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EMERGING CONCEPTUAL OF

BROTHERHOOD PERCEPTIVE THROUGH SUPERBIKE RIDING: A

GROUNDED THEORY

By

Mohd Norhazli Bin Mohamed Azlanudin

Master of Corporate Communication, UPM

2010

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SECTION 1.0 : INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Research

The fundamentally social nature of humankind is apparent in our tendency to self-establish

and form associations together formally and informally. Human naturally build links,

communities, networks and relationships. Human ensure it in their personal and their

professional life. Whereas the significance of these connections has continuously been

recognized, it seems that the more society establish based on high technology machine such

as superbike, thereby creating human that has similar interest to easily connect each other ,

the more human are drawn to attempt to understand this essentially human interest. This

research explores an imperative characteristic of human inborn ability to connect through

what has been termed the informal organization or connection based on same interest.

Motorcycle or bike riding momentum started since the first World War when the earliest

commercial bike company named Triumph produced a large scale of bike to the public

(Chadwick. I., June 30, 2001). This earliest bike attract many riders around the world into

motorcycle trends such as group motorcycle riding convoys, motorcycle exhibitions and

motorcycle clubs. A sport bike or superbike is a type of motorcycle that is generally designed

for optimized performance at the expense of speed, comfort, passenger, load capacity, speed,

durability and other features (Wilson. H., 1995).

In Malaysia, superbikes or sport bike trend has been accepted as a personal appearance status

and self-enthusiasm towards the bike riding. Numerous superbike clubs has been created in

line with Malaysian enthusiasm towards superbike riding. It is not a cheap way to enjoy it but

it can offer the enthusiast the excitement of riding and knowing our self-skills. Today, the

superbike trend draw new fan each day and they enhance extremely.

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In spite of the potential impact, the author attention in this area was to discover what inspires

superbikers to participate voluntarily in these informal interest-related relationships, variously

described as group, networks, communities, associations and teams. The author wished to

explore their motivations and the rewards they experience from their participation. The result

of this study is a grounded theory of the participation of superbikers in their strong unity

between them.

This chapter introduces the reader to the research and its findings. The author first set out the

research problem and the purpose of the study, including its aims and objectives, a

justification for the research and its potential significance. The chapter continues with a brief

overview of the study methodology and the emergent theory.

1.2 Research Problem

Relationship between persons that have the same similarities create an inside motivation to

have a strong bond connection. This effect is subjective and unpredictable and it could

change spontaneously without any solid reason. Therefore, this study offered a similar

challenge; on how to conceptualize and explain the social interaction of individuals

participating in informal interest-related networks or communities.

The research provides a useful contribution to further understanding the meaning and

significance of member participation in such informal associations as an aspect of

brotherhood. The conceptualization and development of theory concerning the nature of

member involvement should contribute significantly to knowledge regarding the nature and

interest based relationship potential of this aspect of the informal relationship.

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1.3 Purpose Of The Study

1.3.1 General Objective

The overall aim of the study is to generate a grounded theory that explains the participation of

superbike enthusiast in superbike scenes and superbike communities. Understanding what is

really going on in these superbike scenes and how superbike riders resolve riding related

issues and concerns through their participation, which are the focus of data collection and

conceptualization (Glaser. B., 1998). The hope is that this research contributes to a richer

understanding of the nature of superbike riding and frequently unacknowledged investments

of time and effort on the part of superbike riders in relationship building and extracurricular

biking related activities.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

1. To explore individual experiences and perceptions of superbike riding and superbike

communities and to develop a conceptual understanding of their motivations for

participation in the area.

2. To build a grounded theory of participation regarding superbike scenes and

communities.

3. To identify organizational characteristics that support and sustain participation.

4. To identify any issue that related or influence the superbike riders in the area.

1.3.3 Scope Of The Research

The study will involve the participants that randomly selected who rides superbike, owned it,

joining the local superbike club and engage in the superbike riding scenes.

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1.3.4 Potential Significance Of The Research

Superbike riders encountered several problems and issues that effecting their excitement

towards biking world. This uncertainty issues usually not catching people‟s attention and

under their expectation. This paper will add to existing knowledge and experience by

exploring the participation of superbike riders in the superbike scene through their point of

view. Based on its aims and objective, it will contribute to an understanding of what

motivates and sustains such participation.

The concept and theory that will emerge from this study may assist the local community or

authority‟s research institute in understanding the significance of the superbike riding in

designing appropriate infrastructure, resources and incentive strategies that encourage and

support superbike-riding environment.

1.3.5 Research Methodology

This study utilizes grounded theory methodology based on the early work of Glaser and

Strauss (1967) and Glaser‟s subsequent work (1978, 1992, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2005).

Employing iterative data collection and analysis, guided by theoretical sampling and constant

comparison of data with emerging conceptual categories, the research undertaken has

generated a grounded theory of brotherhood through participation in superbike networks.

Grounded theory, developed in the mid1960s, is an extensively used and well-documented

methodology (Glaser, 1978, 1992, 1998, 2001, 2003; 2005; Glaser & Strauss, 1967). It is a

general methodology of analysis 7 linked with data collection and uses a systematically

applied set of procedures to generate an inductive theory about a substantive area (Glaser,

1992). With roots in the positivist paradigm and quantitative sociology‟s concept indicator

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model, grounded theory utilizes the interchangeability of indicators through a process of

persistent comparison to enable the emergence of conceptual theory that is empirically

grounded in data.

The methodology is emergent, with the researcher entering the field open to exploring a

substantive area and allowing the chief concerns of those actively engaged therein to guide

the emergence of a core issue or problem to be resolved. The conceptualization of the core

problem becomes the basis for the articulation of a grounded theory that explains the problem

and its determination.

1.3.6 The Emergent Theory

Basically, individuals have always attempted to improve their surroundings. The superbike

scene is simply another arena for this effort and one where the need to do so seems to have

increased as the superbike scene has become more and more brutalized as a result of

persistent and largely unpredictable change.

This research‟s theory of brotherhood will assist the superbike scene to understand the unity

phenomenon and take advantage on it or not. This emergent theory may assist the local

community or authority‟s research institute in understanding the significance of the superbike

riding in designing appropriate infrastructure, resources and incentive strategies that

encourage and support superbike-riding environment or apply it on other type of interest

category like cars.

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1.4 Research Outline

This research is comprised of seven sections as follows:

Section 1: The introduction and significant of the research to readers. The review of the

content of each section and giving a first impression of the research. The

background of the research also explained in this section.

Section 2: The literature review on past research that related to the research.

Section 3: The explanation of research methodology (Grounded Theory) that used by author

in this research.

Section 4: The description on research concept development towards emerged theory.

Section 5: The explanation about the emerged theory in this research.

Section 6: Discussion of the research finding.

Section 7: The conclusion of the research, limitation of the research and recommendation of

future research.

1.5 The Summary

This section has provided the reader with an overview of the research by presenting the

appropriate background to the research, the research problem and the purpose of the research

including aims and objectives, justification for the research and its potential significance. The

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section continued with a brief statement on the study methodology, the emergent theory and a

chapter by chapter overview of the research structure.

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SECTION 2.0 : THE UNITY IN SUPERBIKE SCENE: A CONTEXTUAL

OVERVIEW AND LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 The Introduction

This section sets out a relative overview of informal relationship in the superbike-riding

environment. The aim is to place the research within this broader context and to highlight

significant issues related to the engagement of superbike riders, particularly the social

structural and social psychological dimensions of informal relationship that effect their

voluntary participation in aspects of interest and organization and which exceed the formal

requirements of the superbikers‟ relationship.

The section is divided into two sections – The Motorcycle Riders and Social Network

Theory.

2.1 The Motorcycle Riding Movement

Motorcycle or bike riding momentum started since the first World War when the earliest

commercial bike company named Triumph produced a large scale of bike to the public

(Chadwick. I., June 30, 2001). This earliest bike attract many riders around the world into

motorcycle trends such as group motorcycle riding convoys, motorcycle exhibitions and

motorcycle clubs. A sport bike or superbike is a type of motorcycle that is generally designed

for optimized performance at the expense of speed, comfort, passenger, load capacity, speed,

durability and other features (Wilson. H., 1995).

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In Malaysia, superbikes or sport bike trend has been accepted as a personal appearance status

and self-enthusiasm towards the bike riding. Numerous superbike clubs has been created in

line with Malaysian enthusiasm towards superbike riding. It is not a cheap way to enjoy it but

it can offer the enthusiast the excitement of riding and knowing our self-skills. Today, the

superbike trend draw new fan each day and they enhance extremely.

2.2 Social Network Theory

Networks as one of the most prominent social phenomena of our time. Social network theory

draws on three lines of inquiry (Capra, 2002). The concept of social networks and how the

relationships formed therein can influence behavior has its origins in the midtwentieth

century (Barnes, 1954; Bott, 1957). Sociometric analysis of the 1930s, rooted in Gestalt

therapy were aimed at investigating how feelings of wellbeing relate to the social structure of

people‟s lives. Major contributors to this line of inquiry include Jacob Moreno, Kurt Lewin

and Fritz Heider. Also in the 1930s, Harvard University researchers, influenced by

anthropologist Alfred RadcliffeBrown, studied cliques and cohesive subgroups in social

groups. A third line of inquiry arose in the 1950s with the work of John Barnes and Elizabeth

Bott in the study of informal social relationships. It was here that the term “social network”

was coined (Churchill & Halverson, 2005).

Laumann, Galskeiwicz and Marsden (1978) define a social network as “a set of nodes (e.g.

persons, organizations) linked by a set of social relationships (e.g. friendship, transfer of

funds, overlapping membership) of a specified type” (p. 458). Mitchell (1969) defines a

social networks as “a specific set of linkages among a defined set of persons, with the

additional property that the characteristics of these linkages as a whole may be used to

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interpret the social behavior of the persons involved” (p.2). While some argue that social

network theory is not a specific body of formal or substantive social theory but rather an

orientation to the social world that inheres in a particular set of methods (Scott, 2000), others

suggest a theory of social structures (Degenne & Forse, 1999) that may well warrant the

status of paradigm (Hummon & Carley, 1993).

Network theory attempts to explicate how social and cultural phenomena emerge out of

interaction by measuring different kinds of emergent structures (White, 2004). Ibarra (1992)

draws the distinction between “prescribed” networks within the formal organization and

“emergent‟” networks within the informal organization, suggesting the latter develop out of

“the purposive action of social actors who seek to realize their self-interests, and depending

on their abilities and interest, will negotiate routinized patterns or relationships that enhance

these interests (Galaskiewicz, 1979; Ibarra, 1992).

Ibarra (1992) identifies three types of informal networks in organizations – influence,

workflow and friendship. Tichy, Tushman and Fombrun (1979) identify friendship networks

that involve the exchange of liking and social support. While such friendship networks are

sometimes viewed as negative networks, generating exclusive and resistant in-group

behaviors, they can provide a valuable information resource that mitigates their otherwise

negative potential. Others (Brass & Burkhardt, 1992; Tichy,1981) suggest relationships that

exchange both information and affect are stronger than relationships with any one type of

exchange.

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2.2.1 Theoretical Foundations of Social Network Theory

Wellman (1988) has observed the tendency in much social network research to concentrate

on the social structural aspects of networking rather than their content or context (p.25).

Much of this theory focuses on communication structures, mapping connections between

network members and measuring levels of influence, control and tangible exchange (Castilla,

2003; Cross & Prusak, 2002; Hutt, Stafford, Walker, & Reingen, 2000; Scott, 2000;

Wasserman & Faust, 1994). Attention is paid to concepts such as network density, centrality

and reachability. Density is a measure of the number of connections between actors compared

to maximum possible number that could exist between actors; the higher the proportion, the

more dense the network (Kilduff & Tsai, 2003, p.30). Centrality is the degree to which a

network is centralized around one of a few members and reachability, the level of efficiency

of a network in its capacity to reach maximum number of individuals through the same

intermediaries (p.32). In high reachability networks, norms and values diffuse more rapidly to

many individuals with low distortion thereby enhancing conformism. Such measures

frequently treat individuals as equal “headcounts” within a network configuration, with the

density and reach of network linkages accorded greater weight in assessing network value.

Such calculations are at best coarse-grained estimates (Reynolds Fisher & White, 2000).

While the social structure of networks is vital for producing trust and developing social

norms (Nohria, 1992), Ibarra (1992) takes a contingency perspective to social networks and

focuses on the relationship between structure and effective action suggesting that achieving

even routine tasks in organisations with considerable overlap between “prescribed” (formal)

and “emergent” (informal) networks may depend on a strategy that maximizes cohesive

relationships. Nohria and Eccles (1992) also recognize this process aspect as network ties

constantly alter over time, with the actions of network members shaping and reshaping

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networks. DiMaggio (1992), however, rejects the purely structural approach to network

analysis through formal modeling as neglecting the context of network behavior:

Such models may be least applicable to emergent systems in which the

absence of culturally embedded statuses, roles and norms makes actors

particularly dependent informal networks and the structure of such

networks particularly consequential for the development of the field. In

emergent organizational fields, or fields responding to rapid

environmental or technological change, many of the assumptions of

rational network models seems less applicable…

(p.122)

He advocates, instead, that rational-actor models be replaced with “practical-actor” models

that emphasize affiliative ties.

Kilduff and Tsai (2003) suggest that social network theory relies on three sources of research

and thinking – imported theories (graph theory from mathematics, balance theory and social

comparison theory from social psychology), indigenous social network theory (heterophily

theory, structural role theory) and the exportation of network ideas into organizational

theories (pp.3738).

2.2.3 Cognitive Network Theories

Cognitive network theory is an emerging perspective in social network theory that explores

individual perceptions of social networks and how these perceptions influence the formation

of networks (Kilduff & Tsai, 2003, p.70). Among the premises associated with cognitive

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network theory is Heider‟s (1958) balance schema which proposes that individuals perceive

sentiment relations (friendships) as both symmetric and transitive; in other words, they expect

such relations to be reciprocated and inclusive thereby balancing relational ties. People strive

to keep their affective relationships balanced because imbalance induces feelings of

uncertainty, instability or nervousness (Festinger & Hutte, 1954; Sampson & Insko, 1964).

Krackhardt and Kilduff (1999) suggest that a curvilinear relationship exists between social

distance and perceived degree of balance. As such, the greater the social distance in a

relationship, the more likely an individual will fill in social knowledge of the other to assume

a balanced relationship in the absence of solid evidence to confirm balance. Doing so relieves

the cognitive strain of uncertainty.

While originating as a theory of cognitive consistency (Heider, 1958), balance theory has

developed into a wide-ranging framework for understanding personal influence (Kilduff &

Tsai, 2003, p.42). Interpersonal balance theory, as applied to social networking, suggests that

people prefer balanced relationships that are reciprocated and that people prefer such

relationships with others with whom they share strong attachments to one or more shared

characteristics. When individuals find themselves involved in unbalanced relationships, they

suffer feelings of discomfort just as they do when they encounter rejection, indifference or

hostility in a relationship. People will act to change unbalanced relationships into balanced

relationships either by changing others‟ attitudes or by breaking off relationships (p.4243).

Contagion theory is another correlate of network theory. The concept is borrowed from the

medical field where infection is acquired through external contact with infectious substances.

As such, contagion theory suggests that individuals are influenced by the attitudes of others

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with whom they communicate in a network. Such exposure increases the likelihood that

network members will develop beliefs, assumptions, and attitudes similar to those of their

networks (Carley, 1991; Kaufer & Carley, 1993). Social comparison theory (Festinger, 1954)

proposes that people prefer to interact with others who are similar to themselves in important

and salient respects (Kilduff & Tsai, 2003, p.49). The theory‟s central concept, homophily,

suggests that individuals learn about themselves from comparisons to others, choose similar

others with whom to make comparisons and that these comparisons have a strong impact on

attitudes and opinions when no objective nonsocial basis of comparison is available and the

opinion is important to the individual (Goethals & Darley, 1987). Homophilic tendencies are

especially strong in expressive, as opposed to instrumental, relationships in organizations

(Blau, 1977; Ibarra, 1992). In contrast to the concept of homophily, heterophily theory refers

to the degree of diversity among members within a social network as suggested in the

absence of homophilic ties. Both the sentiment based theory of weak ties (Granovetter, 1973,

1983) and instrumentalist based theory of structural holes (Burt, 1982, 1992) are rooted in

heterophily.

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SECTION 3.0 : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This section provides an outline of grounded theory as a general research methodology and

offers justification for its selection as an appropriate methodology for this study. The section

begins by addressing the philosophical position of the researcher and the choice of classic

grounded theory methodology then continues with a brief overview of the grounded theory

and its foundations.

3.2 Philosophical Position

The research positioned within realist pattern. The realist perspective keeps that social

phenomena exist not only in the mind but also in the objective world and that authentic and

practically stable relationship can be found among them. These relationships are

demonstrated in patterns from which the researcher can induct constructs that inspire

individual and social life.

3.2 Grounded Theory: Qualitative Method

Grounded theory is a research methodology, which was first laid out in 1967 by Barney

Glaser (Sanchez, 2006). It tends to be a popular form of inquiry in the areas of education and

health research. The emphasis in this methodology is on the generation of theory which is

grounded in the data – this means that it has emerged from the data. It is a

systematic qualitative research methodology in the social sciences emphasizing generation of

theory from data in the process of conducting research (Martin, Patricia Yancey, Turner,

Barry A., 1986)

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This is different from other types of research, which might seek to test a hypothesis that has

been formulated by the researcher. In grounded theory, methods such as focus groups and

interviews tend to be the preferred data collection method, along with a comprehensive

literature review, which takes place throughout the data collection process. This literature

review helps to explain emerging results.

In grounded theory studies, the number of people to be interviewed is not specified at the

beginning of the research. This is because the researcher, at the outset, is unsure of where the

research will take him/her. Instead, he/she continues with the data collection until „saturation‟

point is reached, that is, no new information is being provided. Grounded theory is therefore

flexible and enables new issues to emerge that the researcher may not have thought about

previously (Sanchez, 2006).

3.3 Source of the Data

Data is randomly collected using informal interview or face-to-face chat from superbike

riders. Participant individually needs to have experience in superbike riding at least 6 months.

Target participants are from local superbike club such as Bikers69J Motorsport Club, The

Bladers Club and F.E.R.N.O Club. Data also collected from several participants that do not

owned superbike but involved with the superbike arena.

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3.4 Data Collection Procedure:

Below is the table that displays the stages in grounded theory methodology process. Each

stage explained about its function.

Stage Purpose

Codes Identifying anchors that allow the key points of the data to be gathered

Concepts Collections of codes of similar content that allows the data to be grouped

Categories Broad groups of similar concepts that are used to generate a theory

Theory A collection of explanations that explain the subject of the research

(Galser.B, 1992)

3.5 Summary

This section has provided the reader with an overview of classic grounded theory as a general

research methodology. The section initiated by addressing the philosophical position of the

researcher and the choice of classic grounded theory as a methodology applicable to this

research, and then continued with a brief review of the origins of grounded theory and its

philosophical foundations. Finally, the section concluded with a brief of source of the data

and data collection procedure as part of research shown.

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SECTION 4.0 : THE CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

4.1 The Introduction

The essentials of the grounded theory method have been expressed in previous works (Glaser,

1978, 1998; Glaser & Holton, 2004; Glaser & Strauss, 1967). An overview of the

methodology can be found in Section 3. This section presents a detailed explanation of the

processes utilized in classic grounded theory methodology for the conceptualization of

empirical indicators from data. The section opens with an overview of the researcher‟s

utilization of these procedures to analyze and code for indicators of concepts, which are then

constantly compared through the interchangeability of indicators to attain theoretical

saturation of each emergent concept. The section continues with a brief overview of the

researcher‟s experience of conceptual memoing and the use of memos to organize and

integrate functional concepts through theoretical coding.

4.2 Comparison and Conceptual Emergence

Consistent with the principles of classic grounded theory development, data collected through

interviews, self-experience and experience, focus group sessions and casual or informal

conversations were processed according to the constant comparison method of joint coding

and analysis. The purpose of constant comparison is to see if the data support and continue to

support emerging categories. At the same time, the process further builds and substantiates

the emerging categories by defining their properties and dimensions.

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4.3 Conceptual Memoing

In grounded theory methodology, conceptual combination and articulation is facilitated

through a wide and orderly process of memoing that parallels the data analysis process.

Memos are theoretical notes about the data and the conceptual connections between

categories written up during the coding and analysis process as the emergent ideation of

substantive and theoretical categories.

4.4 Summary

This section has presented a comprehensive explanation of the processes used in classic

grounded theory methodology for the conceptualization of experiential indicators from data.

The section unlocked with an overview of classic grounded theory‟s process of conceptual

emergence whereby data are evaluated and coded for indicators of concepts, then continually

compared to form and validate the emerging concepts through theoretical saturation. The

section continued with a brief overview of the researcher‟s experience of conceptual

memoing and the use of memos to establish and integrate substantive concepts through

theoretical coding. The same process has been applied to the conceptual emergence of each

concept in this research.

This research continues with my presentation of the grounded theory that emerged from the

study. The theory consists of one consistent process, which is presented as a separate chapter.

Section 5 presents my grounded theory of brotherhood.

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SECTION 5.0 : A GROUNDED THEORY OF BROTHERHOOD

5.1 Introduction

This section presents the theory that emerged from this research – a grounded theory of

brotherhood. Section 5 begins with a theoretical overview of brotherhood including the social

structural conditions, continued with it properties towards the concept. The section concludes

with a summary offering a series of theoretical propositions regarding the key and nature of

brotherhood and the relationships between the various concepts that encompass the theory.

5.2 Theoretical Perspective – Brotherhood Theory

This section articulates a grounded theory of brotherhood as a basic social network process

through which superbikers self-organize to develop a solid connection between them and

gaining benefit from their similar interest. The growth of relationship between riders in

superbike scene creates the atmosphere that strong and reliable enough for them to enjoy their

rides experience. Such networks are self-emergent.

When superbikers find that they share similar interests and perspectives, a connection is made

and a network begins. Their networks operate outside the formal structures of an organization

but intend to create a formal organization based on their similar experience. They may

transcend professional boundaries, serving as metacommunication sources for members while

meeting diverse needs for socialization, knowledge sharing, collaborative engagement and

self-satisfaction as well as offering broad-based access to capability.

Brotherhood networks enable riders to cope with change, resistance to change and risky

adaption that they experience in their tough environments. The networks support the risky

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environment, restoring authenticity, depth and meaning to self-experience. The adaption

process encourages an associated sharing that enables superbikers to transcend the discomfort

and harsh influences that they describe as so prevalent within the riding activates.

Brotherhood offers safety and support as well as the recognition and respect that superbikers

seek. The energy and creativity of brotherhood through riding networks can relieve boredom

in daily routine activities. It offers a challenge beyond daily work routine, creating passion,

offering opportunities for experimentation and learning in riding and self-testing. The

brotherhood power of superbike networks stimulates creativity, treat-family-like, self-

toughness and rebuilds riders confidence. There are no restrictions between superbikers, if

you have superbike means you are one of the family.

5.3 Brotherhood Properties

From the analysis of the brotherhood concept that gained from the interviews, superbikers‟

experiences, their riding incidents and author self-observation, author found that the key

element of brotherhood concept lay on the machine itself which is the superbike itself. There

are several similar incidents that happened on superbikers showing that their own super

machine created phenomena that solitary occurred within their machine range means among

bikers that owned superbike only. Nevertheless, their incidents experiences not casually

occurred with other low powered motorcycle such as motor-cups or scooters. It shows in

these incidents by interviewee‟s experience:

1. ……when I was on the road towards my workplace, I sometimes encounter with other

superbikers and without knowing who they are; suddenly they waving their hands

towards me…...saluting or just to greet….

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2. …..usually when I encountered with other superbikers when stop at the traffic light, I

always been greet and had a slight chat asking where I came from and sometimes we

had time to change our phone numbers at the traffic light……

3. …..when I meet other stranger superbikers on the road, sometime we ride together

until the end of our destination….it feels great when ride in a group than just

alone…..

4. ……once I caught in minor accident in the middle of highway but my superbike

cannot start due to the damage….they is no one dares to stop to help me even a single

motorcyclists (not superbikers)….until I need to call my friend to picked me up

later…..

5. …..when I’m involved in superbike community, the members of community really take

care me well…..like family….when I need money, they just lend me some….when I

need food, they just bought me some….when I need shelter, they just invited me

in….in their own house….when we in long rides….like family…..

6. …..I just ride superbike at weekend or in special occasion…..I had my daily working

bike….but when I ride my previous bike….lower power bike; a motor cup (Yamaha

125Z)….I did not get any special treatment like when I ride a superbike…..even

though I encountered several superbikers on the road…..

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These phenomena not only happen on the road but inside the digital world of internet which

occurred in the superbike forums and superbike community websites. Ordinarily in the digital

world wide web portal, especially superbike community portal such as Superbike

Malaysia.com.my or Bikers69j.com.my, superbikers tends to search each other superbikers to

sharing thought riding related, riding guides, changing personal details, changing phone

numbers, event invitations and participations, information about superbikers and its spare-

parts, where to repair, buy and sell superbikes and place to do business such as selling or

buying riding gears and superbike spare-parts. It shows below some of the superbikers online

conversations in the online forum taken from Superbike Malaysia.com:

1. Author posted: Assalamualaikum and good day to all bikers…..my name is Ali

Azlan...stay in Seri Kembangan….working as lecturer at

KLMU….my phone number 012 XXXXXX…..my horse is Hyosung

650R….I’m a newbie in here….please show and teach me

brothers…thank you all

Anonymous replied: Waalaikumsalam Ali….a warm welcome to you here….my name

XXXXXX….this my phone in case if you need my help in the

future….012 XXXXXX ….stay in touch!

Anonymous replied: Welcome Ali!....make yourself at home hahaha…..by the way I’m

XXXX….this my number 012 XXXXXX…..later we ride

together…..yeah!

Anonymous replied: Waalaikumsalam Ali…..our new brother….I’m XXXXX

K6….nice to meet you….if you need anything….just roger me

013 XXXXXX….see you later bro!

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2. Anonymous posted: Would like to enquire on the performance increase after

installing a R55 exhaust can on a zx6r 2009/2010. Anyone

done this and dyno'ed their bikes?

Anonymous replied: try ask Khalid Rootbeer….he had it in his bike….good luck bro…

Anonymous replied: go to Sew Chong workshop at Sentul….he the man about

this….dont try to do yourself….it will damage your bike

engine later bro

3. Anonymous posted: to all superbikers….this weekend we all gonna have a 12 hours of

trackday at Sepang Circuit….whoever want to joint…please give

your details and entry fees to organizer….

Anonymous replied: I’m in!

Anonymous replied: lets burns some tires!.....I’m in…..come on all….are you guys

sacred? Hahahaha

4. Anonymous posted: I have a beautiful untouched riding Alpine Jacket to sell…red and

black colour…RM 680 (nego)….refer pic ….anyone can reach

me at 012 XXXXXXX….thank you …please spread it….

Anonymous replied: you got PM hehe

Anonymous replied: can we COD at Taman Melawati, K.L?

5. Anonymous posted: anyone knows where to send Hyosung to repair?....or who can

repair it….I got some problem with my bike….please help me !

arghhhhhh…..

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Anonymous replied: Brother XXX XXXX can repair Hyosung…..he the best mechanic

of it….this is his number…..012 XXX XXX….good luck bro!

Anonymous replied: yup his the man!.....better you go straight to his workshop under

the K.L tower….sometime he won’t pickup strangers

calls…..hehehe

Similarly in the well-known digital community portal such as Facebook.com and

Twitter.com; people who rides superbike had lots of riding friends than are not. Mostly

superbike riders just add other superbike riders unexpectedly without knowing well the

person that he or she; to become one of the friends in Facebook.com or Twitter.com friend

list. It is like, if you have a superbike; you are my friend.

When author involved in superbike world, it is kind amazement because local superbikers be

likely to have superbike occasions; mostly riding related every week. In a year, averagely,

they had more than dozen superbike events occurred. In Bikers69j Motorsport club, they

made endorsed meeting among superbikers three times a week called the Teh Tarik Session

(TTS) just to meet each other, to release after work tension and this common get-together are

happen to other superbike clubs also. This network relationship dynamism are not occur

when author ride previous motor-cup (Yamaha 125Z).

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Table 5.1 provides a summary of Brotherhood concept properties based on the incidents that

happened in interviewees‟ experience and author digital superbike portals observation.

Table 5.1 Brotherhood Concept Properties

Significant Variables in Brotherhood Concept

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

High Powered Motorcycle - Superbike

(250cc engine – 1500cc engine)

Bikers‟ family-like relationship.

Bikers support – when crucial time such as

accident, breakdown, emergency occurrence.

Business opportunity – superbikers will search

for other superbikers only, for searching spare-

parts, repairing or riding gears.

Bikers‟ co-operation – help that may need for

present or future.

Biker‟s comparable interest sharing.

Bikers‟ riding skills sharing.

Bikers‟ alliance – impulsive recognition in

superbike team.

Bikers‟ opinions or ideas.

Bikers‟ exceptional assistance – only

superbikers help superbikers usually

Respect and reputation.

Biker‟s confident and self-capabilities.

Bikers‟ exceptional activities.

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5.4 Summary

This section has detailed the perspective of a grounded theory of brotherhood as a basic

social structural process through which superbikers automatically involved. This theory of

brotherhood explains the atmosphere of the self-emergent relationship network in the

superbike community including the properties in the brotherhood theory. The key of the

Brotherhood concept tend to be the machine itself which is the superbike. Without the

machine, Brotherhood concept is hard to arise.

SECTION 6.0 : RESEARCH FINDING

6.1 The Introduction

While empirically grounded, the results of a grounded theory study are conceptual rather than

experiential and presented as an integrated set of theoretical propositions. These probability

statements suggest the nature of the relationship between the concepts that have emerged

from experiential data to form the basis of the theory. They explain a dormant pattern of

social behavior in the practical area under study (Glaser, 1998, p.3). The results of this study

are consistent grounded theory of brotherhood (Section 5). This section presents a discussion

of the theory in relation to selected themes from both experimental research and theoretical

literature as addressed in Section 2. The discussions focused on emerged theory based on

superbiker‟s social environment. The discussion also concentrated on my personal experience

in superbike riding, experience from nineteen superbike riders including back riders or

pillions.

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6.2 Summary Of The Emergent Theory

Dealing with the brotherhood power of determined and unpredictable change emerged as the

main concern of the superbikers who were the focus of this research. The emergent theory of

brotherhood in superbike scene explains the determination of this concern. Superbike

activities enable bikers to link with others who share similar interests and concerns. As a link

initiates, superbikers engage in a process of likening that fosters an unselfish atmosphere in

linkage interactions, thereby enabling a sense of connectedness and building trust. As this

process of finding and likening increases, igniting passions for mutual engagement has

superbikers pursuing various personal, professional and activities effort related events and

activities. Mutual engagement offers superbikers opportunities to prompt bravery and

exploration, to engage in challenge and learning in a safe and supportive environment. The

experience of participating in superbikers‟ linkages is furious, generating energy and

confidence, enhancing commitment, bonding within the group, and sustaining relationship

interactions over time.

6.3 Author Experience In Superbike Scene

I have been in the superbike scene involvement since 2009 when first bought a superbike

named Hyosung, which made in Korea powered by 650cc V-Twin engine that similar to

Ducati Monster V-Twin engine type. Previously in early life, I begin the riding activity since

in secondary school. In the early riding involvement, motorcycle is just a transportation to go

to school or completing tasks but when riding the Hyosung superbike, the experience is

dissimilar. That high-powered motorcycle is not just for daily transportation but it also the

key to new social trend that made me felt appreciated, furious and inside a gang alike, that

never felt before. For instance, when I ride unaccompanied in the traffic or roads then

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suddenly encountered with other superbikers, they spontaneously waving or salute to me

without knowing who they are and who I am. This kind of action is never experience when I

ride previous small capacity motorcycle (motor cup) such as Yamaha 125Z or Modenas

Kriss.

Furthermore, when I start to joint a local online superbike forum such as Superbike

Malaysia.com, they are welcoming in warm means they ask me to give personal details and

in reply, they give me their personal phone number if acquire emergency case such as

motorcycle breakdown or accident so they can be contact anytime and anywhere. There is no

requirement to wait to meet them face to face to attain their phone numbers or get to know

well first. Besides that, I furthermore received multiple invitations and superbike events

messages at least once a week from other superbikers until now.

In the beginning of superbike involvement, I frequently contacted through phone and email

by superbike clubs representative asking me to joint their club and telling all the benefit that I

will be gain if joint their club. So then, I decided to join a local club named Bikers69J

Motorsport due to their environment and styles attract my attention to join them.

From my early observation in superbike scene, superbikers in the scene react inversely from

other high power machine club such as car club. Several years before, I had joined a car club

named Extreme Machine Club, which are participated by people that have interest in

modified cars and high-powered sport car. The people inside the car club ado not have strong

relationship or connection like superbike club. They are more to share similar interest and

changing opinion on car performance. However, in superbike club not just share similar

interest and changing opinion on how to enhance bike performance but they take care each

other like family. There is one time I had a minor accident at Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur

around 4 a.m. in the morning and luckily, I do not have any injury but my bike having major

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damage. Then I called immediately one of my superbike friends to inform about my

condition and surprisingly after a few minutes, my friend and other twelve bikers with a pick-

up truck arrived. I was so surprised, appreciated and a bit touched due to their commitment

struggling to help me including send me home in the morning after everything is fine. I not

once acquire that kind of treatment before this even though I have been in riding since I am a

teenager.

Superbikers always have casual meeting or we superbikers called The Tarik Session (TTS) at

least once a week at the same place to meet with other superbikers. In Bikers69J Motorsport

club, they held two casual meeting every Wednesday night and Friday night to meet and

know well with other superbikers in the same club. It is for updating latest news about

superbike events, discussing about club commitment, searching for new activity involving

superbike riding, discussing about new routes or roads or places for riding experience,

hearing any news from other club, planning for future club riding, selling and promoting

superbike products and changing mind on superbike topic.

Amazingly, for me, in the superbike club, we have club codes or rules or guides that need to

follow to maintain club or superbikers reputation, prevent from doing anything illegal and

doing anything that will danger other superbikers. Fortunately, I am able to request verbal

authorization from the club president of Bikers69J Motorsport to put club codes in this

research paper, which are:

1. Respect – each members need to respect each other and people around.

2. Discipline – each members need to behave appropriately and matured.

3. Safety – each members need to take care self-safety and other members.

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4. Responsibility - each members need to know their own responsibility while off or on the

bike.

5. Enjoy - each members need to enjoy the bikes and the rides.

6.4 The Connection in Superbike Scene

The main concern of participants in this research – solid relationship between superbikers or

the brotherhood of superbikers. This informal relationship developed by motorcycle riders of

superbike impulsively without any string attached between them. From the developed

informal relationship, there will be an informal network created automatically by the

superbikers among them. This informal social network generally formed based on the

reputation of the group or community itself means that, the stronger of the group

brotherhood, the more people will participate in it and the group will be recognize more than

others.

Most of the participants indicating that in superbike arena, brotherhood is the most important

aspect than safety, great riding machine or communication. According to participants,

brotherhood could be the center of all important aspects that required in superbike riding

arena such as safety, responsibility, respect, commitment, good condition riding machine or

the feeling of riding itself. Brotherhood in superbike riding will be able to create an unified

environment that will teach new superbikers or maintain senior superbikers from slacking off

while riding or handling superbike activities. This relationship characteristic will generate

superbikers to hold to each other and becoming a solid decent superbiker rather than turn into

outlaw superbiker.

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In a superbike group or gang for example Bikers69J Motorsport, usually a leader led the

gang. The leader usually selected by the members in the group by votes or who is the most

experience in superbike riding. The leader is in charge to move the group, advisor to the

group, spoke person of the group, lead every riding convoy made by the group and maintain

the group reputation. The leader main responsibility is to monitor every member in the group

so that any bad things will not happen that will jeopardize group reputation. Whoever unable

to follow the group codes, he or she will be expel from the group with three times warning.

For the members in the group, whoever able to hold to the codes, in return, they will be

treated and take care like a family - together when hard time and together when good time. A

good brotherhood will make a group stronger and better in the same time enjoy the riding

sensation.

There are many informal relationships on other subject such as small capacity motorcycle

(motor cup) community and car enthusiasm community but it all not so strong enough

compare to superbike community. There are participants that give the reason to ride

superbike not because of the riding machine but they bought superbike because they just want

to join the superbike gang or team. From that statement, we could comprehend that people

always want to be in a strong group or community just to fulfill their personal satisfaction in

their social life. Furthermore, for superbikers, riding alone not giving full excitement and

total satisfaction to them self. Superbikers joined a group is because they feel more safe and

they got people who back them up. The most unforgettable rides are always within convoy

or group and superbiker never rides alone.

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SECTION 7.0 : CONCLUSION

7.1 The Introduction

The structure of this thesis has presented an outline to the research problem in Section 1, a

contextual overview of the superbike structural background in which the research takes place

in Section 2, an overview of classic grounded theory as the methodology selected and details

concerning the specific design and behavior of the research in Section 3. Section 4 has

delivered a comprehensive explanation of the process of conceptual progress and

amplification used in the research. Section 5 have presented the grounded theories that

emerged from the study with specifying the grounded theory of brotherhood, a basic social

structural process; the riders social structural conditions hastening the emergence of the

community.. Section 6 has detailed the research findings that came from participants

experience and author himself to explain the atmosphere in superbike society.

This final section presented conclusions from the research outcomes and pointing the

contributions of the research to theory, method and practice. The section continues with a

statement on the achievement of the research‟s aims, the summary of the research findings,

limitations of the research and recommendation for future research.

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7.2 Summary Of The Research

From the research, I concludes that in superbike community, there is strong connection that

minimum publics realize about it. Local superbikers gaining their own respect, desire, interest

and enjoyment from strong connection between them. These riders style obviously differ

from other transportation driver such as car or small capacity motorcycle. They are more

careful, high reputation, reliable, understanding and more enjoy compared to other informal

community. This kind of behavior could benefit other speed machine community if they take

example from it. Superbikers also less having road accident compare to other personal

transportation and this cause by their mentality and attitude when on the road.

The theory of brotherhood could be use to explain and understand the behavior of superbikers

so that it could benefit us. The conceptual finding from participants‟ experiences are

exclusive and based from real world practice that lead to emerged theory of brotherhood. I

hope that this research will be able to understand and explain the atmosphere that is going on

in superbike community and could be utilize in other local community or upper authorities to

enhance road safety in Malaysia.

7.3 Limitation Of The Research

The purpose of this research was not to reach full and accurate description, statistical

justification or broad generalizations of superbikers‟ participation in informal networks.

Rather, the purpose has been to determine what is really going on in such networks, to

comprehend what inspires and rewards network participation and to propose a conceptual

theory that explains the design of social behavior that resolves the main concerns of

superbikers as they participate in these informal network relationships - brotherhood. While

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efforts to lengthen, alter or even prove this theory of brotherhood in superbike scene would

no hesitation refine and advance it, the theory as offered provides an exceptional fit to the

social world in which it is grounded.

As a final point, a research such as this, assumed by an individual working without an

accompaniment of researchers and within the restrictions of individual financial resources

will transmit with it the obvious precincts of time, scope, resources and experience in the use

of the methodology. While more data could have been collected and constantly compared to

possibly generate additional concepts, possessions or scopes, this should not be observed as

having excessively limited the theory produced. In keeping with the empirical learning curve

of the methodology, it is to be expected that a novice researcher will benefit from continued

engagement in grounded theory studies. Having recognized these restrictions, however, this

study‟s difficulty adherence to the full procedures of classic grounded theory has produced a

ungenerous theory of conceptual scope and depth that transcends the data from which it

emerged, offering general implications that may be applied beyond the practical field that

served as the basis for the study. In the final analysis, grounded theory is simply an integrated

set of theoretical propositions, well anchored in empirical data.

7.4 Recommendation On Future Research

This research underwrites to future research by proposing potential topics for further study as

well as offering comments on methodology for future research. A grounded theory is a

starting point. It does not aim to offer full conceptual description or to fulfill claims of

realistic accuracy or verification. While grounded in data, grounded theory transcends the

data to produce a conceptual theory of a substantive area. The theory is abstract of people,

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time and place yet offers implications for praxis as well as further theoretical improvement

through its potential for ongoing conceptual alteration and verification.

In the superbike arena, safety is also a crucial aspect that contributes to rider‟s attitude.

Possibly in the future, this can be the main concern that can be discuss and find the element

that will help the riders in Malaysia aware of it. There are certain beneficial attitudes from

superbikers that non-superbike riders could use for their own safety or benefit for example

wear complete riding gears to prevent hard injuries or life loss. This kind of subject could be

consume by upper authorities to deal with main road accident contributor, which are motor

cup riders.

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Appendix A

Examples Of Data Collected

1. Informal Conversation – Zul Oren (Bikers69J Motorsport Club)

Researcher: What is you main concern in riding superbike?

Zul Oren: ….in each group riding, every riders need to take care them self but always follow

the riding convoy protocols…..a Marshall can‟t watch every person in the convoy

so each riders need to watch everyone else too to prevent any unsafe element

during the rides…..every riding activities require safety….brotherhood is for senior

riders but for beginners, he or she need time to learn to adapt the group

brotherhood….in superbike group, co-operation always required in any activities

that involve riding…..each of the riders need to know their own responsibilities in

every situations…..the brotherhood in a group can help a superbiker become an

excellent rider and becoming role model to other rider…

2. Informal Conversation – Azman Yazzid ( The Bladers Club)

Researcher: What is you main concern in riding superbike?

Azman Yazzid: …..bikers need to know their part in the rides….other superbikers need to

remind each other about their job…..don‟t ride to show off but ride because

you want to be free….don‟t ever underestimate other people around

you….senior superbikers need to monitor and remind the beginners….ride

because you like to ride….help people that need our help even though they

are not in our group….love friend like family….treat your members like

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family….prepare fully functional riding ear for extra pre-caution of

safety….don‟t let small issue interfere with riding occasion…..never ride

alone….

3. Informal Conversation – Adly ( F.E.R.N.O Club)

Researcher: What is you main concern in riding superbike?

Adly: ….the first thing in when you bought a superbike is search a group that suit your

style….why riding? – brotherhood, grouping, speed, satisfaction….brotherhood make

the ride live!.....sometimes there are some riders don‟t want to follow safety instruction

from the group leader (Marshall) which lead to group accident or difficulties…..if one

of the members unable to follow orders and giving bad attitude, it will giving the group

or club bad reputation….low discipline will cause low reputation….a good

brotherhood will make a riding the best things that you ever had…..

4. Informal Conversation – Fazly (Bikers69J Motorsport Club)

Researcher: What is you main concern in riding superbike?

Fazly: ….a ride will be more unforgettable if we ride in-group….maintain the brotherhood

and we will be survive….treats friend like family….if friends in trouble, go help

them and maybe one day they will help us back if we got hard time….in a

group…riders always fighting because of power, respect, ego, show off and its all

will damage the relationship between superbikers….when riding in a group, always

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take care each other…..when riding alone…always take care yourself….don‟t be

careless….

5. Informal Conversation – Arab Abdillah (Bikers69J Motorsport Club)

Arab Abdillah: ……of course we need a group in riding superbike….riding superbike is not

like riding motor cup….superbike is dangerous so we need people that we

can seek for help and guide…..always listen and learn….watch and

follow….don‟t make your own rule when in group riding….watch each other

back for full secure….safety are not everything, if we play too safe we will

lose the excitement….be cool and relax and accept that you are riding a

superbike….enjoy the rides and the brotherhood in our group….

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Appendix B

Sample of Conceptual Memos

Interest Connection

Superbikers may connect naturally due to similarity of interest. This make them unique from

other and felt like in a same world as they want to be understand and like to be with person

whom have the same interest.

Mutual Engagement

Superbikers might originate with various backgrounds and race but they develop a strong

desire to be together to living with their interest. The aim may be interest enhancement; it

may be developing a mutual unity; it may be a professional collaboration. There is gratitude

of the range and depth of ability within the community and a desire for mutual engagement to

influence the capability. There is enthusiasm in the potential to move the group ahead, to

accomplish mutual potential, through mutual engagement. Superbike riders treasure the

experience of mutual engagement, which both for the socializing and for the interest achieved

together.

Mutuality

As they have same interest and understanding, they tend to create mutuality among them.

They develop a measure in relating to one another. They ascertain areas of agreement and

configuration in relation to the external environment. As riders engage with one another, the

experiences they share in common become the basis for a developing sense of mutual values,

ethics and responsibilities. Mutuality enables closeness of relationships within the

community.