| Author |
Message |
    
Xbimmer
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 12:49 am: | 
|
Ever notice when there is a solo harley dude you get the wave but get a group of them and they go right on by with that stupid looking tough guy scowl and no wave,...
That always amuses me, regular guys until a peer pressure environment. There goes any illusion of self esteem, independence, and bad-assness.
Most everybody's dumping on the pirate-looker HD guys here, I've run across lots of full-face helmeted and ATGATT HD riders over the years too. Many of them excellent riders from what I'd observed. They're more about the ride and not what the other guy's riding IMO. As it should be.
All those guys on there (born to be wild bikes) always look so angry.
Yeah, probably because they really want to wave but they're afraid to take a hand off the bars and it frustrates them. 
IMHO, the worst are the Metric Pseudo HD people. They would appear to have even more to prove to the world for whatever reason. Second to that is a tie between Gold Wingers and New Age BMW riders. How could anybody rate against the incredible wisdom of choice of motorcycle type apparently gifted to them from above? I feel so unworthy...
I get more waves back from bike cops than cruisers, that says it all. Riding is part of a motor cop's life, not just a "Look at Me" segment of a hobby. |
Johnboy777
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 08:40 am: |
|
These guys (Harley or Metric) pretending to be pirates or hard-ass
leather-clad bikers remind me of guys that like to play dress up at Renaissance Fairs
and pretend they're something they're not.
Most Bike Nights around here are just Renaissance Fairs for bikers.
Very amusing
. |
Hooper
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 11:05 am: |
|
I can't wait to get a wave from a bike cop.
I think, deep down, the Metric cruiser riders are thinking, "Ha, fools! My Japanese bike is SO much more affordable and reliable than those Hogs. Yet...there's something missing..."
My very first bike was a Yamaha V-Star and I loved it more than anything at the time, but I love my Buell and (anonymized) Harley quite a bit more.
My thing is...how do you keep some of those Harleys so clean?!?!? It must take a full day to keep just the spokes shiny. Mine are in sad shape, but I just can't spend the time trying to get into all the nooks and crannies with a rag and polish. If I'm not riding, I'm doing all the other things I like to do in my life. |
Pauley2000
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 12:58 pm: |
|
Polish?
Don't you all ride in the rain?
Adverse weather = Biker vs Poser. |
Hotredjohn
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 01:46 pm: |
|
I guess I would have to ask. Were you riding aggressively? Cutting through traffic, I have a hard time reading your post, but it sounding like you probably were. And does that kind of riding give the rest of the motoring world a bad impression about sport bikers? Maybe. I see this stuff all the time when I ride.
Don't get me wrong, i twist the throttle too, but I try and keep things sane and not scare old ladies and little kids.
I ride both my Uly and my Road King and I wave at anyone on two wheels . I have riden long enough (40 years) to know how to keep riding years and years to come.
Have fun out there!
John
(Message edited by hotredjohn on July 23, 2009) |
Froggy
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 03:20 pm: |
|
quote:I try and keep things sane and not scare old ladies and little kids.
Hah that reminds me, on my way home from Buelltoberfest 1, there was a loaded school bus on I-95, of course everyone was starring at me, so I was forced to pull up the front end  |
Nobuell
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 03:32 pm: |
|
I was in Los Angeles last week for work. I had to drive (in rental car) north on Highway 101 and 1 to Monterey. The Once out of LA the roads were very nice. It was killing me to be in a car, especially in the Big Sur area.
Hotredjohn
The reason for this post is to mention the riders in the LA area. It scared me to watch the riders spliting lanes. Many were motoring quit fast and many times they would instantly appear in the side mirror and startle me.
It just seem insane to me. |
Xbimmer
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 05:28 pm: |
|
I can't wait to get a wave from a bike cop.
They won't usually wave like most riders do, although there's a CHP I've come across a couple of times in the mountains here who will actually initiate a hand-out-to-the-side wave. Mostly it's a slight move of the left hand from the grip, or a nod.
When the Uly was new I had a LAPD hang a u-turn and pull up alongside while I was waiting at a signal. Asked me a lot about the Buell until the light turned green, then u-turned again and headed the way he'd been going. Both u-turns were illegal by the way.
It scared me to watch the riders spliting lanes. Many were motoring quit fast and many times they would instantly appear in the side mirror and startle me.
It just seem insane to me.
Statistically it's safer than plodding along surrounded by cars with inattentive drivers, if done safely.
You're right though, a lot of them are plain idiots and split lanes way too fast and without any thought of evasion if necessary. I shake my head at those squids, future statistics... |
Jammin_joules
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 06:15 pm: |
|
Some of you are just looking for a reason to be alienated, or keep a distance from other riders - the wave, not getting the wave, the leathers, the scowl on faces... come one.
Is this really an issue?
Here's a thought, probably half the Buells I personally sold so far this year went to Harley owners, past or concurrent. Without Harley, Buell, and its dealers would be nothing more than a notch in the butt of the motorcycle gun of history.
Buell -vs- Harley, Ford -vs- Chevy, American -vs- Metric, Big Mac versus Whopper, Coke -vs- Pepsi - does it really matter?
My bet is that on patrol in Iraq right now, you would appreciate a Harley rider covering your back.
How many of you critics at large own AlpinStar, Sid, Scorpion, Joe Rocket, have knee pucks and never been on a motorcycle road course? Are you not a bigger pauser than a Harley rider wearing a leather vest with a HOG patch? At least he is dressed for being in his chosen element.
My wife & I ride four Harley's, I also a Buell. Should I divorce her because she doesn't get the whole Buell thing?
Our HOG chapter has high mileage people who log 20,000 miles a year. Are they more bikers than a Buell rider who logs 2,000 on at track days all year?
I've ridden to Sturgis, Laconia, Milwaukee, East Toy, dragged my Buell at Bandimere, rode a Harley Destroyer at Vegas, ridden over mountain passes in the Rockies, ridden a Uly to Taos, Snowy Range, and Moab. Rode my Harley to the Salt of Bonneville, my Uly up to 13,000 feet and the Devil's Playground to watch the Pikes Peak mountain race and I've ridden 1125's & XB's at Miller Motorsport, Freddie Spencer Race school, and High Plains Raceway.
I've been given road side assistance, beers, and shelter by all kinds of riders, on all brands. And I have been pissed off by some of each too.
SO what kind of biker am I?
Who should I wave to?
Who should I diss?
Who should I criticize behind their backs?
Time to rethink the attitude if you have to characterize any one brand rider as a group and stereotype them.
I could be wrong,
But I doubt it.
~jammer |
Mortarmanmike120
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 07:09 pm: |
|
At least he is dressed for being in his chosen element.
I disagree, he is dressed for hanging out in a bar, not for the street. Ya see, the street I ride has cars, and guard rails, and trucks, and pavement and lots of sharp pointy dangerous things that'll eat that vest for lunch. Wearing alpinestars or sidi's or whatever has nothing to do with being on the track. Is it fashion for some, sure. They are posers as bad as the pirate wannabees. I'd guess for most it is NOT a fashion statement. If you don't see the difference I'm sorry.
As far as the pissed off fair weather cruiser, who cares. |
Edgydrifter
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 07:29 pm: |
|
I'm like Steve Martin in Pennies From Heaven --I wave at everybody. Pirates, squids, cops, even scooteristas. They all get a wave from me.
Only Buells get thrown the shocker, though. They're special.
(Message edited by edgydrifter on July 23, 2009) |
Jphish
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 10:38 pm: |
|
I'm like Edgy' - If they're on 2 wheels, Wave at 'em all...even the peddle pushers. If they don't wave back, no big deal. Ya gotta decide what you'll be bothered by, particularly those things out of one's control...like how others choose to react. The only time I ever let the absence of a wave diminish my day was on my surf board - about 45 years ago. QUESTION: I have put about 10K on my Uly in the last year. Been to Yellowknife, Death valley, Yellowstone & all the required points in between. I have NEVER seen another Uly on the road as a serendipitous event, campground, hotel parking lot, eatery etc. - unless it was a prearranged meeting. (like with Dr Greg on his last adventure) Any others had this experience ? Rode for a year and never saw another Uly? (Buell dealers & Uly events don't count) My riding partner has a GS1200 - I've seen tons of those - but NO Uly's. I figure if Wa state is 2% of the US population and there are 8000 Uly's out there - should be about 160 or so in this state alone. It's like "where's Waldo" - Show me the Uly's. |
Froggy
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 10:51 pm: |
|
I've seen a handful of non badweb Uly's in the wild. |
Xbimmer
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 11:16 pm: |
|
I saw a red XT two-up headed the other way on I-10 east of Redlands CA last week. I believe we all three took double takes!
Other than that, I haven't seen another Uly and only four Buells on the road in over a year since I moved out here to San Bernardino. |
Cyclonedon
| | Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 11:44 pm: |
|
I don't see many Uly's around like I use to but there are some Buells on the roads around here, mainly XB R's & S's.
I have been seeing several Spiders on the road lately, they seem to be catching on along with all the motor scooters out there. |
Jammin_joules
| | Posted on Friday, July 24, 2009 - 10:38 am: |
|
I'd guess for most it is NOT a fashion statement. If you don't see the difference I'm sorry.
..............o~'o
As is for some leather clad cruiser riders. Just because someone doesn't think like us, or read technical articles regarding the best gear, or worse, {the tragedy} they think differently than us, does that make them wrong and relegated to second class? So all smokers, and drinkers, and people 20 pounds over weight, and paussers who can only ride 4,000 miles a year because of family, work and child rearing obligations, and [people who can;t afford the best in track wear to ride on the street, and people who ride without helmets, and people who eat fast fat food, and gun owners, hunters, lane splitters, etc...
Do you see where I am going?
If you know the outcome of an act, (wearing one set of gear -vs- another) of course you should take the one that gives a desired outcome. But your science is flawed if you think wearing AlpinStar, Aria and Sidi guarantee your safety when riding too fast for conditions on the street is better than a cruiser wearing old fashioned leather doing the speed limit.
If you don't see the difference I'm sorry. And the motorcycling community takes a step back as well.
Now shut up & ride! |
Mortarmanmike120
| | Posted on Friday, July 24, 2009 - 12:07 pm: |
|
Do you see where I am going?
Nope, not in the slightest. I've only had one cup of coffee this morning so that may explain it.
But your science is flawed if you think wearing AlpinStar, Aria and Sidi guarantee your safety when riding too fast for conditions on the street is better than a cruiser wearing old fashioned leather doing the speed limit. Besides my general disagreement with this statement, I think you're implying something that wasnt said. Leather is good. I like leather. Even beyond it's recreational uses, leather has saved my hide. A leather vest as you previously stated is not the same thing.
The only statement you made that I really had an issue with was about the vest. I just find it odd that you call people who actually wear protective gear on the street posers. I won't pretend to speak for the entire motorcycle community but I wear all that shit for a reason. I don't enjoy wearing all that crap and I don't do it for fashion. It's expensive and I'd rather not have to deal with it. In a perfect world with no accidents I'd ride naked. (Guess that would be less-then-perfect for everybody else.)
The funny thing is when I wave at bikers from my jeep or vise-versa. That really confuses folks.
Now shut up & ride!
I will. May I suggest you do the same. Have a glorious day. |
Mattwhite
| | Posted on Friday, July 24, 2009 - 09:13 pm: |
|
I see Harley riders wave as much as anybody else, even in groups. A lot of them even try to be helpful and tell me I'm riding with 1 light out. |
Tootal
| | Posted on Saturday, July 25, 2009 - 03:53 pm: |
|
I have a friend that didn't ride but would go to rallys and camp. He ended up my bitch on a couple rides, and took the abuse of such a position. He was a nice guy and was able to laugh at himself. THEN HE BOUGHT A HARLEY! Now he owns tons of crap that says HD on it. He has the HD jacket, Helmet, boots etc. He no longer laughs at himself but has cobbed a huge attitude as if he is now Joe badass! It's amazing how some people change once they throw a leg over a Harley. Damn shame too, now that he can ride along I really don't want to be around him. |
Johnboy777
| | Posted on Saturday, July 25, 2009 - 04:06 pm: |
|
""Damn shame too, now that he can ride along I really don't want to be around him.""
Sounds like its time for an intervention.
. |
Hooper
| | Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2009 - 12:13 am: |
|
Like I was saying, I LOVE my Harley, and I've also rented them in some of the coolest places in America (south Florida, New Hampshire, Maine, Arizona, Utah, and California.
But, the one I own is essentially anonymous - sans logo. That's the way I want it. Read into as you will - but I love wearing a Buell logo. Buell essentially has a neutral brand image in the general public. Harley-Davidson has a MASSIVE one. I think Harleys have some of the most character of any bike made in the world, but I don't necessarily fit into that, so I've decided to make mind this:
Just a black bike, and for some reason, I can flog this thing up and down the twisties better than I can my Uly (sometimes).
The problem is, it's hell on the lower back.
Oh, and I got lots of waves in the sweltering heat of today. However, there were more bicyclists than motorcyclists, and that's just weird.
Talk about permagrin? When I ride this Hog, I get a BIG smile on my face, but it's not quite like the smile I get when I roll up the street on the Uly. Different smiles/strokes for different philes/folks.
(Message edited by hooper on July 26, 2009) |
Vwsinner
| | Posted on Monday, July 27, 2009 - 12:07 am: |
|
"How many of you critics at large own AlpinStar, Sid, Scorpion, Joe Rocket, have knee pucks and never been on a motorcycle road course? Are you not a bigger pauser than a Harley rider wearing a leather vest with a HOG patch? At least he is dressed for being in his chosen element."
I wear Joe Rocket and Sidi everyday, even on short trips. It's not about being a "Poser", it's about being able to walk away from when your tires DON'T meet the road. I used to catch a lot of crap at work until I put it that way, most of it from cruisers who wear long sleeve SHIRTS, low top sneakers, and half helmets shrouded in thin leather vests on their 25k baggers. Call me what you want, but when you are getting your skin brought to you in a pietrie dish and looking at new tatoo coverups for road rash, I'll still be standing tall and walking to start up my Uly. |
Jammin_joules
| | Posted on Monday, July 27, 2009 - 02:17 am: |
|
I won't get dragged under the bridge
all I know is one form of riders dissing another form of riders is in poor taste, backwards, 1980. Freedom of choice scares people, I am not afraid to let people make up their own mind regarding how they live, ride, work, eat - what ever. I don't have to diss them or wish them to conform to my standards.
User results may very
|
Tootal
| | Posted on Monday, July 27, 2009 - 07:24 pm: |
|
I don't care what you wear either. It's your life not mine. It's frikken America, home to free men/women. You can do what ever you want as long as it doesn't infringe on another persons rights. Ok, that's the way it should be anyway!! |
Petereid
| | Posted on Monday, July 27, 2009 - 07:33 pm: |
|
So when I ride my softail its ok to wave but when I ride my Buell its ok not to wave.....good thing I don't really care what Buell's marketing departments thinks. Hey but they also said its ok not to care what others think lol |
|
