Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: oldbike54 on June 17, 2013, 09:52:44 PM
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Here you go Matt , if anyone still cares .
Dusty
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;-T
Thanks, but I really don't expect anyone to tell their story a second time.
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Maybe not , but some of the newer members might post . Here , just to prime the pump , whatever ya do , don't ever use the front brake , you'll flip over forwards. Dusty
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Hey, ain't it too windy to ride that thing. No, it's always windy on a motorcycle!!---second time LOL
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Them: (staring at valve cover and tank with Guzzi in plain sight) Wow, I haven't seen a Harley like that in a loooong time!
Me: Probably still haven't.
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Pickle , on a similar note , back when I rode Meriden Triumphs , more than one person said to me "I used to have a Harley just like that ."
Dusty
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I overhear this conversation between father and grown son:
S: "What's this one?"
F: "That's one of those new Chinese bikes. ...Really easy to work on."
They're looking at a black 2013 Stone.
"Actually that's Italian," I said.
F: "Really? Huh." He scratches his head. "Well it looks really cool."
"I agree!"
F: "So, you guys sell motorcycles too? Or just scooters?"
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This last Saturday, after backing over my Guzzi, she says..do you have to report it its just a motorcycle.... ::(
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This is such a target rich thread!
When I worked for the Guzzi dealer:
Them: What kinda Hondas are these?
Patient Employee: Moto Guzzi
Them: Cool! I like Jap(anese) bikes.
Patient Employee: They are made in Italy.
Them: Where in Japan is Italy?
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In summer, 1953, I had my first bike, a 1944 Excelsior paratroop scooter with a 98cc Villiers 2-stroke engine and single speed gearbox. My parents were not pleased. My mother said to a friend, unwisely within my hearing, "It's a stage Ralph is going through". Now I am 76 and my 2003 Stone Touring bought in early 2012 is my 80th bike.
Long "stage", mother.
Ralph
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40 Britbikes along with a smattering of MVs and a couple of /2 BMWs pull up in front of the Main Street Cafe in Mountain City, Tennessee one fine May noon. We go in and have lunch, come out and are getting on our bikes, talking about the upcoming route over The Snake ... and the little waitress comes out of the restaurant, comes up to me and says ...
"Oh, I love you guys' Harleys!"
Like kleenex or xerox or velcro, I suppose. Now a generic name for motorcycle ....
Lannis
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Two rice boys (well, I eat rice too, just for the sake of better visualisation) came forward to me at a gas station. One of them asked: "Is that an intercooler?"
I squad down and pointing to the alternator: "Oh yes, the belt driven super charger is mounted somewhere here"
then I heard ooohh ahhh behind me ;D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/GrisoSEa.jpg)
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What's the bike next to the Guzzi?
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What's the bike next to the Guzzi?
That's a Kawasaki W400, a stroked-down version of W650. It is a Japanese domestic model, I sold it 2 months ago, gathering fund for another Guzzi.
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What's the bike next to the Guzzi?
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George I was wondering for just a moment who would recognize a Guzzi, and not another brand . ;D ;D
Dusty
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That's a good one Dusty ;-T :BEER:
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George I was wondering for just a moment who would recognize a Guzzi, and not another brand . ;D ;D, Dusty
I was thinking the saddle/tank had the space for my grossly enlarged scrotum.
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"What kind of bike is that". "It's a Moto Guzzi". " Huh. Where do they make those?" 'In Italy". " They make motor cycles in Italy?!"
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Last year (March) I took my new 36yo GF to the Motorcycle races in the country.
In the evening, after diner in a Chinese Restaurant, it went like this:
Me: "May I kiss you?"
Her: "NO!"
ME: "Why?"
Her: "I don't want to get pregnant!" :o
Today, she still lives at home with Mum and Dad, although now rides an Aprilia!
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"I had no choice but to lay the bike down - that's the fastest way to stop a bike, ya know."
I know it's a re-run but I still can't believe anyone is dumb enough to believe this.
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I had just pulled my motorcycle into a diagonal parking spot in downtown Albuquerque and was pulling off my helmet when a woman pulls up in a car behind my bike, stops, rolls down her window and asks: " I really need that parking space. Would you move your motorcycle onto the sidewalk so I can have it?"
Sure.
Sitting at Rabbit Hash, my Norge mixed in with about 40 other bikes nearby, 30 of them Harleys. Two guys walking around admiring the bikes stop to make conversation with me. (I guess in the minds of some, I look like a typical Harley guy.) One fellow says "These sure are some fine looking bikes." I agree. "Like my father always told me, there are two kinds of motorcyclists, those who own a Harley, and those who wish they did." I smile and nod.
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Stopped at a hardware store in salem IL. To pick up a lost
Metric fastener, When the worker couldn't find a match he
confidently declares " must be an eyetalian size"
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1977 me 19 late summer.
Me: Mom Triumph has this beautiful Silver Jubilee I'm going to buy
Mom: Wait until spring and you probably won't even want it anymore
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But in close competition at the moment, is centauro oil pump gear problems are overrated
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Why dintcha buy uh murican bike? Never heard uh no Moto Gutsy.
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Young man approaches my /5 and in a a serious tone asks me where I got the motor , I say , it came with the MC , well who put that motor in it ? I say , well the factory . Well that ain't no MC engine, , doesn't look like no Harley motor , he replies . Takes awhile , I finally convince him .
Dusty
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How about the stupidest thing someone DIDN'T ask me (or the stupidest thing I didn't bother to ask):
Sold a scooter (a 170cc Buddy) to a woman who'd just completed the motorcycle training course the previous weekend on a Honda Rebel loaner. I went over all the usual stuff with her outside the shop: how to start it up, the lights, the signals, the seat, the horn, the brakes, the reminder of an absence of a clutch, etc... And she was so sweet and nice that I spent a couple extra minutes with some "what to expect on a scooter" pointers. Then I went inside while she prepped to ride away because I don't like to make customers nervous by watching them take off.
I came outside a few minutes later and she was pulling out of the parking lot and into the street...with her legs wildly flapping behind her as she searched for non-existent foot pegs. I went chasing after her for fear she was going to stick her foot in the rear wheel, but she figured it out as I reached her.
Note to self: remember to tell customers where to put their feet
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Never say to a do-raged Harley rider, "Nice scooter you got there". I almost got my ass kicked for saying that, out side of a bar in Phoenix, by the fellow while he explained to me in very graphic terms that it was a motorcycle not a scooter! Even though I was standing next to my R90s, so he could see I was a rider not a wannabe. Gee those fellows just don't know how to take a compliment.
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Never say to a do-raged Harley rider, "Nice scooter you got there". I almost got my ass kicked for saying that, out side of a bar in Phoenix, by the fellow while he explained to me in very graphic terms that it was a motorcycle not a scooter! Even though I was standing next to my R90s, so he could see I was a rider not a wannabe. Gee those fellows just don't know how to take a compliment.
Geez... seems to me that tons of "those" folks refer to the rides as "scooters". A confusing lot.
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Getting off my Breva 1100, had a kid with a skateboard and flat brimmed hat ask if that was a Ninja.
All I could think of to say was that Ninja's were for pussies.
No offense meant if you ride a Ninja. Was just what popped out of my mouth.
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Geez... seems to me that tons of "those" folks refer to the rides as "scooters". A confusing lot.
Many years ago, when I worked with a few seriously hard core HD riders, it was explained to me that naked Sportsters and such were referred to as "scooters" and that the bagged out touring Harleys were "sleds". The rest of the non-Harley bikes (especially Japanese Harley clones) were just referred to as, well there are rules against obscenities here. ;D That was in the early 80's when I was a kid riding Japanese standards, CB's and KZ's.
Darren
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Ok here's one:
me and my mates,16 years old sitting on our 50cc mopeds in a friends garage. He wants to see how much petrol he has in his tank and chimes up with:
"I know this sounds stupid, but has anyone got a match so I can see how much fuel is in the tank"
Well of course it sounded very stupid but my mate has always always been a very sandwiches short of a picnic and who were we to question his wisdom? So a box of matches was duly passed across...
Yes he lit it and tried to look inside the tank, cue explosion and much hilarity, no long term injuries...
Unlike another friend who tried to fire breath with petrol, but that's another story.
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I was in a gas station on my Royal Enfield when a guy in a Pick'm'Up truck pulled up and asked me if it was a Triumph. "Royal Enfield" was nicely emblazened on the tank well within his view.
Me: No, it's a Royal Enfield
Him: Does Triumph make them?
Me: No, they're built by Royal Enfield.
Him: Never heard of them.
Me: Well, now you've seen one!
He left.
I had a Triumph jacket on, must've confused the boy!
But the worst are the people who find out I ride and the first thing they ask is, "Do you have a Harley?"
I just tell them, "No, why would I want one?"
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Last year (March) I took my new 36yo GF to the Motorcycle races in the country.
In the evening, after diner in a Chinese Restaurant, it went like this:
Me: "May I kiss you?"
Her: "NO!"
ME: "Why?"
Her: "I don't want to get pregnant!" :o
Today, she still lives at home with Mum and Dad, although now rides an Aprilia!
It was probably the gigantic codpiece we keep hearing about that had her worried about your "abilities" .... !
Lannis
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"Loud pipes..." ~; :beat_horse
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"Where's Italy?" No lie.
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"Where's Italy?" No lie.
[/quote
??? ::) Were you in Oklahoma at the time ?
Dusty
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I was flat on my back in hospital, with broken femur after crashing a borrowed dirt bike on the street.
Age 17 or so; barely knew how to ride. The ancient charge nurse in the Ortho Ward says:
"Do me a favor, next time you decide to ride a murdercycle (yep, she used that word) go
a hundred miles an hour."
"Why?"
"So you'll get killed, and I won't have to take care of you again!"
I never forgot this unpleasant sentiment; (though she's long dead by now) I beat her at her own
game. I've gone the "ton" many times in near-perfect safety, on bikes like Hayabusas, etc.
Don't make a practice of it, but been done and then some. And I'm still alive, to chortle at the old mean nurse!
Most nurses are great, compassionate people, but not this old bat...
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Did the term "murdercycle originate in a SoCal newspaper after the incident at Hoillister ?
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I was flat on my back in hospital, with broken femur after crashing a borrowed dirt bike on the street.
Age 17 or so; barely knew how to ride. The ancient charge nurse in the Ortho Ward says:
"Do me a favor, next time you decide to ride a murdercycle (yep, she used that word) go
a hundred miles an hour."
"Why?"
"So you'll get killed, and I won't have to take care of you again!"
I never forgot this unpleasant sentiment; (though she's long dead by now) I beat her at her own
game. I've gone the "ton" many times in near-perfect safety, on bikes like Hayabusas, etc.
Don't make a practice of it, but been done and then some. And I'm still alive, to chortle at the old mean nurse!
Most nurses are great, compassionate people, but not this old bat...
While out skiing I rode up the lift with a doctor. I said something about my motorcycle and he went on a 15 min rant about motorcycles and how stupid they are. He then suggested riding without a helmet to make sure I killed myself in the next crash rather than end up with a broken body that he would have to treat.
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While out skiing I rode up the lift with a doctor. I said something about my motorcycle and he went on a 15 min rant about motorcycles and how stupid they are. He then suggested riding without a helmet to make sure I killed myself in the next crash rather than end up with a broken body that he would have to treat.
Did you ask him if he was a Sonny Bono fan?
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Probably, he was an Army doctor. ;)
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The HD riding retard who loudly told all his bro's that " them Guzzi's couldnt pull the slack out of their chain. He knew, because he used to work on them"
This was after a group of us went around them like they were backing up while dog paddling around the hill country racer road that is 337.
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While out skiing I rode up the lift with a doctor. I said something about my motorcycle and he went on a 15 min rant about motorcycles and how stupid they are. He then suggested riding without a helmet to make sure I killed myself in the next crash rather than end up with a broken body that he would have to treat.
Wow. That doctor had everything - adherence to his Hippocratic oath, sympathy, empathy, and love for his fellow man.
Probably a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. Or (more likely) he's badly PW and his wife "won't let him have one ...."
Lannis
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See above.
He worked at Walter Reed. Not plastic surgeon in that sense. Prosthetics.
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While out skiing I rode up the lift with a doctor. I said something about my motorcycle and he went on a 15 min rant about motorcycles and how stupid they are....
::)
Did you point out that at that moment the two of you were riding a mechanical device up the side of a snow-covered mountain, simply so you could slide back down to where you started?
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While out skiing I rode up the lift with a doctor. I said something about my motorcycle and he went on a 15 min rant about motorcycles and how stupid they are. He then suggested riding without a helmet to make sure I killed myself in the next crash rather than end up with a broken body that he would have to treat.
I heard that weekly for the 16 years I worked at Duke University Hospital.
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Interesting, I was in the Plastic Surgery Clinic at Walter Reed Army Medical Center from 1993 until 2001, and was the Chief there from 1998 to 2001. You don't remember a name do you? I would love to know. FWIW, I've been a plastic surgeon since 1991 and have been on bikes since age 18. More often than not, when someone is seriously injured it usually involves alcohol and/or pure stupidity.
Reminds me of the incredibly drunk biker who was brought in with multiple orthopedic injuries. The ambulance driver brought in his helmet. It had a huge split in it running from front to back. On each side there was a sticker that proudly proclaimed: "I DON'T WEAR THIS BY CHOICE". Darwin award material?
CW
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Interesting, I was in the Plastic Surgery Clinic at Walter Reed Army Medical Center from 1993 until 2001, and was the Chief there from 1998 to 2001.
Whew! Glad I had modified my guess with "Beverly Hills"!
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Not the worst thing said to me but one that always gets a harump!
"You coulda bought a car for that much money!"
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See above.
He worked at Walter Reed. Not plastic surgeon in that sense. Prosthetics.
Does he have a spare Testicle?
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Just the other day walking in from the parking lot at work. I'd ridden the LeMans a few days but was back in the car. Lady co-worker; "I'm so glad you're not on that motorcycle again. What if you hit a rock?"
Me; "I steer around rocks." Note to self; There must be a band of marauding rocks working our section of I-40, be careful.
Tobit
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Did the term "murdercycle originate in a SoCal newspaper after the incident at Hoillister ?
I saw a 1930's talkie where a character kept calling the bike a 'murdersickle'.
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Not stupid .... but it surprised me. I'd purchased my first BMW K bike, a 1985 K100RS. Painted in Madison Silver, I was so taken with the bike when I saw one parked in downtown (donton) Pittsburgh, PA, I went to the dealer next day. Within a week I owned an identical bike.
First or second ride, I'm in a local diner north of Pgh. A fellow outside who I could see through the window was pacing back and forth, examining the bike in detail.
When he came into the diner, I asked if he rode. "No, I sort of dislike the things ....... but if I did like 'em, that'd be the bike I'd want."
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Interesting, I was in the Plastic Surgery Clinic at Walter Reed Army Medical Center from 1993 until 2001, and was the Chief there from 1998 to 2001. You don't remember a name do you? I would love to know. FWIW, I've been a plastic surgeon since 1991 and have been on bikes since age 18. More often than not, when someone is seriously injured it usually involves alcohol and/or pure stupidity.
Reminds me of the incredibly drunk biker who was brought in with multiple orthopedic injuries. The ambulance driver brought in his helmet. It had a huge split in it running from front to back. On each side there was a sticker that proudly proclaimed: "I DON'T WEAR THIS BY CHOICE". Darwin award material?
CW
Nope, no name. This was in 1987 and we were on the slope at West Point. I didn't get a word in edgewise or I would have told him to go hit his head on a tree. Ironically, this was before skiers started wearing helmets.
Did you know Gagliano? He would have been at Walter Reed about that time, eye specialist. Last I heard he was still consulting for the Army on battlefield eye injuries.
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"I had no choice but to lay the bike down - that's the fastest way to stop a bike, ya know."
I know it's a re-run but I still can't believe anyone is dumb enough to believe this.
Marc Marquez was forced to "lay her down" at approx. 340 kph a couple weeks ago to avoid contact with a wall.
Check out the speed indicator at the bottom of the screen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnCfmq199iw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnCfmq199iw)
:o
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Squid at the gas station says of the Europeans " they'll never make a bike faster than the Japanese". As one sig line says-There are no stupid questions....
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:) I once went to a classic bike show on my Falcone. I parked up next to a group of guys on classic Japanese bikes. One of them approached me and asked," Where's the other cylinder? Moto Guzzi only build twins, you know". As I couldn't be bothered regaling him with tales of Guzzi's glorious single cylinder past, I said that it (the other cylinder) must have fallen off on the way there. Thankfully, we don't have to endure the blinkered HD crowd on this side of the pond, our idiots are content to ride mainly Jap bikes!
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After my crash and broken leg a lot of folks asked, "You're going to stop riding, right?"
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Eons ago. Had a blowout in the rear tire of my Bridgestone 175 Dual Twin Scrambler. Using the tools from both our bikes, my buddy and I managed to get the wheel off and the tire off the rim. He left with the tube to find a place to get it patched. We barely had enough money for gas let alone a new tube. I was sitting on the rim on the shoulder of the road when a cop pulls up behind me. He walks up, eyeballs all the tools, the tire, my sweaty, filthy clothes, the one-wheeled bike on the center stand and says (I kid you not) "are you the feller with the flat tar"? It would have been funny except he stopped to tell me that my bud's BMW was also stranded with a flat "tar" about 5 miles away. That was a really long day.
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My father-in-law saying they are dangerous and please be careful when your out there . What do you say when your 64 and been riding since you were 16 ?
I think he envies me and probably always wanted to ride one . Poor guy , I just smile and carry on .
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I'm constantly asked if I'm a fireman..
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h276/djpagel/ADVRider/Inlet.jpg)
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:) The following is perfctly true and, as far as I can remember, word perfect. My wife and I were touring Ireland in September 2001. I was on my brand new V11 Sport, she was on her GPZ 500. We had spent the night in a pub at a place caled Ogonnelau. My wife was outside loading up her bike when she popped her head round the door to tell me there was a chap who wanted to discuss my bike. Expecting a fellow Guzzisti, I went outside. There stood an old boy, in his mid 70's I guessed. "That's a nice bike you've got there" he said. "Yes it is. Thank you". I replied. "What make is it?" "It is a Moto Guzzi" He then looked at it for a while before remarking "Are you sure it isn't a BMW?" "Yes I'm sure. Look. it says Moto Guzzi on the tank and on the engine", said I pointing vigourously at the rocker boxes. He looked at it again for a time, before saying,"Are you sure?" "Yes, of course I'm bloody sure". Then he turned to leave, uttering the immortal words, " I think you'll find it's a BMW" Needless to say we have both had plenty of mileage out of this tale!
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:) The following is perfctly true and, as far as I can remember, word perfect. My wife and I were touring Ireland in September 2001. I was on my brand new V11 Sport, she was on her GPZ 500. We had spent the night in a pub at a place caled Ogonnelau. My wife was outside loading up her bike when she popped her head round the door to tell me there was a chap who wanted to discuss my bike. Expecting a fellow Guzzisti, I went outside. There stood an old boy, in his mid 70's I guessed. "That's a nice bike you've got there" he said. "Yes it is. Thank you". I replied. "What make is it?" "It is a Moto Guzzi" He then looked at it for a while before remarking "Are you sure it isn't a BMW?" "Yes I'm sure. Look. it says Moto Guzzi on the tank and on the engine", said I pointing vigourously at the rocker boxes. He looked at it again for a time, before saying,"Are you sure?" "Yes, of course I'm bloody sure". Then he turned to leave, uttering the immortal words, " I think you'll find it's a BMW" Needless to say we have both had plenty of mileage out of this tale!
:D
I had an older gentlemen approach my V11 Lemans and say "Nice Bike, is it a Harley?". I was a bit perplexed, and corrected him that it's a Moto Guzzi. "Why would you think it's a Harley?" I asked...
"Well, because it's got the Harley Eagle on it I thought it must be a Harley." ::) ;D
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Many years ago, I stopped in a place that advertised parts to build bikes. I stopped in, but everything was chopper stuff, nothing but forward control frames, etc. The guy asked me what I was riding. "Ducati, but I have a BMW, too." He said, I can get parts for them Jap bikes and I can work on em, too." I thought, "Surrrre you can, Skippy. ::)" Smiled, and walked.
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Here's another recent one. So, I'm at my local "car/bike" night which features mostly
vintage American cars and 99% Harleys for the "bike division." There is the odd Japanese
machine and me with my super clean '09 Calif Vintage, the only European motorcycle there
out of 100+ Harleys. The "car" guys will stroll through the bikes and comment.
Two of them spot the Guzzi and give it a disparaging lookover. One says:
"One of those old Moto Guzzis, don't see them much these days."
The other says: "Yeaah. They're really hard to work on; I don't care for them at all."
They knew I was the owner, 'cause I was standing right there wearing a Guzzi shirt. No big
deal, Guzzis aren't for everyone. You'd think that on a "bike night" some ppl might
want a little variety to look at? To me, 100% Harleys is just boring; there's a green one
wow there's a red one, etc. Carry on, guys. ;)
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Bystander: "Is Moto Guzzi Chinese?"
Me: "Yes. Just like Pizza."
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I was extremely surprised when last week I visited a Harley dealership to look around and I spoke to two sales persons about the new California 1400 made by Moto Guzzi and both of them had no idea who Moto Guzzi was ...
Roberto.
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Here's a couple:
1. Every BMW rider has experienced this. Car pulls up at stop lite "Hey when did they start making motorcycles?" (Oh about 30 yrs before they built that overpriced cage you're
in).
2. When I still owned my BSA Rocket Gold Star and lived on the west coast of Fl. Same traffic lite. "Boy you don't see many of them around any more". (there were only 500 some odd of them imported to North America,ever, and none to Fl., so you never saw ANY of them here).
3. When I had my old BMW R50/2 with sidecar I was absolutely forced off the road 3 times (my best friend will swear to this) by ladies who said, verbiage varies,"You WILL take me for a ride", and I certainly did. Wish I still had that sidecar.
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When I was a despatch rider in the 80's for Pony Express, many times I was standing in the reception of a company when the receptionist asked "is it raining ?", well I was dripping wet all over the floor. Also, the standard line was "where's your Pony?", standard answer was "outside, shitting on your flowers"
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I'm in a local diner north of Pgh. A fellow outside who I could see through the window was pacing back and forth, examining the bike in detail.
When he came into the diner, I asked if he rode. "No, I sort of dislike the things ....... but if I did like 'em, that'd be the bike I'd want."
Obviously Bike Curious.
Hope he comes to term with it.
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??? I was out yesterday on my '72 Suzuki Hustler. I was giving it some stick, and laying down a curtain of blue smoke, as you do. Approaching some traffic lights, I came to a stop. A chap on a new R1 pulled up gesticulating wildly. "I've been following you for the past mile or so, and there is a lot of smoke coming out of your exhaust pipes. Is your engine ok?" I took pity on the poor youngster. "My engine is fine" I said. "The time to worry is when there is no smoke coming out the back!" He nodded, looking confused, and set off. Obviously not a child of the '50's!
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At Harley only shop....Two shiny customized Harley pull up to the shop, two riders with new leathers and tattos take they beanies off and are attracted by EV. They both take a long puzzled look at the EV, when of them says, no exaggeration here "What the f*** is that!". My blood was instantly one degree from boiling, so I resond, "If I tell you then you'll have to teach your bikes to bow down to mine".
Oh yeah.....the look on my face expressed all I was feeling, I was ready for war.
They walked into shop the quietly. If you go around presenting yourself as a 1%er act like one, they know all about respect.
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On the Quota and stop for gas and a hydration break. I'm downing a cold Gatorade outside of the c-store. All gussied up in an enduro jacket and 'stich overpants. Guy comes walking in and says
"What kind of bike is that?"
"It's a Guzzi."
"Well, I never liked them crotch rockets. Gotta lean way over the tank." (The Quota has a barn door windscreen and 1" bar risers.) I'm a Harley guy myself."
"Great! Whatcha riding now?"
"Oh, I don't have one now, but I'm thinkin' about buyin' one."
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I'm a Harley guy myself."
"Great! Whatcha riding now?"
"Oh, I don't have one now, but I'm thinkin' about buyin' one."
Typical.
"Get a real motorcycle!" "Really? Where is yours?"
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"Good friend of mine just bought a Guzzi. They're made in Czechoslovakia now, you know."
I've heard the next one many times. Always from a young guy. The towns change but not the lie.
"I went straight through (Insert town name here) at 140mph."
Usually I ask what kind of bike and they never seem to know. The last one thought it was a 2 or 4 cylinder Honda Magna or Saber or Interceptor. Not running now, of course. At home in the garage.
::)
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At a gas station(recurring theme it seems) on the old BMW r75/5.
A gentleman approaching from my right comments about "that engine sticking out like that", walks on past and looks back at the bike and stops dead in his tracks and say's
"that motor hangs out the OTHER side too !?!"
~gotta love them boxers :BEER:
O.K., maybe not such a stupid thing to say, afterall... :D
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Not to me but this was said to my eldest nephew. When my nephew was learning to drive he was taking my father in law some where and used his turn signal to change lanes, my wifes step dad asks "why did you use the turn signal' Nephew, "because that motorcycle is behind us". Father in law, "Oh you don't have to do that those guys that ride those motorsickles knows it's dangerous, ask you'r uncle". Any way you'll wear out the the turn signal. Fortunatly father in law no longer drives and the boys watch out for motorcylces.
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Not to me but this was said to my eldest nephew. When my nephew was learning to drive he was taking my father in law some where and used his turn signal to change lanes, my wifes step dad asks "why did you use the turn signal' Nephew, "because that motorcycle is behind us". Father in law, "Oh you don't have to do that those guys that ride those motorsickles knows it's dangerous, ask you'r uncle". Any way you'll wear out the the turn signal. Fortunatly father in law no longer drives and the boys watch out for motorcylces.
;-T
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This just happened a few weeks ago. I came out of the tool store and found a middle aged attractive woman taking pictures of my BMW K1200GT. I watched her for a while getting shots from every angle and close-ups of the spinning propeller roundel. She noticed me watching her and asked if the bike was mine. I replied that indeed it was. She then remarked that she was unaware that BMW made motorcycles. I then told her that I didn't know BMW made cars until I passed one at a 175MPH. "This thing will do 175"? she asked. "Sure", I said, "hop on". "What would I hold on to"? she asked. The thought of explaining my DOT approved hand hold remained merely a thought. After all, she may be married to a linebacker. Besides, no extra helmet.
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"What would I hold on to"? she asked. The thought of explaining my DOT approved hand hold remained merely a thought. After all, she may be married to a linebacker. Besides, no extra helmet.
I don't get those kind of invitations, but I recognize them when one is sent someone else's way with flowers around it, bows on it, and an aura of Victoria's Secret in a halo ....
There's no linebacker, she was aiming straight for you, and you could have found a way to solve the helmet problem pretty quick!
Lannis
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I don't get those kind of invitations, but I recognize them when one is sent someone else's way with flowers around it, bows on it, and an aura of Victoria's Secret in a halo ....
There's no linebacker, she was aiming straight for you, and you could have found a way to solve the helmet problem pretty quick! Lannis
Stretch a condom over her head, that's protection enough for a BMW! ;-T
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Us Guzzisti stop @ a Japanese Garden. Walking back to our bikes in the parking lot, about 8 Harley riders show up. 1 of the female passengers says to me, "bet you wish you were on a Harley." I replied, "I'll still talk to you." Her mouth dropped wide open. ;-T No one else said anything more. 8)
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Vespa clone rider pulls up at a turnout. It's about 40ºf and pouring rain. I'm wearing all the gear and a Wiggy suit -- basically a marine-grade snowmobile suit in that day-glo yellow/green. He's in the local Vespa uniform -- little half-helmet, sneakers, windbreaker, and plastic pants. I have no idea why he's on a highway. He's shivering, soaked, and a long way from anywhere. "Hey", he says, "You dress funny!"
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"Hey", he says, "You dress funny!"
"Everyone's funny. Now you're funny too .... "
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Over heard at the Bella Vista bike show on Sunday while listening to a Ducati dry clutch rattling merrily away ."I would not own one of those pieces of Italian junk."
Later, as Guzzistajohn on his CX100 and his buddy on a black Dharma roll by on the beginning of 110 mile ride home, same guy says " Them damn Guzzis are junk too". Bear in mind, his bike came on a trailer from 50 miles away .
Dusty
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Over heard at the Bella Vista bike show on Sunday while listening to a Ducati dry clutch rattling merrily away ."I would not own one of those pieces of Italian junk."
Later, as Guzzistajohn on his CX100 and his buddy on a black Dharma roll by on the beginning of 110 mile ride home, same guy says " Them damn Guzzis are junk too". Bear in mind, his bike came on a trailer from 50 miles away .
Dusty
At least he knew that Ducati and Guzzi were Italian junk - so he was only mostly a moron.
Nick
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I was rolling through Alamosa,Colo last Thursday an this guy in the back of a pickup hollars out what is the gas can straped to the back of your bike for Haa Haa I almost told him I was gonna go start a fire but instead I said it's for if I run out of gas between towns he just looked at me with a sort of Daaa look on his face.Sometimes it's best not to say anything.
Gary
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Yeah . . . . out of gas in Kansas . . .. I can't imagine. :D
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"Is that fun"
"Is it safe"
"Moto what?"
"Is it dangerous?"
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So I am at the C-store late afternoon , old beater /5 just sitting their minding her own business , me with a refreshing beverage , young man on some small cruiser bike rolls up , flip flops , shorts , doo rag . He says " cool bike , but why doncha take them saddlebags and windshield off , be a lot cooler thata way ". I just smile and tell him it makes it more useful . When he remounts his bike with a bag of ice and a 12 pack of something balanced precariously in his lap , I watch with a tiny smile on my face as he proceeds to lose his cargo while re entering the street , pop and ice everywhere , but no damage to the MC or rider . As I am helping him gather up his stuff he says " your bike would be so much cooler w/o that stuff on it " . What could I say ?
Dusty
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Scene : Maysville Ar , C-store , Time 8AM Sunday morning . Dialogue : How did you get that Volkswagon motor in that motorcycle ?
Dusty
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As I am helping him gather up his stuff he says " your bike would be so much cooler w/o that stuff on it " . What could I say ?
"Are you that much cooler with ice in your lap?"
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Scene : Maysville Ar , C-store , Time 8AM Sunday morning . Dialogue : How did you get that Volkswagon motor in that motorcycle ?
Dusty
"This engine didn't come out of a Volkswagon, it came out of a Morgan..."
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I owned a Smart Car for about a year, and the following conversation happened with several people on different occasions. The narrative was almost exactly the same each time:
"Is that your car?"
"Yep"
"Do you feel safe in it?"
"Yep"
"Really?
"Yep"
"I don't know how you feel safe in that."
"Well, you know I ride a motorcycle don't you?"
"Oh, yes."
"Well, I feel comfortable on the bike and I think the car is a little safer than the bike."
"Hmmm....yeah, but that's different."
::)
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This is such a target rich thread!
When I worked for the Guzzi dealer:
Them: What kinda Hondas are these?
Patient Employee: Moto Guzzi
Them: Cool! I like Jap(anese) bikes.
Patient Employee: They are made in Italy.
Them: Where in Japan is Italy?
Remember we were loading up O.D.'s 85th anniversary Electraglide and some kid walking by asked "Where in Japan is that made?"
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OH MY , some reverse bike bigotry . ;D
Dusty
Ah, ah, ah ... you're giving yourself away. There's no such thing as "reverse bigotry"!
Although it IS an unusual thing for a kid to say ....
Lannis
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A simple colloquialism , like torquey .
Dusty
Between metaphors, allegories, and colloquialisms, it's hard to guess at what anyone's saying any more .....
Lannis
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I was getting a propane tank filled and a really fast-looking ujm pulled up for a drink. I asked the rider how he liked it, and he went on and on about custom exhaust and intake filters, suspension and tire improvements and other mods he'd done. After listing a bunch of bolt-on bling details (he especially liked the turn signals housed in the mirrors) he stopped me cold by saying:
"And it's got 30mph more top end than it did before the engine mods!"
I hadn't heard him mention anything about changing gear ratios, so I asked him about his gearbox and sprockets.
"My dyno guy said they were strong enough so I didn't change them."
"Well, keep your wheels down" I said, and took my propane tanks home.
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Little brother called to tell me "I bought a Harley"
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Little brother called to tell me "I bought a Harley"
What kind of Harley was it? Yamaha? Honda? Ninja?
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Let me preface what I am going to say . The young man who said this in the form of a question regarding my old beater /5 was very nice and had a genuine interest in learning about the bike . "Are those the original tires ?" . No I responded in a serious voice , probably the 20th or so set .
Dusty
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Let me preface what I am going to say . The young man who said this in the form of a question regarding my old beater /5 was very nice and had a genuine interest in learning about the bike . "Are those the original tires ?" . No I responded in a serious voice , probably the 20th or so set .
Dusty
Not an unreasonable question. My brother bought a new Toyota Celica in the 80s when he got out of the service. 95,000 miles later, he got the car inspected and sold it, with the original tires on it .... Yokohamas, I think.
So maybe the lad was a Toyota driver .... ?
Lannis
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Yoko Hamas , is that the Japanese chick who broke up the Beatles , or a Japanese/middle Eastern terrorist group ?Excuse me , political organization .
Dusty
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Yoko Hamas , is that the Japanese chick who broke up the Beatles , or a Japanese/middle Eastern terrorist group ?Excuse me , political organization .
Dusty
Ba dum DUM! Don't mind me, I'm just the straight man ....
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The stories are plenty wild when you hear what an old Kawasaki triple was capable of in the 70's
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The stories are plenty wild when you hear what an old Kawasaki triple was capable of in the 70's
Tell us please . :D
Dusty
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What do you call a blind deer?
No idea.
What do call a blind dead deer?
Still no idea.
What do you call a blind, dead, castrated deer?
A still no-f..king eye deer!
:beat_horse
Edit: Oops, wrong topic.. :-[
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Tell us please . :D
Dusty
OK Here's a bit..
The kawasaki Mk3 was touted as "The fastest bike in the world" by the manufacturers. This was down to it's 1/4 mile result.
It's top speed was purportedly 125mph, which is unlikely to be realistic because of the Japanese practice, at the time of quoting the fastest speed ever achieved. They got this 'top speed' by using a (small) Japanese man lying with his head sideways on the tank, one hand on one of the forks (to steer) and the other along his side. A one way run was all that was required (Downhill with a tail wind? Definitely the tail wind anyway.) True story! I've seen photos of them doing it. Not an attainable speed by the average rider.
(Have a nice memory of blasting past one in a bit of a race on the R3. I had, an admittedly small, passenger on too.)
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Back in the '60s, my Honda CB450 had a published top speed of 112mph with 15/35 gearing.
I regularly achieved speeds of 135mph with 16/35 gearing down the hot-mix mineshaft, more famously known as Conrod Straight.
:bike
Slowing down for Murray's Corner with drum brakes was another thing entirely! ::)
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Nearly anytime I ride one of my 2-stroke triples the crazies come out of the woodwork. It's always my brother, cousin, some crazy friend ect had one of those back in the day and it could wheelie in 5th, top speed of 150, on and on and on. Oh ya and the myth that they can't handle a curve. I have found them to handle as well as most bike that size from that time.
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I know first hand that a 1975 750 H2 with two full size men on board (and 5th gear not working) can show @120mph on the speedo. It can out run a 1983 Killeen Tx cop car (but not a road block) and cost somewere in the neighborhood of $350.00. Sad to say they never got a good fix on my speed. Called it exesive and eluding. To tell the truth I didn't know I was being chased for the first 4-5miles, after that what the hell I was already buying a ticket. Might as well make a memory.
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Now we are cooking . Probably more mythology surrounding Vincents , and Big Ks triples than any other models. Recently a young fella told me his Dad had a 750 Kawasaki , the model that our govt. outlawed because 1/2 of new owners got killed on them . When I suggested the real issue was emissions and the introduction of faster more sophisticated 4 strokes from the big 4 , he seemed a bit confused .
Dusty
Not calling BS on the above post .
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Just remember I said the bike showed 120 mph I truly have know idea how fast I was goin that is why it would have been nice to have an official note from the police on how fast I was goin that day. Keep in mind this happend two weeks after I got married to a girl I first met two weeks earlier. And shes still hangin around. She says living with me there is never a dull monent.
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Neil ,
:D I posted before reading your post , that was why I said not calling BS . Yes , an indicated 120 is reasonable , and might I congratulate you on marrying the right girl . ;-T My adoptive sister used to passenger with me some , and her mantra was " Let's go fast , no I mean really fast ".
Dusty
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Maybe not , but some of the newer members might post . Here , just to prime the pump , whatever ya do , don't ever use the front brake , you'll flip over forwards. Dusty
+ 1
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Maybe anecdotal , but along the lines of John R's last post . Late sixties the English Montesa importer was touting their latest 250 MXer to a journo , when asked how much HP the bike made the importer asked "how much is Bultaco claiming for their 250 ?" The journo told him 25 HP to which the importer replied "Well then ours makes 26 HP ." Even today manufacturers claimed HP and torque are usually higher than what real world Dyno testing reveals .
Dusty
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My father-in-law saying they are dangerous and please be careful when your out there . What do you say when your 64 and been riding since you were 16 ?
I tell them, "I've only been doing this for 50 years. I think I have it figured out!"
bare
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I tell them, "I've only been doing this for 50 years. I think I have it figured out!"
bare
At least he does not say , " hey , go out there and get ran over would ya , didn't like ya when you married my daughter , still don't like ya ." ;D
Dusty
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A guy I work with was telling me about his cousin's bike. You know an early Yamaha with the Triumph motor.
Winger
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Well...... the 1st Kawasaki 650 had a BSA A10 motor.
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Is that a flat tire?
No, the other one just swelled up!!
with apologies to Jeff Foxworthy
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Last week I stopped at the local Cycle Gear to shop mesh jackets. A guy sitting out front yelled "Great old school Honda Dude!". He was a beemer rider and thought my old Cali III was a Honda Silver Wing! ::)
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Your friend might not be entirely off the mark. I can't tell you specifically which went where, but british patents were given to the japanese automotive and motorcycle industries as part of the post-war reconstruction. The big 4 were happy to crank out obsolete clone designs through the 50s and 60s to learn the business and fund in-house development. Then Honda busted it loose with their inline CB/4 series and the yamakawazukis joined in to sink the brits who made them possible.
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The W1 Kawasaki 650 was an improved version of the A-10 engine.
It had roller bearings and ball bearings in places the A-10 had plain bearings.
It did not have Lucas electrics.
The BSA was for the most part faster right off the showroom floor but the Kwacker was easier to live with.
The following year the W2SS re wrote the book.
At about the same time, Yamaha had developed their 650 twin from a design obtained from Horex of Germany
and flat ran away with the 650 twin market for the next 14 years.
The water pump Silverwings were an innovative step but they were not the game changer Honda had hoped for.
They did evolve into the turbo 650 version but not many were sold. Those few were collectors items but the 500cc versions were
just bread and butter.
The power wars among the 4 cylinder inlines was going full tilt by then and the water pump CX 500s were forgotten.
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Boy you last two guys know how to suck the fun out of everything . ;D Actually I sometimes am embarrassed by the ignorance of other beemer guys , at least he liked your Guzzi nutz . ???
Dusty
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Marc Marquez was forced to "lay her down" at approx. 340 kph a couple weeks ago to avoid contact with a wall.
And that's the crux of the matter isn't it. If the only options left are a going for a slither along the road or impacting a solid object, I'll take the slither every time. Been in that situation and been saved by opting to go for the slither three times so far. Another time I tried for another option but failed. Hospital time. Should have got off.
Back to our regular program,
When discussing the possibility of buying the Guzzi.
She; "You could buy a good car for that!"
Me; (stunned pause) "But I don't want a car!"
She; (stunned pause)
End of relationship.
At a cafe on the Haast Pass. "Aren't those things dangerous?"
I slap my forehead and think "How am I going to explain this?" I decide not to.
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JohnR , in my 'sperience , women are much more dangerous than motorbikes . ;D
Dusty
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JohnR , in my 'sperience , women are much more dangerous than motorbikes . ;D
Dusty
And they too can make you slither down the road.
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Recently a friend encountered a young couple riding a 1976 CB 550 that had a Harley bitch bar adapted to fit . He jokingly asked if the Honda was trying to reject the HD piece which got a laugh from the distaff partner . As the brief conversation developed she asked my friend what his bike was , well young lady, it is a 1965 Sears 106 , to which she replied , "didn't know they made MCs that long ago."
Dusty
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Checking into the Wright Patterson AFB Inn wearing full gear and caring my helmet, I was asked by the receptionist "you riding a motorcycle?"
No, I'm stationed on the International Space Station and we ran out of beer so they beamed me down to pick up a 6 pack.
"Oh! You aren't riding a motorcycle?"
No.
True story. :BEER:
Matt
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30 years ago (!) my wife on her LeMans CX100 and I on my Laverda triple (with 1000 displayed on the side cover)-
We were approached by a nice fellow who said "Hey, that's cool, you have a 1000 and she has a 100!"
39 years ago (!!) a co-worker at the Ray-O-Vac plant asked me about my new Guzzi-and let me know he too had a motorcycle.
"What kind?"
"A Pazuki 250."
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In a cafe parking lot, as I was getting ready to leave, a Gold Wing rider walked over and said, "What kind of a BMW is that?" I pointed to the logo on the tank, "It's a Moto Guzzi." He said, "Well, guess everybody's gotta ride something if they can't get a Gold Wing." He turned and walked off to his other Gold Wing riders- guess his idea was to impress them.
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"A Pazuki 250."
Well, you know, he had to get a "motorcycle commit" to ride it legally. And his wife was taking "birth patrol" pills ....
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.... "Oh! You aren't riding a motorcycle?"
No.
True story. :BEER:
Matt
So, on a cold winter's day, I'm wearing my one piece Aerostich, and carrying my helmet. I'm going through the checkout in a store, and the cashier asked if I was riding a motorcycle. I asked if he ever heard of Bill Engval. He said yes, to which, I answered, "Here's your sign."
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Checking into the Wright Patterson AFB Inn wearing full gear and caring my helmet, I was asked by the receptionist "you riding a motorcycle?"
No, I'm stationed on the International Space Station and we ran out of beer so they beamed me down to pick up a 6 pack.
"Oh! You aren't riding a motorcycle?"
No.
True story. :BEER:
Matt
Foreign Technology Division is just up the street. She probably assumed you were just another ET.
:o
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While out skiing I rode up the lift with a doctor. I said something about my motorcycle and he went on a 15 min rant about motorcycles and how stupid they are. He then suggested riding without a helmet to make sure I killed myself in the next crash rather than end up with a broken body that he would have to treat.
because skiing is so safe
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because skiing is so safe
Sonny Bono died in a skiing accident.
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Sonny Bono died in a skiing accident.
I do believe that was his point. The doctors non sequiter.
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Cave diving in scuba gear is also dangerous , but no one ever talks about it .
Dusty
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^^^^ You don't have to reach nearly that far. Playing tackle football is dangerous. And we hear about it. And that's not going to stop people from doing it, watching it, worshiping it...
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I do believe that was his point. The doctors non sequiter.
right. sorry, I left out the sarcasm tags ;-)
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A friend of mine and I were having coffee at a McDonald's. Some guy in scrubs walks past and says, "You know what we call you guys in the ER? Organ donors!"
My friend said, "What do you call people who don't mind their own business?"
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A friend of mine and I were having coffee at a McDonald's. Some guy in scrubs walks past and says, "You know what we call you guys in the ER? Organ donors!"
My friend said, "What do you call people who don't mind their own business?"
that's fantastic!!!!! ;D
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I used to wear an Aerostich one piece with my BMW. I'm 6'3", and walking around in the 'Stich, size 14 boots, and carrying a helmet with gloves in it was a conversation starter, usually "are you riding a motorcycle?" One time I answered, "no, I took the bus, I just like to be absolutely safe."
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that's fantastic!!!!! ;D
I saw a T-shirt with " your bitching about my smoking may be dangerous to your health".
Dusty
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A friend of mine and I were having coffee at a McDonald's. Some guy in scrubs walks past and says, "You know what we call you guys in the ER? Organ donors!"
My friend said, "What do you call people who don't mind their own business?"
If he was eating at McDonalds, you could have asked him what he call people that do that. Cardiac Patients??? Hypoctrites???
We all pick our posion and nobody's made it out alive yet.
Darren
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In the last few days, I rode to two different motorcycle riding friends' houses on my recently acquired Mille. The Hyosung Avitar owner looked at the Mille and said "You painted your bike", referring to the fact that my dark blue Kawasaki H2 was now a white Mille. The Suzuki Boulevard owner was more attentive, and walked around the Mille looking for a manufacturer name. When he got to a cylinder head, he said "Maserati."
I now have a better understanding of the type of customer the mass manufacturers are building bikes for.
Cwiseman, good to see you here. ;D
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Lady in a car pulls up next to me at a stop light and asks, what do you do when it rains? I looked over and said, get wet.
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In the last few days, I rode to two different motorcycle riding friends' houses on my recently acquired Mille. The Hyosung Avitar owner looked at the Mille and said "You painted your bike", referring to the fact that my dark blue Kawasaki H2 was now a white Mille. The Suzuki Boulevard owner was more attentive, and walked around the Mille looking for a manufacturer name. When he got to a cylinder head, he said "Maserati."
I now have a better understanding of the type of customer the mass manufacturers are building bikes for.
Cwiseman, good to see you here. ;D
I've had friends and family members who sold bikes . Most customers say " Give me the blue one " or " I like lots of chrome " .
Dusty
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Dusty, I guess it should have been obvious to me, but It wasn't. Interestingly, neither of the two friends I wrote about above ever bothered to get a motorcycle endorsement on their licenses.
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Oooh. I got one!
Was riding bicycles with some buddies, and we stopped for coffee. Redneck walks out of the coffee shop , ses our bicycles, and asks me "Why don't you get a Harley?"
My response: "Don't need one, I have a real motorcycle."
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I told my wife I was getting a bigger bike and she said I had to up my life insurance to ensure the kids would have an inheritance! :wife:
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This is such a target rich thread!
When I worked for the Guzzi dealer:
Them: What kinda Hondas are these?
Patient Employee: Moto Guzzi
Them: Cool! I like Jap(anese) bikes.
Patient Employee: They are made in Italy.
Them: Where in Japan is Italy?
Have you forgotten the guy who insisted the Ducati 750 on the floor would sound better with "a fo-in-wun and philosophy stacks"? ::)
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Have you forgotten the guy who insisted the Ducati 750 on the floor would sound better with "a fo-in-wun and philosophy stacks"? ::)
Ah, fo-in-wun , the little known Chinese philosopher , usually Kant remember him .
Dusty
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A new one..
I was picking up sandwiches on my scooter (a Stella), and as I was getting ready to head out, a drunk (I assume) was sitting in a car making remarks about how slow the thing was, and muttering snide remarks about the rider.
I had on my modular helmet, and I heard him say "You look like an idiot". I ignored him, and he said, louder, "YOU LOOK LIKE AN IDIOT!".
So I said-"You sound like one". Then I rode away. Probably should have ignored him altogether.
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Him: "You like that motorcycle"?
Me: "No. hate the damn thing".
Him: "Why you riding it"?
Me: "Cause I don't have time to steal a different one".
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Here is one most of us have heard , usually from a complete stranger , or an inebriated acquaintance , " Hey , can I ride it "?
Dusty
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Yeah, I've gotten that a few times when out on my H2. That's one case when I'm not shy about just saying that I don't think that would be a good idea.
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"Loud pipes are safer." I just roll my eyes at this one. It's like listening to people who have long, complex explanations why they are lousy tippers.
It's just a rationale for being a jerk (or another term, if you're a fan of the classic South Park episode "The F-Word.")
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...The ancient charge nurse in the Ortho Ward says:
"Do me a favor, next time you decide to ride a murdercycle (yep, she used that word) go
a hundred miles an hour."
"Why?"
"So you'll get killed, and I won't have to take care of you again!"
...
...a doctor....suggested riding without a helmet to make sure I killed myself in the next crash rather than end up with a broken body that he would have to treat.
And that's the problem with health care today... Lazy bums with no work ethic that don't wanna do their jobs!
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This wasn't actually a *stupid* thing to say to me, but it was based on a wrong assumption that I was English....
I was in England once, 10 or 12 years ago now, and heading into a pub. Outside this pub were a dozen or so Harleys. Not a very common sight in England. So I'm looking at 'em- nothing crazy there, all no more than 10 years old, fairly stock, lots of chrome- when one of the owners comes out of the pub. He sees me lookin at the bikes and says, with a huge grin and puffed out chest, "bet you've never seen that many Yank bikes in one place before, 'ave ya?"
So I answer, completely truthfully, and in my very American accent, "actually I was just at the Harley Davidson final assembly plant in York, Pennsylvania, about 2 weeks ago... LOTTA Harleys there..."
"HOLY $---e, YOU'RE AMERICAN!" We went inside the pub, where he introduced me to the rest of the folks in his English Harley Owner's Group, and I was suddenly EVERYONE'S best friend... Didn't pay for a single beer. That was pretty cool.
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This wasn't actually a *stupid* thing to say to me, but it was based on a wrong assumption that I was English....
I was in England once, 10 or 12 years ago now, and heading into a pub. Outside this pub were a dozen or so Harleys. Not a very common sight in England. So I'm looking at 'em- nothing crazy there, all no more than 10 years old, fairly stock, lots of chrome- when one of the owners comes out of the pub. He sees me lookin at the bikes and says, with a huge grin and puffed out chest, "bet you've never seen that many Yank bikes in one place before, 'ave ya?"
So I answer, completely truthfully, and in my very American accent, "actually I was just at the Harley Davidson final assembly plant in York, Pennsylvania, about 2 weeks ago... LOTTA Harleys there..."
"HOLY $---e, YOU'RE AMERICAN!" We went inside the pub, where he introduced me to the rest of the folks in his English Harley Owner's Group, and I was suddenly EVERYONE'S best friend... Didn't pay for a single beer. That was pretty cool.
We spent three weeks in England, and were treated royally. I love the English people.. ;-T My thought is they were more "civilized" than the average 'Merican.. ;)
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I was gonna wait until the 15th to refire this , got impatient , sorry . We have lots of new members who can contribute , and most have had a riding season to gather new stories , so have at it .
Dusty
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Ok, try this one for size. It is the late 70s and I was working at a large Honda dealership. A young lad strolls in the door and in response to my "May I help you?" he says "Yeah man I want to see one of those Dohacks. Somewhat confused I said "A what?'' You know man a Dohack. I saw one on the street yesterday. I apologized for not knowing exactly what model he meant and then he says "You need to find another job man! This one right here." He then leans over to 750, points to the side cover, shakes his head and disgustedly crosses his arms. By god, he was right. On the burgundy sidecover in bold chrome script were the letters DOHC. Whooda thunk?!!
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;D ;D ;D
Now we are going . Here is my most recent . Parked at store when a fella about my age walks up and says , "Well , I usta have a MC , got too old " . When I enquired as to his age he says " Hell boy , I'm 58 , too old for a MC " . Never told him I am older ;D
Dusty
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Bump . Nothing on TV and too cold to ride , some of our new members might have a story , or some older members have had another season .
Dusty
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
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I had a Gas Gas TXT280 trails bike in the truck one Sunday on the way to the woods and stopped for fuel.
Some HD riders pulled in and started looking the bike over and said "I bet that's one un-comfortable SOB to ride!"
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2 air cond. techs were working on my AC last summer. 1 of them walked into my open garage to get into the house and saw my Triumph Sprint which was hooked to a Battery Tender. He looked at the bike then at me and said "is that one a them new 'lectric bikes? I was speechless.
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One day on my Tiger a guy told me he had the most badass speed 4 Triumph in the whole G-D state. needless to say, I was impressed. ;D
2 air cond. techs were working on my AC last summer. 1 of them walked into my open garage to get into the house and saw my Triumph Sprint which was hooked to a Battery Tender. He looked at the bike then at me and said "is that one a them new 'lectric bikes? I was speechless.
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One day on my Tiger a guy told me he had the most badass speed 4 Triumph in the whole G-D state. needless to say, I was impressed. ;D
There actually was a speed 4 , I think . Seems like it was based on that 4 cylinder 600 cc sport bike built for a couple of years . Badass , well maybe
Dusty
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I learned something this evening then, Dusty. 98 hp and 375 lb (dry) is nothing to sneeze at. I hadn't even heard of it before.
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Pretty sure he was refering to the speed triple, mentioned nekkid bike
There actually was a speed 4 , I think . Seems like it was based on that 4 cylinder 600 cc sport bike built for a couple of years . Badass , well maybe
Dusty
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I learned something this evening then, Dusty. 98 hp and 375 lb (dry) is nothing to sneeze at. I hadn't even heard of it before.
Yeah , fairly powerful , but it suffered the same fueling issues and wonkiness as the repli racer it was based on .
Still , w/o the 4 cylinder 600 being not so great , we would not have the 675 .
Dusty
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Three or four years ago I pulled out of the church parking lot behind an elderly couple, the wife driving. The roadway was a four lane turned into one wide lane each way with a left turn only lane between, express purpose of slowing traffic below the 45 mph limit. It works well during the week. On Sundays the traffic is very light until noon or so.
It was a nice day and I was perhaps five or six seconds behind the couple I was following, weaving, dodging the tar snakes. Not trying to agitate them, just enjoying the freedom to weave back and forth. Turned out they were headed to the same sandwich shop where I was, and when we got there the woman began to quote page and paragraph, telling me how naughty I was to be causing her such terrible distraction while she was driving! I was stunned, and all I could come up with was to ask why she was watching someone way behind her rather than looking forward? She replied that my headlight flashed in her mirror every time I turned, and it frightened her to think I had fallen.
She never really got over it, either.
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^I wouldn't have said anything to you about it like she did, but I find it pretty annoying when riders weave like you're talking about. I'll occasionally do it when approaching an intersection and I feel like I'm not being seen, but just doing it to entertain yourself is sure to annoy others and propagate the general public's dislike for bikers. How would you feel if I followed you in my car swerving back and forth within my lane? You'd think I was crazy, erratic and a danger to others. It's really not any different.
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Never say to a do-raged Harley rider, "Nice scooter you got there". I almost got my ass kicked for saying that, out side of a bar in Phoenix, by the fellow while he explained to me in very graphic terms that it was a motorcycle not a scooter! Even though I was standing next to my R90s, so he could see I was a rider not a wannabe. Gee those fellows just don't know how to take a compliment.
You hit them in the ci department. Fightin words. (My son's name is Leander, what's Leander TX like?)
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You hit them in the ci department. Fightin words. (My son's name is Leander, what's Leander TX like?)
So does one go for a putt on their scooter , or a scoot on their putter !
Dusty
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Years ago, naked HD cruisers were referred to as "scooters" and faired touring HD cruisers as "sleds", at least around the OKC biker scene.
Don't want to know what the Metric bikes, which I was riding at the time, were called! ;D
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Years ago, naked HD cruisers were referred to as "scooters" and faired touring HD cruisers as "sleds", at least around the OKC biker scene.
Don't want to know what the Metric bikes, which I was riding at the time, were called! ;D
Uhhhh Darren, I think that would be "Rice Burrner" :D
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Garbage barge , ol' lady hauler , porker , all names for Harley baggers .
Dusty
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When I was a kid in the 70's, my dad used to work as a logger in northern Washington state. He'd park a single wide in one of the local trailer parks and rent a room or two out to other loggers. I'd stay a few weeks with him in the summer and bring my Kawasaki trail bike with me. I could ride thru the park and go out the back and up into the logging roads. Of course the Kaw was a little ratty, no baffle in the pipe, smokey and generally annoying to bystanders.
One day I was fiddling with the Kaw in the driveway when an older lady came strolling by, imagine Ruth Buzzy in Laugh-In. She stopped and holler'd "HEY". Uh oh, I knew that an ass chewing was coming for being too young to ride the bike, making noise, dust, smoke, etc. She looked at me with her eyes squinted, and said "Don't you know this is Honda country"?
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Years ago, naked HD cruisers were referred to as "scooters" and faired touring HD cruisers as "sleds", at least around the OKC biker scene.
I rode Harleys for many years (till the lifestyle drove me nuts) and concur with your summation. Especially with the Bandits and such like.
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In the early 80's a friend who had other issues rode a triumph 500 or 650 twin to work every day. we noticed that it was no longer leaking oil and told him not to ride it. he thought it would still make the drive home...... He was wrong... a simple quart of oil would have saved his bike, but he was unwilling to wait the few minutes to add one we had in the maintenance shed....
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They never did make one quite like the Ev'l Twin , grinning here.
Dusty
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I don't know if this was stupid or not but I got a good laugh out of it.
I have just purchased my 2013 V7R and was at the gas stations when this guys comes over and says. I used to ride Guzzi's a long time ago and you just don't see that many around any more. That is a really nice restoration job you did on the bike. What is it, like a 1974 or something.
I just said yep, giggled and rode off.
Almost as good as the guy that pulled up next to me while I was riding my Honda GB500. Nice Norton he says. ;-T
Marc
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Friday, before Labor Day, nearly 30 years ago I pulled into the parking area at the apartment building in Knoxville where I lived. The office was on the same side of the building, and the receptionist, a middle aged lady lush, was locking the office door and heading towards her car--- some huge land yacht that was beat all to hell. She waddled up as I was getting off the bike, reeking of alcohol, and said, "You're going to have to move that motorcycle! I'll hit it when I back up if you leave it there!" Looking around, I saw she was parked three spaces away and there wasn't a single vehicle in the entire lot--- the apartments were almost all students and most of them were gone for the weekend. "If you hit my bike, it's because you're trying to hit it," I said, jokingly. "I'll hit it!" she screeched like a banshee, looking really mad. "And I'll call the police," I said. She stood there and got really red in the face and then said, "You don't need to be riding that thing, anyway!" she screamed some more. "You're gonna get killed on that thing! That thing is too dangerous to be on the road!" (People were coming out from the houses across the street by now.) I walked over to her car (I used to keep a pen and notepad in my shirt pocket.) and wrote down her license plate number. She got in her car and backed out, nearly hitting me but nowhere close to the bike, then spun the tires and kicked up gravel and drove out in the street, over the curb, and right in front of a Knoxville police cruiser, AND KEPT GOING! They chased her to the end of the block where she went too wide on the turn and hit a parked VW. She got out and I could hear her screeching again, "Why the f___ don't people drive things you can SEE no more?" I went into my apartment. I moved a couple of weeks later, so, thankfully I never saw her again. What was THAT all about?
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Actually, the Traffic Officer that said it was a very knowledgeable guy.
Had just parked my old rigid 1948 350 Matchy and was struggling out of my gear, when this cop came up and walked very slowly around the bike about three times. Now Little Esmel was no show pony, and although reg'd and wof'd it did look rather "rough". Being a destitute student I got rather worried because I am sure that if he wanted to he could find something to book me for. It did have a few bits from other makes grafted on to it. He stopped, looked me in the eye and said, "I recognise an early Norton (5 imp gal) tank, I see AJS on the side of the tank, I see Matchless on the motor, I see Triumph on the seat, (pause for effect). WHAT is it???
Proceeded to have a bit of a yack about it, and I tied to look casual.... :-\
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Great stories fellas , thanks .
Dusty
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Friday, before Labor Day, nearly 30 years ago I pulled into the parking area at the apartment building in Knoxville where I lived. The office was on the same side of the building, and the receptionist, a middle aged lady lush, was locking the office door and heading towards her car--- some huge land yacht that was beat all to hell. She waddled up as I was getting off the bike, reeking of alcohol, and said, "You're going to have to move that motorcycle! I'll hit it when I back up if you leave it there!" Looking around, I saw she was parked three spaces away and there wasn't a single vehicle in the entire lot--- the apartments were almost all students and most of them were gone for the weekend. "If you hit my bike, it's because you're trying to hit it," I said, jokingly. "I'll hit it!" she screeched like a banshee, looking really mad. "And I'll call the police," I said. She stood there and got really red in the face and then said, "You don't need to be riding that thing, anyway!" she screamed some more. "You're gonna get killed on that thing! That thing is too dangerous to be on the road!" (People were coming out from the houses across the street by now.) I walked over to her car (I used to keep a pen and notepad in my shirt pocket.) and wrote down her license plate number. She got in her car and backed out, nearly hitting me but nowhere close to the bike, then spun the tires and kicked up gravel and drove out in the street, over the curb, and right in front of a Knoxville police cruiser, AND KEPT GOING! They chased her to the end of the block where she went too wide on the turn and hit a parked VW. She got out and I could hear her screeching again, "Why the f___ don't people drive things you can SEE no more?" I went into my apartment. I moved a couple of weeks later, so, thankfully I never saw her again. What was THAT all about?
Maybe she had a little thing for you?
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MY first motorcycle was a Honda 305 Superhawk. I think I was around 18. I used to ride with my neighbor who also had a Superhawk, and who happened to be 6'5 and about 280 lbs. We were parked at the curb in a little town in the Northern Kalifornia foothills one afternoon and had just walked a few feet away from the bikes trying to decide if we wanted to go inside the bar or walk across the street to a sandwich shop. A group of 5 or 6 Harley's came riding in and parked just a little ways down from us and all of the riders started walking past us towards the bar. One of the Harley riders looked at the Hondas and said "I wonder what kinda Pu$$ies ride bikes like these". My friend Bill walked up behind him and gently tapped him on the should and pointing to one of the Honda's said in a very even voice "That's my Honda". The Harley rider, who was about 5'8" and all of 170 lbs looked up, up, up and saw the look on Bill's face and without blinking an eye said "Damn, you're big enough to go bear hunting with a stick, can I buy you a beer"?
Second story. Still riding my Superhawk (by now with a 350 kit) and riding with my friend Bill (from above story, who was now riding a Harley Sportster) and a second friend who was on his Triumph Trophy. We stopped at a Honda shop because I needed something or other, and both of my friends came inside with me. As I was concluding my business I heard my Triumph friend in a tone that let everyone know what he thought about Honda's ask where the Triumph shop was. The salesman didn't even hesitate, just pointed outside and said in a fairly loud voice so everyone could hear "Just follow the oil slick".
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Still , w/o the 4 cylinder 600 being not so great , we would not have the 675
But several years ago, when the 600s were the hot new item from Triumph, they did manage to win their class at the Isle of Man!
Didn't run too badly! But OTOH, they weren't particularly memorable bikes.
Bare
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Uhhhh Darren, I think that would be "Rice Burrner" :D
Or "Ring Dings", "Jap Crap" :D
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Last week a young couple walked into the store & both were carrying helmets. The girl was talkative & asked a lot of intelligent questions while the boyfriend quietly stood by. I have pictures hanging up of a lot of the bikes I've owned over the years and I had seen both of them glance at them.
When it was apparent that they were leaving I casually asked "What kind of scooter y'all ride"? The chick came unglued & told me that they had a Kawasaki Sport Touring & that it was not a scooter. I just smiled and said "Hey no offense guys it's just what we called all bikes when I was your age".
The guy smiled and said: "Her Dad's a Harley man" & shrugged.
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I went to college with a couple guys who were brothers and fairly hard core bikers. They had each built a show quality shovel head chopper, and rode them to school in good weather. When one wanted to say he was going for a ride, he'd say, "I think I'll go kick up the scoot."
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Hmmm... I know a guy who uses scootertrash in his email address. Your nickname isn't Amish John, is it?
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RK , the answer would be money , and lots of it . Grinning here .
Dusty
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In 1983, I was 17 years old, living on the Peninsula, south of San Francisco, and was really into Vespas and Lambrettas, not a “Mod” but more a punk thing, with Billy Zoom as a style icon, if anyone knows who he is.
One day, I bought a brand new, classically styled, thick leather motorcycle jacket from a Hell’s Angel named “Popeye”, who had a small shop in Palo Alto, CA. (I still wear it today when riding my V11! Finally, it’s broken in!)
Anyway, after paying him, he handed me a small rectangular sticker, white with red lettering, and a red border, spelling out “Support your local Hells Angels”. I stuck it to the leg shield of my 1974 Vespa Rally 200 as a sort of ironic joke, as we punks were the polar opposite of Harley riders in general, and Hells Angels in particular. My scooter friends got a kick out of the sticker, it was very unexpected, random, and edgy: in short, very Punk Rock.
One evening, I was heading home after a night out in The City, riding two-up with my very pretty girlfriend on the ’74 Rally, heading south on the Old Bayshore Boulevard. Passing through South San Francisco, I had to flip the petcock to reserve, and I started looking for a gas station.
At around 2:00 AM, I found one still open, on a lonely stretch of Airport Boulevard. As I pulled in, I noticed there were several bikers gassing up: Yup, Hell’s Angels. The real deal. Probably on their way home after a night out. They looked pretty rough. They WERE pretty rough.
As soon as they saw me, my sputtering Vespa, and my 17 year old girlfriend, I knew this was bad. It was too late to get out of there. They began making loud drunken comments about her, about the scooter, about my bleached blond spikey hair and multiple earrings. There was no one around. This was bad and getting worse. They were getting bolder. Now we were scared.
Suddenly, one of them said out loud: “Leave them alone, they’re flying the colors”. Immediately, they all turned around, finished tanking up, started their Harleys and pulled away, blipping their throttles as they went, leaving us in silence, alone. Wide awake....now.
That stupid sticker. Good thing I had it.
True story.
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;-T
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In 1983, I was 17 years old, living on the Peninsula, south of San Francisco, and was really into Vespas and Lambrettas, not a “Mod” but more a punk thing, with Billy Zoom as a style icon, if anyone knows who he is.
One day, I bought a brand new, classically styled, thick leather motorcycle jacket from a Hell’s Angel named “Popeye”, who had a small shop in Palo Alto, CA. (I still wear it today when riding my V11! Finally, it’s broken in!)
Anyway, after paying him, he handed me a small rectangular sticker, white with red lettering, and a red border, spelling out “Support your local Hells Angels”. I stuck it to the leg shield of my 1974 Vespa Rally 200 as a sort of ironic joke, as we punks were the polar opposite of Harley riders in general, and Hell’s Angeles in particular. My scooter friends got a kick out of the sticker, it was very unexpected, random, and edgy: in short, very Punk Rock.
One evening, I was heading home after a night out in The City, riding two-up with my very pretty girlfriend on the ’74 Rally, heading south on the Old Bayshore Boulevard. Passing through South San Francisco, I had to flip the petcock to reserve, and I started looking for a gas station.
At around 2:00 AM, I found one still open, on a lonely stretch of Airport Boulevard. As I pulled in, I noticed there were several bikers gassing up: Yup, Hell’s Angels. The real deal. Probably on their way home after a night out. They looked pretty rough. They WERE pretty rough.
As soon as they saw me, my sputtering Vespa, and my 17 year old girlfriend, I knew this was bad. It was too late to get out of there. They began making loud drunken comments about her, about the scooter, about my bleached blond spikey hair and multiple earrings. There was no one around. This was bad and getting worse. They were getting bolder. Now we were scared.
Suddenly, one of them said out loud: “Leave them alone, they’re flying the colors”. Immediately, they all turned around, finished tanking up, started their Harleys and pulled away, blipping their throttles as they went, leaving us in silence, alone. Wide awake....now.
That stupid sticker. Good thing I had it.
True story.
You know how to spin a tale sir.
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In 1983, I was 17 years old, living on the Peninsula, south of San Francisco, and was really into Vespas and Lambrettas, not a “Mod” but more a punk thing, with Billy Zoom as a style icon, if anyone knows who he is.
Great story, and I did get the reference.
Punk rockers on Vespas must have been a West Coast thing. My time on the scene in NYC, the style was more influenced by the rockers, who rode motorcycles, than the mods, who rode scooters. I had a black leather motorcycle jacket then, too (suitably adorned with buttons, pins, and a red telephone cord as braid around one shoulder), and I rode a motorcycle, but you wouldn't have caught me dead on a scooter. The Ramones wore black leather motorcycle jackets, but they didn't ride Vespas. (Then again, I don't recall any of them riding back then.)
West Coast bands like X mixed punk with power pop, so I guess a Cali punk rocker on a Vespa, wearing a black leather motorcycle jacket, makes perfect sense. Now that I think about it, isn't there an X album (Wild Gift, maybe?) with a photograph on the back cover of Billy Zoom sitting on a Vespa?
I think this was the picture:
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sT6At3MMCGI/TQbfL43qswI/AAAAAAAABpI/cOYzhUjDlVw/s1600/b.billy+zoom3.jpg)
It's Billy on a Sears Allstate (re-badged Vespa) -- wearing a silver leather jacket! Punk, power pop, AND glitter! Awesome!
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My time on the scene in NYC, the style was more influenced by the rockers, who rode motorcycles, than the mods, who rode scooters.
Never saw an interesting scooter back in those days, most were Japanese bikes(trashed) ridden by crazed messengers. LOTS of scooters nowadays.
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The first time I rode my Ambassador to work one of the fellows said, "You need to get a REAL bike, a Harley."
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The first time I rode my Ambassador to work one of the fellows said, "You need to get a REAL bike, a Harley."
I always open my big mouth and say "Define real bike" then proceed to laugh as they try and explain. ;-T And yes I have owned about 20 Harley's in my life so kind of know what they are.
Marc
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I always open my big mouth and say "Define real bike" then proceed to laugh as they try and explain. ;-T And yes I have owned about 20 Harley's in my life so kind of know what they are.
Marc
I usually respond with " You mean a Vincent " , that shuts them up , or starts a conversation ,
Dusty
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Just today:
Guy: "Hey dude, what kind of bike is that?"
Me: "Moto Guzzi"
Guy: (Blank look)
Me: "It's Italian"
Guy: "Is it fast?"
Me: "How fast do you wanna go?"
Guy: "Is it a rotary?"
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My wife always telling me, "You're too old to be riding motorcycles!"
I tell her, "If you want to see me get old, make me stop!"
Bare
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JBBenson, that made me remember the times, and it's been several, that someone asked me if my motorcycle was a Harley-Davidson. The funny part is that this was when I was riding my Kawasaki H2.
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This was something I overheard while riding the Cedar Island Ferry to Ocracoke. I was riding my ST2 at the time. A man was talking to a woman he was with. "Look how old he is. If someone that old can ride a motorcycle I don't see why I can't have one". I found that comment to be very stupid. Along the same line, not stupid, maybe a little smart so a little off topic, we were arriving at the Mexican restaurant, again on the ST2, in town as a middle aged woman was coming out who, when she saw us, made this comment to the man she was with. "If they can ride something like that I'm don't see why I need a Harley". I'm not making this up people, just ask Marion. It turns out she was a local English teacher who was looking at motorcycles. :BEER:
Matt
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The age thing maybe not so stupid. Age is used as an excuse for a lot of things, and it happens in marriages a lot. "I'm too old to..." or "You're too old to..." Good for the guy to rebel a little. I guess the stupid part was that he had been allowing his wife to keep him from doing something he wanted to do.
The 2013 Boston Marathon had 22 finishers in the 70-74 age group, 5 in the 75-79 age group, and one in the 80 and over age group.
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To go along with that. You'd be surprised at the number of "seniors" competing in the World Triathlon Championships every year in Kona. ;-T Just not my thing. ;D
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Yesterday.
Not stupid, just interesting.
I had to ride the bus to get to the bus that would take me to where my bike was being worked on.
Anyway, I have my greenglowinthedark helmet, with my mesh jacket ( hey it's 75 here ), and I am waiting on the second bus. I notice a fellow wearing a Harley Davidson denim jacket. He asks if I crashed, so I have to ride the bus. No, just going to pick it up from service. He asks what I ride, I tell him a Moto Guzzi 1100 Breva.
He says he doesn't know anything about Guzzi. I ask if he rides a Harley. He says no....but he would really like to, but can't afford it. I ask about the jacket, he says everyone knows Harley, and it let's him enter into discussions about motorcycles, that he probably wouldn't be able to otherwise.
My bus shows up, and I bid him good bye, say good luck on getting a motor, and if you really want to have motorcycle conversations, get a jacket with a Guzzi patch....
He smiled and waved....
kjf
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My wife always telling me, "You're too old to be riding motorcycles!"
I tell her, "If you want to see me get old, make me stop!"
Bare
My wife, Sweet Lorraine (she is a saint for putting up with me) is always teasing me about "You/we should get a trike." I told her when I get too old to ride the bike, I'll consider a trike. "How old is that?" she asked. "When I am too old to ride you." I told her. I won't repeat her reply on this forum. ;) :D ;D
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"I think your bike is out of oil."
No, (I say) that's a dry clutch.
"huh. Maybe if you add some oil that sound will go away."
(http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums/af323/spyvito54/ccc688aec6b798116ddb519b6258c5b1.jpg)
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I notice a fellow wearing a Harley Davidson denim jacket.... I ask if he rides a Harley. He says no....but he would really like to, but can't afford it. I ask about the jacket, he says everyone knows Harley, and it let's him enter into discussions about motorcycles, that he probably wouldn't be able to otherwise.
My bus shows up, and I bid him good bye, say good luck on getting a motor, and if you really want to have motorcycle conversations, get a jacket with a Guzzi patch....
Better advice would have been: stop drinking the H-D cool-aid and just GET A BIKE. Harley has the general public bamboozled into thinking that they are the only motorcycle worth owning, and that unless you spend a minimum of $10,000 on a used bike, or $20,000 on a new bike, it's trash. I am always surprised to meet so many people wishing and hoping and dreaming of owning a motorcycle, when they all could be riding today. The truth is there is an abundance of complete, running, perfectly good motorcycles on craigslist every day, starting at around $2,000.
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OK, here's one from a few years ago. My dad, my wife, my son and a few friends were on our bikes coming home from the West Virginia Rally. We were at the Midway Service Plaza on the PA Turnpike and it was pouring rain. We had stopped to get out of the rain and to warm up a bit. We were all in the lobby putting on our rain suits and boots and had our helmets there. A lady coming in stopped and looked at us for a few seconds and then said: "What are the suits for? What are you people doing" My son quickly replied: "We're here to clean up the hazardous spill in the parking lot. There's a high level of radio active waste out there. I hope you didn't come in that way" She looked terrified as we walked away laughing our arses off.
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Better advice would have been: stop drinking the H-D cool-aid and just GET A BIKE. Harley has the general public bamboozled into thinking that they are the only motorcycle worth owning, and that unless you spend a minimum of $10,000 on a used bike, or $20,000 on a new bike, it's trash. I am always surprised to meet so many people wishing and hoping and dreaming of owning a motorcycle, when they all could be riding today. The truth is there is an abundance of complete, running, perfectly good motorcycles on craigslist every day, starting at around $2,000.
It's called advertising and, in Harleys case, it works. :BEER:
Matt
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Radioactive waste , have to remember that . HA !
Dusty
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Better advice would have been: stop drinking the H-D cool-aid and just GET A BIKE. Harley has the general public bamboozled into thinking that they are the only motorcycle worth owning, and that unless you spend a minimum of $10,000 on a used bike, or $20,000 on a new bike, it's trash. I am always surprised to meet so many people wishing and hoping and dreaming of owning a motorcycle, when they all could be riding today. The truth is there is an abundance of complete, running, perfectly good motorcycles on craigslist every day, starting at around $2,000.
...I don't think he was close to 2 grand net worth. Some folks can only afford the jacket, more power to him.
kjf
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"I think your bike is out of oil."
No, (I say) that's a dry clutch.
"huh. Maybe if you add some oil that sound will go away."
(http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums/af323/spyvito54/ccc688aec6b798116ddb519b6258c5b1.jpg)
Funny thing is, he's exactly right! :D
Lannis
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Loud Clutches save lives. ;D
Marc
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I am MSF instructor and while taking a lunch break two younger students in their 20's were looking at my freshly rebuilt '76 Convert asked me "what kind of bike is that and where was it made"? After I told them it is a Moto Guzzi and made in Italy, one of them looks at me and completly serious says "we thought it was a Suzuki or Kawasaki that you made up a cool sounding name and had new badges made". Another student who was my age (mid 50's) and a bit more knowlegable than the two youngsters over heard the conversation and burst out laughing. While the boys looked at him like he was stupid. I just smiled and thanked them for the compliments.
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So many over the years, but my two recent favorites:
While stopping for gas on my Norton, a kid on a Kawasaki came up to me and said: "Mr. your motorcycle has an oil leak"
While parking my Griso at the hardware store, a guy jumped out of his car and came running over yelling: "Is that a Corvette motor?"
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A Corvette motor , really ? Sheesh , what next , a Saturn booster ?
Dusty
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I was thinking maybe Corvette boy had seen a Boss Hog in photos, and saw a front view of the Guzzi...
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I was thinking maybe Corvette boy had seen a Boss Hog in photos, and saw a front view of the Guzzi...
A WHAT in photos? He was the guy on Dukes of Hazzard wasn't he .... ? ;)
I think that a lot of those people that aren't riding because "they're waiting to get a Harley" don't really want to ride, they just want to talk about it, and not having $10K for a bike is their excuse ...
Lannis
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A brother of a friend was definitely in the category of wanting a big full-dress Harley, and nothing else would do. He never owned a motorcycle, and almost certainly never will. Even if he tried to save up to buy one, I'm quite sure his wife would put a stop to it. So he can honestly keep on telling everyone that he wants to buy a full-dress Harley. My friend was the one who asked me to teach him to ride, using my H2, so he could see if he wanted to buy a motorcycle. I may have posted about that earlier in the thread. :D
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teach him to ride, using my H2,
Oh that is just so wrong in so many ways. :D
Marc
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More than you know. I don't mean to make fun at all, but he weighs about 350 lbs. It would have been quite cramped for him with the drag bars and all.
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More than you know. I don't mean to make fun at all, but he weighs about 350 lbs. It would have been quite cramped for him with the drag bars and all.
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Speechless, Dusty?
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I think that a lot of those people that aren't riding because "they're waiting to get a Harley" don't really want to ride, they just want to talk about it, and not having $10K for a bike is their excuse ...
Maybe so, but there is also a large sub-culture of people who consider themselves motorcycle enthusiasts, and for whom there is only one brand of motorcycle worth paying any attention to. In my experience, those people have no idea of the market value of other brands of motorcycles. (They also, in general, have no idea what constitutes good protective motorcycle gear, or what that should cost.) Why? Because they don't care.
When one of them bothers to ask me what I paid for my bikes, they seem genuinely surprised that each cost substantially less than $5,000. Of course, they can always rationalize the price disparity between what I own and their chosen brand; after all, none of my bikes are "real" motorcycles. ::)
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An Ex-boss, "Oh! You ride a murdercycle!!!" Yup, I guess so. 6 years later, 32 years of riding I'm STILL here. Much to the disappointment of a few people. ;D
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The funny part is that this was when I was riding my Kawasaki H2.
A brave man indeed sir! ;D
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A brave man indeed sir! Grin
Which one? The guy who owned it or the guy who wanted to learn on it?
Bare
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??? As a Brit, living in the UK, I find it highly amusing, and somewhat disconcerting, that so many people consider HD's to be the only bike worth owning, and that Guzzi's are a complete mystery to them. Over here, every motorcyclist knows what a Guzzi is, and is aware of all the shortcomings of your typical Harley. Two totally different cultures I guess!
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??? As a Brit, living in the UK, I find it highly amusing, and somewhat disconcerting, that so many people consider HD's to be the only bike worth owning, and that Guzzi's are a complete mystery to them. Over here, every motorcyclist knows what a Guzzi is, and is aware of all the shortcomings of your typical Harley. Two totally different cultures I guess!
Coming from a Brit, I apprciate you giving us credit for having a culture. ;) :D Being an American, I sometimes wonder whether we have any culture left in the states anymore, espcially when you look at what we put on the "telly". ::) I miss the time I spent in England. I really miss the pubs!! :BEER:
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Of course the Brits failed to recognize the shortcomings of their own MC brands in the last century .
( Did he just say that ? Uh oh ! )
Dusty
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Being an American, I sometimes wonder whether we have any culture left in the states anymore, espcially when you look at what we put on the "telly".
Speak for yourself, my oikophobic friend. I'll take Breaking Bad or Mad Men any day over British imports like The X Factor and Celebrity Fit Club. It ain't all Downton Abbey! ;D
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Speak for yourself, my oikophobic friend. I'll take Breaking Bad or Mad Men any day over British imports like The X Factor and Celebrity Fit Club. It ain't all Downton Abbey! ;D
Oikophobic!!! Okiophobic!! REALLY?? How dare you call me that! I have never been scared of pigs in my life! ;) :D :D :D :D
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Are you sure that isn't a fear of Okies . I ain't pretty , but nothing to fear . Laughing here
Dusty
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Or is it a fear of okra??? :D They are rather pointy and prickly. ::) :D
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I actually looked it up but still don't know what it means.
oikophobic "fear of household appliances, equipment, bathtubs, household chemicals, and other common objects in the home"
;D
Marc
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oik (ɔɪk)
n
1. Brit a person regarded as inferior because ignorant, ill-educated, or lower-class
Hence Oikophobic - fear of the proletariat
Nick
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Not sure where you got that definition Nick, but my psych classes taught me the other definition that Lomax cited. What many people forget about phobias is that it is an irrational fear. One is rational to feel trepidation about touching a hot stove surface, but it is irrational to fear the stove itself, regardless of heat state. That is one reason I hate people who oppose homosexuality being called homophobic. It is a misuse of the term phobia in order to denigrate another. An Oikophobic has an irrational fear of objects normally found in the home. Not all objects, but it could be an appliance, door knobs, tub or shower, or any normal household object. Hope this helps those that wondered what okiophobic means.
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Can also mean a disdain of ones own culture , favoring foreign cultures . Maybe a word of the day thread might help with cabin fever .
Here is mine , crepuscular , the quality of light at dawn or dusk . Not bad for a hillbilly .
Dusty
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Can also mean a disdain of ones own culture , favoring foreign cultures . Maybe a word of the day thread might help with cabin fever .
Here is mine , crepuscular , the quality of light at dawn or dusk . Not bad for a hillbilly .
Dusty
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I was understanding that disdain of ones culture and favoring foreign ones was called xenophile, while fearing others and liking only your own was called xenophobic. Where is a English/Latin major when you need one. :D
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Not sure where you got that definition Nick, but my psych classes taught me the other definition that Lomax cited. What many people forget about phobias is that it is an irrational fear. One is rational to feel trepidation about touching a hot stove surface, but it is irrational to fear the stove itself, regardless of heat state. That is one reason I hate people who oppose homosexuality being called homophobic. It is a misuse of the term phobia in order to denigrate another. An Oikophobic has an irrational fear of objects normally found in the home. Not all objects, but it could be an appliance, door knobs, tub or shower, or any normal household object. Hope this helps those that wondered what okiophobic means.
I was just playing around with possible interpretations - not doubting the real one. Great work anyway! It's cold and snowy here - I have to do something to while away the time.
N
edit- my brother, being a bit of a pompous git, was very fond of the work 'Oik'. He used it in a derogatory way to describe anyone who wasn't, well....him.
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Wow, I wake up and find my little show-offy word triggered a bunch of responses.
In fact I was expecting more of a response to my reference to "Celebrity Fit Club."
But to the original thread topic: at a rest stop my son was once asked "his mother knew he was riding a motorcycle," as if it was equivalent to smoking cigarettes or shooting meth.
So his mother, who was riding pillion with him, removed her helmet and said, "It's just fine with her!" That was awesome.
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Of course the Brits failed to recognize the shortcomings of their own MC brands in the last century .
( Did he just say that ? Uh oh ! )
Dusty
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??? I wasn't knocking HD at all. I owned a Superglide Sport for 6 years and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I have also owned 40 odd other bikes from a wide range of manufacturers, and mostly enjoyed them all. It was the blinkered attitude of your HD riding brethren that I was commenting on. Oh, and I do apologise for some of the crap bikes we sent you in the late 60's and early 70's. I have had a few and have no desire to repeat the experience!
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Got off my EV at the drug store the other day and a nice looking lady parked beside me and said "nice hog". I didn't argue with her.
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That reminds me of checking out at the grocery store a few days ago. I put my helmet on the conveyor next to the head of lettuce I was buying, and a woman behind me in line asked if I was going to buy the helmet. I replied that I had already done that once, and she said "I heard that." Sometimes I think we're being hit on. ;D
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Can also mean a disdain of ones own culture , favoring foreign cultures . Maybe a word of the day thread might help with cabin fever .
Here is mine , crepuscular , the quality of light at dawn or dusk . Not bad for a hillbilly .
Dusty
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Not bad that!
mike
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Both true , but oikiophobia has been used to describe a fear of anything in one's own home , and thusly one's home culture . Geez , WG has gone all smart and stuff .
Laughing here
Dusty
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Now if we start chatting about mules and donkeys we will be smart asses. ;) :D I figured that since I learnd that definition in psych classes that it would be rather limited to mental health acuteness. now try this one on fer size:
Cunctator: delayer, procrastinator
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Ok, finally had a "dumb question" thrown at me today. I'm at a used car lot looking for a truck and one of the 30ish salesman who is literally 5 feet away from the bike says "What kind of bike is that?" Sure we've all gotten that one but really? It's a 94' Cali with a large MOTO GUZZI sticker right on the tank. I simply relied, Moto Guzzi and continued to get my gear on. So, as you probably guessed by now, that initial perceptive inquiry was not the dumb question that prompted this post. He precedes to say "Never heard of that bike". No surprise there, but then..........wait for it.........he stares at the bike then says "Is the tank really that big?" Yep, yes he did. I seriously had no idea what to say, so of course, with an ever so slight tone of sarcasm, I said "No, no it's not". Got and the bike left. No biggie, they didn't have any Moto Guzzi trucks there anyway. :)
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No biggie, they didn't have any Moto Guzzi trucks there anyway. :)
They might have had a Harley Davidson (Ford) :BEER:
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Stopped at store on my way home today when a small group of 12 year old boys walked by acting like 12 year old boys . The leader of the group puffs himself up to his full adolescent 4ft 10inches , gets a serious look on his face , and asks , "can I drive it?" I replied , sure , bring money .
So as to not lose face in front of his entourage he proclaims , " I can drive it." Don't think he could begin to understand what he was asking .
Dusty
Sent from a submarine in Oklahoma .
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Right now this is the best I can do and most likely will be the best I can do for years to come.
http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=67802.0
:BEER:
Matt
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I dunno Matt , the Harley guy who told you it would be ok to carry a child passenger on a Beemer but not a Harley because they are too powerful , well that was pretty stupid .
Dusty
Sent from a submarine in Oklahoma .
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You may be right. I had forgotten about that. ;D :BEER:
Matt
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A few years ago I had a Yamaha Royal Star Venture (V4 cruiser style tourer). Two stories:
First: Harley rider (on a FatBoy) "Whut kinda Harley's that?"
Answer: It's a Yamaharley
Second: Goldwing rider "Nice looking bike, seems different than most of the Harleys.."
Answer: "Thanks, but it looks pretty much like all the other 4 cylinder, water cooled shaft drive Harleys out there".. (COMPLETELY missed the sarcasm I intended ;D)
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Years ago, probably in the mid 80's I had the misfortune of attending a Retreads Rally. The Retreads is a motorcycle club that you have to be 40 or older to join. It's made up of a lot of middle aged men & women that are in a second childhood riding motorcycle that they know nothing about. My brother and I had our Eldorados there and we were instantly bombarded with stupid questions. There were two older guys there on Goldwingebagos asking all about our Guzzis. Some of the questions were "who makes that" "how many cylinders does the engine have". Finally I was asked "Is that water cooled". I answered "only when I ride in the rain". His answer was "oh, I see". They had no clue.
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Years ago, probably in the mid 80's I had the misfortune of attending a Retreads Rally. The Retreads is a motorcycle club that you have to be 40 or older to join. It's made up of a lot of middle aged men & women that are in a second childhood riding motorcycle that they know nothing about. My brother and I had our Eldorados there and we were instantly bombarded with stupid questions. There were two older guys there on Goldwingebagos asking all about our Guzzis. Some of the questions were "who makes that" "how many cylinders does the engine have". Finally I was asked "Is that water cooled". I answered "only when I ride in the rain". His answer was "oh, I see". They had no clue.
It's very possible that the Goldthingers don't even know how many cylinders THEIR OWN engine has, or whether it's water-cooled or not.
I pulled up to the Honda shop the other day on the Guzzi and went in to buy some of that neat Honda cleaning spray and some bits for the helmet. A loiterer at the counter (my side of the counter :D) struck up a conversation. "What kind of bike you got there?" "It's a Moto Guzzi". Complete blank stare. "What brand is it?" "Well, Moto Guzzi IS a brand. It's a very old brand from Italy."
"It's pretty quick, huh?" "Well, not really, not compared to these bikes in here" (nodding toward the lineup of menacing, motivated-looking Hayabusas and the CBR-somethings). It's more of a touring bike". Blank stare again.
"But it's pretty quick, huh?" "Not really meant to be a race bike; fast compared to a car on takeoff, but it's more of a long-legged highway bike." The familiar stare.
"I'll bet it's pretty quick, though." I gave up. "Oh, yeah, it's quick. One of the quickest on the road!"
He was happy then. Stupid questions? Sure. But he was just trying to make conversation and pass the time, not trying to one-up me or put my ride down or strut his stuff, so maybe we should have another word than "stupid" for those questions, 'bless their little hearts'.
Lannis
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Oikophobic!!! Okiophobic!! REALLY?? How dare you call me that! I have never been scared of pigs in my life! ;) :D :D :D :D
Scared of pigs? Oikophobic means scared of home surroundings.
You must have been thinking oinkophobic.
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I'm not sure about stupidest but dumb none the less.
At a popular OKC soda stop. The Harley douche looked at the Stelvio and asked me how on earth I could ride without a back rest.
I had to think for a second to understand what he was saying.
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Just the other day.
"What kind of bike do you ride?"
"A Moto Guzzi"
"Did you just make that up?"
;D
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Is that a real Moto Guzzi ? Seriously , a fella just asked that question 2 days ago . Sadly , I have been asked ther same question about the old BMW .Must be lots of forgeries out there . ;D
Dusty
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Is that a real Moto Guzzi ? Seriously , a fella just asked that question 2 days ago . Sadly , I have been asked ther same question about the old BMW .Must be lots of forgeries out there . ;D
Dusty
And what is your response? I can think of some great responses for that.
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BMW makes motorcycles too?
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"Gosh, you must be rich if you own a Harley"
I then proceeded to ask the gentleman if he owned a boat, a jet-ski, a four wheeler, a four wheel drive, had a vacation home, if he snow skied, went to sports events and of course he did them all.
I replied that I did not do any of those, but I did have a Harley.
I don't think he understood.
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BMW makes motorcycles too?
I have gotten that one several times. Makes me laugh. ;D
Marc
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And what is your response? I can think of some great responses for that.
Usually something silly , I have actually had folks argue that BMW doesn't make MCs , and Guzzi is really a Honda , Harley , some South Korean brand , and my favorite was years ago , " Well ya know , my uncle had one uh them things, built by GM , that's why the cylinders are atta 60 degree angle , just like a Chevy ." We can all see what is wrong with that statement :D
Skromfols , tell us some of your ideas for responses .
Dusty
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"Gosh, you must be rich if you own a Harley"
The guy must have been in a closet for the last 50 years.
Back when a new Duo-Glide cost $2100 and a man started a good manufacturing job at $2.45 an hour, that's one thing.
But today, with 250,000 a year being sold and a thousand of them passing by any given point on any highway any summer day? Rich guys? Really?
Lannis
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Skromfols , tell us some of your ideas for responses .
Dusty
Is that a real Moto Guzzi ?
No, it's really a Harley, but I don't want my neighbors to think I'm rich
Yes, it's one of only 3 made in 2012 and very rare. Would you like me to take your picture standing next to it.
No, actually it's counterfit, but please don't tell anyone, I don't want to go back to prison.
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A lady pulls into the parking space beside me and then states, " I could have hit you if I hadn't missed" I,m still thinking about that one!
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Stopped in a Wendy's for lunch a couple of weeks ago. Guy asks "what kind of bike is that?" I reply "Moto Guzzi." He says "is that made by Honda?"
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The dumbest thing people say to me is " be careful riding that thing". It happens often. ???
Joe G
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A lady pulls into the parking space beside me and then states, " I could have hit you if I hadn't missed" I,m still thinking about that one!
If you stop and think about that statement, it's actually quite terrifying.
However, not nearly as terrifying as that inanimate object over there.
I think they call it, "Ottoman".
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Just recently . "Well what the heck is that , a Moto , er , Gussi ? '" No , explaining just a bit of the history " been around since 1921 " . " Hey Fred , c'mere and look at this 1921 Moto Gussi " :o :D Now Fred isn't anymore clued in than the other fella , so he says ," Well daayemn , sure in good shape for a 1921 motorscooter" . I just walked away.
Dusty
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Just recently . "Well what the heck is that , a Moto , er , Gussi ? '" No , explaining just a bit of the history " been around since 1921 " . " Hey Fred , c'mere and look at this 1921 Moto Gussi " :o :D Now Fred isn't anymore clued in than the other fella , so he says ," Well daayemn , sure in good shape for a 1921 motorscooter" . I just walked away.
Dusty
Motorcycles must have a strange effect on people. I realized that I've "been into" motorcycles, either reading about the Smothers Brothers testing Honda Super 90s in a 1967 Popular Science, or building my own trailbikes and minibikes, or buying and selling and riding and rallying them for lo these many years, so I know a lot about them and their history, and don't expect everyone to understand them at that level.
But I don't THINK I'm as blindingly ignorant about ANY aspect of machinery or material things, even if I'm not at all involved with it (steam engines, skis, hot-air balloons, saxophones, longbows) as some people seem to be about motorcycles. It's like they're an absolute mystery surrounded by a swirling fog of Hell's Angels, Sons of Anarchy and their mothers' disapprobation ....
Lannis
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While gearing up in a McDonald's parking lot, one of the employees walks by and ask "What kind of bike is that?"
I respond, "It's a Moto Guzzi."
And he replies, "Moto Guzzi, they sure do have some strange names for motorcycles these days, it use to be everything was either a Harley or a Kawasaki."
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It's the spinning wheels and shiny chrome that gets 'em Lannis :D Probably more mythology and more urban legends surrounding MCs than any other fairly common appliance .
Hey 190 , Kawasaki sounded pretty strange back in 1968 ::) ;D
Dusty
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Kawasaki sounded pretty strange back in 1968
Didn't sound more strange than Yamaguchi.
Had a wife once that said I couldn't have any more motorcycles. That was really stupid. Obviously, she's an ex.
Bare
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I have a son who is simply not into mechanical stuff, speed or anything else related to motor vehicles. But he decided he'd like to give it a go and took a MSF course, license and free seat time from me. Our first trip to the mountains, and of course he had to field a lot of questions about the Griso he was riding. He'd grin and explain that it "that guy's" bike, and he didn't know squat about it. When someone asked him if it was water cooled, he said he guessed so if it was raining.
I had to wait at a gas station for him at the end of nice twisty road, and was talking to some other riders when he finally rolled up. I asked if he'd had some trouble that kept him so long, and he said, no, he just lost a lot of time when he'd get off to push the bike around the curves.
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While gearing up in a McDonald's parking lot, one of the employees walks by and ask "What kind of bike is that?"
I respond, "It's a Moto Guzzi."
And he replies, "Moto Guzzi, they sure do have some strange names for motorcycles these days, it use to be everything was either a Harley or a Kawasaki."
Any question as to why that person worked at McDonald's?
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The wife said, why do you want another Moto Guzzi?
Dean
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A gent cut me off on Mulholland highway, hit me and took me out, I was laying on my side underneath my 02 Cal SS with gas dripping all over me, and hot bits laying on me. A friendly gent stopped and said he saw the whole thing and it was the other guys fault and did I want him to call the cops. I gathered my wits and said "why thank you, but if you could help lift this burning hot motorcycle off of me, it would make the rest of the ordeal a bit easier" He instantly realized I was under a bike and in not to great of condition and pulled the sucker off of me. The gent who cut me off did come back, but the cops don't take kindly to any motorcyclist on Mulholland highway..... I did come out fine in the end... But as for stupid, having to ask a guy to help me lift a hot, leaking motorcycle off of me is pretty good
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BMW makes motorcycles too?
I got my kid a t-shirt that says "I didn't know BMW made those until I passed one"
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Since moving to the US, I've given up worrying about why locals asking why my CalVin's cylinders point in the wrong direction. I recently met up with a friend from UK who used to ride Japanese bikes. After looking over the Guzzi for 10 minutes, and asking what size engine it was, he finally said "is it a 4 or a 6?". When I looked at him strange, he replied 4 or 6 cylinder.......? I thought a European engineer would be more knowlegeable :beat_horse
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I asked if he'd had some trouble that kept him so long, and he said, no, he just lost a lot of time when he'd get off to push the bike around the curves.
Seriously? Maybe the Griso wasn't the right bike for him to be riding? ::)
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Seriously? Maybe the Griso wasn't the right bike for him to be riding? ::)
No, not seriously. He was joking, but he was seriously disinterested in speed.
Come to think of it, maybe the stupidest thing anyone ever said regarding motorcycles wasn't said to me, since I was pretty young, but to my Dad. We were on a Saturday morning cruise on his Lambretta, and stopped at a motorcycle shop in an old wooden barn beside the corn field. My Dad wanted to see the new Japanese motorcycles they would be selling along with their normal line of HD, Triumph, etc. Another customer told my Dad that he didn't think those Honda motorcycles would ever catch on.
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He'd grin and explain that it "that guy's" bike, and he didn't know squat about it. When someone asked him if it was water cooled, he said he guessed so if it was raining.... he said, no, he just lost a lot of time when he'd get off to push the bike around the curves.
Your son has quite the sense of humor ;-T
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The stupidest thing anyone ever said to me:
"You should get a Harley"
Then, about 4 decades later, me with about 1/2 million miles on motorcycles, him with about 20,000 miles on Harleys, he says:
"You should get a Harley"
From that data point, I NEVER want a Harley.
:BEER:
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No, not seriously. He was joking, but he was seriously disinterested in speed.
Come to think of it, maybe the stupidest thing anyone ever said regarding motorcycles wasn't said to me, since I was pretty young, but to my Dad. We were on a Saturday morning cruise on his Lambretta, and stopped at a motorcycle shop in an old wooden barn beside the corn field. My Dad wanted to see the new Japanese motorcycles they would be selling along with their normal line of HD, Triumph, etc. Another customer told my Dad that he didn't think those Honda motorcycles would ever catch on.
Well, you know, you can hardly blame him. The Japanese had a terrible reputation for making cheap junk; my father took apart a little tin toy wind-up car that had quit working for me when I was about 7 - and on the inside of the body you could still see the beer-can label.
The transition from "Made in Japan" being a joke for horrible quality to being Toyotas and Hondas that set the standard for everyone else's quality caught EVERYONE by surprise, I think ....
Lannis
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Very true, Lannis. I remember the days when "Made in Japan" meant "Don't Waste Your Money" too. When Honda introduced the Civic to the US I remember being among the people who laughed at the silly idea that a tiny Japanese car had any chance of selling well. A friend said that he had heard that they were actually a pretty good car. That was the fist of many positive comments I heard about the Civic, which of course was one of the cars that changed the whole US auto industry.
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From On any Sunday 2 " From the land of the rising Sun comes a YA MAH HA , and from the looks of things it might be the last one we see " . Commentary from the Big Bear circa 1958 or '59 .
Dusty
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From On any Sunday 2 " From the land of the rising Sun comes a YA MAH HA , and from the looks of things it might be the last one we see " . Commentary from the Big Bear circa 1958 or '59 .
Dusty
Must have come out OK in the end, because Yamaha actually named their 250 twin the "Big Bear Scrambler" after their successes ....
In the 50's, Japan had been bombed to rubble and was frantically trying to build anything they could in order to get their foreign exchange going in the right direction, hence toys and appliances made out of beer cans and scrap metal (probably plenty of that from the occupying GIs).
It's a little different with the real and perceived low-quality crap we get from China and India today. They know just what they're doing, and they are accurately meeting the specifications that they've been given by the US customers who are outsourcing to them. As far as I can tell, there are three quality specifications covering metallurgy, assembly quality, and fit-and-finish:
1) It must be done the cheapest way possible
2) It must be sold for the least money that can possibly done
3) It must cost less than anything else we buy anywhere
So (because we are a "First World" country that wants to pay "Third World" prices for everything), that's exactly what we get. Them boys have been at this game for thousands of years and they know JUST how to maximize their foreign exchange, whether they're trading rice and teak in the 5th century, or trading cars and DVD players in the 21st century ....
Lannis
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Yet this is why Walmart has done more to improve the living standards of lower-income rural Americans than any bazillion-dollar government program.
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Yet this is why Walmart has done more to improve the living standards of lower-income rural Americans than any bazillion-dollar government program.
I'd hate to think that was true. To me, WalMart has always been a way to flood people's lives with cheap junk that they've been sold on "having to have".
Maybe it's a people problem rather than a WalMart problem. I'd never want to thread my way past the apathetic-looking employees smoking on the front sidewalk and flinging their butts where I have to walk ....
But in a "material things" sense, you could be right. "Lower Income" people below the poverty level today have their houses full of more "stuff" than the doctors and lawyers did when I was growing up.
Lannis
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Since moving to the US, I've given up worrying about why locals asking why my CalVin's cylinders point in the wrong direction. I recently met up with a friend from UK who used to ride Japanese bikes. After looking over the Guzzi for 10 minutes, and asking what size engine it was, he finally said "is it a 4 or a 6?". When I looked at him strange, he replied 4 or 6 cylinder.......? I thought a European engineer would be more knowlegeable :beat_horse
Wow,- that`s far out and quite scary indeed,- one can easily lose faith in humanity and feel all alone in the universe ! :o
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I pulled into the office parking lot on my 1991 LeMans the other day. One of our IT guys (a self appointed gear head) was walking out as I was walking in, and had seen me pull in on the bike.
"Nice bike", he says. "Is that a Two-Fifty?"
:o
I was almost speechless, but replied, "nah. One Thousand".
He got a puzzled look on his face and said, "oh...", as he walked away...
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I pulled into the office parking lot on my 1991 LeMans the other day. One of our IT guys (a self appointed gear head) was walking out as I was walking in, and had seen me pull in on the bike.
"Nice bike", he says. "Is that a Two-Fifty?"
:o
I was almost speechless, but replied, "nah. One Thousand".
He got a puzzled look on his face and said, "oh...", as he walked away...
Our "vintage" bikes with the skinny tires DO look about like a modern 250 .... These days, if it hasn't got something the size of a Corvette tire on the back, and huge fairings and acres of plastic, it's "not a real motorcycle. Oughta get you a Harley!"
Lannis
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I'd hate to think that was true. To me, WalMart has always been a way to flood people's lives with cheap junk that they've been sold on "having to have".
Maybe it's a people problem rather than a WalMart problem. I'd never want to thread my way past the apathetic-looking employees smoking on the front sidewalk and flinging their butts where I have to walk ....
But in a "material things" sense, you could be right. "Lower Income" people below the poverty level today have their houses full of more "stuff" than the doctors and lawyers did when I was growing up.
Lannis
Well said.
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Next time someone tells you to buy a Harley
"I've been riding for XX years, why would i want a beginers bike?"
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Next time someone tells you to buy a Harley
"I've been riding for XX years, why would i want a beginers bike?"
"why would I wan't a beginners bike?"
Classic !!! ;-T
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Our "vintage" bikes with the skinny tires DO look about like a modern 250 .... These days, if it hasn't got something the size of a Corvette tire on the back, and huge fairings and acres of plastic, it's "not a real motorcycle. Oughta get you a Harley!"
Lannis
You know, I didn't think about the rear tire. I'll bet you're right on that. I rode past him and that tire is pretty skinny, by modern standards.
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The transition from "Made in Japan" being a joke for horrible quality to being Toyotas and Hondas that set the standard for everyone else's quality caught EVERYONE by surprise, I think ....
Lannis
But who taught them QC?
Survey SAID! Dr. W.Edwards Deming http://www.skymark.com/resources/leaders/deming.asp
A native of my very own Iwega!! The Japanese listened to this American and took his ideas to heart. Now much of the world chases the Japanese in SQC or just plain QC.
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But who taught them QC?
Survey SAID! Dr. W.Edwards Deming http://www.skymark.com/resources/leaders/deming.asp
A native of my very own Iwega!! The Japanese listened to this American and took his ideas to heart. Now much of the world chases the Japanese in SQC or just plain QC.
Smart people learn from wherever they can. Nobody is born knowing this stuff ... !
Lannis
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Yup , Dr Deming went to several US companies , no interest . Boy did we pay for that lack of foresight .
About the 'SIZE' thing , it all depends on who is asking , lots of folks are astounded when they find out my ditch pump is an 1100 . Oh , and does "the store I will not name" sell MCs now , would not surprise me , heck , they wanted in the banking business :D
Dusty
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Smart people learn from wherever they can. Nobody is born knowing this stuff ... !
Lannis
I was! ::) ;) :D
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I'd hate to think that was true. To me, WalMart has always been a way to flood people's lives with cheap junk that they've been sold on "having to have".
Maybe it's a people problem rather than a WalMart problem. I'd never want to thread my way past the apathetic-looking employees smoking on the front sidewalk and flinging their butts where I have to walk ....
But in a "material things" sense, you could be right. "Lower Income" people below the poverty level today have their houses full of more "stuff" than the doctors and lawyers did when I was growing up.
Lannis
I have a different perspective having lived in a very rural area. Walmart brings much needed jobs that pay pretty well by local standards and they bring consumer goods that are basically unavailable otherwise. I know Amazon and Ebay have changed that somewhat, but you can usually find whatever you need at Walmart. Often, there is simply no other choice.
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I have a different perspective having lived in a very rural area. Walmart brings much needed jobs that pay pretty well by local standards and they bring consumer goods that are basically unavailable otherwise. I know Amazon and Ebay have changed that somewhat, but you can usually find whatever you need at Walmart. Often, there is simply no other choice.
Here in what was formerly rural Virginia, we used to be about 20 minutes away from three different WalMarts. That wasn't good enough, so they built one right in town. No one in our three-county area is more than 10 or 15 minutes from a WalMart now - and they really did run a half-a-dozen local businesses out of town.
Yeah, I know, it's a tough world and **** any family business that can't keep up with massive Chinese imports, but it was still sad to see a 70-year-old family grocery store fold.
Consumer goods "basically unavailable" without WalMart? What, in the United States of America? Gotta be kidding!
I'll never go in one, for any reason. Now how am I able to do that and the rest of the 13,000 people in our county can't? It's because I don't just kick my buddies to the curb to save a nickel. Other people don't have that weak sensitivity, I guess.
Lannis
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Butthead: Is that a Jap bike?
Me: Excuse me, but I'm Japanese and "Jap" is a derogatory term.
Butthead: Sorry, so what is it?
Me: It's an Italian bike... a Moto Guzzi.
Butthead: What's a Jap doing on a bike like that?
...So that's how I got into the only fight I've gotten into as an adult.
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So what you are saying is Lannis , you don't know whether " the store I will not name" sell motorcycles or not :D
I feel pretty much the same way about Lowe's , they killed all three of our local lumberyards that sold quality material,
so now they are the only game in town :'(
Dusty
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Where I lived, the closest "store that will not be named" was 40 miles away. And yes, other than the very basics, they were the only source for a lot of items.
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Where I lived, the closest "store that will not be named" was 40 miles away. And yes, other than the very basics, they were the only source for a lot of items.
Had to be the high plains , or Alaska , Rodekyll still doesn't believe they exist :D
Dusty
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North central Missouri.
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Where I lived, the closest "store that will not be named" was 40 miles away. And yes, other than the very basics, they were the only source for a lot of items.
Like what lot of items? I've neer been in a Walmart; what am I missing out on?
I have to haul my own trash, can't get cable, can't get DSL, got no cell coverage at the house, nearest Guzzi dealer 200 miles away; but I strongly suspect I have always, anywhere, been able to buy whatever is in a Walmart.
Lannis
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Had to be the high plains , or Alaska , Rodekyll still doesn't believe they exist :D
Dusty
I've yet to actually enter one and I refuse to believe the advertising. However, I did finally have to conceed that home depot is real.
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Butthead: Is that a Jap bike?
Me: Excuse me, but I'm Japanese and "Jap" is a derogatory term.
Butthead: Sorry, so what is it?
Me: It's an Italian bike... a Moto Guzzi.
Butthead: What's a Jap doing on a bike like that?
...So that's how I got into the only fight I've gotten into as an adult.
Thats one of the funniest things I've ever read on the inter-webb! ;D ;D ;D
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I've yet to actually enter one and I refuse to believe the advertising. However, I did finally have to conceed that home depot is real.
Are you sure , no Home Despot here , never actually spotted one in the wild :D We did have a Sutherlands here , Lies, er , Lowes finished them off . Sad , they had better stuff . Carpenters have a term for substandard lumber " Wal Mart wood " or " Lowes lumber " , as in , " how do you expect me to build anything with this Wal Mart wood ?" :D
Dusty
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Just this evening ."Why you've got suitcases on that MC , ha ha , how in hell did you do that ?) I explained they were actually Samsonite MC saddlebags , showed him the mounts and all , he just repeated his earlier statement , and added " hell of an idea , suitcases on a MC" ??? ::) :D
Dusty
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You should patent it, Dusty.
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You should patent it, Dusty.
:D Of course he also told me he had a really FAST , 1600 Yamaha Silverado . Don't think he knows what "fast" truly means :D
Dusty
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I once had a Silverado type unit. It was a 7400cc version though, it was also astounding! ;D DonG
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Butthead: Is that a Jap bike?
Me: Excuse me, but I'm Japanese and "Jap" is a derogatory term.
Butthead: Sorry, so what is it?
Me: It's an Italian bike... a Moto Guzzi.
Butthead: What's a Jap doing on a bike like that?
...So that's how I got into the only fight I've gotten into as an adult.
That's the funniest thing I've heard all day :D
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No, not seriously. He was joking, but he was seriously disinterested in speed.
Come to think of it, maybe the stupidest thing anyone ever said regarding motorcycles wasn't said to me, since I was pretty young, but to my Dad. Another customer told my Dad that he didn't think those Honda motorcycles would ever catch on.
A lot of us thought that. Gear shift and brake levers that would bend if you stomped on them very hard, tinny sounding engines, light and flimsy. Only thing the early ones had going for them was they were cheap...
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While walking in my office still wearing my padded jacket my female boss noticed the padding and exclaimed, "Wow, does that hurt?"
I replied, "It would hurt a lot more without it."
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Yesterday I parked the LeMans on the loading dock, which is our company's smoking area. Later in the day, one of our on-air lady hosts stopped me in the hall and said "I didn't know you were such a badass. That bike is awesome."
Just had to laugh.
Oh brother. ::)
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Believe it or not Guys on Harley's get dumb comments too. Pull into a bar on my Shovelhead and walk in. Bartender says when are you going to get those brakes fixed? Reply with they work great they don't need fixed. She walks away muttering even I know what grinding brakes sound like.... I guess my dry clutch open belt sounded like grinding brakes to her.
This was even worse Come out of bar and a hand full of 1% er's "wheels of fortune" guys were standing around my buddies bikes and mine. Biker guy says to his buddies look that one has a blower on it pointing at my magneto. After that and them thinking my other friends Shovelhead was a Sportster 48 I lost all respect for 1% er's. If you ride Harleys and are in a 1% club and don't know what a Shovelhead looks like and think a magneto is a supercharger I don't even know what to say except total fail.
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Last night an acquaintance showed me a picture of the blinged-out used metric cruiser he just bought. He hasn't ridden in a while and is practicing around his neighborhood since the tag has expired. Says the manual says it weighs about 1,000 lbs and he wanted a heavy bike because a friend of his was on a light motorcycle that killed him when he hit a pothole, flipped forward and the bike crushed him. Heavy bike won't do that. Poor guy has bad hips and can barely hold it up.
It's hard to protect someone from themselves but I'd hate to see him come to harm.
Tobit
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Yesterday I parked the LeMans on the loading dock, which is our company's smoking area. Later in the day, one of our on-air lady hosts stopped me in the hall and said "I didn't know you were such a badass. That bike is awesome."
Clearly she was coming on to you. :D
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Nate , most of those types are all doo rag , no miles . Last fall I encountered two of them at a C store , was asking a few questions about their bikes . One of them proudly proclaimed his 2013 alphabet glide was carbed , not fuel injected . When I pointed out the fact that his buddies 2012 alphabet glide had exactly the same E.F.I . system his bike had ... well, the conversation sorta died ;D
Dusty
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Nate , most of those types are all doo rag , no miles .
Dusty
Even the president of one of the big 1% clubs surprised me when I told him I rode an old shovelhead. He asked what transmission I had in it. I told him a ratchet top 4 speed. He then went on to tell me that my bike was only good to ride to the bar and back and if I really wanted to put some miles on I needed to get a 5 or 6 speed Harley. I went on to inform him that I do many 5 and 600 mile days on it and that the 4 speed is no different than a 5 speed as they are both 1 to 1 in top gear. He then went on to say "ya but with the 5 speed you have 1 more gear so your not beating the motor to death on the highway". After that I tried to explain that I had geared my bike for the Highway and that it probably turns less RPM than any stock 5 speed bike at 70mph. Then He got all huffy and puffy and told me how I was wrong and that it can't cause it's only a 4 speed and how he has ridden bla bla bla. It was like arguing with a blind man who thinks the sky is green. I just nodded my head said ok and walked away.
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"ya but with the 5 speed you have 1 more gear so your not beating the motor to death on the highway"
Like the guitar amp that goes up to 11. It's better because it's one more than 10.
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Even the president of one of the big 1% clubs surprised me when I told him I rode an old shovelhead. He asked what transmission I had in it. I told him a ratchet top 4 speed. He then went on to tell me that my bike was only good to ride to the bar and back and if I really wanted to put some miles on I needed to get a 5 or 6 speed Harley. I went on to inform him that I do many 5 and 600 mile days on it and that the 4 speed is no different than a 5 speed as they are both 1 to 1 in top gear. He then went on to say "ya but with the 5 speed you have 1 more gear so your not beating the motor to death on the highway". After that I tried to explain that I had geared my bike for the Highway and that it probably turns less RPM than any stock 5 speed bike at 70mph. Then He got all huffy and puffy and told me how I was wrong and that it can't cause it's only a 4 speed and how he has ridden bla bla bla. It was like arguing with a blind man who thinks the sky is green. I just nodded my head said ok and walked away.
Can't argue with stupid.
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Even the president of one of the big 1% clubs surprised me when I told him I rode an old shovelhead. He asked what transmission I had in it. I told him a ratchet top 4 speed. He then went on to tell me that my bike was only good to ride to the bar and back and if I really wanted to put some miles on I needed to get a 5 or 6 speed Harley. I went on to inform him that I do many 5 and 600 mile days on it and that the 4 speed is no different than a 5 speed as they are both 1 to 1 in top gear. He then went on to say "ya but with the 5 speed you have 1 more gear so your not beating the motor to death on the highway". After that I tried to explain that I had geared my bike for the Highway and that it probably turns less RPM than any stock 5 speed bike at 70mph. Then He got all huffy and puffy and told me how I was wrong and that it can't cause it's only a 4 speed and how he has ridden bla bla bla. It was like arguing with a blind man who thinks the sky is green. I just nodded my head said ok and walked away.
I park next to a Harley at work here that has a "Six Speed" sticker on the transmission.
I've had three Big Twins, and I wonder to myself "What in the world is the point of a six-speed transmission on one of these things?" I mean, on a 120CC Suzuki two-stroke, that has to be kept "on the pipe", it makes sense, but on a big torquey Harley that is happy at 2500 RPM? Sounds like a huge waste of gear metal and ankle motion to me. I mean, I barely needed 4 speeds ....
Oh well, I suppose they have to "keep up" with everyone else who's putting six speeds on their bikes, customers won't be happy otherwise.
Lannis
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Funny, Nigel Tufnel's blank stare and "...but this goes to 11" immediately came to mind as well.
It's not a "stupid thing someone said," but I have ridden with my brother in law's friends, and he and they all have Harleys. I like Harley Davidsons. But in talking with them, I realized that they aren't motorcycle guys, they are "toy guys." They have jet skis, boats, snowmobiles, ATVs, in addition to their Dynas and Softails. Motorcycles are just another on their list of ways to spend a summer afternoon, so they really didn't even know that much about the bikes they were riding. I'm no motorcycle savant, but it made for short and dull conversation.
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I have ridden with my brother in law's friends, and he and they all have Harleys. I like Harley Davidsons. But in talking with them, I realized that they aren't motorcycle guys, they are "toy guys." They have jet skis, boats, snowmobiles, ATVs, in addition to their Dynas and Softails. Motorcycles are just another on their list of ways to spend a summer afternoon, so they really didn't even know that much about the bikes they were riding. I'm no motorcycle savant, but it made for short and dull conversation.
I know a bunch of people like that. The "Harley" is a lifestyle accessory that shares space in the garage with the bass boat / ski boat, ATV, etc.
They own and ride motorcycles for different reasons than I do, and it's hard to have a motorcycle conversation with them. They're not into motorcycles.
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Funny, Nigel Tufnel's blank stare and "...but this goes to 11" immediately came to mind as well.
It's not a "stupid thing someone said," but I have ridden with my brother in law's friends, and he and they all have Harleys. I like Harley Davidsons. But in talking with them, I realized that they aren't motorcycle guys, they are "toy guys." They have jet skis, boats, snowmobiles, ATVs, in addition to their Dynas and Softails. Motorcycles are just another on their list of ways to spend a summer afternoon, so they really didn't even know that much about the bikes they were riding. I'm no motorcycle savant, but it made for short and dull conversation.
Nothing wrong with a motorcycle being an occasional toy, not to me. If I had jet ski or a snowmobile, IT would be an occasional seasonal toy for me, and I'd be a boring conversationalist with someone who was building custom snowmobiles for 200-mile winter endurance races at 100 MPH ...
I know and ride with plenty of folks who freely admit they are fair-weather riders and don't know much about their bike except that they had the shop do "pipes and a jet kit" or "pipes and a chip" for them. And that's fine.
It's the people who do that AND try to come across as a badass heavy-duty road rider that make me turn away in disgust. I'm on the road a lot; I know who rides and who doesn't around my town, and at the gas stations and motels and mountain overlooks and campgrounds. Even so, some people try to get away with lying about it and THAT'S what makes them sound stupid ....
Lannis
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I park next to a Harley at work here that has a "Six Speed" sticker on the transmission.
I've had three Big Twins, and I wonder to myself "What in the world is the point of a six-speed transmission on one of these things?" I mean, on a 120CC Suzuki two-stroke, that has to be kept "on the pipe", it makes sense, but on a big torquey Harley that is happy at 2500 RPM? Sounds like a huge waste of gear metal and ankle motion to me. I mean, I barely needed 4 speeds ....
Oh well, I suppose they have to "keep up" with everyone else who's putting six speeds on their bikes, customers won't be happy otherwise.
Lannis
The new six-speed is an overdrive. With the newer, 100-inch engines, they can get away with loping along at highway speeds at very low rpm.
Wouldn't doubt that it has something to do with EPA noise emissions tests, too. I think the drive-by test is still 55 mph.
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I won't argue the 6 speed because it actually is an overdrive transmission. With the low redline the power band is rather small on a Harley as well. Even if they make torque off idle the weight of the new bikes and the 5500 redline (rough guess of Harley redline) means a fairly small powerband to work with. A 5 speed would allow taller gearing for an RPM drop in 5th at highway speeds but that's not how the 5 speeds were built they just made the ratios closer for better 1/4 mile times. If you had a wide ratio 5 speed or a 5 speed with OD that would be all you need. Harley basically did that with there 6 speed OD giving you a 5 speed close ratio trans for 1/4 mile times and an OD for highway cruising.
Since I didn't care about stoplight racing or 1/4 mile times I just geared my 4 speed to cruse at 70-75mph at the RPM I wanted. So I lost a little on acceleration and had to give a little more throttle and clutch action to get her rolling. Worked fine for me. I guess I shouldn't be to hard on the guy. I don't think most people understand gear ratios RPM's and powerbands. It truly is a But these go to 11 world out there. Why not make 10 louder? Because these go to 11.
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It truly is a But these go to 11 world out there. Why not make 10 louder? Because these go to 11.
~;
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/06/Spinal_Tap_-_Up_to_Eleven.jpg)
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From a 1%'er type with an old Sporty at a bike show in WV about 25 years ago:
I'll never wear one of those stupid full-face helmets... you can't even breathe in there... that's the reason most rice-rocket squids ride crazy the way they do... they can't get enough air!
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Happened last week and immediately thought of this thread...
Guy rides up on a really big Japanese cruiser bike and parks across the road from this:
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn233/shawnsci/4257db3c-cd03-423b-8002-ff1b4c8c27ae_zpsb81e0f41.jpg)
He looks over and asks "Is that an old Yamaha?"
No it's an Ariel, an old British bike.
"How old?"
1939.
"Gee, I thought it was about 1968..."
Made me laugh.
Maybe he can be forgiven seeing as we were out in the middle of nowhere (Klamath River) and it was about 95 degrees in the shade. Context is (almost) everything.
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^^^ In fairness to that guy, the British motorcycle industry didn't make a lot of changes to their bikes between 1939 and 1968.
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^^^ In fairness to that guy, the British motorcycle industry didn't make a lot of changes to their bikes between 1939 and 1968.
;D Good one!
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"Uuhhhh, what is that....a Gold Wing?"
While looking over my unfaired, naked 1990 Mille GT.
In fairness, the question was posed by two 70-something year old non-motorcycle guys just making conversation, so I thought nothing of it. I think it illustrates how "Gold Wing" has become synonymous with "motorcycle" in some peoples minds.
If it's not a 'Harley', it must be a 'Gold Wing'!
:bike
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"Uuhhhh, what is that....a Gold Wing?"
While looking over my unfaired, naked 1990 Mille GT.
In fairness, the question was posed by two 70-something year old non-motorcycle guys just making conversation, so I thought nothing of it. I think it illustrates how "Gold Wing" has become synonymous with "motorcycle" in some peoples minds.
If it's not a 'Harley', it must be a 'Gold Wing'!
:bike
Wait ,.. you mean GWs aren't Harleys ??? :D
Dusty
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"Uuhhhh, what is that....a Gold Wing?"
While looking over my unfaired, naked 1990 Mille GT.
In fairness, the question was posed by two 70-something year old non-motorcycle guys just making conversation, so I thought nothing of it. I think it illustrates how "Gold Wing" has become synonymous with "motorcycle" in some peoples minds.
If it's not a 'Harley', it must be a 'Gold Wing'!
:bike
If it had a small fairing, it would have been a "Ninja bike". Big fairing, "Gold Wing". Everything else, "Harley".
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I know a bunch of people like that. The "Harley" is a lifestyle accessory that shares space in the garage with the bass boat / ski boat, ATV, etc.
They own and ride motorcycles for different reasons than I do, and it's hard to have a motorcycle conversation with them. They're not into motorcycles.
I know a few guys like that too. We meet, spend a little time together while at our son's activities and the subject of motorcycles comes up eventually. One guy has a garage full of small bore '60s Hondas he collects but has others restore for him and doesn't ride. Another has a Heritage Softtail but turns away as soon as I mention anything mechanical that doesn't involve chrome. He saw my LeMans once and honestly, the look on his face said he didn't get it at all. His bike is his toy and he rides to park with his like minded buddies and post selfies on FB. We've never ridden together because I don't have a Harley and don't like to hang out at bike nights. He's in his 50s and wears a long wig to play in a hair metal band.
To each his own, he's happy, I'm happy.
Tobit
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This one can't compete with most of the ones on this thread, but last weekend one of my neighbors saw me staring at my bike (looking for an unaccounted for tool while cleaning up) and he said "I can tell you really love your bike, you keep staring at it".
That was nice to hear and true, albeit incorrect, but it's not the stupid part.
He comes over and looks at it and says "Is it a Harley?" The Bassa says Moto Guzzi on the tank and valve cover on both sides of the bike. You gotta wonder about some people.
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This one can't compete with most of the ones on this thread, but last weekend one of my neighbors saw me staring at my bike (looking for an unaccounted for tool while cleaning up) and he said "I can tell you really love your bike, you keep staring at it".
That was nice to hear and true, albeit incorrect, but it's not the stupid part.
He comes over and looks at it and says "Is it a Harley?" The Bassa says Moto Guzzi on the tank and valve cover on both sides of the bike. You gotta wonder about some people.
What part of "Moto Guzzi" do you think he couldn't understand?
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What part of "Moto Guzzi" do you think he couldn't understand?
Sons of Anarchy Harley Hells Angels Harley Wild Hogs Harley He bought a Harley I got a new Harley You ought to get a Harley A bunch of Harleys just passed by Harley HarleyHarleyHarleyH arleyHarleyHarleyHa rleyHarleyHarleyHar ley....
It's all anyone ever hears outside of people who actually ride bikes. Their marketing is relentless, the entertainment world knows that Harley=Motorcycle so they never try anything different, the mainstream media is just stupid so they think all motorcycles are Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys Harleys
so it's no wonder people don't understand what "Moto Guzzi" on a gas tank might mean.
Lannis
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I've probably posted this before. This conversation took place outside a diner, next to a Harley dealer, on a busy Saturday. Bike is my red 1996 Sport 1100. The guy who approaches me is either a new rider, or wants to be a rider. Don't know if he owned a bike, but he was hanging out at the HD dealership on a Saturday:
Him: "Moh-Toh Guh-Zee? Who makes that?"
Me: Moto Guzzi makes it. (pointing to large logo on fuel tank).
Him: "No. I mean WHO makes that? Honda?"
Me: No. It's a Moto Guzzi. It's an Italian brand.
Him: "Oh. I thought it was a Jap bike".
Me: No. Moto Guzzi has been building bikes in Northern Italy since 1921.
Him: "Hmmm. Never heard of 'em". (and he turns and walks away).
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"What is that?"
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^^^ In fairness to that guy, the British motorcycle industry didn't make a lot of changes to their bikes between 1939 and 1968.
.........and then it went broke!
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Not motorcycle related but related by thought process (or lack there of).
When I was a bus driver I would often be sitting in the bus at the main terminal in town with my destination signs lit up and clearly displayed on both the front and on the side of the bus. The side one was just above eye height by the drivers door.
On numerous occasions someone would come to the door and ask "Does this bus go to (pick destination)"
It was a head slapper. New Zealand is supposed to be one of the more literate countries in the world. Many times I've wished I could make one of those cartoon faces, the ones with the zig-zag mouth and the little black cloud above the head.
Guzzi content
Interestingly, despite their relative rarity most people who comment at all about Guzzi here seem to know of them and most know they are Italian.
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John r , NZ does rank in the top ten per capita in pot use , think maybe ... naw , pot heads can still read ;D
Dusty
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John r , NZ does rank in the top ten per capita in pot use , think maybe ... naw , pot heads can still read ;D
Dusty
;D a survey once established that about 50% had at least tried it ;D, but as you say, they can read. ;D
(I believe the stuff is supposed to be quite good for mental acuity, baring the short term memory while actually under the influence)
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;D a survey once established that about 50% had at least tried it ;D, but as you say, they can read. ;D
(I believe the stuff is supposed to be quite good for mental acuity, baring the short term memory while actually under the influence)
Of the other 50% 25% had tried it but lied and said they have not. The remaining 25% don't know what they are missing.
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Or they can't remember ;D
Dusty
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Many years ago out on my Royal (indian made) Enfield, outside an opera house, when couple came out, best bib and tucker, evening dress. He looked at the bike and said "nice bike, they don't make them like that any more" I replied "they do, it's a new one, made in India".
Another time an old guy was looking at my Enfield and said "I used to have a Norton Black Shadow".
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" A Norton black shadow" :D , at least he didn't say a "BMW white widow" , heard that once ???
Dusty
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My first wife used to call herself a BMW white widow in the making. That was over 40 years ago. I continue to prove her theory incorrect, but she still won't ride with me. Go figger.
Dyslexics untie!
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My wife and I were stopped at a scenic overlook with some Harley riders. One lady say to my wife "why do you wear all that leather, you look hot, I would never wear that". They soon left. We came around the curve leaving the stop to find them rolling their bare skin around in the gravel as they had dumped the Harley. We just stopped and helped them to their feet and upped the 800 pound HD. We rode off laughing in our helmets.
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Can't argue with stupid.
No, but, you can laugh at it. ;D
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No, but, you can laugh at it. ;D
:D :D :D :D :D Some clown on an unmufffled , (demuffled , demufflerized , dunno) orangutan handlebar equipped 50 mile showing on the odo HD came roaring by my house yesterday eve , full throttle in a 25 MPH zone , hat on backwards , mean mugging expression , oakley shades . My sister never looked up , she simply flipped him the bird . He did NOT come back by after his epic ride to the diner 2 blocks away :D
Dusty
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'Does that say jackass ?" You guys can figure out what the guy was looking at :D
Dusty
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Did you ask him if he was a Sonny Bono fan?
Interesting story. Years ago we would go to Lake Tahoe a couple of times a year. Well one year I sat next to Sonny on a plane from Orange county (May have been LAX, its been awhile) to Reno. I talked to him for some time and found out we were going to the same resort, Heavenly Valley in South Lake. Pretty nice guy.
Two days later he was dead. I couldn't believe it...........
Chris
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Never say to a do-raged Harley rider, "Nice scooter you got there". I almost got my ass kicked for saying that, out side of a bar in Phoenix, by the fellow while he explained to me in very graphic terms that it was a motorcycle not a scooter! Even though I was standing next to my R90s, so he could see I was a rider not a wannabe. Gee those fellows just don't know how to take a compliment.
Welp, harley club members call them scooters.....I'm guessing he was a lonely desperado 'cheezy rider'
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Many years ago out on my Royal (indian made) Enfield, outside an opera house, when couple came out, best bib and tucker, evening dress. He looked at the bike and said "nice bike, they don't make them like that any more" I replied "they do, it's a new one, made in India".
Another time an old guy was looking at my Enfield and said "I used to have a Norton Black Shadow".
If I had a nickel for every time some old guy walked up while I was fueling my '98 Triumph Sprint and said, "I used to have a '68 Bonneville"....
Funny stuff. I think I have met more people who used to ride a '68 Bonneville than there were '68 Bonnevilles !!!
:D
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I didn't have a 68 bonneville. I had a 68 triumph T 120 TT that I raced on the track back in 69 and 70.
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Far from the stupidest thing that has been said to me but I rode the Griso in to see the bum-doctor in Canberra yesterday and finding anywhere to park is always a nightmare at the hospital but on a bike its manageable.
Anyway I found a small space quite close to Accident and Emergency and had just got off the bike and was unplugging my Gerbings gear when a slack-jawed snaggletoothio and his anorexic pinhead of a girlfriend came scuttling over, outside A&E seems to be their natural habitat for some reason and I knew that I was going to be engaged in conversation so I resigned myself to it.
"Oh mate! Is it turbocharged?"
I actually get asked this quite often and assumed it was because of the camchain whine
"No! no. Its normally aspirated, it just makes a racket."
His face screwed up and his brow furrowed and I knew that something profoundly stupid was hatching in his tiny head.
"If it isn't turbocharged why has it got an intercooler then?" He said drawing himself up to his full five foot five of simian immensity!
This floored me and I suspect I looked pretty stupid myself certainly my bafflement was obvious. He unfolded his arms and pointed with a 'j'accuse' finger, (More like a claw really.) at the oil cooler.
"Ahh, no, that's the oil cooler my friend, its oil cooled."
"Never heard of an oil cooled motor. Why would you do that? And what are all those wires going into your jacket? Does it have a sound system?"
I could tell that if I stuck around I'd probably be stuck there until the methadone dispensary or needle exchange room re-opened after lunch so I briefly explained and then apologised citing my appointment with He of the Black Snake and wished them well. As I was shuffling off to the arse-clinic I heard him telling his companion, "See, its got an intercooler, that makes them really fast...."
Another day of dealing with happy idiots frolicking in their own chaos! Life is good!
Pete
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Speaking of happy idiots.. nice to see you, Pete.. ;D :BEER: Uh, btw.. if you did the drugs (highly recommended) for the black snake technique.. you're not supposed to ride home on your sickle. ~;
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I stopped at the gas station with my V11S, a guy asked "who makes this bike?". After telling him, he said it looks just like a Harley.
(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll83/ksiegel7/V11%20Sport/V11farmmachinery_zps49fcf4a5.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/ksiegel7/media/V11%20Sport/V11farmmachinery_zps49fcf4a5.jpg.html)
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he said it looks just like a Harley
It does. Gots two wheels, gots a motor. <shrug> Every light airplane is a Piper cub.. ;D
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Quote from Chuck in Indiana:
It does. Gots two wheels, gots a motor. <shrug> Every light airplane is a Piper cub..
No, no, no they are all a Cessna. ;)
GliderJohn
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... if you did the drugs (highly recommended) for the black snake technique.. you're not supposed to ride home on your sickle.
I've been to the local "Black Snake" Doctor twice and both times was asked who would be driving me home. They seem surprised when I say I'll do it myself, since I won't be getting any sedation. It feels about as bad as what happens after eating a big bowl of beans, and it saves my wife several hours of boredom. They also skip the I.V. in my arm.
I wonder if the non-US guys here can confirm... I've heard that it's mainly the US that pushes sedation for colonoscopies.
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Speaking of happy idiots.. nice to see you, Pete.. ;D :BEER: Uh, btw.. if you did the drugs (highly recommended) for the black snake technique.. you're not supposed to ride home on your sickle. ~;
hell, just walking and finding your way out is a trip of it's own..... of course, I did one of those 25 years ago when the doc didn't use any drugs at all. Man, that is an uncomfortable memory.
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Nothing like a bit of thread drift. I'll be self funding this,it'll cost me about $2,700 but the major out of pocket component is the bed fee in the private hospital, that's about $675. I'll get about half of the rest back from Medicare, the state pre-pay system. If they thought it was *Urgent* I would be seen immediately and for 'Free', (Only of course it isn't free, we pay over our lifetimes through a levy.) but because I'm lucky enough to be able to afford it I can 'Jump the queue' by paying for immediate private care. Thing is if I was to have private insurance there would still be a large out of pocket 'Gap' between what the insurance company would cough and what the procedure would cost. I'd rather self fund rather than giving money to insurance company bastards!
And yes, I will be getting sedated! I don't give a stuff if it costs a bit extra! If someone is going to be sticking a hose pipe with a camera on the end up my date I damn well want to be happily oblivious to it!
Pete
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I've been to the local "Black Snake" Doctor twice and both times was asked who would be driving me home. They seem surprised when I say I'll do it myself, since I won't be getting any sedation. It feels about as bad as what happens after eating a big bowl of beans, and it saves my wife several hours of boredom. They also skip the I.V. in my arm.
I wonder if the non-US guys here can confirm... I've heard that it's mainly the US that pushes sedation for colonoscopies.
I can't speak for the non-US guys but can definitely confirm that sedation is not the only thing that gets pushed during a colonoscopy.
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I've been to the local "Black Snake" Doctor twice and both times was asked who would be driving me home. They seem surprised when I say I'll do it myself, since I won't be getting any sedation. It feels about as bad as what happens after eating a big bowl of beans, and it saves my wife several hours of boredom. They also skip the I.V. in my arm.
I wonder if the non-US guys here can confirm... I've heard that it's mainly the US that pushes sedation for colonoscopies.
been there, done that. Don't recommend it. The term "Cramps" is a complete understatement by many magnitudes. :o
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It doesn't bother me much. I don't know why... I have some of the most sensitive teeth of anyone. Before I went the first time I read that if it gets uncomfortable, take a deep breath and let it out a couple times to reposition the gas bubble. That worked great. Also, since the doctor actually had an interested patient, he explained what we were looking at. A blue color at the transverse colon is where my liver was against it. That was pretty cool. Then he showed me the opening to my appendix and I thought that was amazing. The far end of the journey was my ileosecal valve, where the small intestine ends. A look at my hemorrhoids wasn't so fun, but at least I got to see what causes so much mirth down there.
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And yes, I will be getting sedated! I don't give a stuff if it costs a bit extra! If someone is going to be sticking a hose pipe with a camera on the end up my date I damn well want to be happily oblivious to it!
Pete
When I got my hip done last year the surgeon asked whether I wanted to have it done under epidural or knockout. Would not give his opinion at all, so I finally asked him, if it was HIS hip being done what would HE choose. No hesitation. " I would be knocked out and when I woke up it would all be over".
Guess what I chose! :D
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Here you go, this was several years ago at a dealership that is no longer in business but will remain nameless. I went there to purchase an 89' California III used in the early 90's, when I get there, I notice the windshield is not installed on the bike & I don't see it close by, so I ask where the windshield is to confirm it is part of the deal as agreed on the phone. The dealer says, "We took it off so it won't blow off on the trip home in the back of your truck" I'm not making it up at all, I couldn't believe it.
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Kevin M , no wonder that dealer is out of business ???
Dusty
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When I got my hip done last year the surgeon asked whether I wanted to have it done under epidural or knockout. Would not give his opinion at all, so I finally asked him, if it was HIS hip being done what would HE choose. No hesitation. " I would be knocked out and when I woke up it would all be over".
Guess what I chose! :D
<thread drift>
I had mine done with epidural. Most weird seeing your legs but not being able to do a darn thing with them ;)
They also pumped me full of sedative (medazolam I think) and the only things I remember are a bit of hammering and the sound of the staple gun.
</thread drift>
Phil
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I wouldn't call it stupid, but it made me chuckle. Had my bike parked at work (public school) and as I was getting ready to leave one of the paraprofessionals came out to admire my Norge and talk bikes. She's a sweetie and I have no problem making small talk with her. Her compliment was " those are really nice tires"!
I haven't heard that one often and wasn't sure how to take it. I'd still give her a ride anytime she'd like one.
Bill
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Her compliment was " those are really nice tires"!
I met a professional woodworker once, and one of the things he mentioned was that women like smooth surfaces and rounded corners and edges. He said if you're making something for a woman, make sure it's sanded very smooth with nothing sharp. Ever since then I've observed that in general he was right. If you show something to a woman, it's very likely she'll check out how smooth and rounded it is, often running her hands over it. Maybe the tires were the smoothest, roundest looking part.
No offense to women meant... men sometimes have their own oddities. :)
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"How do you know where the front tire is...with all that plastic up front?"
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gassing up the wee Strom yesterday. Woman on other side of pump island said, "Nice motorcycle."
me (smiling): Thank you!
woman: Is it a Harley?
me (grinning): No, it's a Suzuki.
woman: Oh, they're fast!
I was going to tell her it was no Hayabusa but figured we already reached the limits of her motorcycle world.
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"How do you know where the front tire is...with all that plastic up front?"
Sounds like a reasonable question to me. ;D :BEER:
Matt
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"How do you know where the front tire is...with all that plastic up front?"
Heard that once , my response "if you are looking at your front tire over one MPH there is a problem" ??? :D
Dusty
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"If it isn't turbocharged why has it got an intercooler then?" He said drawing himself up to his full five foot five of simian immensity!
This floored me and I suspect I looked pretty stupid myself certainly my bafflement was obvious. He unfolded his arms and pointed with a 'j'accuse' finger, (More like a claw really.) at the oil cooler.
"Ahh, no, that's the oil cooler my friend, its oil cooled."
Pete
Pete, I had the exact conversation when I just got my Griso.
Except I told the guy that Griso is supercharged instead of turbocharged and pointed to him the belt driven supercharger that housed between the cylinders. ;D
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I've been to the local "Black Snake" Doctor twice and both times was asked who would be driving me home. They seem surprised when I say I'll do it myself, since I won't be getting any sedation. It feels about as bad as what happens after eating a big bowl of beans, and it saves my wife several hours of boredom. They also skip the I.V. in my arm.
I wonder if the non-US guys here can confirm... I've heard that it's mainly the US that pushes sedation for colonoscopies.
I was done both ends the same day and whilst plumed in for a sedative didn't need any
Still the effect of the "flushing agent" you're privileged to take before the event is something to behold!
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I was done both ends the same day and whilst plumed in for a sedative didn't need any
Still the effect of the "flushing agent" you're privileged to take before the event is something to behold!
I hope they didn't mix up the two borescopes.
Done my first colonscopy two yeas ago, no sedative given.
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To continue this thread drift in the nether regions, I had a colonascopy a couple of months ago. Yes the flushing agent is a mavelous curitive for constipation. I had put in the paper work for the time off here at work, which would negate the need for a doctors slip for usage of sick leave. A month after the event, I get pulled into the Lt's office and asked where my sick slip is. I told them I had prenotified them and as such, a sick slip was not needed. They told me I needed proof of the event in order to get sick leave approved. So I gave them proof. I burned a copy of the DVD they gave me of the procedure and copies of the stills showing all the exciting damage in my tract. The DVD opens with the sight of my little brown rose bud about to be violated. Appearently that was enough proof that I had the medical event. They did not ask me for another doctors slip for sick leave. I guess you could say I really showed my ass to them this time. You know, I don't understand why I can't get promoted here. ;) :D ;D ~;
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My wife's girlfriend told me, the other day, totally out of the blue, "Now you can quit riding that motorcycle."
Rather taken aback, all I said was, " Why would I?"
She didn't say anything else.
Bare
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My wife's girlfriend told me, the other day, totally out of the blue, "Now you can quit riding that motorcycle."
Rather taken aback, all I said was, " Why would I?"
She didn't say anything else.
Bare
I don't understand , the statement simply makes no sense , unless she meant she was buying you another bike to
ride allowing for the retirement of the current ride ???
Dusty
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I don't understand , the statement simply makes no sense , unless she meant she was buying you another bike to
ride allowing for the retirement of the current ride ???
Dusty
Well I guess that would be one interpretation of a 'happy event' ;)
Phil
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Well I guess that would be one interpretation of a 'happy event' ;)
Phil
Of course Bare did define the woman as his wife's GF , there may be some other "happy" events than what we are unaware of ;D Bare , you old dog you ;)
Dusty
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Of course Bare did define the woman as his wife's GF , there may be some other "happy" events than what we are unaware of ;D Bare , you old dog you ;)
Dusty
On the other hand, I notice that Bare's boyfriend had no comment ... ?
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A person with absolutely no knowledge of motorcycles tells me....."I bet that Motor Gussy goes real fast!, huh?" ;D
Is your bike a goer?
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/nudge-nudge-monty-python-105_zps86297025.jpg)
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A person with absolutely no knowledge of motorcycles tells me....."I bet that Motor Gussy goes real fast!, huh?"
I have got that one many times when on the T-3. I think it may come from that beautiful sound. To the uninitiated anything that sounds that powerful has to be fast. I am okay with that. ;-T
GliderJohn
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On the other hand, I notice that Bare's boyfriend had no comment ... ?
Bare ain't got no bf he's a manly-man, a real dirt bike rider from way back, not like them there modern-day posers strattl'in them big street machines with dirt pretentions.
I know you guys think CA is a progressive state but we all ain't THAT progressive!
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Bare ain't got no bf he's a manly-man, a real dirt bike rider from way back, not like them there modern-day posers strattl'in them big street machines with dirt pretentions.
I know you guys think CA is a progressive state but we all ain't THAT progressive!
Well, how come our wives can have "girlfriends" that they meet for lunch and go shopping with, but guys don't have "boyfriends" that they hang out and ride bikes with?
Funny language, dat Eenglish ...
Lannis
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We stopped at a awesome Mexican restaurant in Marietta, OH this past Sunday. Lots of bikes out (and old cars) as there was a sternwheel festival going on. We were on our aprilia Futura which grabbed the attention of a cruiser dude. Spotting the "aprilia" on the tank, he asked who made them....... "It's Italian", I told him. I also mentioned that we're normally on our Moto Guzzi.....at which point he said his (dad, uncle, or grandfather) used to ride one. The odd part was that while saying that, he held out his arms like he was riding the MG and was moving them back and forth as to show how bad it handled/shook from side to side.
richy
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We stopped at a awesome Mexican restaurant in Marietta, OH this past Sunday. Lots of bikes out (and old cars) as there was a sternwheel festival going on. We were on our aprilia Futura which grabbed the attention of a cruiser dude. Spotting the "aprilia" on the tank, he asked who made them....... "It's Italian", I told him. I also mentioned that we're normally on our Moto Guzzi.....at which point he said his (dad, uncle, or grandfather) used to ride one. The odd part was that while saying that, he held out his arms like he was riding the MG and was moving them back and forth as to show how bad it handled/shook from side to side.
richy
Sometimes when a friendly guy stops to talk about your bike, you just have to grit your teeth and smile when they come out with popular misconceptions ...
1) "BSA, that's British Small Arms!"
2) "That Moto Guzzi engine, they took them out of tractors and used them in motorcycles!" (You get that for Triumph TR-3 sports cars too).
3) "Norton, yeah, that's nice but you should have a Vincent like my uncle did, he had a Vincent Black Widow, it was so fast it killed everyone that tried to race it!"
Etc etc ... I've tried correcting them but they don't want to hear it, they just want to talk .... I suppose it could be worse!
Lannis
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I was in a fast food restaurant a couple weeks ago with my Mille in view through the window, and with my gear on, and an older guy gave me a pitch about how dangerous motorcycles are, and that some number of riders had been killed in the small town we were in, and that I needed to be careful. Then about 5 minutes later he came back and said he was sorry, and hadn't meant to scare me. I told him not to worry, I wasn't scared and am used to it.
I wish I had a video camera running earlier this summer when my battery developed a broken internal connection. Leaving the local Post Office, the Mille wouldn't start. So I backed it up to the rear of the parking lot, which was uphill a little, waited for a break in the traffic, and got a running start to bump start it. An older gentleman saw me and ran down to the road, waving with his hands to tell me when it was clear and holding them up to stop me if there was so much as a car on the horizon, even though I could see fine from where I was. My first and second attempts failed due to lack of sufficient speed, and all the while the guy kept waving or putting his hands up to stop me, like he was my life line to safety. I was getting frustrated and hot by the 3rd attempt, and got a little satisfaction when I violated his "stop" signal, got it started, and took off up the road, waving "thanks" to the guy on the way out.
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It was the fall of 2013, and I was looking at Guzzis on the internet. I told my wife " I kind of wish I had another Moto Guzzi ".
Her reply was " I think you should get one ".
;-T
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At Rabbit Hash, KY, a place where bikes, mainly cruisers, gather, I had parked the Norge a few minutes earlier and was standing behind it. A young couple in proper HD garb on a very nice big-inch Harley pull in a few bikes from me. They get off the bike and start walking around. As they walk past the Norge, the young lady says in a loud voice (I assume so that I could clearly hear her) "who would buy a piece of Jap crap like that?!"
I keep my mouth shut and smile. However, I am thinking......well, you probably know. :BEER:
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At Rabbit Hash, KY, a place where bikes, mainly cruisers, gather, I had parked the Norge a few minutes earlier and was standing behind it. A young couple in proper HD garb on a very nice big-inch Harley pull in a few bikes from me. They get off the bike and start walking around. As they walk past the Norge, the young lady says in a loud voice (I assume so that I could clearly hear her) "who would buy a piece of Jap crap like that?!"
I keep my mouth shut and smile. However, I am thinking......well, you probably know. :BEER:
She'd been well taught by the best. She'll soon be Poser Queen First Class and get a gold badge for her assless chaps.
Lannis
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At Rabbit Hash, KY, a place where bikes, mainly cruisers, gather, I had parked the Norge a few minutes earlier and was standing behind it. A young couple in proper HD garb on a very nice big-inch Harley pull in a few bikes from me. They get off the bike and start walking around. As they walk past the Norge, the young lady says in a loud voice (I assume so that I could clearly hear her) "who would buy a piece of Jap crap like that?!"
I keep my mouth shut and smile. However, I am thinking......well, you probably know. :BEER:
Well, for one thing, riding on the back of a motorcycle does not make one a motorcyclist.
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But if it makes her wear assess chaps and nothing else you can see her assets.
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By definition, chaps don't have "asses". They're joined leggings. Saying "assless chaps" is like saying "motorless bicycle" or "fat-free lemonade". ;D :BEER:
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By definition, chaps don't have "asses". They're joined leggings. Saying "assless chaps" is like saying "motorless bicycle" or "fat-free lemonade". ;D :BEER:
True , until the wearer of chaps slides down the road at 60 on their derriere , at which time the wearer of said chaps becomes , well , sorta assless . So we can define them as "potential assless chaps" or "chapettes" as the case may be ;D
Dusty
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I found chaps lacking in protection as well.
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Just thinking about that chaps my butt.
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I like wearing assless chaps when I'm riding the Nuovo Falcone. One of these days someone will figure out I'm taking the piss. They'll be right.
Nick
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A repeat , but worth telling . Worked a few hours today and the homeowner sold a DR 400 to a beginning rider while I was there . The buyer was accompanied by an older friend riding a wing The GW rider was holding forth ,freely sharing his knowledge of MCling , most of it laughable . The bit of advice that I finally had to contradict was the old nugget , "Well , never ever use the front brake , I'll explain why later" ::) Not seeking confrontation , I told the wife in private that that was really bad advice , and to please have her husband find an MSF beginning riders class , or at least someone more knowledgeable about riding MCs to learn from .
I pointed out that the GW had linked brakes , and whether the guy knew it or not , he was probably using his front brake , which just drew a blank stare . The GW did have a loud stereo ;D
Dusty
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Today, a Monday, I went in Quest!
I went in quest of those shitty little rubber boots that go over the throttle cable adjusters on modern Guzzis. A bloke on the Ghetto was bemoaning that his had disintegrated and they are not sold as a separate piece. I stopped snoring for a minute and grunted into action and started looking about for an alternative source now I knew I had back-up and wasn't a lone, anally retentive nutter!
The problem has since been solved by another Ghetto-ite but I went in to visit the mainstream bike shops in Canberra this morning on the Griso. Parked up at the Honda, Ducati. KTM, (Maybe a couple of other brands , dunno, don't visit often.) and had a chat about the poxy boots. Unfortunately no joy so I headed out to get back on the Griso.
It was being *Admired* by an idiot about the same age as me, maybe a couple of years older, but he had all the 'Gear' on, brand new body armour, squeaky leathers etc. I smiled and said hello and he shook his head and said "How can you let your 'Ride' get so scruffy? Its a disgrace! And that's a really bad colour combination. Even for a Guzzi."
My reply is unsuitable for this board but the 'C' bomb was dropped at least once. I'm glad to say he did change colour and it wasn't good........
Pete
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I smiled and said hello and he shook his head and said "How can you let your 'Ride' get so scruffy? Its a disgrace! And that's a really bad colour combination. Even for a Guzzi."
Pete
I just can't conceive of anyone I didn't know personally saying that to me, just out on the street. I'd probably be like you - I'd hurt his feelings so bad that he'd hesitate before doing it to someone else.
Now my actual riding friends, THEY'LL say stuff like that, with a knowing smile on their face, and they'd probably be right. Problem is, their bikes are just as dirty as mine. Possibly because we actually RIDE them!
Lannis
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A repeat , but worth telling . Worked a few hours today and the homeowner sold a DR 400 to a beginning rider while I was there . The buyer was accompanied by an older friend riding a wing The GW rider was holding forth ,freely sharing his knowledge of MCling , most of it laughable . The bit of advice that I finally had to contradict was the old nugget , "Well , never ever use the front brake , I'll explain why later" ::) Not seeking confrontation , I told the wife in private that that was really bad advice , and to please have her husband find an MSF beginning riders class , or at least someone more knowledgeable about riding MCs to learn from .
I pointed out that the GW had linked brakes , and whether the guy knew it or not , he was probably using his front brake , which just drew a blank stare . The GW did have a loud stereo ;D
Dusty
good on you for not shooting your mouth off and showing concern for a fellow rider and looking out for his best interest. Some people would use an opperrtunity like that to show what a Richard cranium they could be ;D
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good on you for not shooting your mouth off and showing concern for a fellow rider and looking out for his best interest. Some people would use an opperrtunity like that to show what a Richard cranium they could be ;D
That might be confusing to anyone who did not know the whole story ;D At least it was done in private .
Dusty
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A little over a year since I got the Mille, I finally got one. Not too bad, but at least I'm in the club now. Yesterday I was getting back on the bike to leave the Post Office parking lot, and a late middle aged woman looked at the gas tank emblem and carefully pronounced "Mah-toe Guh-zee". Then she asked who made it. I told her that some nice men in Italy did. She then said "I thought it sounded Italian". We wished each other a nice day.
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Astute comes from a French word which they got from the Latin word for 'craft'. (hence 'crafty' I s'pose.)
I got interested and looked it up :D
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I just can't conceive of anyone I didn't know personally saying that to me, just out on the street. I'd probably be like you - I'd hurt his feelings so bad that he'd hesitate before doing it to someone else.
Now my actual riding friends, THEY'LL say stuff like that, with a knowing smile on their face, and they'd probably be right. Problem is, their bikes are just as dirty as mine. Possibly because we actually RIDE them!
Lannis
Lannis, in Oz it is obligatory to take the piss out of your mates. To not do so is an affront! Being openly critical on some stuff is also happily accepted from strangers but you don't use those sort of terms as an opening gambit. Well you can, just don't be surprised if you get a mouthfull in return. If I'd ever spoken to the bloke before it would of been fine, it was his obvious noviciate nature and air of superiority that caused my, probably unwarranted, response.
I may not be good at a lot of things but being a grumpy old man is something I can excel at! ;D
Pete
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Astute comes from a French word which they got from the Latin word for 'craft'. (hence 'crafty' I s'pose.)
I got interested and looked it up :D
We have a submarine named HMS Astute which judging from this report the definition above would appear to be limited to her name and not to those driving ;-T
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/27118/astute_grounding_si_report.pdf (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/27118/astute_grounding_si_report.pdf)
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We have a submarine named HMS Astute which judging from this report the definition above would appear to be limited to her name and not to those driving ;-T
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/27118/astute_grounding_si_report.pdf (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/27118/astute_grounding_si_report.pdf)
Jeepers! What a cluster f**k! A few necks need to grasped firmly and shaken with moderate vigour. (and no doubt will be)
I'm surprised that they didn't recommend promotion for that leading seaman below. Seems he was the only one that knew what he was doing.
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I'd never heard this one before, filling up on my last trip a guy walks past admiring the Griso and says
"Geez that must be a small Chain inside that swing arm ? "
I said "No , it's actually a shaft drive"
"Geez how long have they been doing that "
Oh about 50 or 60 years
I got the look, you know the one that says - Smart arse
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Jeepers! What a cluster f**k! A few necks need to grasped firmly and shaken with moderate vigour. (and no doubt will be)
I'm surprised that they didn't recommend promotion for that leading seaman below. Seems he was the only one that knew what he was doing.
She was not a "lucky" boat for a while
http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/jan/14/submarine-shooting-inquest-breath-testing (http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/jan/14/submarine-shooting-inquest-breath-testing)
Though, (with extreme bias), I can say she has the best Sonar team in the RN on her now as my wife's friends son (keep up) is part of the team ;-T
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I'd never heard this one before, filling up on my last trip a guy walks past admiring the Griso and says
"Geez that must be a small Chain inside that swing arm ? "
I said "No , it's actually a shaft drive"
"Geez how long have they been doing that "
Oh about 50 or 60 years
I got the look, you know the one that says - Smart arse
I think we can say a lot longer than that :D.
Pete
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"What are you doing on that crotch rocket? That's a young man's bike.." ;D
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Heard several times in the last 6 weeks following my crash and broken arm,
"No more motorbikes for you eh?",
"Said for ages you should have given up bikes by now",
"Janice (my wife) won't let you ride again", etc,etc.
My response,
"I'm buying (have bought) another bike already. Just got to get my wrist working again."
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"What are you doing on that crotch rocket? That's a young man's bike.." ;D
hah! that reminds me, years ago I witnessed a low speed crash between two cars. I stopped and offered my business card as a witness to the woman whose car had been done by a scruffy looking bastard. I was riding my GS and didn't take my helmet off while talking to them.
A few days later I get a call from both party's insurance adjusters (same insurance company), and scruffy bastard had advised his adjuster "don't listen to the kid on the crotch rocket!" Told the adjuster I was flattered, being in my mid-50's at the time, and that maybe SB's powers of observation were a bit challenged as a BMW 1150 GS is hardly a crotch rocket.
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Most recently:
-"How fast this go?" regarding any bike they're standing next to
-"You think my friends would make fun of me if I bought this?" referring to a Griso
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Most recently:
-"How fast this go?" regarding any bike they're standing next to
-"You think my friends would make fun of me if I bought this?" referring to a Griso
. . ."if you like. I'll go first . . . " ;D
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Not the stupidest thing I've heard, but funny nonetheless:
Went into NAPA today to get some stuff for the jimmy van. Much to my surprise they had them in stock. I wasn't prepared for that -- expected a special order -- and said so. The reply was "Well, we try to keep up with what's in town -- it's not like you have a Moto Guzzi or something." I replied that it was flattering that he remembered my bike. He looked at me blankly for a moment and said "No, I didn't know that -- Moto Guzzi was just the most obscure thing I could think of off the top of my head."
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Bump . Cold and icy here , entertain us .
Dusty
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Bump . Cold and icy here , entertain us .
Dusty
We've got about 450 "Stupid Things" so far, maybe that's all there is. I feel bad about posting "stupid things" that people said if they didn't KNOW they were stupid things and were maybe just trying to be friendly?
Lannis
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"Yeah, that ole panhead ran out of 1st gear around 80 then Jimmy shifted to second. That took us to 120 then he went for third. I closed my eyes at 135." As told by a cousin's grandfather's brother(notorious fibber) to us boys in 1972.
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You have smile at the guy standing there with a cigarette telling you that motorcycling is dangerous.
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You have smile at the guy standing there with a cigarette telling you that motorcycling is dangerous.
Yep, the guy would have to know THAT was stupid in this day and age .....
Lannis
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Just today one of the old machinst guys at our plant wore a knit cap with the Harley Davidson logo on it. This is a guy that regularly proclaims how anyone who rides a dangerous motorcycle is crazy.
Ya gotta take your hat off to the HD marketing folks.
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BSA? when did the boy scouts make a motorcycle?
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Screwy Guzzi 98EV owner tells me, "Guzzi's are cool, even the Harley riders will let you ride with them." I almost died from laughter.
Bill
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I'm going to put a drone engine in my Lario ~;
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I'm going to put a drone engine in my Lario ~;
The FAA says you can do that, but can only ride in daylight hours at less than 100 miles an hour and at altitudes under 500 feet AGL. You may not leave your own line of sight, and the GVW may not exceed 55#.
Good luck! ;D :BEER:
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You have smile at the guy standing there with a cigarette telling you that motorcycling is dangerous.
Or even worse (gasp) a drink!
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Or even worse (gasp) a drink!
Now I want a beer and a cigar ;D
Dusty
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Now I want a beer and a cigar ;D
Dusty
While riding?
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"Yeah, that ole panhead ran out of 1st gear around 80 then Jimmy shifted to second. That took us to 120 then he went for third. I closed my eyes at 135." As told by a cousin's grandfather's brother(notorious fibber) to us boys in 1972.
Must have had a Veglia speedometer.
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While riding?
Why not :o ;D
Dusty
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Why not :o ;D
Dusty
Remind me to tell you the story about my visit to Miles City, Montana in 1979 sometime. :BEER:
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You have smile at the guy standing there with a cigarette telling you that motorcycling is dangerous.
My gf's sister likes to give us grief that we ride: "I work in healthcare, and I've seen enough to know how dangerous motorcycles are," she says between drags on her cigarette....
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We all pick our poison it would seem :D
Dusty
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I'm going to put a drone engine in my Lario ~;
Why not?
Worse things have been done to Larios.
~; ~;
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Today a woman asked, "How do you keep the pollen from getting in your mouth?"
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Pollen isn't stupid. For all the allergy suffering riders out here.
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I'm pretty consistent with honey dosing. 12 hrs and narry a sniffle. Try it. Better than seafoam. ;D
I should have told her I just hold my breath between stops. Or I'm not a mouth breather.
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Remind me to tell you the story about my visit to Miles City, Montana in 1979 sometime. :BEER:
Well dangit Crusty , we are still waiting .
Dusty
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Not verbal really. But you know the wise guy, hitchhiking along a road, with a ton of bulky gear, luggage or maybe his pet goat, that spies you coming down the road on your motorcycle and sticks out his thumb expecting a lift! :huh:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/balancing20act_zpsp5spacwj.jpg)
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One of my all time favorites , told in different ways but always with the same ridiculous undertone .
" Yeah , my Uncle Bob (Frank , Bill , Gunther ,) well now , he had one of them motorcycles back in the 1950s , looked just like that thing you'ra a riden , out ran the police a buncha times , hell , told us it would do about 140 :shocked: :rolleyes:
Actually a guy just related a similar tale to me just this morning . I just smiled and nodded , no sense in disabusing his long held hero worship of Uncle Bob :laugh:
Dusty
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Not verbal really. But you know the wise guy, hitchhiking along a road, with a ton of bulky gear, luggage or maybe his pet goat, that spies you coming down the road on your motorcycle and sticks out his thumb expecting a lift! :huh:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/balancing20act_zpsp5spacwj.jpg)
Hitchhiker humor :grin:
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A guy was broke down on the side of the road near Waco,Texas.
I pulled over and asked him if he needed any help he said "NO I'll wait for another Harley rider to come by and help me".
After I stopped laughing I realized.... he was serious!!!....I just walked away.
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Hitchhiker humor :grin:
Been there, done that. Got to pass the hours some how...
And once in a while they stop anyway.
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My wife asking me just last week, 'how much are all your motorcycles worth?". I told her then she says, we should sell them so we can build a cabin on our property up north. She happened to be in my shop at the time and I picked up my big crescent wrench and must have had a look in my eye....she left.
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My wife asking me just last week, 'how much are all your motorcycles worth?". I told her then she says, we should sell them so we can build a cabin on our property up north. She happened to be in my shop at the time and I picked up my big crescent wrench and must have had a look in my eye....she left.
Half of the motorcycles in my shop ARE my wife's ,so, that really cuts out the "lets sell a couple bikes and buy ......." conversation. :grin:
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In 95 I was at Road America, riding in a AHRMA Vintage Motocross My oldest brother was there, it was the first race he ever saw. While gassing up before the race he looked at my little 125 Puch, and said " so wheres the engine" :violent1:
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A guy was looking at the Convert yesterday when I was at the grocery store. We got to talking and I told him it was a '76, and very limited production of a torque converter model. He said "Torque converter -- that has spinning vanes like a turbine, yes?" Surprised that he understood that, I said "Yes, indeed -- good call." "So", he asks "Is that why it's got that jet engine in it?"
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I know it's been mentioned in here, but, the first time it's happened to me.
Guy came up and said he's been thinking about getting a bike like mine instead of the Harley he used to have. Then he said, how much do BMW's go for these days?
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Went down to the local Vintage show 'n' shine a few weeks back. A brand loyal motorcyclist was satnding beside his brand nameed bike in his brand named leatehrs, doo-rag, boots, gloves and bandana. Ho looked over at me and at the bike:
"your pipes are bluing"
"yeah, they're not shielded, she runs a little bit lean on the very low end"
"nope. she's rich. Blue pipes mean rich"
"... ok. have a nice day"
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I always get a chuckle out of the guys who put a Hayabusa or ZX12 in their rearview mirrors with a stock 80's 750.
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Hey, Busas and ZXs can and sometimes do travel near the speed limits.
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True , until the wearer of chaps slides down the road at 60 on their derriere , at which time the wearer of said chaps becomes , well , sorta assless . So we can define them as "potential assless chaps" or "chapettes" as the case may be ;D
Dusty
funniest. post. ever. :bow:
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funniest. post. ever. :bow:
Awww , you're making me blush , but thanks :laugh:
Dusty
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I guess any two guys who just lost their donkey could be a assless chaps.
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Or 2 guys whose women just left.....
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A few months back I was getting fuel. Guy comes up to me and says "my mate just bought one of them, but his engine is the other way round. Do they go better that way?"
"Yes", says I.
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I'll have to think about the stupidest thing EVER.... but for now, this conversation is happening so much recently that I need a snappy comeback.
Me: by my V11 Scura at parking lot, gas station, etc.
Stranger: "Nice bike. What is it?"
Me: "A Moto Guzzi" - (pointing to logo on tank)
Stranger: "Oh, who makes it?"
Me: loss for words.....
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I'll have to think about the stupidest thing EVER.... but for now, this conversation is happening so much recently that I need a snappy comeback.
Me: by my V11 Scura at parking lot, gas station, etc.
Stranger: "Nice bike. What is it?"
Me: "A Moto Guzzi" - (pointing to logo on tank)
Stranger: "Oh, who makes it?"
Me: loss for words.....
I have gotten this more than once. I think a good comeback would be "Ferrari".
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I think I'll start saying Alfa Romeo. That'll get another blank stare since no one knows what they are either. :D
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I have gotten this more than once. I think a good comeback would be "Ferrari".
I like this answer - everybody knows who Ferrari is.
Another option would be to explain that it's a division of Harley based in Italy, that used to belong to BMW.
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Moto Guzzi
Proudly built by Elves
Established 1921
Dusty
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A fat guy smoking a cigarette telling me bikes are dangerous.....
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Stranger: "Oh, who makes it?"
Me: loss for words.....
My response to that one was "Some nice men in Italy."
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I had someone looking at my bike which has Italian flag sticker on it. She looked at it for a while and when she turned to walk away she said, "I don't know what kind this is but it was made in Mexico!"
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At a local "WW2 Days" show today, an older gent on a Honda VTX1300(?) asked Bill Sharp and I: "do things still fall off these Goozies like they did on the old ones or do you Loctite everything?" Huh? We both told him that vibration wasn't an issue and that neither of us Loctite anything. "Oh, I guess with nylon locknuts and better hardware you don't have to. When I was in Italy, those old ones would vibrate everything loose." I don't know what "old ones" he had experience with, but I doubt it, probably just another geezer trying to make himself feel superior in his choice of motorcycle.
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While at the gas station: A very large,fleshy man approached, How do you like that BMW? Had one myself. Hey, is that three wheeled motorcycle, (Wife's CanAm Spyder) steered from the back? You build it?
All of this happened while filling up the Stelvio and my wife's Can Am. I was wearing a Moto Guzzi T shirt, cap. My wife, who is very proud of her bright yellow Can Am was left without words. My wife is not one to miss a chance to talk about her Can Am, simply walked back to the bike saying that person was not worth wasting time and breath on.
Here is your sign!
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My friend and I were coming back from a camping weekend - My V7 and his 1000G5 - when we stopped under a bridge to put waterproofs on. It was hammering down. 2 soggy sportbike riders in coordinated leathers pulled in to take shelter. While I was doing the one-leg-in-the-trouser-dance the stripey green one came and asked why we were riding those terrible old Guzzis. My friend's explanation was "it's easier than carrying them".
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Bump , any new ones fellas ? Have heard several times recently , "Aren't you cold ?" This on a balmy 60F day :huh:
Dusty
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At breakfast in Cassville the other morning the waitress told me I looked like I'd slept on the ground all night. I told her it's because I did :laugh:
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At breakfast in Cassville the other morning the waitress told me I looked like I'd slept on the ground all night. I told her it's because I did :laugh:
Yeah , real men still sleep on the ground , or at least on a 100 buck air mattress in a 200 buck sleeping bag :laugh:
Dusty
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Bump , any new ones fellas ? Have heard several times recently , "Aren't you cold ?" This on a balmy 60F day :huh:
Yeah, if it's hot out, they ask if I'm too hot, and if it's even cool out, they ask me if I'm cold. Non riders have a preconceived idea that motorcycling is uncomfortable, and they like to try to confirm it as often as possible, thereby validating their non-riding status.
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Yeah, if it's hot out, they ask if I'm too hot, and if it's even cool out, they ask me if I'm cold. Non riders have a preconceived idea that motorcycling is uncomfortable, and they like to try to confirm it as often as possible, thereby validating their non-riding status.
I do believe there is the occasional motherly type that is concerned about us being cold , but yeah .
Dusty
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I especially get the too-cold question when I'm riding my bicycle. When it's in the 50s I usually wear shorts, and non-riders don't realize how much heat riding hard generates.
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Yeah , real men still sleep on the ground , or at least on a 100 buck air mattress in a 200 buck sleeping bag :laugh:
Dusty
Under a $5.00 tarp my nephew Cullen left in my Toyota truck :grin:
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"Do you get a lot of bugs in your teeth?"
....while I am wearing a full-face helmet.
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Under a $5.00 tarp my nephew Cullen left in my Toyota truck :grin:
Matt Dillon would have loved a $5.00 tarp , or a Toyota P.U. for that matter :laugh:
Dusty
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At breakfast in Cassville the other morning the waitress told me I looked like I'd slept on the ground all night. I told her it's because I did :laugh:
I suppose that was her way of hinting for a good tip? :wink:
Wouldn't work for me!
Lannis
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Matt Dillon would have loved a $5.00 tarp , or a Toyota P.U. for that matter :laugh:
Dusty
Yea, but Festus would never trade a 'Yota for old Ruth..........no gawl darn way! :angry:
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I suppose that was her way of hinting for a good tip? :wink:
Wouldn't work for me!
Lannis
I did take it as a compliment Lannis! I left her my typical dollar tip hell,
she already had a tooth!
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Bump , any new ones fellas ? Have heard several times recently , "Aren't you cold ?" This on a balmy 60F day :huh:
Dusty
Whenever people come up to me to tell me I look hot in that suit, I tell them, "It's air conditioned"
"Oh..."
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Whenever people come up to me to tell me I look hot in that suit, I tell them, "It's air conditioned"
"Oh..."
:laugh: :laugh: Yep , have also said that , love the look of confusion it normally brings :evil:
Dusty
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Whenever people come up to me to tell me I look hot in that suit, I tell them, "It's air conditioned"
"Oh..."
Whenever people ask me "aren't you cold" when riding in cold weather, I tell them that my suit is heated, which is true.
I get the same confused look.
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Hmm , maybe the "air conditioned suit response is why my nephew the HD salesman says several new customers have been asking to see this amazing new technology :laugh:
Dusty
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"Would you ever ride a motorcycle again if you were in an accident while riding?"
Answer: "If you were injured in a car accident, would you refuse a ride in an ambulance?"
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That is good Ralph :bow:
Dusty
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I finally got asked if my Mille GT, with the big Moto Guzzi logo on the tank, was made by BMW. He was a nice enough guy though... guessed it was 1000cc, and when I told him it was Italian, he said "Like Ducati."
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Whenever people come up to me to tell me I look hot in that suit, I tell them, "It's air conditioned"
Nobody ever told me I look hot in my riding gear :wink:
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I pulled into the library just after a Buell . We parked next to each other. conversation;
me- wow, nice bike
young kid-thanks (looks at my bike) Nice bike too. Moto guzzi, who makes that?
me-moto guzzi
him-what state they made in?
me-europe
him- oh yeah? what country
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The stupidest thing I hear is motorcyclists (there are a lot of them, including on YouTube, where they have influence) telling me to go into neutral at a stop light.
A close second is motorcyclists who use the word cager or ped.
The first is both ignorant and dangerous. The second reflects the language (and maturity) of a 14 year old.
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Pulled up to a cafe and a person on the front porch said something like "Nice bike, but they put the engine in sideways". Of course he was just kidding but when you think about it, Motto Guzzi has it right, just about everybody else has the engine in sideways.
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The stupidest thing I hear is motorcyclists (there are a lot of them, including on YouTube, where they have influence) telling me to go into neutral at a stop light.
A close second is motorcyclists who use the word cager or ped.
The first is both ignorant and dangerous. The second reflects the language (and maturity) of a 14 year old.
Why is "cager" ignorant and dangerous ?
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Back in the late 1980's, I had a little Suzuki Savage - a 650 single thumper. It was a good bike, very smallish and cruiser'esque. Pulling up to the park beside a tree that I always parked next to at work, a coworker commented,
"Nice bike... is'nt that a Harley?"
For a moment, I thought she was being fascitiuos. Seeing her smile made me realize she was serious.
"No, its a Suzuki", I replied.
"Oh. Does Harley make Suzukis too?"
I just smiled and nodded my head. :wink:
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In just one word 'WHY?'
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I pulled into the library just after a Buell . We parked next to each other. conversation;
me- wow, nice bike
young kid-thanks (looks at my bike) Nice bike too. Moto guzzi, who makes that?
me-moto guzzi
him-what state they made in?
me-europe
him- oh yeah? what country
Italy
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Why is "cager" ignorant and dangerous ?
He didn`t say that
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The stupidest thing I hear is motorcyclists (there are a lot of them, including on YouTube, where they have influence) telling me to go into neutral at a stop light.
A close second is motorcyclists who use the word cager or ped.
The first is both ignorant and dangerous. The second reflects the language (and maturity) of a 14 year old.
OK, why so why is the use of cage or ped (guessing pedesestrian) immature ? Many motorcyclists feel that a car is cage like .
He didn`t say that
You are correct Ben , although I had to read his comment a couple of times to sort that out .
Dusty
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I did take it as a compliment Lannis! I left her my typical dollar tip hell,
she already had a tooth!
Enjoy...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r937rcKPudI
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"Hey, one of your mufflers fell off"
I was riding a BSA single
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The stupidest thing I hear is motorcyclists (there are a lot of them, including on YouTube, where they have influence) telling me to go into neutral at a stop light.
A close second is motorcyclists who use the word cager or ped.
The first is both ignorant and dangerous. The second reflects the language (and maturity) of a 14 year old.
And yet the owners manual for my 1973 Eldorado solemnly instructed all who read there to shift into neutral if stopping for more than a few seconds. The clutch (throwout, it seems), bearing was not designed to handle the stress of idling with the clutch pulled. Happily, we lived in Alaska then, and there was no cause to stop and idle very often!
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I've been in Phoenix AZ for two weeks now as a practicing snow bird. My Wing is my "daily tourer" as my wife uses the minivan to commute to work as a "working snow bird". Daily I'm approached as to why I should not be riding. I thank them and tell them I'm a lucky one. Nice to have others worry about you! :wink:
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I pulled into the library just after a Buell . We parked next to each other. conversation;
me- wow, nice bike
young kid-thanks (looks at my bike) Nice bike too. Moto guzzi, who makes that?
me-moto guzzi
him-what state they made in?
me-europe
him- oh yeah? what country
Kid wasn't stupid, Europe isn't a country.
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Kid wasn't stupid, Europe isn't a country.
Some would point out Italy does not have sovereign control of it's fiscal policy, borders, laws,defence etc...and it is actually a State within a federal Europe
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The stupidest thing I hear is motorcyclists (there are a lot of them, including on YouTube, where they have influence) telling me to go into neutral at a stop light.
In the UK we are taught to put it in neutral and hold the back brake in case you are rear ended, having been rear ended by a bus I can confirm the rear brake has little effect.
Most people stop doing it .
The police still do so you can see them at lights doing the right foot down into neutral, left foot down brake on, right foot down etc.
This is known as the "Hendon Shuffle" after the training college at Hendon.
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I put my right foot down and hold the front brake with the bike in neutral so I don't have to do a shuffle. I guess I'm stupid.
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The stupidest thing I hear is motorcyclists (there are a lot of them, including on YouTube, where they have influence) telling me to go into neutral at a stop light.
Could you explain why this is stupid?
I do it most of the time with front brake on right foot down.
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Some would point out Italy does not have sovereign control of it's fiscal policy, borders, laws,defence etc...and it is actually a State within a federal Europe
Oh Boy! I'm so not going there.
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Could you explain why this is stupid?
I do it most of the time with front brake on right foot down.
He's probably saying he stays in gear so if a car approaches from behind and looks like it's going to rear end him, he can quickly get out of the way. It's a personal thing though. The time it takes me to shift into gear if needed is very little, since my left foot is in position. I can be in gear by the time I get the throttle open and start moving my left hand to release the clutch lever. In my opinion the hard and most important part is thinking of my path out of the way without running into cross traffic, remembering to leave some distance between my bike and the car bumper in front of me if there is one, concentrating on what's going on in my mirrors, listening for screeching tires, etc.. Simply letting out the clutch and going could easily lead to a worse situation than the one you're trying to escape.
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I sit holding the clutch, rear brake on preferably just to the left of the car in front, if someone isn't paying attention at least the bike has somewhere to go.
I will shift into neutral sometimes but only if I have several cars behind to absorb some of the impact.
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I guess there is pro's and con's to both ways of doing it.
One guy from here told about an accident where he was rearended with the bike in gear. As he was hit his hand slipped of the clutch and the bike lunched itself into a bus crossing the intersection. I believe he fell of the bike as it lunched itself. So it isn't always safe. (I can't remember which member it was who wrote about the accident.)
What might have happened if the bike was in neutral is also a good question.
But yes, probably a personal thing. I'm not saying that it is stupid to hold the clutch and wait in gear. I was just curious on why it was/is stupid to but the bike in neutral.
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Seems that if you get hit from the rear, kinda doesn't matter, a bike in gear probably doesn't go very far nor does one in neutral. I'd be more worried about how far I got shoved, to heck with the bike, I can get another one.
As for sitting at a light with clutch lever in, tranny in gear, if the light is that long or it happens that frequently that it might wear things out, maybe some route planning is in order because an air cooled engine idling for that long that frequently means the clutch is probably the least of my concern.
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Kid wasn't stupid, Europe isn't a country.
You`re right N Pilot ,- kid wasn`t stupid.
Italy is a nation,- a state,- a republic- and a country.
And Italy is a member of the EU,- the European Union, consisting of some (most) of the european countries, but not all.
The EU is a union, - but it is not a federation (!! dibble), - even if it`s showing signs of wanting to be moving towards one.
But as we know,- you can`t hurry love -- (sorry- no smileys today)
//Bendik
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My California 1400 Custom was parked amongst a number of bikes as young guy with a group of his friends were passing by. They stopped by the Guzzi & one of them asked him what type of bike it was. He told them “ that’s a racing BMW, you can tell as the cylinders are tilted up so they don’t drag in the corners.”
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Quote from LuftWolf:
My California 1400 Custom was parked amongst a number of bikes as young guy with a group of his friends were passing by. They stopped by the Guzzi & one of them asked him what type of bike it was. He told them � that�s a racing BMW, you can tell as the cylinders are tilted up so they don�t drag in the corners.�
Did you tell them it was capable of 200mph+. :grin:
GliderJohn
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You`re right N Pilot ,- kid wasn`t stupid.
Italy is a nation,- a state,- a republic- and a country.
And Italy is a member of the EU,- the European Union, consisting of some (most) of the european countries, but not all.
The EU is a union, - but it is not a federation (!! dibble), - even if it`s showing signs of wanting to be moving towards one.
But as we know,- you can`t hurry love -- (sorry- no smileys today)
//Bendik
Ah! of course! is this similar to Greenland and The Faroe Isles? :wink:
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Why do you need more than one motorcycle?
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Why do you need more than one motorcycle?
Since you mentioned that, a neighbor who lives partway between my house and the public road 3/4 mile away asked how many motorcycle riders there are in the old subdivision of seven houses I live in. He mentioned another couple that he sometimes sees riding by his house, as well as other riders that go by. I chuckled a little, and explained that they're all my daughter and me, on various bikes. He's a decent guy, but I guess the different gear we wear, depending on temperature, and different motorcycles we ride must really give the impression of more riders than there are. Sort of like marching the same men past McClellan multiple times to make him think he was outnumbered.
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I didn't even get that "Why do you need more than one motorcycle?" was listed as a stupid thing. I was thinking it was a good topic for a new thread.
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In my strata lot I have 4 motorcycles
I was asked how I get the two at the back out.
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So you've been able to keep parking them there for now?
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I showed my 1975 Moto Guzzi 750S3 at the International Motorcycle Show that was passing through town on the weekend. Standing by the display of vintage motorcycles I overheard a couple of guys commenting on the bikes. One of them was going on about Moto Guzzi, usual banter and then he said "this guy painted his bike just like the new ones Guzzi are selling" apparently referring to the orange striped S model of the V7 range.
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg217/canuck750/Moto%20Guzzi%20750%20S3/IMG_04621_zpswxkmomv7.jpg) (http://s249.photobucket.com/user/canuck750/media/Moto%20Guzzi%20750%20S3/IMG_04621_zpswxkmomv7.jpg.html)
I though of correcting him that actually Guzzi are adopting the 'original 1975' paint scheme to their new bike but thought better of it.
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Last Tuesday gassing up the Jackal , guy drives up in a 90's Dodge minivan , asks if I want to trade . He doesn't want to accept no for an answer, and then , 'Heck that is a V Max ?" After trying to explain that no , it's not a V Max , he says " well it says it's a V Max" :huh: I just shrugged , and rode away before he could return after leaving the scene :laugh:
Dusty
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"I'm sorry, but we can't offer you a loan on the motorcycle...."
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"I owned an EIGHT 50 Breva with paper head gaskets" , a letter in the latest MC'list mag . :huh:
Dusty
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I'm selling a nice Suzi DR650. Dude show up at the house w/money in hand, all excited. I start the bike, blast up the driveway to demo. Come back & shut it down. He says "Can you start it again so I can see how to do it?" After I comply he says, "And that changes the gears?" (pointing at the clutch lever). Bad vibe runs up my spine. I question "Have you taken the Motorcycle Safety Course?" "No". "Do you have a motorcycle drivers license?" "No" "Have you ever ridden a motorcycle?" "No".........Flabbergas ted I say "Well just how are you going to get the bike home" (to Roanoke Va. about 60 miles) "I figured I'd just learn by riding it"....there was more, but Long Story Short. I told him the only way he was taking the bike off my property was on a trailer. STRONGLY advised him tp take the course etc. etc. He came back a couple days later...w/a trailer....and then I had to loan him tie downs!
Heard from him about a year later, he was selling the bike & wanted to know if I had a "copy of the title" (he'd lost it). So, he'd survived, I'd say there might be something to the old adage about god looking after fools & drunks.
ronkom
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"I'm sorry, but we can't offer you a loan on the motorcycle...."
I had a bank tell me that one time. I transferred all my money to a new bank PDQ.
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Just yesterday, from a Harley guy.. seemed like a decent sort. "Boy, I like those Guzzis. Did you know they started as a helicopter engine?"
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Just yesterday, from a Harley guy.. seemed like a decent sort. "Boy, I like those Guzzis. Did you know they started as a helicopter engine?"
MV Agusta , Moto Guzzi , maybe he is a bit confused :laugh: Had a guy argue with me that Triumphs were built in Italy , and another guy swear up and down that MZ Agusta was a division of MV Agusta :huh: :huh: Damn tricky European motorcycle companies confusing us with all of these names that are so similar :rolleyes:
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Many years ago I sold a 650cc thunderbird to an Indian (native) for $300 in west tx. He showed up in an old pickup and as we were loading it (it ran fine), he ask me if I would check him out 'cause he had never ridden a motorcycle!
Spent the rest of the afternoon giving lessons.
Then loaded and left, always wondered what happened to that lad?
But that is not as bad as the guy I sold a Stearman to that had never flown an aircraft...I just couldn't do it.
He was very confident that he could indeed fly it.
I finally said "if you can start it', its yours"
Didn't happen.
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I finally said "if you can start it', its yours"
:smiley: :smiley: "Yeah, I can fly these things.. just show me how to get er started.."
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I'm selling a nice Suzi DR650. Dude show up at the house w/money in hand, all excited. I start the bike, blast up the driveway to demo. Come back & shut it down. He says "Can you start it again so I can see how to do it?" After I comply he says, "And that changes the gears?" (pointing at the clutch lever). Bad vibe runs up my spine. I question "Have you taken the Motorcycle Safety Course?" "No". "Do you have a motorcycle drivers license?" "No" "Have you ever ridden a motorcycle?" "No".........Flabbergas ted I say "Well just how are you going to get the bike home" (to Roanoke Va. about 60 miles) "I figured I'd just learn by riding it"....there was more, but Long Story Short. I told him the only way he was taking the bike off my property was on a trailer. STRONGLY advised him tp take the course etc. etc. He came back a couple days later...w/a trailer....and then I had to loan him tie downs!
Heard from him about a year later, he was selling the bike & wanted to know if I had a "copy of the title" (he'd lost it). So, he'd survived, I'd say there might be something to the old adage about god looking after fools & drunks.
ronkom
Same thing. I was selling a 2015 Victory Gunner & the Kid drove 4.5 hours to buy the bike. First thing I had told him CASH ONLY so he brings a check drawn on some Govt bank because he is military. I call the bank & verify that all is good. Then the kid starts asking me about the owners manual which is sitting on the hood of my wife's car. I ask him does he want to hear it run & he starts asking me questions about shifting. I ain't the brightest guy but I finally figure out he's never ridden a bike. Go Home Kid.
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Why do you need more than one motorcycle?
Good question. My wife used to ask me that all the time.
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MV Agusta , Moto Guzzi , maybe he is a bit confused :laugh: Had a guy argue with me that Triumphs were built in Italy , and another guy swear up and down that MZ Agusta was a division of MV Agusta :huh: :huh: Damn tricky European motorcycle companies confusing us with all of these names that are so similar :rolleyes:
Bill Murray once said: " It's difficult to win an argument with a smart person but it is damn near impossible to win an argument with a stupid person". :bike-037:
I used to correct people but have just given up. I too sat at a bike show and heard a guy say looking at a guy's 1000 Sport and say the guy copied the pain from a V7. I tried to correct him but he insisted I was full of sh!t. I wanted to throw my helmet at him . You can't fix stupid .
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I finally said "if you can start it', its yours"
Didn't happen.
When I had my BSA Rocket 3 I was often asked by people if they could take it for a ride. (They were always rare and special, and heavy for their day) I would say something similar. I would tell them that if they could pick it up they could take it for a ride, and then carefully lay it on it's side. No one got that ride :grin: But of course I never made that offer to anyone I thought had even a remote chance of succeeding.
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Back in the day, how often have you heard that?, When I had a Matchless 500 single, A lot of guys asked to ride it. I told them if they could start it okay.
I didn't want to have to go retrieve it if the engine died on them and they couldn't restart it.
No one ever got to ride it. You had to be intimately involved to start it. You had to retard the spark, With the kill button held down and the compression release held down, you stroke it through twice to clear the cylinder.
If the engine was cold you held down on the carb tickler until a bit of gas weeped out under the tickler button.
Set it at what ever choke you knew to be correct for the ambient temp. Set the piston at TDC at the top of the exhaust stroke. bounce your body up and snap hard down on the kick lever after releasing the kill button and compression release. If the gods of big singles favored you it would chuff then begin to tick over weakly until you opened the throttle a bt andadvnced the spark half way. Then it would tick over smoothly to the amazement of onlookers, some of whom may have suffered exhaustion or leg injury trying to start it. Open the choke all the way. After a bit of warm up, twist open the throttle while advancing the spark as the engine gained RPM, and torque away from the group smoothly as the exhaust bop bop bopped behind you.
And Oh the way that bike could corner!
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Designed for tight curly English country lanes Jim.
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I just saw my retired doctor at the grocery store. "Why aren't you riding your bike?" she asked.
"No Headlights" Says I.
"Why is that a problem?" Quoth she.
"Can't run a bike without headlights."
"You need head lice to ride a motorcycle? Ewww!"
(insert sticking icepick into eye smarm here)
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OH HELL :shocked: :laugh:
Dusty
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When I got my first bike, my Grandma told me to be careful and so as to not ride too quickly to 'stay in first gear'...
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Another "current" topic reminds me of a phone call I got from a kid I know with a vintage UJM. He was converting his turn lights to LED and had the spastic flasher problem. I explained the need for the three-lug flasher unit and how the lugs were marked. He called back a few days later saying "I got the flasher unit, but I can only make out the markings on two of the three lugs. What do I do now?" :shocked:
I wanted to tell him to return the flasher and sell the bike before it runs out of gas and leaves him stranded.
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I went out today to grab a coffee this morning and just got lucky and found a parking spot right in front of the coffee shop so I pulled up to a parking spot and backed the bike up into the spot. Grabbed my coffee and sat outside the shop. Then I had someone that obviously saw me pull me give me a nice compliment about the Moto Guzzi. He said he never heard of them before but then asked me about shifting gears and after I explained how to get to 1st then Neutral and go up.
He was "Wow - no kidding, but how do you put your bike into reverse. - Where is the reverse gear ?"
It took me a second to answer and almost choked on my coffee - but I gently explained to him there was no reverse gear. He was blown away!
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All exept two of my bikes have had gravity reverse. I swing around stopping them bow pointed uphil.
Reverse is easy that way. Both my Russian bikes had a reverse gear in the tranny.
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STUPID OUGHTA HURT
well come to think of it...sometimes it does...ie: Darwin award winners
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What a great thread , who started ... oh , never mind :grin:
Dusty
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I am one of those who always puts the bike in neutral. Sorry, but, I feel the chances of being rear ended are small enough that I don't worry about it.
Yes, you can now post about all the people you know or heard about being killed from a rear impact.
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I was getting gas the other day on the CX and 3 HD dudes were gazing at their cell phones trying to figure out where they were, I noticed they had Illinois tags and asked if I could help. They wanted to get off the 4 lane and on to MO 125 south to the Ark. line for a ferry ride across Bull Shoals lake.
One of the guys actually turned, looked at the CX and said "What in the hell is that????"
I took them to 125 and pointed them in the right direction :bike-037:
(my good deed for the day)
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This one came from my own Dear Wife:
"You really don't need four motorcycles!"
Still don't understand where she got that idea.
New neighbor has eleven (0 on his wife count).
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"I had no choice but to lay the bike down - that's the fastest way to stop a bike, ya know."
I know it's a re-run but I still can't believe anyone is dumb enough to believe this.
Which bit are we not to believe bob? :evil:
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I was selling my Honda VTR1000 sportbike in summer 2007. Posted an online ad listing that it was a "1000cc V-Twin" (with pics of course).
Received a phone call from Mr. Squid.
His first question: "what's a V-Twin?"
Second question: "is it faster than a CBR?"
I reply "Honda CBR what? 600 or 1000?"
Third question: "uh, what do you mean?"
I replied "I think my bike isn't fast enough for you"
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I'm currently trying to get a missing part provided from an offshore seller. They sold me a pair of radial master cylinders, but without the lever adjuster screw for one. I've been trying to convince them that all I need is for them to ship the screw, but it's been slow going. They want me to return both pumps for a refund and then reorder. I don't want to uninstall the complete one to return it, since it's on a barge headed for Seattle and I am not. I also didn't buy these last month so I could spend the next three months shipping them hither and yon. The latest is that they're pretending to not understand me or what part is missing. The latest message says
"Please provide a picture of the part that is missing."
:shocked:
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"Please provide a picture of the part that is missing."
:shocked:
Send them a picture of a brain from a person with dementia.
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The latest is that they're pretending to not understand me or what part is missing. The latest message says "Please provide a picture of the part that is missing."
Assume they're sincere and send photos showing the part on the one that has the screw, and the hole where it goes on the one that's missing the screw. I've bought parts from far east sellers who genuinely don't understand much English, but once I get my idea across, they're very helpful.
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"Loud pipes save lives"
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Assume they're sincere and send photos showing the part on the one that has the screw, and the hole where it goes on the one that's missing the screw. I've bought parts from far east sellers who genuinely don't understand much English, but once I get my idea across, they're very helpful.
It's like those emails I get where it says "if you don't get this email call us at 800-800-8000." Or the teacher I had who'd enter the room and say "Ok -- everyone who's not here go stand by the wall."
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It's like those emails I get where it says "if you don't get this email call us at 800-800-8000." Or the teacher I had who'd enter the room and say "Ok -- everyone who's not here go stand by the wall."
Yes, I understand the humor of it. :grin: I just hope you get the part you need, in time for it to do some good.
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Girl and her boyfriend walk by the Calvin and say "nice bike man"! Boy gives a head nod towards the seat and asks where does the seatbelt go?
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Highway 550 thread on this forum. Just stupid.
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I'm getting a lot of "I ride a [insert snob appeal bike here] but I had to come look at yours anyway."
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I'm getting a lot of "I ride a [insert snob appeal bike here] but I had to come look at yours anyway."
Motus riders ???? :shocked:
Dusty
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I am one of those who always puts the bike in neutral. Sorry, but, I feel the chances of being rear ended are small enough that I don't worry about it.
Yes, you can now post about all the people you know or heard about being killed from a rear impact.
I didn't get killed but only because the bus driver hit the brakes instantly and stopped just in time. Smell it, I was lying in it. :shocked:
I put in neutral all the time after that and go in to gear when I see the orange on the lights.
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After 2 1/2 years and 25,000 problem laden miles on my 2014 V7 Stone, I remarked to the MG dealer that I have spent a thousand dollars on cab fare and have yet to make it between oil change intervals without a break down or repair. He replied, "well, if you ride it, it's gonna break; and you've put a lot of miles on this bike..."
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After 2 1/2 years and 25,000 problem laden miles on my 2014 V7 Stone, I remarked to the MG dealer that I have spent a thousand dollars on cab fare and have yet to make it between oil change intervals without a break down or repair. He replied, "well, if you ride it, it's gonna break; and you've put a lot of miles on this bike..."
Wow, sorry about your V7 and the people you trust to keep it going.
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After 2 1/2 years and 25,000 problem laden miles on my 2014 V7 Stone, I remarked to the MG dealer that I have spent a thousand dollars on cab fare and have yet to make it between oil change intervals without a break down or repair. He replied, "well, if you ride it, it's gonna break; and you've put a lot of miles on this bike..."
I think we have a winner
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You want to read about stupid? This one has two components: a company policy of lame-assed stupidity laced with condescending ignorance, and being stupid with the wrong guy.
. . . . the parts bimbo at a Portland area 'dealership' (still not naming them, but they're the only one near the Portland airport) who sweetly told me she wouldn't have a rear crank seal for anything as old as a hydro because of all those changes in big block crank seal over the years. If I had a NEWER guzzi she might check stock, but considering the hopeless age of my relic, there was no point. Besides, if they needed parts or guzzis they ordered them from MI in Seattle, like everyone else. Likewise, if I needed the flywheel bolts I should find myself a Fastenol store like everyone else does, or order from MI. Then she leaned in and confided "It is what it is."
Owner backed her up with essentially the same words (they must rehearse the scene to be absolutely sure they're of no help whatsoever) and was annoyed that I wanted a guzzi 'dealer' to check stock on stuff after his bimbo already said she didn't want to. Basically, he explained, big block crank seals are more complicated than my simple mind can grasp, and go away old man, you annoy me.
Yes, it certainly "is what it is". Like this recommendation to stay the f*c$ away from the hipstership near the airport in Portland is exactly 'what it is'. I carry a better supply of spares in my toolkit than that fancy dumpster has in inventory, and any of us know guzzi better than these jackasses. The idea that the shop owner personally invited me to ride from John Day to Portland and then treat me like that is unforgivable. Join me in helping to drive them out of our misery.
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Bought a 2016 V7II without telling my wife. When I rode the bike home, the first thing my wife asked me was "how's our(your) life insurance, I think we need to upgrade it!" :angry:
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"I've got to be honest, I'm a cross-dresser" "I ride a Goldwing and a Harley Heritage"
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Friend of mine: "What kind of bike is it you're restoring?"
Me: "A nineteen-"
Him: *eyes widen*
Me: "-seventy five Moto Guzzi 850T"
Him: "Moto Guzzi? That sounds Japanese!"
Me: "What?! How the F--- does that sounds Japanese?"
Him: "I don't know, it just does."
He then squinted his eyes, made a karate chopping motion and said in a very atypical samurai-shogun voice "MO-TOH GOOZEH"
He isn't the least bit partial to motorcycles at all and I find this more funny than anything, but being just a Guzzi and motorcycle pup myself it's all I have to offer.
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Maybe pronouncing it Moto-Goot-Zee would have helped make it sound Italian. :wink:
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Maybe pronouncing it Moto-Goot-Zee would have helped make it sound Italian. :wink:
Perhaps, I would like to get into the habit of pronouncing it like that but Goozy might be to far ingrained by now lol. Tomato/tomato, right? :evil:
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Hmm , MO TO GUZZ I , KA WA SA KI , well...
Dusty
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Perhaps, I would like to get into the habit of pronouncing it like that but Goozy might be to far ingrained by now lol. Tomato/tomato, right? :evil:
I was a kid the first time I saw a Guzzi, and I assumed it was Moto-Guh-zee. I thought they were really cool, big motorcycles, and still associate "Guh-zee" with them in my head, although I have forced myself to pronounce Goot-zee since I bought one, mostly out of respect for the founder with that name.
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I find that wearing underwear on my head is a very effective method of attracting attention :shocked:
Dusty
just make sure to use T-back for better aerodynamics :wink:
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just make sure to use T-back for better aerodynamics :wink:
Actually that was posted in the wrong thread , but maybe it fits here also :laugh:
Dusty
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Ok, finally had a "dumb question" thrown at me today. I'm at a used car lot looking for a truck and one of the 30ish salesman who is literally 5 feet away from the bike says "What kind of bike is that?" Sure we've all gotten that one but really? It's a 94' Cali with a large MOTO GUZZI sticker right on the tank. I simply relied, Moto Guzzi and continued to get my gear on. So, as you probably guessed by now, that initial perceptive inquiry was not the dumb question that prompted this post. He precedes to say "Never heard of that bike". No surprise there, but then..........wait for it.........he stares at the bike then says "Is the tank really that big?" Yep, yes he did. I seriously had no idea what to say, so of course, with an ever so slight tone of sarcasm, I said "No, no it's not". Got and the bike left. No biggie, they didn't have any Moto Guzzi trucks there anyway. :)
No Moto Guzzi Ercole's......shame😜😜
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
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At a local "WW2 Days" show today, an older gent on a Honda VTX1300(?) asked Bill Sharp and I: "do things still fall off these Goozies like they did on the old ones or do you Loctite everything?" Huh? We both told him that vibration wasn't an issue and that neither of us Loctite anything. "Oh, I guess with nylon locknuts and better hardware you don't have to. When I was in Italy, those old ones would vibrate everything loose." I don't know what "old ones" he had experience with, but I doubt it, probably just another geezer trying to make himself feel superior in his choice of motorcycle.
I've had a 1970 Guzzi single since 2009, nothing has "fallen off" or vibrated loose
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Well ... a certain fella from Nebraska has managed to lose a sidestand from two different Converts :grin:
Dusty
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Not stupid but understandable. I had fitted a tank on the old Matchy that held about 8.5 US gals. I used to enjoy going in to a gas station when on about empty and say "fill er up". At about 4 gallons they would start peering in, at about 5 they would say things like "where the h*ll is it going". About 7 they would look under it because they thought it must be running out the bottom. By the time it was full there would be comments like"that holds more than my car!".
Puerile I know, but always good for a laugh.
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I was looking for a fuel filter for my 2003 Guzzi Cal. Aluminum. I called the parts dept. at the closest dealer(85 miles from me). A young lady answered and after being asked how she could help me I told her. She put me on hold for a couple minutes. When she came back she said " I'm sorry sir but there is no such motorcycle." Now when I have needed help from a dealer I travel a little further.
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Rodekyll,
Send them this pic of the part that's missing.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/eQfYka/1.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eQfYka)
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Fueling my Griso in a small town in west Texas.
Doo rag Harley rider on the other side of the pump says: 'Nike bike. What is it?'
Me: 'It's a Moto Guzzi'.
Doo Ragger: 'Moto Guzzi, who makes it?'
Me: 'Moto Guzzi does', and on that note I fired her up and rode off.
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Doo Ragger: 'Moto Guzzi, who makes it?'
Last time I was asked that, I answered "Some nice men in Italy."
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"No but really.....who makes it??" :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:
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Fueling my Griso in a small town in west Texas.
Doo rag Harley rider on the other side of the pump says: 'Nike bike. What is it?'
Me: 'It's a Moto Guzzi'.
Doo Ragger: 'Moto Guzzi, who makes it?'
Me: 'Moto Guzzi does', and on that note I fired her up and rode off.
Yeah I don't know how many times I have hear that from that same bunch of people.
Still get the deer in head lights look after telling them the abbreviated Guzzi Story.
I guess if you don't ride a Harley you ain't shyte,
or put another way, Then if you do ride a Harley are you saying you are shyte ( apologize to Kevin).
Or the old timers favorite Yes Sir I had lay that sucker down to avoid______________ _ fill in the blank.
Always from some fool that probably rode a bike once or twice in his life but now a expert on laying the bike down
:bike-037:
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Carefully coiffed and styled trophy wife in her BMW SUV electrically rolled down her window at a stoplight and proceeded to berate me for having the gall to steal the emblem off a BMW automobile and past it on my motorcycle (Annie, R1200CLC) thus, presumably, diminishing the eclat of her marque. I don't remember her exact verbiage, except that it began with: "What makes you think..."
That incident prompted me to order one of these:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/jA66Ov/KLRroundel.jpg) (http://ibb.co/jA66Ov)
off the innerwebz and paste it on Biffy, my KLR.
======================================
On the cusp of a trip to Minnesota, I rode Sopowa, my 2015 Indian Scout, to a friend's house. He dove into discussion of windshield options. I declared I don't intend to mount a windshield. He replied: "Oh. So don't you ever want to take it on the freeway then?"
=======================================
Every Winter, I get this it seems like twice a day: "Don't you get cold?"
No, the Laws of Physics are suspended whenever I ride.
========================================
"What kind of Harley is that?"
========================================
"Aren't you afraid someone will run over you?"
Not if I see you first.
========================================
"What if it rains?"
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Webmost, I like those!! LMAO
On the BMW thing. There was a WW2 Harley? I think?? that had the BMW style engine. Please correct me if I'm wrong and let me know what the bike was. If I remember that engine right, that would really mess with the BMW lady!!
Tom
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Webmost, I like those!! LMAO
On the BMW thing. There was a WW2 Harley? I think?? that had the BMW style engine. Please correct me if I'm wrong and let me know what the bike was. If I remember that engine right, that would really mess with the BMW lady!!
Tom
Tom , that would be the HD XA . Indian experimented with a military model that had the engine turned sideways like a Guzzi called the 841.
Dusty
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Thanks Dusty, thought it was HD, sometimes I suffer from CRS. Didn't know Indian did a Guzzi style V.
Tom
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- Looking at my fully original, 2-owners from new BMW K75: "why don't you turn it into a cafe racer?"
- Looking at my fully original, police-specs V75: "why don't you paint flames on it?"
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Webmost, I like those!! LMAO
On the BMW thing. There was a WW2 Harley? I think?? that had the BMW style engine. Please correct me if I'm wrong and let me know what the bike was. If I remember that engine right, that would really mess with the BMW lady!!
Tom
Yepper. Dale's got one down at Wheels Thru Time in Maggie Valley. Four of us rode in on chromehead beemers, he brought it out for us to ride. Fine old rattletrap. Had to keep gunning it and required double clutching, but a fun day. Great guy, great place. I still have the fine long sleeve Henley I bought from the gift shop. HD de-constructed and re-engineered a captured beemer side valve flathead R71. Called it the XA. Same bike was copied by Ural, hence the Chinese version whose name escapes me.
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Chang Jiang
Sent from my shoe phone!
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Chang Jiang
Sent from my shoe phone!
Chang = long
Jiang = river
Long River, literally :laugh:
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Chang = long
Jiang = river
Long River, literally :laugh:
One of our members has a CJ flathead with the sidecar , I have spent time both operating it and riding in the chair , and worked on it a bit . Like travelling back to 1939 .
Dusty
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One of our members has a CJ flathead with the sidecar , I have spent time both operating it and riding in the chair , and worked on it a bit . Like travelling back to 1939 .
Dusty
I was told by a friend of mine in Taiwan who worked on one before, the parts and components are rough and low quality, way below the nuovo Royal Enfield, is that true?
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I was told by a friend of mine in Taiwan who worked on one before, the parts and components are rough and low quality, way below the nuovo Royal Enfield, is that true?
A direct comparison would indicate this particular CJ is about equal to a 2000 or so RE in casting and general build quality . The electricals are pretty iffy on the CJ . One very telling thing , the CJ , which we think was actually built in the 70's and assembled much later , has more refined castings and tin work than a late 90's Dnepr .
Dusty
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A direct comparison would indicate this particular CJ is about equal to a 2000 or so RE in casting and general build quality . The electricals are pretty iffy on the CJ . One very telling thing , the CJ , which we think was actually built in the 70's and assembled much later , has more refined castings and tin work than a late 90's Dnepr .
Dusty
Over here we have two CJ rotting away, rumours say they failed the homologation and emissions test.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/FB_IMG_1489077239342_zpsxxcsxhkw.jpg)
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Geez... seems to me that tons of "those" folks refer to the rides as "scooters". A confusing lot.
Scoot is the preferred term
from when i rode with a certain element in San Antonio back in the day
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Scoot is the preferred term
from when i rode with a certain element in San Antonio back in the day
Yes, I remember hearing the phrase "I'm gonna go kick up the scoot." I didn't have a chopped Harley, so I said "I think I'll go ride the H2."
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I visited a guy in Beijing who was upgrading Chang Jiangs with BMW motors, Jimbo's Classic Sidecars. His opinion of the Chinese engines was very low, just splash lube system, he told me the Chinese army had over a million.
He was shipping them world wide.
Some pictures, The Chang Jiang engines are the side-valve, the overhead are beamers
http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/Kiwi_Roy/slideshow/Chang%20Jiang
The fighter plane sidecar was a realistic paint job.
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Chang Jiang
Sent from my shoe phone!
Isn't that your phone ringing?
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Met an old dude the other night, he said, "I had one of those motor guzzis one time, If you "whack" the throttle open that thang would just fall flat on it's face" "never could get that tuned out" "sold the damn thing!"
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Bad accelerator pumps?
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Bad accelerator pumps?
Sounds like a misfire ...
In that guys synapses :laugh:
Dusty
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Uh, how do you pronounce M-O-T-O GOOOZIE, :(
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Tom , that would be the HD XA . Indian experimented with a military model that had the engine turned sideways like a Guzzi called the 841.
Dusty
Could have bought one still with the rifle scabbord for $2500. But that was around 1978.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/fdHJD5/2017_04_17_17_17_44_1915133133.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fdHJD5)
cdn images (http://imgbb.com/)
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I was told by a friend of mine in Taiwan who worked on one before, the parts and components are rough and low quality, way below the nuovo Royal Enfield, is that true?
Standard practise in the 80's with the Urals and Cossacks when they were available locally was to completely strip them down and run them through a machine shop and tidy everything up oh and toss the carbs, they vapour lock in the heat and the urinal nick name was supposedly earnt and not some school boy level word association. After reassembly then expect some extraordinary service life like 400 000kms plus before needing a top end rebuild.
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The Dneprs did not have the overheating problem because of the aluminum cylinders. The 650 Urinals had cast iron cylinders. The soviet army preferred the Dneprs for this reason. They could go at parade speeds or off road all day without overheating.
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We are going to make some allowances for age here - there are two neighbor boys in my apartment complex, somewhere between three and four, who have figured out that I will answer children's questions.
So today as I shut down the bike they come flying up on their Razor scooters, and get REALLY close to the bike. In Spanish and English I'm shouting cautions as I shoo them away from the pipes and engine, explaining about really bad burns.
So they ask what the saddlebags are for, why there's a bag of ice bungee-corded to the rack (sprained ankle), and yes, the bike is fast ( I consider using the 'bout like a Harley line, but decide it would be wasted ), why do I have a fairing.
Then .... They ask me if the windshield is bulletproof.
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I was in a bar in Pennsylvania with 6 of my buddies. I am a non drinker so I ordered a coke. It was clear that we were all on bikes. She said to me "You can have your cokes for free if you are the designated driver."
This is not a Harley put down, but more of a new to biking issue. A friend of mine who is new to biking bought a big Harley to ride with a few of his other friends who also bought big Harleys. They are all in their 60s so they have lots of money to spare. One of them, however, bought one of the new Triumph Bonnevilles. So they all go out for a ride on the highway and they are all complaining about the Triumph because it is too small to keep up on the highway!!
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I was in a bar in Pennsylvania with 6 of my buddies. I am a non drinker so I ordered a coke. It was clear that we were all on bikes. She said to me "You can have your cokes for free if you are the designated driver."
I hope you calmly said that you were. :laugh:
This is not a Harley put down, but more of a new to biking issue... ...they are all complaining about the Triumph because it is too small to keep up on the highway!!
That's not a new to biking issue, it's a self esteem issue. :sad:
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This is not a Harley put down, but more of a new to biking issue. A friend of mine who is new to biking bought a big Harley to ride with a few of his other friends who also bought big Harleys. They are all in their 60s so they have lots of money to spare. One of them, however, bought one of the new Triumph Bonnevilles. So they all go out for a ride on the highway and they are all complaining about the Triumph because it is too small to keep up on the highway!!
The only thing I can assume from this paragraph is that they're long-distance riders and they're complaining about the Triumph Bonneville's range, as compared to the HDs with 6-gallon tanks.
If not, they're idiots. (or the Triumph rider is just a slow rider).
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I saw this on one of the Indian forums the other day:
Poster: "I have a 2016 Scout and would like a trailer hitch. Does anyone know where I can source a trailer hitch for the new Scouts?"
Responder (who rides a Chief variant): "ain't no hitches for them Scouts, cause they ain't got enough tork to pull no trailer".
Yep. The moto world is full of idiots...
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So they all go out for a ride on the highway and they are all complaining about the Triumph because it is too small to keep up on the highway!!
Could be a self-esteem thing, or could be a new rider thing. Some new riders, even in groups, don't know that there is any motorcycle than a Harley, or any engine displacement below 1300cc. Seems strange to us, but they can be very ignorant.
When I was riding my Centauro to work, a guy who wanted a bike to ride, who had never ridden before, showed up on an 1100cc HD-clone Vtwin of some kind. He asked me about my Centauro. "How big is it?" inquires he. "990cc" sez I.
"Is that really big enough to ride on the highway? The guys I ride with are telling me that mine needs to be bigger so I can keep up on the rides they're planning." Of course, in order to make a point, I told him that I would give him any sort of start he wanted, and then blow the wheels off his plodding cruiser so hard he wouldn't even see me go by, or some man-response of that sort.
He didn't get it, I guess, or ignored it, which is more likely, because after about 300 miles in the first month on his 1100cc tiddler, he showed up on an 1800cc cruiser of some other kind and rode happily all summer, after which he sold it and never went back to riding.
If I met one at work, I'm sure there are thousands, nay, hundreds of thousands like him on there on the road.
Lannis
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Doesn't that just tork you off?
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I once asked a fellow with an '81 Suzuki GS1100E why a large bit of paint was missing from his front fender. He replied, "The paint started to peel when I hit 180mph..."
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Doesn't that just tork you off?
Well, a little bit. But I can tell myself "He and I really aren't doing the same thing, despite appearances" and just sort of stay away ......
Once I convince myself of that, THEN someone comes along and says "All motorcyclists are really brothers, we're all doing the same thing, we should accept the wide and beautiful diversity of the brotherhood of the wheel ..."
Now THAT torks me off ... ! :grin:
Lannis
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"I would love to have a bike but the wife won't let me."
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Could be a self-esteem thing, or could be a new rider thing. Some new riders, even in groups, don't know that there is any motorcycle than a Harley, or any engine displacement below 1300cc. Seems strange to us, but they can be very ignorant.
When I was riding my Centauro to work, a guy who wanted a bike to ride, who had never ridden before, showed up on an 1100cc HD-clone Vtwin of some kind. He asked me about my Centauro. "How big is it?" inquires he. "990cc" sez I.
"Is that really big enough to ride on the highway? The guys I ride with are telling me that mine needs to be bigger so I can keep up on the rides they're planning." Of course, in order to make a point, I told him that I would give him any sort of start he wanted, and then blow the wheels off his plodding cruiser so hard he wouldn't even see me go by, or some man-response of that sort.
He didn't get it, I guess, or ignored it, which is more likely, because after about 300 miles in the first month on his 1100cc tiddler, he showed up on an 1800cc cruiser of some other kind and rode happily all summer, after which he sold it and never went back to riding.
If I met one at work, I'm sure there are thousands, nay, hundreds of thousands like him on there on the road.
Lannis
Displacement is only half a measure. The other half is RPM. Without knowing how quickly you are pushing a liter through the jugs you have no inkling how much power you are harnessing.
Displacement is a flawed measure. Ought to give up using it.
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Displacement is only half a measure. The other half is RPM. Without knowing how quickly you are pushing a liter through the jugs you have no inkling how much power you are harnessing.
Displacement is a flawed measure. Ought to give up using it.
Yep.
And the length of the human male reproductive organ is a flawed measure too. But people will give up talking about and admiring THAT, and talking about and admiring motorcycle engine displacement, at exactly the same time .... because it's the same thing ....
Lannis
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I wonder what one of those Harley guys would say when "one of them 600 Ninjas" just blow them into the weeds?
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I wonder what one of those Harley guys would say when "one of them 600 Ninjas" just blow them into the weeds?
They'll tell you the story from an old EasyRiders magazine of "Nitrous Jack" who had a nitrous bottle on his righteous Panhead chop and whenever a Z-1 Kaw blew by their Harleys, he'd crack the valve and take off after them and go by them before rejoining the group in triumph ....
Lannis
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I do get a kick out of Hildo's video, in which he drag races a CBR1000RR with his chopper (which I'm sure most have already seen). The kid on the Honda should have been more wary of a very short drag race. :) (first race is about 1/2 way through)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdKqe0LdWwc
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I do get a kick out of Hildo's video, in which he drag races a CBR1000RR with his chopper (which I'm sure most have already seen). The kid on the Honda should have been more wary of a very short drag race. :) (first race is about 1/2 way through)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdKqe0LdWwc
Hadn't watched it in a year or two, but (even though it's not to be taken too seriously), Hildo is a funny old guy.
Strange, you don't think of Dutch guys being funny old guys. The beauty of videos ....
Lannis
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Strange, you don't think of Dutch guys being funny old guys. The beauty of videos ....
I figure each country has its share of funny old guys. I bet if you were walking down the street and saw Hildo, you might guess he's a funny old guy from his non-conformist appearance. :)
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I figure each country has its share of funny old guys.
North Korea? Against the law there, I expect.
Somalia? All the funny stuff there got eaten.
Hmm, something to think about ...
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They'll tell you the story from an old EasyRiders magazine of "Nitrous Jack" who had a nitrous bottle on his righteous Panhead chop and whenever a Z-1 Kaw blew by their Harleys, he'd crack the valve and take off after them and go by them before rejoining the group in triumph ....
Lannis
until his groin was blown to smithereens by the top end of the motor. Then ol Jack was known as Jackie.
:wink:
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I guess you mean old nitrous nuts.
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When I was younger and much more a glutton for punishment than I am today, I owned an old 73 Ironhead Sportster. I was sitting at a stop light one day when a kid rolled up next to me with the window to his car rolled down and leaned out the window to look the bike up and down, then nodded and said: "Nice bike. What is that a V-Twin...."
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I had a brief conversation with some bagger dudes at the start of a local rally. The entire route, round trip, was about 250 miles. After looking at my Ducati, bagger guy says to me, great looking Duck there, bet it's fast but you can't go very far without stopping for a break? I says, yeah, it's not the most forgiving and comfortable ride, I can usually manage about an hour and a half before needing a stretch. He laughs and laughs. I really should look at something more comfortable, you know, if I want to roll with this crowd. We chat a little more and decide that we'll all ride together. The ride gets under way and we're cruising along, and, about 20 miles in we're stopping for a drink. Ok. That's odd. Then 20 miles later we're at another bar. Hmmmm. It's, what, 10:30 am? Maybe someone had to hit the head? Alrighty. Another 30 miles amd we're stopping again. I'm drinking club soda and watching this group get slowly inebriated. But that's not the point. The issue I'm having is that these guys were razing me about not being able to tour and every half hour we're stopping for a wiz and another 7 and 7! So I broke away and didn't see any of them again. I'm sure they thought I went home after such vigorous and unrelenting "touring."
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My friend and I were gassing up in Pennsylvania beside a guy on a Harley with straight through pipes. We were a little lost and it was dark so we asked him if he knew where Coudersport was. He was a very pleasant fellow and said it wasn't that far so he said we could follow him until we were on highway 6. Before going he said "I hope you guys don't mind loud pipes." My friend looked at me and we just smiled because my friend was riding a Jota with a full racing exhaust.
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So, in the '70s, I'm riding home drunk (from work!) at night in Pennsylvania, formerly a very strict , anti motorcycling state, with straight pipes, ape hangars, no helmet, expired tags, no inspection sticker, and a lighting system that requires the bike to be revved up to work at all.
Cop pulls me over , "You know why I pulled you over?" I just snorted. "Nope" :grin:
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So, in the '70s, I'm riding home drunk (from work!) at night in Pennsylvania, formerly a very strict , anti motorcycling state, with straight pipes, ape hangars, no helmet, expired tags, no inspection sticker, and a lighting system that requires the bike to be revved up to work at all.
Cop pulls me over , "You know why I pulled you over?" I just snorted. "Nope" :grin:
!! Send more Shorty!!
:-)
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I had a brief conversation with some bagger dudes at the start of a local rally. The entire route, round trip, was about 250 miles. After looking at my Ducati, bagger guy says to me, great looking Duck there, bet it's fast but you can't go very far without stopping for a break? I says, yeah, it's not the most forgiving and comfortable ride, I can usually manage about an hour and a half before needing a stretch. He laughs and laughs. I really should look at something more comfortable, you know, if I want to roll with this crowd. We chat a little more and decide that we'll all ride together. The ride gets under way and we're cruising along, and, about 20 miles in we're stopping for a drink. Ok. That's odd. Then 20 miles later we're at another bar. Hmmmm. It's, what, 10:30 am? Maybe someone had to hit the head? Alrighty. Another 30 miles amd we're stopping again. I'm drinking club soda and watching this group get slowly inebriated. But that's not the point. The issue I'm having is that these guys were razing me about not being able to tour and every half hour we're stopping for a wiz and another 7 and 7! So I broke away and didn't see any of them again. I'm sure they thought I went home after such vigorous and unrelenting "touring."
My best mate rides like that except insert coffee/ice cream/cake/wiz/"look at the view" at all the stops. I prefer the "act" of riding and big miles .... so far as that is possible in the UK :wink:
We have to both compromise when we go for a ride together
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BSA? When did the boy scouts make motorcycle s?
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Brief conversation yesterday afternoon with two Harley riders who pulled into a parking lot as I was about to leave on my '16 Stone:
Rider 1: "What's that?"
Me: "It's a Moto Guzzi"
Rider 1: "Who makes it?"
Me: "It's made by Moto Guzzi, an Italian company that's been making motorcycles for almost 100 years."
Rider 1: "Oh, it's Italian. I've never seen cylinder heads coming out sideways like that before. How many cylinders?"
Rider 2: "I think there are 3."
Me: No, only 2 cylinders."
Rider 2: "How old is it?"
Me: "It's nearly new, I bought it 2 years ago."
Rider 2: "Triumph makes retro-looking bikes, too."
Me: "Yes, they do."
Riders 1 and 2: (staring in wonderment as I motored away)
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Had one clown state that in case of a "tank slapper" you should let go of the handlebars. My wife RAN in the other direction, when asked about her reaction she said I wanted to slap the stupid out of him but figured it was an all day job and I had other things to do today. LMAO. BTW, this clown also states he has over a million miles ridden, no doubt all on straight roads on a cruiser. :violent1:
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Had one clown state that in case of a "tank slapper" you should let go of the handlebars. My wife RAN in the other direction, when asked about her reaction she said I wanted to slap the stupid out of him but figured it was an all day job and I had other things to do today. LMAO. BTW, this clown also states he has over a million miles ridden, no doubt all on straight roads on a cruiser. :violent1:
You should have told him "In case of a tank slapper, immediately jump off the motorcycle." :evil:
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Well, on my way home from picking up my Califonia I stopped at a gas station to refill my truck and I got asked what kind of Harley was that?
Guzzi owner for just a couple hours and I was already getting asked stupid questions...
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Had one clown state that in case of a "tank slapper" you should let go of the handlebars. My wife RAN in the other direction, when asked about her reaction she said I wanted to slap the stupid out of him but figured it was an all day job and I had other things to do today. LMAO. BTW, this clown also states he has over a million miles ridden, no doubt all on straight roads on a cruiser. :violent1:
Possibly not the worst advice ever, a tank slapper assuming no underlying mechanical failure is the bikes geometry trying to recover the alignment of the front and rear wheel. Depending on the bike its likely to recover itself quickly if the bozo riding it doesn't mess with it too much. The merits of letting go the throttle in a tank slapper and the resultant weight distribution/geometry change is unlikely to be helpful.
What we advise to new riders on their first group ride if you think you have over cooked a corner lean further over and keep going. The bike is most likely within its limits even if you aren't within yours, you'll probably get away with it, remember it and don't do it again.
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I love my dear Sister but she took the cake when she saw my shiny new KZ400 and said Kawaski, are those made in Poland?
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I love my dear Sister but she took the cake when she saw my shiny new KZ400 and said Kawaski, are those made in Poland?
You laugh , but as a 9 year old in 1963 Kawasaki looked a lot like a Polish name . Took a few months to sort that out :laugh:
Dusty
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Well, on my way home from picking up my Califonia I stopped at a gas station to refill my truck and I got asked what kind of Harley was that?
Guzzi owner for just a couple hours and I was already getting asked stupid questions...
Just an hour or so east of you I also had an interesting question on the ride home from picking up my new V7 III this past Monday. I got the anniversario model which given its chrome tank and brown leather seat (and tankstrap) has a vintage look so I wasn't surprised to get questions.
BUT -I got "Is that new or a reproduction?". After 3 hours riding without a stop it took my brain a while to process but I finally answered "new". Seems to me that was really two different questions.
Jim
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Just an hour or so east of you I also had an interesting question on the ride home from picking up my new V7 III this past Monday. I got the anniversario model which given its chrome tank and brown leather seat (and tankstrap) has a vintage look so I wasn't surprised to get questions.
BUT -I got "Is that new or a reproduction?". After 3 hours riding without a stop it took my brain a while to process but I finally answered "new". Seems to me that was really two different questions.
Jim
Or the same question :laugh: Next time just answer "yes" :rolleyes:
Dusty
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Or the same question :laugh: Next time just answer "yes" :rolleyes:
Dusty
Now, that would just be mean. :evil:
kjf
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True story - when I borrowed a friends cb125 single for a few days, guy asks me at a light "is it a one stroke" . Now that would be something...... :boozing:
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My wife asked me "Dont you ever grow up?"
(While looking at 7 mopeds and 4 motorcycles in the garage)
No. Not really....😁😁
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Well, on my way home from picking up my Califonia I stopped at a gas station to refill my truck and I got asked what kind of Harley was that?
Guzzi owner for just a couple hours and I was already getting asked stupid questions...
Best answer
It's a blue one (or pick actual color)
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I had by BSA A65 Lightning at a predominantly Harley swap meet. As I shut it down and was pulling off my gear two older (than me) guys walk up, dressed in the usual black leather uniform to look it over. One guys says "I met my wife on a BSA like that", the other guy doesn't miss a beat "funny, I met your wife on a Harley". I thought I was going to piss myself, I nearly fell over.
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True story - when I borrowed a friends cb125 single for a few days, guy asks me at a light "is it a one stroke" . Now that would be something...... :boozing:
Double acting steam engine maybe? :grin:
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True story - when I borrowed a friends cb125 single for a few days, guy asks me at a light "is it a one stroke" . Now that would be something...... :boozing:
Wankel
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My wife asked me "Dont you ever grow up?"
(While looking at 7 mopeds and 4 motorcycles in the garage)
No. Not really....😁😁
Growing old is mandatory, growing old is optional!!! :grin:
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Growing old is mandatory, growing old is optional!!! :grin:
?????? :huh:
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Wankel
Whadju.....call me ..... :boozing:
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Growing old is mandatory, growing old is optional!!! :grin:
What you say is true ... from a certain point of view ....
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I thought he said you wankle.
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You should have told him "In case of a tank slapper, immediately jump off the motorcycle." :evil:
No, no, no, everyone knows that in the event of a tank slapper that you just have "Lay 'er down!" :rolleyes: :violent1:
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I ran into an old boss recently...who asked me...with a smug look on his face:
"Are you riding those MURDER-CYCLES?!?"
I wanted to put my foot right up his a**!!! :laugh: :grin: :wink:
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If you are going to say the then it is "MURDER SICKLES".
and a one stroke engine is a turbine or ramjet.
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Growing old is mandatory, growing old is optional!!! :grin:
I've been looking at this for 2 weeks, and I'm still puzzled.
Is growing old mandatory or is it optional?
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I've been looking at this for 2 weeks, and I'm still puzzled.
Is growing old mandatory or is it optional?
Chuck was really excited to meet us at Cedar Vale , had him all shook up :laugh: You guys know what he meant .
Dusty
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Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional. There, fixed it for ya!
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Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional. There, fixed it for ya!
Yes...that one is better..."Growing old is NOT for the faint of heart...so enjoy each and every day!"
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Yes...that one is better..."Growing old is NOT for the faint of heart...so enjoy each and every day!"
You gots that right, pal.. :smiley:
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Just a few minutes ago .
Sitting outside enjoying the weather , guy I have known for years comes riding up on one of those new motorized bicycles , and despite my attempts to avoid him he corners me . After a few minutes he starts telling me about a Harley his buddy has built that is getting 100 MPG due to the "magic" carburetor it is running . I made the mistake of attempting to explain why that can't happen , (stoiciometry , aero drag , etc) . He got kind of defensive , hem-hawed a bit , and left . Hmm , now that I think about it , maybe it wasn't a mistake :grin:
Dusty
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At least this was in Jr. high...one kid would swear up and down that his daddy's 58 Ford with 6cyl. and three on the tree would turn 13 second quarter miles. And no, his daddy did not have a race version.
GliderJohn
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My daddies 58 ford with V8 wouldn't do that, I know, I tried.
Maybe with the body removed along with any other extra weight, and a set of tires that had traction.
Dads' 58 would burn rubber and chirp tires during gear changes though. After all, it was a 312 inch V8.
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My good gosh....
...this thread is still alive!
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My good gosh....
...this thread is still alive!
Mat , this thread is gonna go on forever , because folks keep saying stupid things about motorcycles :laugh:
Dusty
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There are no stupid motorcycles, but there sure are stupid people commenting on them.
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There are no stupid motorcycles, but there sure are stupid people commenting on them.
Apparently you have never met a BSA Beagle :rolleyes:
Dusty
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I've been looking at this for 2 weeks, and I'm still puzzled.
Is growing old mandatory or is it optional?
Yes.
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Apparently you have never met a BSA Beagle :rolleyes:
Dusty
I saw a Harley Davidson twostroke on Saturday.....Don't know whether the owner had the tassles and do-rag or not. :undecided: :evil:
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Yes.
This "Yes" is freakin good hahaha.
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There are no stupid motorcycles, but there sure are stupid people commenting on them.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/eya5yG/bosozoku_motorcycle.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eya5yG)
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My friend, who professes to be "into" motorcycles, looking at my 1979 Suzuki GS750, inline 4 motor in plain sight:
"Wow, is that a V-twin???"
:huh:
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I use to have older guys to walk up and tell me “ I use to ride one of them big Harley’s”
Lol any older harley than this 78 model, 1200cc was 1000 or less but I’d just smile and say “ that’s cool”
(http://thumb.ibb.co/k3Bnxb/70898_F5_B_69_EC_4_AE0_ADBB_1485_C49_B59_D8.jpg) (http://ibb.co/k3Bnxb)
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(http://thumb.ibb.co/eya5yG/bosozoku_motorcycle.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eya5yG)
I stand corrected. OMG
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During a lunch stop at a small tavern, a local asked, "Is that your motorcycle out there?" I said it was, half expecting him to say he'd backed his truck into it.
"That is beeuutiful!" Is it really a Motuh Gussi?" I replied that it was indeed.
"Wow! I never seen a real one before. Only pictures."
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"....totally new, a world first, that will knock the socks off all Eagle of Mandello fans out there".
Guzzi Marketing re: the prototype we just saw
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I saw a Harley Davidson twostroke on Saturday.....Don't know whether the owner had the tassles and do-rag or not. :undecided: :evil:
A female coworker, who is also into bikes (mainly dirtbikes) was telling me that she restored her father's Harley for $9k.
"Nice" I thought, until I saw the picture.
It was an Aermacchi!
I started laughing.
The funny thing is, those Aermacchis are my favorite Harleys.
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They seem to be pretty popular among the 2-stroke guys, but I've never ridden one to see if there's anything special about them. I doubt it though, probably just unusual.
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I was getting gas today and had the usual crowd surrounding the trike. One guy says "I'm glad you stopped here. I saw you in Freeland (5 miles to the left) and didn't want to chase you clear to the ferry dock (seven miles to the right) to find out what you got there." Now that's not a stupid thing to say, but the conversation wasn't over.
Noting the jerry can gas tanks I was topping off he asked what my range is.
I said "about 300 miles, give or take."
"if you short-shift it does it do better?"
"No, long or short, I don't ever shift it."
"Gee -- I was just trying to make conversation -- you don't have to be like *THAT* about it!"
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From rodekyll:
"Gee -- I was just trying to make conversation -- you don't have to be like *THAT* about it!"
Well...when was the last Harleymatic produced? I am sure he is still scratching his head thinking about your remark. :grin:
GliderJohn
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Bump .
Dusty
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Ah, fo-in-wun , the little known Chinese philosopher , usually Kant remember him .
Dusty
I see what you did, there...
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My niece has a new boyfriend who claims to be a certified Harley Davidson mechanic. She brought him by the house the other day and wanted me to show him my toy room. First he said he could never ride a bike if his hands were lower than his shoulder, Then looking at the Guzzies he remarked, "the drive shafts are on the passenger side" Next he said he rode his Suzuki Intruder 800cc. from his house to my nieces house and that was the first time he ever had the bike out for a long ride... It's 45 miles, I simply got up and left the room before I said something that was on the tip of my tongue.
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A few silly things...
"You can't tour on a 750"
"Are you sure you are tall enough for that bike?"
"motorcycles are dangerous" - said by someone puffing on a cancer stick.....
"when are you going to get a proper bike?"
"You need a Harley"
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Before we got married, my very cool future wife fronted a pocket full of cash so I could buy a Laverda 750SF for a song after hours on a weekend. We picked it up, not too far from the Dragon. While we we out that way, we swung by a favorite motorcycle junkyard just in case.
There was a new young guy behind the counter, holding court next to a fish tank holding a live and relatively pissed off rattlesnake. Never had seen the guy before. He was talking a mile a minute and he would not shut up. He knew everything about every bike and was throwing information at everybody.
Finally, when it was our turn for direct enlightenment, he told us "I've ridden every kind of motorcycle ever made as fast as it will go. You can't name a motorcycle brand that I haven't ridden. Even if it wasn't mine, I've been on every one."
Then I asked him if they or knew anybody that had any Laverda parts...
"What did you say? What kind of bike is that? I've never heard of a Laverda. I don't think they were ever built."
So I walked him out to the truck, showed him a Laverda and he finally shut up.
Every time we cross paths with a similar know-it-all, that guy still pops up for reference. In fact, I just read the thread title to her and asked if she could guess what I was.. And before I was finished asking the question, she smiled and started quoting that dude. Too funny.
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" you want to sell that thing" :laugh:
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From ScepticalScotty
"when are you going to get a proper bike?"
In my experience it has been "When our you going to get a real bike."
GliderJohn
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I knew a madcap iron worker from East Texas that rode an '81 Suzuki GS1100E. When I asked him about the paint that was flaking off his front fender he replied, "Yeah, it starts to peel off when I get over 180..."
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"what you need is a Virago"
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"Hey...what's that?"
"A Moto Guzzi"
"What's that?"
Be well,
DougG
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My Pal & I were out on our Ducati's and he made a stop to drop off some documents. We parked & shut 'em down & a guy next space was getting in his car and says....."shame its not a Harley.". I say.....if I pulled up in a turbo Porsche, would you say..."shame its not a 72 chevy pickup- leaking oil and belching smoke?" Cuz that's about what you just said.
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Stopped in a very cool HD restoration shop run by a codger. There were a few very cool restorations in progress.
I mentioned that I was in the process of restoring a bike.
He asked me what I was working on. I said a Moto Guzzi V7 Sport. After I told him he let out quite an annoyed sounding snort, and with a hrumph said MOTO JUNK!
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Next he said he rode his Suzuki Intruder 800cc. from his house to my nieces house and that was the first time he ever had the bike out for a long ride... It's 45 miles, I simply got up and left the room before I said something that was on the tip of my tongue.
Ouch. :shocked:
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I have heard a ton of bonehead questions & statements about motorcycles, and guzzi in genera
but to me the stupidest and most annoying is "how fast does it go" and "how much did it cost" because I seem to get that almost every time i fill up on gas
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"Have you taken it off any sweet jumps?"
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Back in another life I had to meet a lot of Harley owning lawyers. One particularly obnoxious ass had a stupidly raked shiney monster with 2 enormous nitrous tanks on either side. I asked him "what it was like when he hit the button" and his answer didn't surprise me. "I don't know, I've never put any gas in them". He dropped it about a week later.
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Don't know if I posted this before. I was told by a chopper guy that Harley was a 2 cylinder bike because Japan (the whole country, apparently) had a patent on 4 cylinder motorcycles.
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Don't know if I posted this before. I was told by a chopper guy that Harley was a 2 cylinder bike because Japan (the whole country, apparently) had a patent on 4 cylinder motorcycles.
Have heard that one also , it is weird what people believe at times . We were changing a rear tire on a Meriden Triumph some years ago when a guy tried to convince us that Triumphs were really built in Italy . We pointed to the *Made in England* Triumph Triangle riveted to the frame , he launched into some nonsense about how the bikes were only assembled in England , then something about them really being assembled in India which was really a part of England . The entire episode still gets us laughing , one of those shared oddities that create a touchstone .
Dusty
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Have heard that one also , it is weird what people believe at times . We were changing a rear tire on a Meriden Triumph some years ago when a guy tried to convince us that Triumphs were really built in Italy . We pointed to the *Made in England* Triumph Triangle riveted to the frame , he launched into some nonsense about how the bikes were only assembled in England , then something about them really being assembled in India which was really a part of England . The entire episode still gets us laughing , one of those shared oddities that create a touchstone .
Dusty
Well, India *was* part of England until 1947....
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You Americans will keep confusing England and the United Kingdom. Mind you, there may not be a United Kingdom for much longer.
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Some of us 'Muricans know the difference between England and the British Empire.
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Some of us 'Muricans know the difference between England and the British Empire.
We'll consider your application to rejoin in due course. But first, you have to learn how to pronounce "yoghurt" and "herbs" correctly, and also spell "tyres" and "through".
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We'll consider your application to rejoin in due course. But first, you have to learn how to pronounce "yoghurt" and "herbs" correctly, and also spell "tyres" and "through".
Now that's funny, however, I believe we will stand our ground over the whole "bacon" thing...... :laugh:
kjf
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We'll consider your application to rejoin in due course. But first, you have to learn how to pronounce "yoghurt" and "herbs" correctly, and also spell "tyres" and "through".
We MIGHT, but we're not going so far as to actually misspell and mispronounce the element represented by the symbol "Al" ....
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Oh my... motorcycles are so dangerous how many times have you crashed?
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We MIGHT, but we're not going so far as to actually misspell and mispronounce the element represented by the symbol "Al" ....
Well, that's that deal off the table.
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What's wrong with "through?"
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I overheard a guy explaining to his friend that vertical twin engines, like the triumph I was riding that day, had 2 half pistons instead of the usual round pistons. I didn't say a thing.
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You Americans will keep confusing England and the United Kingdom. Mind you, there may not be a United Kingdom for much longer.
After Brexit there may not be.
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Well, that's that deal off the table.
Good one Lannis on Al!
Second order of business will be to ensure a proper sense of humoUr! :thumb: :thumb: (Result of having a British father born in Poland...he had a wicked and devious sense of humor)...
Oh..and make sure that schedule is pronounced skedule rather than shedule!
:grin: :grin:
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Just yesterday afternoon I had another biker ask me if I had to lean to make the bike go straight, you know the act the torque from the longitudinal engine. A boxer BMW rider was standing there too, he just smiled.
kk
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Good one Lannis on Al!
Second order of business will be to ensure a proper sense of humoUr! :thumb: :thumb: (Result of having a British father born in Poland...he had a wicked and devious sense of humor)...
Oh..and make sure that schedule is pronounced skedule rather than shedule!
:grin: :grin:
And (bless their hearts) they get the singulars and plurals mixed up too.
"Did you take French and maths in school?"
"Do you watch sport on telly?"
"GM were the largest American motor company before the war"
I was listening to a guy from Norfolk (UK) and a Welshman trying to have a conversation, I think in English but I'm not sure, and they could barely understand each other. Sort of like a Cajun and a guy from Queens trying to talk to each other ....
Lannis
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(https://i.ibb.co/tPVBn5H/Skinny-guts-Divvy-van-Bunna.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tPVBn5H)
Way back in the '70's, the cops "raided" our party (50 miles from the closest town), we were ordered at gunpoint to stand alongside our bikes, one of my mates was standing alongside his Norton, officer Dibble asks him what brand of motorcycle it was, he replied "Triumph", we all fought back the urge to crack up, while the timing cover proudly stated "Norton"
Good job the didn't check the back of the old Prefect van :wink:
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Good one Lannis on Al!
Second order of business will be to ensure a proper sense of humoUr! :thumb: :thumb: (Result of having a British father born in Poland...he had a wicked and devious sense of humor)...
Oh..and make sure that schedule is pronounced skedule rather than shedule!
:grin: :grin:
Watch an episode of Fawlty Towers then Two and a Half Men and you will see what you’ve to learn.
Although I do like Everybody loves Raymond..
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Huzo...for humour, we grew up on Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, Benny Hill, Spike Milligan and the Goon club, as well as Asterix & Tintin, all were regular staples in our household, amongst other oddities.
2 1/2 men is pure drivel in my view other than the eye candy, I always thought it was just cheap with an occasional funny scene...
:thumb: :thumb:
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Huzo...for humour, we grew up on Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, Benny Hill, Spike Milligan and the Goon club, as well as Asterix & Tintin, all were regular staples in our household, amongst other oddities.
:thumb: :thumb:
I approve of your most excellent taste sir! :grin:
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Huzo...for humour, we grew up on Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, Benny Hill, Spike Milligan and the Goon club, as well as Asterix & Tintin, all were regular staples in our household, amongst other oddities.
2 1/2 men is pure drivel in my view other than the eye candy, I always thought it was just cheap with an occasional funny scene...
:thumb: :thumb:
From your first response to my very first post, I knew you had class...!
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I approve of your most excellent taste sir! :grin:
Grazie..!
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Gassing up my air head and the guy inside asked "what's that big thing sticking out of the motor?" The cylinder? I said, there's one on the other side too. He came out to look at the other side. "I never seen one like that." The same guy was always talking bikes and being all knowing.
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At an MC rally...
An HD dude looking to my V11 Rosso Mandello to his pal:"Moto Guzzi sure makes beautiful bikes, even if them are worth sh#t..." Note that the guy rode an old dirty softail that made a mess of the parking space dripping oil and fuel, and had problems to start the engine the next morning...
At another rally...
A passerby pointing to my T5 cylinders: "Your bike has two engines, right?"
Me: "Three, in fact. The third is hidden under the bike fairing..."
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^^^ :laugh: :laugh:
Dusty
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It's happened a few times where people will look at the guzzi,,, and then back at me sympathetically and say something along the lines of;
"Yea,,, I guess Harleys must be expensive and cost a lot of money eh?"
Kelly
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(https://i.ibb.co/qshSd5M/Honda-Sport-65-1965-web01-19410901189f4d0a4854d37bcb724392.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qshSd5M)
(https://statewideinventory.org/porsche-0-60-times)
Online oldbike54
play backgammon online multiplayer free (https://freeonlinedice.com/)
Sitting outside enjoying the weather , guy I have known for years comes riding up on one of those new motorized bicycles , and despite my attempts to avoid him he corners me . After a few minutes he starts telling me about a Harley his buddy has built that is getting 100 MPG due to the "magic" carburetor it is running . I made the mistake of attempting to explain why that can't happen , (stoiciometry , aero drag , etc) . He got kind of defensive , hem-hawed a bit , and left . Hmm , now that I think about it , maybe it wasn't a mistake :grin:
When I was 16 I had a Honda S65cc , it did get over 100 miles to the US Gallon . The thing was its cruising speed was 40 mph with a top end at 56 mph indicated , with a 1.2 gal fuel tank. Not exactly cross country material. :laugh:
But
It was my first bike and I was Really Proud to have it ! :wink:
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^^^It's weird , was never much a fan of Japanese tiddlers , but the S 65 and S 90 Honda are real classics . You had reason to be proud of that little beauty :thumb:
Dusty
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You Americans will keep confusing England and the United Kingdom. Mind you, there may not be a United Kingdom for much longer.
UK = England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland.
India was never part of England, or The UK, but a part of the British Empire, then The Commonwealth of Nations.
I have confidence that Britain will remain "Great", and "The Kingdom" will remain "United" through its current quandry.
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"Go run you(r) Guzzi up to 90mph, you’ll live longer"
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"Go run you(r) Guzzi up to 90mph, you’ll live longer"
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :thumb:
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We grew up on Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, Benny Hill, Spike Milligan and the Goon club, as well as Asterix & Tintin, all were regular staples in our household, amongst other oddities.
Red Dwarf
Are You Being Served
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In Missouri you get the bikes inspected to get the license renewed. I took the bike in for inspection, and after checking that the lights and horn worked, the tech was studying the rear end of the bike. I got worried, and asked if he saw a problem there.
He answered that he was supposed to inspect the chain for proper tension, but couldn't find the drive chain.
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Rode my 30 yr. old Ducati 851 to the gym this am. Young guy there asks....."I'm thinking of getting a MC and learning to ride. Would you consider selling me you Ducati?" We had a nice chat.....
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An 851 Duc would be an EXCELLENT first bike. :evil:
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Rode my 30 yr. old Ducati 851 to the gym this am. Young guy there asks....."I'm thinking of getting a MC and learning to ride. Would you consider selling me you Ducati?" We had a nice chat.....
Well, my son learned how to ride on the street on my Centauro when he was 16. First thing I made him realize was that the bike would act just like a CB350 Honda if you actually controlled the throttle. After that, no trouble, and he's been riding ever since.
If anyone comes up to me when I'm on ANY of my bikes and indicates that he might want it more than I do, we'll be talking price and asking to see the color of his money quick fast and in a hurry!! That WILL be a nice chat, maybe for both of us ....
Lannis
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After 30 years of Guzzi ownership this was a new one for me today. I rode about 30 miles to a small town liquior store. The solenoid on the T-3 has been stick occasionally lately so I decided to leave it idling. While I was taking my gloves off the store door opens and clerk comes out looking up and all around and then at me and she says to me "Oh that is you, I thought a helicopter was landing."
I never had named the T-3, maybe I should call it Huey. :grin:
GliderJohn
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My wife and I was at the Honda dealer. She was looking at the Forza. When she asked about ABS, the salesman stated "that you only need ABS on the highway, not around town."
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Here Dan , there is some pretty funny stuff in this old thread .
Dusty
Yea I remember that thread 👍
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My wife’s ex-husband looked at my almost-completed roundfin restoration and said “there’s no accounting for taste.”
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Gassing up my air head and the guy inside asked "what's that big thing sticking out of the motor?" The cylinder? I said, there's one on the other side too. He came out to look at the other side. "I never seen one like that." The same guy was always talking bikes and being all knowing.
Just heard that for the first time today, While getting ready to ride home from the hardware store the guy parked next to me says, "Nice bike. What's that sticking out of the engine?" as he pointed to the cylinders...
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Just heard that for the first time today, While getting ready to ride home from the hardware store the guy parked next to me says, "Nice bike. What's that sticking out of the engine?" as he pointed to the cylinders...
Now that’s funny😂😂😂😂