9 Styles that Reflect Your Purpose

Branding is the tangible way you reflect personal philosophies and personalities. Essentially, brands are the external representation of your inner self. They reflect your values, perspectives and interests.

PurposeMotorcycles come in different styles designed for a specific type of riding. You too were born with a unique purpose, interests and gifts. Developing those attributes is part of your journey.

Although you may try, you are not meant to be all things to all people. Listen to your heart, follow your passion and do the thing you’re here to do.

Here’s a lighthearted look at what that may look like, using motorcycle styles as a reference – and taking sweeping editorial liberties.

 

9 Styles that Reflect Your Purpose

 

 

  1. Touring. These tend to be large with lots of accessories. They’re comfortable for long distances, comfortable for passengers and capable of carrying large loads. Touring bikes are mainstream, not venturing far off the beaten path. These are the elders of the tribe. Wise, experienced, communal, access to lots of resources and content to leave the risk-taking to others.

 

  1. Off-road. Nothing says inner child more than an off-road motorcycle. Often the first exposure to riding, they’re small, nimble and playful. They are fearless, going where no one else can go, love to explore nature. Every tribe needs children to avoid extinction. And everyone needs to exercise their inner child.

 

  1. Sport Bike. Fast, flashy, invincible and a tendency to be racy, they like to push the envelope. They pack a ton of energy for their size. They’re the adolescent of the tribe – and within each one of you. They like to get out and let loose.

 

  1. Cruiser. By far the largest demographic, like their designation says, they love to get out for a Sunday cruise and remind themselves of their freedom and independence. Although they’re capable of touring long distances, their design best suits a one-day or overnight ride exploring back roads. This large, diverse, social group represents the myriad of careers and avocations that keep the tribe functioning.

 

  1. Trials. Precise, calculated, balanced, athletic, strong and extremely focused. They fill the professional roles in the tribe, i.e. healers, financiers.

 

  1. Dual Sport. The adventurers, travelers, pioneers. Their high ground clearance gives them a bird’s eye view. They’re flexible, adaptable and always looking for new opportunities. They act as scouts, sent out to look for new opportunities for their tribe.

 

  1. Custom. One-of-a-kind, they dare to stand out from the crowd and make a statement. Here are found the artists, the renaissance workers; those who love to express their creativity and are driven by their passion.

 

  1. Chopper. Every tribe needs someone to challenge the status quo. Choppers are rebels, advocates and activists, speaking out against what they perceive as injustice. They keep the tribe in line by questioning decisions of others.

 

  1. Sidecar. Their capacity for carrying passengers makes them ideal for families. They’re also suitable for passengers who love the openness of motorcycles but prefer the security and comfort from being more enclosed. They’re the caregivers of the tribe.

 

While this has been a tongue-in-cheek look at purpose, the fact is that every human has special gifts and talents to fill a unique role in this life. Using them brings you joy and fulfillment. Listen to your heart. It’s never wrong and will guide you on your unique Road.

What style are you?   Leave your comments below.

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photo credit: sidewalk flying via photopin cc

About

Author, writer, and student Liz Jansen combines her artistic mediums to create stories that inspire readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.

10 Comments on “9 Styles that Reflect Your Purpose

  1. as a rider of 30 yrs (no accidents or tickets) i dont see how my sport bike (most comfortable riding position -ever) preference makes me an ‘adolecent’ and a touring rider is considered an ‘elder.’ i find many tour bike riders are seniors, purchasing for the 1st time, and do have accidents. generalizations and stereotypes are innacurate.

    • Paw – this was not meant as a literal comparison. People of all ages ride all different kinds of bikes. “Adolescent” and “Child” refer to that adventure spirit in all of us. The part that wants to get out and have fun. Everyone has a child, adolescent and adult part of themselves and they all need attention at various times.

      Appreciate your feedback – but please read in the context with which it was written.

      Thanks.

      Liz

      • its ok, i wasnt taking it out of context. “Wise, experienced, communal, access to lots of resources and content to leave the risk-taking to others.” “they like to push the envelope” are two statements, and i never thought for a moment that rider age was to which you referred. as a female rider before it was common ive been categorized and stereo-typed (oh do you have a scooter? did your husband teach you to ride? etc) for years. i just meant generalizations dont fit riders/bikes. Wise and experienced etc applies to me, rather than b/c i ride a sportbike im inclined to be racy and adolescent. i think ‘don’t assume’ is what we’ve been dealing with for years – especially as female riders. its hard to explain w/o it seeming argumentative; and i did enjoy the article. hey – i always anthropomorphize my bikes! have a good weekend, (and pls feel free to remove my comments if youd rather)

        • You make a valid point about stereotypes and we’ve all experienced them. Yet we’re all designed for a specific purpose and have unique strengths.
          Glad you enjoyed the article. I wish you a good weekend as well.

          Best,

          Liz

  2. Liz, I like how you encapsulated the range of riding styles. Its a good reminder that while we all share a common interest in motorcycling, we also share a diversity of purpose. I feel fortunate that I have been able to enjoy more than one style. Dual sport and dirt bikes draw on different talents and outlooks. With dual sport bikes, you get a little bit of everything yet not too much of anyone thing. The dual sport style screams diversity of terrain and the draw of the outdoors. Dirt bikes on the other hand are challenge demons! If you aren’t falling down on these bikes, then you aren’t challenging yourself enough. Many a strong rider has been felled by a sharp uphill with a few boulders that knock the momentum right of you. When I ride a sport bike I love the intensity and focus while i push myself to be better at cornering. I learn to trust the sticky tires and judge the geometric characteristics of the slope and bend of the curve. Cruising requires patience and balance at slow speeds. With a cruiser I feel I belong to something larger than myself. Touring brings out the adventurer in me. Miles and miles of road ahead and horizons to reach. Touring is about wanderlust.

    I haven’t had a chance to venture into cafe racers but that would be next on my list. Isn’t it wonder to have so many choices?!

    • You’re fortunate to have access to so many styles. So many different facets of riding, each requiring unique attributes and developing specific skills. Thanks Ginger.

  3. Just wondering if you would consider Vintage to be a district style? I drive a 1982 Suzuki GS650G. It has a comfortable upright sitting position. I drive it daily in the summer and fall to commute to work. I lovingly maintain and strive to keep as original as possible. I too like a Sunday drive once in a while to an interesting location but also like to spend a weekend cleaning and polishing my vintage ride.

    Greg

    • Hi Greg – Interesting point! Thanks for bringing it up.

      In the context of the article, Vintage could apply to any of the styles. Given what you’ve said and the heartfelt way you’ve said it, I’d say you cherish the past, value your experiences and want to make sure the lessons are never forgotten. You’re using the past in a constructive, loving way for your present. Does that make sense to you?

      Liz

  4. I realize there is no real category for square pegs in round holes but how about someone who tours long distance, (weeks at a time), on a buell lightning long, (hardly a touring bike). I get where you were going with this but I think my personality reflects my choice of mount for what I am using it for, which is most certainly not what it was designed to do.

    • Hi Noel,
      You said it perfectly and you’ve got the right fit for you. For now. We’re all square pegs in varying ways. Thanks for expressing it so well.

      Liz