Houston 2-Wheel Culture Gone???

[flipstyledsm22]

I'm curious to know how Houston is fairing in the motorcycle culture. A lot of members have slowed their activity due to subject matter (I'm guessing)...but I'm wondering if the interest of being on 2-wheels has just faded out all together. Additionally, has the market not been favorable for used bikes? Are bikes not affordable anymore for the young and budget savvy adrenaline junkies? How are you seeing the culture nowadays? What has changed so much, that people aren't riding/meeting like they use to?

The car/truck culture is strong in Houston. Street racing is still popular and car meets have always been (and still is) a popular tradition for Houston. I am pretty puzzled why the forum is dead? Since I've been living in California performing contract work, I joined a local motorcycle forum here. Their motorcycle community is very active, almost as active as MH used to be! Which leads me to believe there's still a chance MH can come back... It just needs a breath of fresh air.

Btw, I'm doing a poll above.

[flipstyledsm22]

TBT!!!

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[TaiMc]

The motorcycle community is alive and well. There are many Houston motorcycle forums and clubs. I think that for this particular forum, participation has fallen off (no clue why, as I'm a newcomer on this forum myself). I don't think it's indicative of the rest of Houston motorcycle culture. I've been to some events and it's very much alive. However, the events I'm aware of were not publicized originally on this forum. It was by word of mouth. Also, the other forum I'm a part of is majorly current and participation is high. It is however, an international forum for all Ninja 400 riders. The website has also been updated. It could be bike-specific forums are booming here in Houston as well. I'm not sure.

[matemike]

It's probably a part of the aging process here on MH. Not MH's age, but the OG members. Maybe I shouldn't say aging, but growing up? The OG's were mostly in their 20's or so during MH's start up circa 2005. We were all single people, moto's were life, it was easy to spend a few days working on bikes, a few days in a row riding, a day getting ready for the track, a day at the track, then two days to recover all while attending meets and post whoring all over MH.

Speaking for myself here of course, but I bet some others as well; 15 years after MH's beginning, it's all about our families now. We are married, have kids, we are more into our careers and not so much our previous day jobs. We watch politics and stock market now for crying out loud. The moto's sadly took a back seat and it went hand in hand with participating on MH.

That's my .02
YMMV

[less_than_coop]

Originally Posted by matemike

It's probably a part of the aging process here on MH. Not MH's age, but the OG members. Maybe I shouldn't say aging, but growing up? The OG's were mostly in their 20's or so during MH's start up circa 2005. We were all single people, moto's were life, it was easy to spend a few days working on bikes, a few days in a row riding, a day getting ready for the track, a day at the track, then two days to recover all while attending meets and post whoring all over MH.

Speaking for myself here of course, but I bet some others as well; 15 years after MH's beginning, it's all about our families now. We are married, have kids, we are more into our careers and not so much our previous day jobs. We watch politics and stock market now for crying out loud. The moto's sadly took a back seat and it went hand in hand with participating on MH.

That's my .02
YMMV

I think this is super well said.

[flipstyledsm22]

Originally Posted by TaiMc

The motorcycle community is alive and well. There are many Houston motorcycle forums and clubs. I think that for this particular forum, participation has fallen off (no clue why, as I'm a newcomer on this forum myself). I don't think it's indicative of the rest of Houston motorcycle culture. I've been to some events and it's very much alive. However, the events I'm aware of were not publicized originally on this forum. It was by word of mouth. Also, the other forum I'm a part of is majorly current and participation is high. It is however, an international forum for all Ninja 400 riders. The website has also been updated. It could be bike-specific forums are booming here in Houston as well. I'm not sure.

Good points you laid out. I think FB groups and other apps, have impacted the need to visit forums in general for meeting purposes. Could you post those other events on MH Events if you receive notification? Or are they "by invitation only"?

Originally Posted by matemike

It's probably a part of the aging process here on MH. Not MH's age, but the OG members. Maybe I shouldn't say aging, but growing up? The OG's were mostly in their 20's or so during MH's start up circa 2005. We were all single people, moto's were life, it was easy to spend a few days working on bikes, a few days in a row riding, a day getting ready for the track, a day at the track, then two days to recover all while attending meets and post whoring all over MH.

Speaking for myself here of course, but I bet some others as well; 15 years after MH's beginning, it's all about our families now. We are married, have kids, we are more into our careers and not so much our previous day jobs. We watch politics and stock market now for crying out loud. The moto's sadly took a back seat and it went hand in hand with participating on MH.

That's my .02
YMMV

Nicely put, but the OG's are not the reason why the site is dead. There are plenty of riders out there and according to TaiMc the culture is very active. I don't get why the volumes had not spilled into MH, why moto content is still at a minimum, and sponsors are sparse?

[dbuck]

kids. You should see my adult sized big wheel though! Mines in the garage, still for sale...and still in no hurry to sell it.

[Cello]

Originally Posted by flipstyledsm22

Nicely put, but the OG's are not the reason why the site is dead. There are plenty of riders out there and according to TaiMc the culture is very active. I don't get why the volumes had not spilled into MH, why moto content is still at a minimum, and sponsors are sparse?

Maybe it's a recruitment thing? I randomly found the website because the guy I was buying my boots from mentioned it when I said I had just bought my bike.

[Shuhboogie]

I can't speak for anyone else but I am looking at MH daily. I typically don't log in but I'm lurking to see if there is any new content that peaks my interest. Unfortunately it's mostly Trump bashing and political debates it seems as of late. Which wisdom has taught me not to discuss the topics of politics or religion in any group setting.

As far as riding, I commute daily on my bikes and ride on the weekends as well. Even if it's only to the store and back.
A lot of interest in group settings or meets was lost for me when Tmax passed. And again with the loss of Pester.
So I typically ride alone or meet with a small specific group of people.

[Solracer]

Facebook is a big factor as why MH isnt "popping" as it was back in the day.

Its easier to post photos and videos, invite certain groups of people, share other information, and make your own group if you so chose.

People are on Facebook all day. I know I am. lol

Forums still have their place, there is still some anonymity that you cant really get on Facebook, there is the search function that can help you research topics talked about for YEARS. You can't do that on Facebook.

[Solracer]

Also, many OG's have moved on from motorcycles. Some are actually finding their way back.

Some have passed on.
Some have "grown up".
Some are more focused on families now.

Life happens.

This new generation also don't care to learn how to use a forum. They feel they are archaic lol.

[less_than_coop]

Rabble rabble!




I like it here. Think I’ll stay a spell. Thanks again for the playground Chris.

[ninenine]

MH is still a place I will always call home. I’ve met some people on this forum that are lifelong friends and had some really good memories.

Chris hit the nail on the head-fb and OG members focusing on other things in life.

I don’t post often, but always lurking.

[TaiMc]

Originally Posted by flipstyledsm22

Good points you laid out. I think FB groups and other apps, have impacted the need to visit forums in general for meeting purposes. Could you post those other events on MH Events if you receive notification? Or are they "by invitation only"?



Nicely put, but the OG's are not the reason why the site is dead. There are plenty of riders out there and according to TaiMc the culture is very active. I don't get why the volumes had not spilled into MH, why moto content is still at a minimum, and sponsors are sparse?

I'm not on FB...I got rid of that years ago lol. However, the events that I was notified about, I did post them on this forum.

[TaiMc]

Originally Posted by matemike

It's probably a part of the aging process here on MH. Not MH's age, but the OG members. Maybe I shouldn't say aging, but growing up? The OG's were mostly in their 20's or so during MH's start up circa 2005. We were all single people, moto's were life, it was easy to spend a few days working on bikes, a few days in a row riding, a day getting ready for the track, a day at the track, then two days to recover all while attending meets and post whoring all over MH.

Speaking for myself here of course, but I bet some others as well; 15 years after MH's beginning, it's all about our families now. We are married, have kids, we are more into our careers and not so much our previous day jobs. We watch politics and stock market now for crying out loud. The moto's sadly took a back seat and it went hand in hand with participating on MH.

That's my .02
YMMV

This is a good response...I think it does explain things quite accurately.

As for me, I've never been married and do not have any children. So, I do have MUCH time to ride, and post on forums, and do other "Me and bike" things, which I rather enjoy.

Good post.

[Cascade67]

Older rider here, modification: I do not track. But I ride, and I ride a lot in Houston.
This forum seems to have made a culture shift to more mature, more respectful.

My biggest concern with Corona: world wide economic struggles-- manufacturers and dealers shuttering. There will be fewer companies making bikes, very few dealers and support and mechanics and parts very hard to find. It is not going to be pretty.

[SilverBullet]

Originally Posted by Cascade67

Older rider here, modification: I do not track. But I ride, and I ride a lot...
This forum seems to have made a culture shift to more mature, more respectful...

I agree with this and what others have said. And when more mature, more respectful becomes the standard here then the youngsters don't want anything to do with this forum.

Similar to the evolution on social media, younger generation is quickest to jump ship and not look back. messageboards>chatrooms>My Space >Facebook >Instagram >Twitter>Snap chat >Tik tok >etc. > etc.

[obed]

I check in on the site almost daily, at least during the week.
A lot of the folks I know have moved on, in this world or the next.
I am 70 this year an still own 6 motorcycles but they are mostly dust collectors now.
I had some health issues that made me stop racing and doing track days in my mid-60's
I could still ride but racing and track days are likely just a fond memory...
I moved out of downtown about 4, almost 5 years ago so I would not likely come into town for meets, but I did enjoy going to them and meeting to watch the races at the different sports bars ... some of the old heads that I used to have so much fun are arguing with (good natured) are no longer around...I really miss old Bill embarrassing me when we were on the same side of an argument....
not people post on here who would even know me anymore... but I still have a look everyday

[ninenine]

Originally Posted by obed

I check in on the site almost daily, at least during the week.
A lot of the folks I know have moved on, in this world or the next.
I am 70 this year an still own 6 motorcycles but they are mostly dust collectors now.
I had some health issues that made me stop racing and doing track days in my mid-60's
I could still ride but racing and track days are likely just a fond memory...
I moved out of downtown about 4, almost 5 years ago so I would not likely come into town for meets, but I did enjoy going to them and meeting to watch the races at the different sports bars ... some of the old heads that I used to have so much fun are arguing with (good natured) are no longer around...I really miss old Bill embarrassing me when we were on the same side of an argument....
not people post on here who would even know me anymore... but I still have a look everyday

I remember you old man! Hope all has been well? Where did you move to?

[Oskar_Z28]

I'm 46.... I am responsible for others now ..... so less time to be irresponsible. Main reason the bike is mostly a garage queen (even when I am in Houston). I ride every other week.