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There are many terms to define someone who rides a motorcycle. Those who ride a motorcycle are usually referred to as a biker, motorcyclist, or rider. The other words used to define a motorcyclist include motorcycle rider, motor biker, or bike rider. To most people, all of these terms have the same meaning.
However, if you are a part of the motorcycling culture, you know that there is a difference between a biker, motorcyclist, and rider. These terms are differentiated on the basis of their involvement and enthusiasm towards motorcycling.
There is no clear line between being a biker, motorcyclist, or rider. There are spectrums that make you one of them. It can also depend on what you ride. If you are unsure about yourself, this article can help you identify what you are.
Let’s find out the difference between a biker, motorcyclist, and rider. From the definition to the background of these terms, this article will clear everything.
1. What Is the Difference Between a Biker, Motorcyclist, and Rider?
In general, there is no difference between a biker, motorcyclist, and rider. According to the common definition around the world, a person who rides a bike can be referred to as a biker, motorcyclist, or biker.
1.1 Biker

According to the literal meaning, a biker is usually someone who rides a bicycle, particularly in the US. For a motorcycle rider to become a biker, he should be called a motor biker. This makes more sense.
“Bike” is also a very common short term for the bicycle. However, since the inception of biker culture and motorcycle clubs, a bike is often used for motorcycles.
In the US, a biker is a more stylish term for a motorcyclist. The motorcycle club's culture is also very rich and strong in the US. You are most likely to be called a biker if you ride a motorcycle in America.
Similarly, if you ride a classic bike, particularly a Harley Davidson, you are a biker. Riding a Harley bike means you are deeply in love with motorcycles.
A biker is more deeply in love with his bike. He not only rides a bike for daily commutes. He enjoys riding his bike for pleasure and peace. He loves to go on long rides with his ride partner.
A biker may also be considered to be a part of a motorcycle club. He may also wear a vest or a jacket with a particular motorcycle club’s patch. He may also be seen hanging around in bars and clubs, drinking beer. This is the image that comes to mind when listening to the term ‘biker’.
If you are inclined towards motorcycle clubs, read our biker’s guide to avoid those motorcycle patches that can get you in trouble.
If you look at a biker, it seems like they are carrying the biker culture and tradition.
A biker is more passionate about motorcycling. He adopts the lifestyle. He loves to introduce himself as a biker. He is one of the representatives of biker culture.
1.2 Rider

‘Rider’ is the other most common term for bikers in the US. However, the term ‘rider’ alone does not have a proper meaning. You can either be a horse rider or a cycle rider. Therefore, to make it obvious, it is often usually called ‘Motorcycle Rider’.
After biker, rider is the most used term for motorcyclists. Unlike a biker, a motorcycle rider is not a die-hard motorcycling fan. More than the pleasure, motorcycling is his need. He uses a motorcycle for daily commutes. He also likes to go on weekend rides and long journeys occasionally.
A motorcycle rider seems to be a more modern term than a biker. This is mainly because bikers are associated with motorcycling culture and MCs.
When you listen to the word biker, you think of a sophisticated biker. It seems that he follows the traffic laws and safety rules. Motorcycling is not everything for a rider. It is not a part of his identity, unlike bikers.
Also, a motorcycle rider is not associated with a specific motorcycle brand. He rides what he finds best for him. A motorcycle rider also seems to be considerate about fuel economy. He is not obsessed with loud pipes and leather jackets.
A rider also seems to avoid the motorcycle club’s culture. He is also inclined towards driving cars.
1.3 Motorcyclist

‘Motorcyclist’ may not be the most common term used for motorcycle riders. However, it is quite self-sufficient. ‘Motorcyclist’ gives a clear meaning. Unlike biker or rider, ‘motorcyclist’ is not confusing. It does not need another term to define itself, as in the case of motorcycle riders. For a motorcyclist, motorcycling is a hobby and interest.
1.4 Difference Between a Biker and Motorcyclist
There is another very interesting difference between a biker and a motorcyclist.
- Biker: A Biker is the one who focuses more on the lifestyle. He is more intrigued by the biker culture.
- Motorcyclist: Meanwhile, a motorcyclist is one who is more focused on riding a bike.
2. What Is the Difference Between a Motorcycle and Motorbike?
2.1 Motorcycle Vs. Motorbike: Based on Region
This is among the biggest debates in the motorcycling world. Both motorcycles and motorbikes are used for the same two-wheeled vehicle.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a common terminology in America.
It is also a widely used term in the rest of the world.
A motorcycle is considered a standard term for two-wheeled vehicles.
Motorbike
On the contrary, a motorbike is a common term for motorcycles in the United Kingdom and Australia.
2.2 Motorcycle Vs. Motorbike: Based on Terminology
A motorcycle is a combination of two words: “Motor” and “Bicycle”.
Meanwhile, a motorbike is also a combination of two words: “Motor” and “Bike”.
2.3 Motorcycle Vs. Motorbike: Based on Size
Motorcycle
According to most definitions, a motorcycle is a large two-wheel vehicle. It has heavy parts, a large engine, and is more powerful. It is also considered to be the formal term for motorcycles. A Harley Davidson is a perfect example of a motorcycle.
Must Read: Why Are American Motorcycles So Big?
Motorbike
On the other hand, motorbikes are considered smaller. They are less powerful than motorcycles. It looks like the term ‘motorbike’ came from ‘bike’ after they were fitted with motors/engines.
Fact: In this context, it is surprising that in America, motorcycle riders most preferably call themselves bikers. ‘Motorcyclist’ is among the least preferred terms.
3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
3.1 What Does It Mean to Adopt a Biker?
‘Adopting a Biker’ is a commonly used phrase for a car driver who secures a motorcycle rider. There may arise certain harsh weather conditions that are dangerous for bikers. Heavy rain or strong wind can make it difficult for a biker to ride safely.
In such a situation, if a car or another vehicle comes to help the biker by riding in the front or blocking heavy wind, it is referred to as adopting a biker.
Adopting a biker doesn’t mean to take him home or feed him. It only means to save him from trouble so he can ride home safely. It may also mean to save his life in a dangerous situation. In certain cases, even a motorcyclist can adopt a biker.
3.2 What Are the Two Types of Bikers?
For most motorcyclists, there are two types of bikers. Those who are law-abiding motorcycle riders and those who are 1%ers. In the US, most people misinterpret bikers as members of outlaw motorcycle clubs. However, this is not true.
A biker doesn’t necessarily mean a 1%er. He may love Harleys and loud pipes, and he wears leather jackets and bandanas. But, a biker may still ride responsibly and defensively. He is most likely not a part of any crime or violence.
Some people also list the other two types of bikers. According to them, there are some types of bikers who have crashed. They have been involved in a motorcycle accident while riding a motorcycle.
On the contrary, the other types of bikers are the ones who haven’t crashed yet.
3.3 What Is the Biker Slang for Girls?
The most common biker slang for girls is the “Old Lady” or “Ol’ Lady”. It may sound a bit disrespectful, but in reality, it is not. Most bikers, particularly 1%ers, call their wives or girlfriends ‘Old Lady’. It does not refer to their age. Instead, it shows commitment, loyalty, and affection.
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