Originally Posted by Keneda

Is there a hierarchy when it comes to motorcycles? ie, In your mind, are you a more valued motorcyclist if you ride a cruiser as opposed to a sportbike?

No everybody rides whatever they ride and value whoever they wish to value whether its blinged out busas, choppers, fighters, super-motos, stunt bikes, the list can go on forever.

If you ride a sportbike, what makes you a better rider when compared to other bikers?

This question is too general. Most will probably say experience, seat time, etc. It really depends on which aspect of motorcycling your talking about--track riding?, stunt riding?, drag racing? Or all of the above? And better than who? I personally think it's pretty lame to try and say your "better" than someone else-we're all friends we all do the same thing-"ride". Only fair time to really see who the best rider is-is to compete! Actions always speak louder than words!

Are there varying degrees to being a squid, or is one just a squid? ie, A squid is someone who rides recklessly without gear, however you could still wear full gear and still ride recklessly thus making you a squid?
Everybody has they're own opinion of the definition of a squid. Some people think doing stunts without proper protective equipment is squid. Some people think your new rider that purchases a liter (1000cc) sportbike is a squid. Some people think doing stunts on the street is squidly. I am a squid to many people because I stunt without PPE on occasions. But the key to it all is to accept the fact that we are all squids in one way or another. Speeding on interstates is squidly. Kickstanding at the beach for hours upon hours is squidly! Dragging knee in Pungo is squid! I could go on for days. Bottom line: squid is like being called a dumbass in the biker community. Its usually used in context of an argument such as when a friend borrows a friends bike and wrecks while wearing flip-flops and no helmet. ie "Fukin squid!" I never take it personal if I'm called a squid. I will probably agree.

Are there different style sportbike riders? Some people know there are those that stunt, and those that are for show, and those that came to track race, and others to street race....are any one of these styles valued more than the other.
Yup there sure are different style riders just like you said. In general, track day riders are valued the most because they are already established, widely know, and push bikes to the limits of speed around a track. Stuntriding in general is generally frowned upon because of its recklessness and illegalities. It's not very established yet and still somewhat underground (I still to this day get people that ask me why my tank is dented in and what 2 clutch levers are for) Bottom line: everyone values who they want. Some people value the top racers, some people value top stunters. Since I stunt, I VALUE the riders that stunt better than me to learn-And as far as everyone else, as long as i get respect, i give respect whether its racers, stunters, cruiser riders, dirt bike riders, etc. etc. etc....