It's the bad ass image. Look at most Motorcycle clothing ads and you will see the same type "rider". A very loose term here!
Most motorcycle related manufacturers are after new customers and they need to appeal to a certain part of the main stream population. I walked thru a Cycle Gear store not too long ago and see hoodies with what they call crash protection in the way of elbow and back pads. These types of "gear" are not "gear" as much as they are fashion. These manufacturers would rather sell what looks good because it is easier to appeal to a new rider in this manner or rider that wants a bad ass image.
I looked at that hoodie and my first thought was how this loose fitting pile of material will roll up and tear apart in seconds and offer absolutely not protection at all. Almost a false advertisement in my mind.
I heard a couple talking at that store and heard one guy to the other say....I like the look of this face mask because it makes me feel evil...That seems to be what many want from their biker image.
I'd love to have one of body's those guys in the adds have. Alas, I am over weight, almost bald on top and sort of on the short side. Ever notice how the old, white, fat guys on Harlies have the hot old lady's. Ok some of the chicks are really round. HD sold an image that some people need and the marketing people a cross the motorcycle industry market. I tried to find off the rack true riding gear, leather/ textile. But my legs are to short and my middle a little to round. Nothing will ever fit this body like the models. I to have to quietly laugh at what people try to emulate, and fail at. That one of the reasons I ride what I ride, I don't have to look like a pirate.
Well I agree that the motorcycle marketing gurus love to play the bad boy or girl card. Look at most firearm publications, many of the ads feature a soldier minus unit ID holding a weapon or mil spec add on that every shooting range commando must have. I think we all wanted to be Cowboys when we were little, the badass act is just the final manifestation. Just my $.02
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