your experience levels and where and how you like to ride.
Here are some questions to keep in mind:
- How long have you been riding a motorcycle?
- How often do you ride?
- What’s the furthest you’ve ridden in a day?
- How much time can you commit to riding?
- Do you own a wireless Bluetooth motorcycle headset?
- Is your motorcycle in good condition?
- Do you ride safe?
Compare schedules to see how often you both can get on the road. Avoid riding with someone who drinks and drives. Their mistakes can put you at risk. If you have a spare set of safety gear, consider lending it to them if they don’t already have their own.
With a little bit of research and weeding through the crowd, you can find a reliable motorcycle buddy with whom you can ride regularly. If you’re not used to meeting new people, keep an open mind, make eye contact and practice active listening to make a strong first impression. You’ll be making friends and new memories before you know it.
