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Motorcycle Touring: Its Just a TV Show

Stop the bitch'in and just ride

This is not typically something I would write about, but after reading the multitude of forum posts and articles on the subject I thought I would throw in my two cents. What I am referring to is the Discovery Channel’s "build off" between the Tuetuls and Jessie James. I admit that over the seasons I have enjoyed American Chopper, particularly in the early years. But like many other fans I lost interest two or three years ago as the show turned more into a scream fest between Junior and Senior and less about building bikes. Since Paul Jr. left OCC I actually like the show much better. There is less drama and more focus on the motorcycles, which I think makes much more interesting to watch.

I know all of the criticism about the Tuetuls not building "real" motorcycles, and agree with some of the observations, however I could make the same arguments about nearly every bike that was created on the old "Biker Build Off" episodes—another show that I enjoyed very much. I don’t think that either of these programs was about building "rideable" motorcycles. Rather they have been about creating kinetic sculptures in the form of motorcycles. In fact just about every custom bike exhibited at motorcycle shows across this country could be classified in the same manner. This in no way demines the craftsmanship that goes into producing one of these rolling works of art. They were simply not meant to be everyday forms of transportation or cross country touring platforms...they are show pieces.

Whether you like Paul Junior’s or Jessie James’ creation more is a matter of personal taste—I think both are beautiful machines—but neither can be considered a bike that you would jump on and ride for a thousand miles, and should not be judged in that manner.

What really sparked me to write about this topic is the vitriol that I read in various online posts. Fans of both Paul Jr. and Jessie James could not simply discuss the merits of their favorite bike, but felt it necessary to make ad hominem attacks about the other builder. I guess this is just one of the ugly parts of the internet. People feel some form of power and anonymity by hiding behind a cryptic screen name and keyboard. They just can’t resist the temptation to be nasty.

Conversely I have never found this to be true when I meet motorcyclist face to face. Whether it has been a local charity ride or Sturgis, no one really cares what kind of bike you are riding. The fact that you are out there enjoying the open road on two wheels makes you a comrade. Of course there is always some good natured ribbing between Victory and Harley riders or between American vs. Japanese bikes, but it has always been in good fun. It is the rare individual that takes it seriously.

Whether it is helmet laws, EPA regulations, motorcycle only check points or distracted drivers, we motorcyclists have enough issues to deal with without calling each other names—even if it is in the virtual world. So come on guys, it is just a TV show. Take a lesson from the "real" motorcyclists, just get out there and ride.

—Craig Allen Ripley