Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: brider on November 04, 2016, 07:51:14 AM
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We've all seen this, just thought I'd pass along my experience today:
I park at work right next to a Harley who always gets in right before me (it's a very small parking area), and a 1-yr old Suzuki DR200 with 3.8k miles on it driven by a nice woman who just spent $500 on "service" at the dealer where she bought it. I bit my tongue and kept quiet when I wanted to scream "what in the heck service did they do for 5 bills?". That thing is as simple as a 1975 Rupp mini-bike. She has always been very nice to me ever since I left a note on her seat cluing her in to the fact that her front tire was flat. She'd been driving it that way for weeks.
Anyway, as we were talking and as I was admiring the clean lines of her bike (I would actually like one for my kid to learn to ride on), a guy who I know who always parks his 1989-vintage Pontiac mini-van next to the Harley pulled up and began being friendly to the woman, and immediately launched into a "Now you need a Harley like this guy..." monologue. The nice woman replied that they were too big, she liked hers, but the guy wouldn't let up. Harley this, Harley that, and all the while, while I was standing there, he refused to even comment on mine (which has a bicycle rack mounted to it, EVERYBODY asks me about it, and then about the bike...) or acknowledge that there was even a non-Harley parked 3 ft from where the Harley usually is.
Key thing here is that the Harley wasn't even there. The guy didn't ride in today (at 50 deg, must've been too cold for him), there was nothing but oil stains where he usually parks, so the Harley-admirer was gesturing at THIN AIR rather than even make a comment about a real motorcycle in front of his face.
I didn't say a word, but I actually considered it quite rude and funny at the same time.
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I've heard that sort of thing a dozen times no matter what kind of bike I park or ride up on.
"What you really need is a Harley!"
"When are you going to move up to a Harley?"
"Yeah, I got me a Harley RoadGlideKingDynaSo ftClassic, but they said it might rain this week."
"I like your Harley!" (this when I'm on a 1961 BSA).
I like Harleys myself, but to me, the ride is as much about people as it is the ride, and I don't meet many I can talk to when Harleys are involved.
Lannis
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Meh, myopic people are everywhere and fans of just about everything... I don't give em much more thought than that.
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When pushed , my two go to lines have become , "Harley , no I don't ride Japanese motorbikes" , or "Are they still in business?"
Dusty
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I think the key words were: Pontiac Mini-Van...
That seems to be indicate the extent of his taste or knowledge...just hazarding a guess.
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I think the key words were: Pontiac Mini-Van...
that right there is funny
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Fag! (SPC) :rolleyes:
The last time I owned a Harley, I sold it right after a guy on a Japanese bike pulled into a bar with Harleys out front. One guy started to jump all over him unprovoked and was yelling about Pearl Harbor. Really? Some people didn't get hugged enough by their mommy so they drag others down.
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Did you tell the clown that it sounded like he was the one who needs a Harley-Davidson?
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Meh, myopic people are everywhere and fans of just about everything... I don't give em much more thought than that.
I understand, and believe me, I wish I could take your point of view on board and do it myself.
But for some reason (probably not a good one), I can't and don't. But when it gets right down to it, that's really a First World Problem of the least important kind ... !
Lannis
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Living in the heart of "Harley Country" (south central Pennsylvania) where Harleys are built and rule in numbers, my experience with Harley riders and their comments has been of respect for the Moto Guzzi. That could change tomorrow, but its been good for the past 3 years of ownership.
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it's pretty funny seeing the actions and reactions of two men when interacting with one woman.
:popcorn:
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it's pretty funny seeing the actions and reactions of two men when interacting with one woman.
:popcorn:
Oh yes. Lots of revealing "key words" in there ...
"Nice" "very nice" "Admiring" "clean lines" .....
We all know because we all act like that!
Lannis
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I agree with that Lannis, whether you're being sarcastic or not. :laugh:
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I have had guys in mini vans chastising me for not having a real bike but when questioned about where their bike was I always get the response, "I dont have one", to which I reply, "So mommy trusted you with her car today or is it yours?".
It never fails to get their goat.
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Living in the heart of "Harley Country" (south central Pennsylvania) where Harleys are built and rule in numbers, my experience with Harley riders and their comments has been of respect for the Moto Guzzi. That could change tomorrow, but its been good for the past 3 years of ownership.
As I've said many times on this board that's pretty much been my experience too... I've had Harley parts guys or salesman come out front to check out my Guzzis. I've had the owner of a local dealership compliment me on it. I've been to the Harley open houses and had Harley staff come over and ask me about it and comment favorably etc. etc.
I dunno... maybe I just look like a guy people don't want to piss off (in person). But I just rarely get any negative comments... and maybe I have selective memory because I just don't value the opinion of someone who would give me a negative one in the first place, but damn I just don't recall any.
Hell, I remember a silly drag race with a Softail where my Jackal literally blew the doors off the guy, in front of 4-5 of his friends. And as we slowed for the next light and he caught up he laughed and said "well, at least it was Italian".
:boozing:
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When mention something about my bike, it goes like this, "A Harley? No a Moto Guzzi." blank stare, shrug.
But when I had a Harley I was told, "what you need is a Honda...something."
When I go to a dealer with my Guzzi, I get compliments (even though it is a rat) and questions.
There are a lot of opinions out there without knowledge. With knowledge, you at least get a break now and then.
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I have a few bikes, 2 Guzzis, one HD. That "wave" thing works both ways. Wave or not, ain't gonna ruin my day
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I parked my Guzzi amongst some Harleys and a couple of the bikers were asking questions about it. Then they said: you need a Harley. I replied I have two Harleys and Guzzis have a lot in common with HD: both air-cooled V-twins with lots of metal. They just looked confused. Too funny!
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... I've had Harley parts guys or salesman come out front to check out my Guzzis. I've had the owner of a local dealership compliment me on it. I've been to the Harley open houses and had Harley staff come over and ask me about it and comment favorably etc...
My local dealer sells Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, KTM motorcycles, and various ATV brands, but no one in there has ever expressed the slightest interest in looking at any motorcycle I rode there on, including my 1972 Kawasaki H2, My Mille GT, and my Ninja 250. The sales staff has never been busy when I've gone there in hopes of buying parts, but they just stay at their desks goofing off when I walk in. When I rode the Mille there and asked if they could duplicate my set of keys, they said they couldn't help, and didn't even glance through the huge window to see the bike. Even stranger, when I took the Kawasaki 250 there for the same reason, they still couldn't help, telling me they don't deal with keys, and that I should go to a hardware store.
I guess when you're the only dealer in town, you don't have to go out of your way to help anyone.
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I think the key words were: Pontiac Mini-Van...
You got it! I added that bit of info to illustrate the persona of the person making the comments.
I am positive there is a huge percentage of Harley riders out there who do not worship their brand to the exclusion of all others and are genuinely interested in overall moto-discussions, but I have not met that person yet. I am immediately reminded of another co-worker who I've tried to talk motorcycles with who is a Harley rider. Even if I steer the conversation to "I fixed this thing on my Guzzi this weekend, it was making this funny noise...", I have never gotten anything but Harley-talk in return, NEVER a follow-up question about my bike. I think he's intimidated because he truly doesn't know how to turn a wrench, but I have to believe there are a lot of Guzzi riders out there who can't turn a wrench, either.
Just an observation about HD riders, same way I complain to my wife about all New Jersey drivers!
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same way I complain to my wife about all New Jersey drivers!
HOLY CRAP - where do you come from?
I was born and raised in NY (Manhattan and the Island)
I moved to PA when I was 17 and spent nearly 30 years there.
I moved to South Jersey just 2 years go and was immediately struck by a notion.
The Jersey drivers around here are generally exceedingly polite.
I mean, they respond to emergency vehicles way better than anything I observed in NY and PA.
They yield, they wave people on, they do things I only remembered we were taught to do.
I'm still trying to figure it out, but I enjoy it.
In contrast we summered in Cape Cod a lot and the MA drivers were horrible.
I also lived so close to DE for a long time I started to wonder if any people in DE actually had a job because they never got anywhere near the speed limit.
<shrugs>
I'm sure there's bias in my observations, I'm just not sure where.
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Kev, I'm sure you've noticed by now that southern NJ and northern NJ might as well be two different states. :) Southern NJ is one of my favorite places in the country.
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I just agree with them and go on about my buisness, not worth my time or energy to even discuss. I'm running low on both at my age
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My V11 Sport often gets a thumbs-up from both the HD and Ducati crowd.....my Aprilia, not so much.
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Kev M wrote: "In contrast we summered in Cape Cod a lot and the MA drivers were horrible."
I knew a guy from MA who said that when approaching a crowded traffic circle he would sometimes open and close his door--the other drivers would then slow down and let him in. Another guy from MA told me that his strategy was to never let other drivers make eye contact, as in "don't let them know that you've seen them."
Rich A
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....why do you even care ?
It would have not bothered me at all.... i just don't care............... .
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I moved to South Jersey just 2 years go and was immediately struck by a notion.
The Jersey drivers around here are generally exceedingly polite.
I mean, they respond to emergency vehicles way better than anything I observed in NY and PA.
They yield, they wave people on, they do things I only remembered we were taught to do.
I'm still trying to figure it out, but I enjoy it.
In contrast we summered in Cape Cod a lot and the MA drivers were horrible.
I also lived so close to DE for a long time I started to wonder if any people in DE actually had a job because they never got anywhere near the speed limit.
<shrugs>
I'm sure there's bias in my observations, I'm just not sure where.
Hey Kev,
It sounds like things may have changed since I drove last in New Jersey. I drove the Garden State Pike many times in the 1980s and it was a nightmare. First thing I noticed was that a lot of cars had all four corners dented in. When I drove the Pike, cars would suddenly change lanes without blinkers coming very close to the car in the next lane. And although this is just one anecdote, a car did just this to me and clipped my front left corner...now I too had a corner dented in. But all in all I've found Jersey people delightful to be with.
Dave
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Well, Triple Jim is probably correct, that might have something to do with it.
North Jersey is basically a suburb of NY. It probably never bothered me driving there because I drove in Manhattan-Mode. :grin: :laugh: :grin:
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When pushed , my two go to lines have become , "Harley , no I don't ride Japanese motorbikes" , or "Are they still in business?"
Dusty
lol, I like the punch " you like that as good as you would a motorcycle "
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I just agree with them and go on about my buisness, not worth my time or energy to even discuss. I'm running low on both at my age
Ya gotta make the "Ape Hanger" motion before dismissing them or it doesn't count :evil:
Dusty
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Some weekends I go to an ice house attached to a Victory/custom chopper dealership frequented by everything from 1%ers to grizzled ole bikers and dentiste poseurs, ratty Urals with sidecar to six-figure customs and my Guzzis rarely fail to draw at least a few raised eyebrows and a murmured "cool".
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Ya gotta make the "Ape Hanger" motion before dismissing them or it doesn't count :evil:
Dusty
I only make the "ape hanger motion" when I'm in motion usually going the other direction :bike-037:
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I agree with that Lannis, whether you're being sarcastic or not. :laugh:
Nope, agreeing fully. We guys can be such idiots sometimes when we combine women, motorcycles, and rivals. It's like we go back to operating on a reptile-like spinal level ....
Not saying that the OP is an idiot, of course ... but sometimes we let things get in our way of normal reactions!! I'm as bad as anyone ...
Lannis
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Living in the heart of "Harley Country" (south central Pennsylvania) where Harleys are built and rule in numbers, my experience with Harley riders and their comments has been of respect for the Moto Guzzi. That could change tomorrow, but its been good for the past 3 years of ownership.
Me too. I live about 20 miles from York and Harley's are all over the place here. I work in a facility with 6 regular/daily riders and another 5 or so Perfect Friday riders. Only three of us ride something other than a Harley. I've heard nothing but "nice bike" and "so you traded your Honda for a Bonnie?" since adopting my Stone. This includes one gentleman who's bike has a "get-back-whip" hanging from his clutch lever.
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"get back whips".......... :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:
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Yeah, it's funny. On a nice day (say, 70�F and sunny), all you see in SW PA is H-D. Hey, I have two of them, too . . .
Oddly enough, if it's 45�, no Harleys. Mostly BMWs (me, too).
I really don't experience any anti-whatever sentiment, even when I ride a MG to the Harley shop. Had a long conversation one day with an old-time H-D fellow up there, all pleasant and positive. And I was on the Cal Aluminium.
Some people are just insecure, and stuck on whatever motorcycle (or whatever) icon gives them reason to live. Too bad. Hondas and Vespas are nice, too.
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The worst is listening to people go on and on about their new car/truck, showing every feature, describing every detail like they are trying to sell it to me...Ya just smile :angel:
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Well here in Oz I've noticed that many Harley guys will happily point out the shortcomings of their bike if alone but never in the company of another rider and most certainly not another Harley rider, the chances of hearing a dissenting comment is inversely proportional to the number of Hogs there, wallowing around the group. Also I'm pretty sure Dr Phil could explain it better, but I reckon some NOT ALL !!!.... riders use the presence of their bike to make up for some area of their life where they feel the need to fill a void. When the guy was pointing to the blank oil stained asphalt that his Harley sometimes leans all over while he was talking at the lady, it didn't really matter if the bike was there or not, because that's where his identity was and he just had to make the point in front of the nice woman. Naturally I can't say if it ended in a result for him but knowingly or otherwise that's the guts, truth is it probably did his chances no good, he needs to realise "The Wild One" was just a cheesy movie. I just can't get the image of the Cowardly Lion fro the Wizar of Oz,out of my head when he postures around saying "what's it to ya" to no one in particular.
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The worst is listening to people go on and on about their new car/truck, showing every feature, describing every detail like they are trying to sell it to me...Ya just smile :angel:
Maybe it's elevated them to some level that they want people to know about...
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I quit worrying about what other people think after my first Grateful Dead concert... :cool:
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I quit worrying about what other people think after my first Grateful Dead concert... :cool:
Before or after you got caught up in the whirling dervish of tie dye and purple blotter?
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Simultaneously.
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Some weekends I go to an ice house attached to a Victory/custom chopper dealership frequented by everything from 1%ers to grizzled ole bikers and dentiste poseurs, ratty Urals with sidecar to six-figure customs and my Guzzis rarely fail to draw at least a few raised eyebrows and a murmured "cool".
Ice house? You live in Tejas?
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In a previous life I worked in a Diner, mostly at the front register. I would chat it up with folks, especially if they were carrying a helmet. I would receive a bunch of jabs and dings from the Gold Wing crowd on a busy Sunday. They would ask me what I rode and I would answer that my HD Roadglide is the one in the parking lot.
"A Harleeeeeee...what the hell ya ridin' that fo'...and on and on, found on the roadside.....and on and on...whats the difference between a Harley and a vacuum cleaner....and on and on."
I wanted an air cooled motorcycle with a frame mounted fairing and a radio...just happened that Harley checked off all those boxes in 2004...but this never moved the needle much in the conversation.
One time I was baited into thinking I was amongst an enthusiast. Guy says, "You're bike reminds me of my Harley"
"thats cool" I replied, "what year" thinking I was gonna break up the shift with a little moto-talk
Guy responded "I sold it and don't miss it at all" as he turned and walked away...
Some need to express their superiority by poking fun at another persons ride...it happens....it is a trait found among owners of various brands...I really didn't care... as long as they were paying customers and I was shoving their money in the till, I was happy.
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I can see right through this bloke. He is into that woman and sees you as a competitor. Praising the Harley is his way of putting you down.
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If the conversation goes the way of "why don't you have a Harley' my usual retort is "why would I have a Harley when I have a Guzzi"? If they know anything about bikes that usually silences them. If they don't, well, I can pontificate as to the myriad of reasons why I don't and would never own one.
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"Where's your Harley?" "Home in the garage." "Why are riding that?" "Because, I want to go fast today and I need a bike that handles better than my Harley."
True conversation. Usually ends a conversation on my choice of bikes to ride.
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I can see right through this bloke. He is into that woman and sees you as a competitor. Praising the Harley is his way of putting you down.
Nailed it !!!
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Well, Triple Jim is probably correct, that might have something to do with it.
North Jersey is basically a suburb of NY. It probably never bothered me driving there because I drove in Manhattan-Mode. :grin: :laugh: :grin:
I don't know any urban areas with a large auto driving population that doesn't have aggressive drivers. Personally, I'll take the crazy low speed(even more so due to the overwhelming amount of bicycle lanes) driving in NYC compared to the insane high speed driving in Washington, Atlanta and the NASCAR driving in parts of North Carolina.
In regards to Harley owners or sometimes worse, the modern BMW owners. Who cares?
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Some of the worst attitudes I have encountered are with Goldwings . I used to own wings and later went on a wing ride with a close friend. I was on my Guzzi. No positive comments toward my bike. But several negative.comments. one actually said now maybe you will buy a Goldwing . I replied......I have owned three, not all that impressed. His jaw hit the floor.
I currently own Harley and Guzzi. Like what I ride and don't care what others think of it.
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Nothing against Harleys, but I sold my Harley to get my Quota. Much happier now.
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I think the key words were: Pontiac Mini-Van...
That seems to be indicate the extent of his taste or knowledge...just hazarding a guess.
. . .mic drop!
that's classic.
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I don't know any urban areas with a large auto driving population that doesn't have aggressive drivers.
As a rule, drivers in Phoenix, AZ are not aggressive.
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I've had Harley parts guys or salesman come out front to check out my Guzzis. I've had the owner of a local dealership compliment me on it. I've been to the Harley open houses and had Harley staff come over and ask me about it and comment favorably etc. etc.
Been there had that happen! Difference between a "lifestyle rider" and a motorcycle enthusiast is their knowledge of other motorcycles.
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Some of the worst attitudes I have encountered are with Goldwings . I used to own wings and later went on a wing ride with a close friend. I was on my Guzzi. No positive comments toward my bike. But several negative.comments. one actually said now maybe you will buy a Goldwing . I replied......I have owned three, not all that impressed. His jaw hit the floor.
I currently own Harley and Guzzi. Like what I ride and don't care what others think of it.
Interesting, as an anecdote, several years ago I brought my 1997 Sport 1100 to a Goldwing Specialist shop, to get state inspection. There were a few Goldwing owners mulling around while their bikes were getting service. A few gathered around the Sport, making comments like, " must be a very uncomfortable crotch rocket" and " your going to develop back problems riding that contraption, btw, who makes Moto Guzzi?". Attempts to explain that the Sport is actually a pretty comfortable ride, and it is not actually a " crotch rocket" just fell on deaf ears, and rolling eyes. I complemented their choice of rides, but it did leave me with the impression that some Goldwing riders are somewhat closed minded to other brands/ bikes.
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Over the years:
Loop frame days: "What the hell is that"? "Engines in wrong"! "That the one with flywheel hanging off the side"? "Ain't American Ain't Shit"!
850T days: "How fast will that go"? "Who makes it"? "Not very comfortable is it"? "I guess it's okay for around town". "Wanna race"?
Mille GT: Ignored by everyone unless they are into retro. Some will ask how fast it goes.
Jackal: Double take then ask is it a: Honda, Ducati, Harley, Custom Build, BMW........ or "I knew a guy that had one........."
Griso Carc: Does not matter what they ride or even if they ride always gets compliments.
C1400 days: "Damn, Thats a nice bike"! "Damn, When did Harley start making that"? "Is that the new Valkyrie"? "WTF is that"? "BMW, right"
Honestly I have only gotten serious bull from a few HD owners.
Usually I just name a place a few hundred miles away & tell them I'm heading there for lunch or dinner & I'd be honored to treat them if they want to come along. In 40+ years of riding I have not bought one meal.
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Shoot, I've taken crap from harley riders when on my Shovel.
"When are you going to buy a real bike and stop riding that antique?"
"You should stop riding that, it should be restored and parked."
One day a caravan of bikes pulled up at the gas station I used to work at. The old Shovel was parked under a tree in my personal spot. One rider exclaimed , "Look an old Knuckle", he was crestfallen when he got closer, and admonished me to "take better care of your bike, it's so ratty looking I thought it was 50 years older than it is."
I've dealership parts people laugh in my face, and refuse to even open the catalog, "We don't stock anything for that."
I have been going on the same poker run every year since '91, put on by an independent shop, whose owner I am acquainted with. I am a lone wolf rider, dislike crowds and packs of bikes(this run is very loose/non formation/non parade) . I don't hear anything negative when I'm riding either my BMW or my Bassa, (I am also kind of scary looking), and more than one compliment.
Most "real" bikers I know respect anyone who seriously rides.
I too stopped caring what others thought of me since the second grade(I was a scary looking kid, too), and that was a few years before my first Grateful Dead concert.
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As a rule, drivers in Phoenix, AZ are not aggressive.
You never drove a cab in that town. :grin: Former Yellow Cab owner/operator here. If you weren't aggressive, you didn't make money. Generally, speaking you're right. :thumb:
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While waiting on the group that was making the Batfish run in Muskogee today , met a couple of very nice HD riders in the parking lot of the museum . One of them asked how I liked my Guzzi , and mentioned that he had owned an Ambassador back in the day . Said it was his favorite motorcycle , ever :thumb: Lowryter arrived on his Greenie , they both ooohhhed and ahhhed over it .
Dusty
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Yep we've all got dozens of examples, just change the place and the circumstances and it's the same story. I wonder if the more interesting question is WHY they refuse to acknowledge more so than do we care. Harley riders seem to need to maintain a certain simmering "rage" when dragging their knuckles around in public and feel that they must act borderline (at best) anti social. It's answering the question that nobody asked so they can then dispute your view, they are different when alone. I reckon it's similar to bumping into your ex wife alone versus when you are with your partner who you replaced her with, you just have to act differently.(.and get them apart as soon as you can)
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Dunno Huzo , all of the HD riders waved today , even the ape hanger genre :shocked: In fact , most of them initiated the motion today , not unusual here in the heartland of America . Yeah , we have some antisocial HD types here , in the minority it seems .
Dusty
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My Guzzi experiences with H-D riders have almost always either positive or just ignored. Years ago I was invited by some H-D riders to a biker bar that I did not frequent. It was a nice spring evening and the front door was
proped open. As I was walking in this drunk biker looked out and said "Who the hell rides Italian shit?" Kudos that he at least knew my T-3 was Italian. Immediately another biker looked at him and said "Thats a Moto Guzzi man, shut the F*&% up. :grin:
GliderJohn
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You could include me in some of that. I usually make it a point to ignore most other riders anywhere I go. That includes kinda gruff replies if they ask questions or make comments, no matter what they are riding.
About the only kind of rider I will chat with is another Guzzi, another person on a rat bike, or someone who looks like they might need some help.
And, yes, I am a bit anti-social :)
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I wave and look at 'em in the eyes, that shames to wave back.
Better yet to wave at them on an oncoming curve when they are hanging for dear life. Then you can see a tinge of fear when they wave back.
:evil:
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As the temps drop into the mid-50s, seems like anyone on any brand bike is predisposed to wave back, or even wave first. When it begins cooling off, the weather begins to separate the fair weather riders from those who ride until the snow falls. And there seems to be some respect among all riders for those who'll put up with a bit of discomfort for the pleasure of the ride.
Bob
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^^^^^ true.
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Forgot to mention , the two HD riders from today both commented on how the new 1400 Cali looked interesting . Both were riding early 2000's Road Kings with some miles on them , and said the 1400 was on their radar as replacement bikes .
Dusty
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:thumb:
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I've never really understood this kind of thing. If I'd done a few more psychology papers maybe I would. I suspect it is all something to do with self validation through elitist grouping.
brider, I am interested in what the woman you were talking to thought of the exchange. Did she say anything about it later?
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I've never really understood this kind of thing. If I'd done a few more psychology papers maybe I would. I suspect it is all something to do with self validation through elitist grouping.
brider, I am interested in what the woman you were talking to thought of the exchange. Did she say anything about it later?
John , most high end products are marketed this way . If you aren't wearing brand A sneakers , or Brand C jeans , you are somehow personally inadequate . Don't know about NZ , but here seemingly rational people pay 30 bucks to purchase hats with the Nike logo , effectively paying to advertise for a multi-million dollar a year company that can bloody well pay for their own advertising :angry:
Dusty
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Feelings! :boozing:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic003/feel%20good_zpsbyeg2lwy.png) :rolleyes:
Upper Left hand corner.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic003/feel_zps63ombe6e.jpg) :cry:
And nuthing on TV!
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Harley riders.....
What can I say, over here they have an over inflated sense of self worth and self importance.
To the point that after 30 years of riding, I ignore them, they are too frightened to take their hands off their bars to wave , I couldn't give a fig what they think of what I ride, they just don't register anymore.
They are generally ignorance personified.
And I don't care.
If you ride and enjoy what you ride who cares.
Cheers
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Harley riders.....
What can I say, over here they have an over inflated sense of self worth and self importance.
To the point that after 30 years of riding, I ignore them, they are too frightened to take their hands off their bars to wave , I couldn't give a fig what they think of what I ride, they just don't register anymore.
They are generally ignorance personified.
And I don't care.
If you ride and enjoy what you ride who cares.
Cheers
Well said :grin:
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Harley riders.....
What can I say, over here they have an over inflated sense of self worth and self importance.
To the point that after 30 years of riding, I ignore them, they are too frightened to take their hands off their bars to wave , I couldn't give a fig what they think of what I ride, they just don't register anymore.
They are generally ignorance personified.
And I don't care.
If you ride and enjoy what you ride who cares.
Cheers
That there are those on the brand that reflect those sentiments is undoubtedly true.
Where I depart from the sometimes butt hurt here is in the estimation of percentage.
I think this is the sometimes vocal minority and not generally representative of the whole.
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You could include me in some of that. I usually make it a point to ignore most other riders anywhere I go. That includes kinda gruff replies if they ask questions or make comments, no matter what they are riding.
About the only kind of rider I will chat with is another Guzzi, another person on a rat bike, or someone who looks like they might need some help.
And, yes, I am a bit anti-social :)
That's completely fair enough, but do you have a particular reason to take that stance or is it 'cos it's always worked and I'm not being critical, just interested.
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Not all HD riders are the "poser" types.
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That's completely fair enough, but do you have a particular reason to take that stance or is it 'cos it's always worked and I'm not being critical, just interested.
Yes, it's cause I just don't like to converse with people I don't know.
That's why I don't go to many rallies or other get togethers. And, when I do I usually stay around the outside edges where there are fewer people.
Also why I usually ride alone.
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Yes, it's cause I just don't like to converse with people I don't know.
That's why I don't go to many rallies or other get togethers. And, when I do I usually stay around the outside edges where there are fewer people.
Also why I usually ride alone.
Ok Charlie, the simplest answer is usually the right one
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As the temps drop into the mid-50s, seems like anyone on any brand bike is predisposed to wave back, or even wave first. When it begins cooling off, the weather begins to separate the fair weather riders from those who ride until the snow falls. And there seems to be some respect among all riders for those who'll put up with a bit of discomfort for the pleasure of the ride.
Bob
I find this to be true in the SW corner of OH. Tonight was in the 40s and mine was the only scoot in the lot. No one to wave to on the 22 mile ride home at 12 AM.
Been in most of the mentioned situations in one form or another. I say let it go. Hell, I only half heartedly wave, if at all, if it isn't a monsoon or below 40. :cool:
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........
Jackal: Double take then ask is it a: Honda, Ducati, Harley, Custom Build, BMW........ or "I knew a guy that had one........."
Griso Carc: Does not matter what they ride or even if they ride always gets compliments........
My old Cali just confused the Harley riders over here. They start to give you a wave and then slowly realise that there's something "not quite right" :wink:
I've had more positive comments about the B11 then I ever had about the Cali
Fundamentally, the only persons' opinion about which bike I ride that I hold in much regard ..... is mine
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I sometimes snicker at the cruiser bikers dressed to kill. And some are on non HD cruisers...But most I believe are just enjoying their motorcycle...
But this "poser" stuff can be taken quite far if you like...How many 4x4 vehicles are in non snowy climates and never driven off road , Poser? What about all the Diesel PU trucks that never do any real work, owned by posers wanting to look like tough truck guys? And closer to home, what is the purpose of 100 plus HP sport bikes used on the street? Is it to pose as being a fast guy?
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I think we spend far too much time worrying about whether or not someone is a "poser".
Who cares?
I mean if someone is going around claiming they built a bike they've never turned a wrench on, or pretending to be a vet and never served, or the like, then sure it's a bit sad.
But geez, so a guy is enjoying his Harley, or race replica, or truck, or whatever, then really, unless they're being a jerk, who cares?
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I think we silent far too much time worrying about whether or not someone is a "poser".
Who cares?
I mean if someone is going around claiming they built a bike they've never turned a wrench on, or pretending to be a vet and never served, or the like, then sure it's a bit sad.
But geez, so a guy is enjoying his Harley, or race replica, or truck, or whatever, then really, unless they're being a jerk, who cares?
Exactly....
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This weekend, one of my students asked me if I liked hd. I said "No, not really." The looks from the group were of the shock, how can you say that variety. I explained what I like in a bike and why hd does not qualify. Nods of agreement ensued.
These were novices. No real riding experience, just social media hype and subliminal advertising messages from the unwashed masses to shape opinion.
My experience has been that most of the wing ding crowd are pompous a$$hats. (You see and hear a lot working in the service dept.) All makes have them in some quantity.
I ride my own ride, mostly.
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I always wave at other riders, regardless of what they are riding, and regardless of what I am riding (Vespa or Norge). Almost all riders wave back (if they did not wave first), even the vast majority of H-D riders (even in Oregon and Washington, the land of hipster Prius-driving hand-wringers!)
I think a few bad apples spoil our perception of other people that we lump into the same basket. (See what I did there? :wink:)
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"Expect the worst and you'll never be fooled." The great Willie Mays said that about baseball. The same thing with riding my Guzzi... I don't expect anything. But if a conversation I sues, it's usually with a knowledgable mototorcycle person. And it's a good conversation because they're somewhat knowledgeable. I even had a guy in a Kmart parking lot ask me if my Guzzi(1200 Sport) was a Norge!
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I generally wave at everyone except for Goldwing riders and guys with apehangers. I'd wave at the apehanger guys but I'm always afraid that they might hurt themselves if they let go of the bars.
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I think we spend far too much time worrying about whether or not someone is a "poser".
Who cares?
I mean if someone is going around claiming they built a bike they've never turned a wrench on, or pretending to be a vet and never served, or the like, then sure it's a bit sad.
But geez, so a guy is enjoying his Harley, or race replica, or truck, or whatever, then really, unless they're being a jerk, who cares?
You're right who cares. At the Ace Cafe, on the north circular, one evening this summer, loads of bikes and only 3 Guzzis. The LeMans I and the LeMans II posers refused to ackowledge me too :undecided:
Btw, this 'waving' concept is non-existent here in the UK. I'm used to it being from Canada, but had to readjust my ways here
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You're right who cares. At the Ace Cafe, on the north circular, one evening this summer, loads of bikes and only 3 Guzzis. The LeMans I and the LeMans II posers refused to ackowledge me too :undecided:
Btw, this 'waving' concept is non-existent here in the UK. I'm used to it being from Canada, but had to readjust my ways here
The wave thing doesn't work so well if you drive on the wrong side of the road like they do in England.
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We nod to each other in the UK. When I'm out on the V7 nearly every biker nods. I went for a test ride on an Indian Scout last month, and although I nodded to every biker who came toward me, none responded. I suspect they thought I was riding a Harley.
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brider, I am interested in what the woman you were talking to thought of the exchange. Did she say anything about it later?
In the interest of full disclosure: The woman did not, and has not, acknowledged my Cal II either, in the (3) times we've chatted while standing by the bikes. I dismissed this slight by the fact that her DR200 was the very first bike she's ever owned or ridden, and doesn't know SQUAT about it or any other bike, nor has she formed an opinion about any other bike. She is completely enamored by how her bike looks; she thinks it's soooooo cute, especially the $200 set of bark-busters she had the shop install. It's kind of scary, like the way she had no idea her front tire was flat, that there are people like her riding bigger, faster, and potentially more lethal projectiles that shouldn't be. Thank god she only drives 4 miles to work on back roads. So my original post was certainly not intended to defend her attitude.
It was the twit in the mini-van who amazed me, with the fervor in which he was praising the absent HD. And I'm SURE he wasn't trying to impress the woman; I sensed he was trying to impress me since he knew me (barely). How can you expect to impress anyone, in any way, when you pull up in an '89 Pontiac mini van?
I saw the woman later that day at a company all-hands meeting, and she said nothing about the morning exchange other than something about she couldn't get the bike into neutral and almost crashed it at a stop sign, and she was looking up the phone # of the dealer at that instant to call them to complain (remember, she just dropped 5-bills for a 3k tune-up, another 2-bills for her bark-busters). Imagine this person on the road on a 1200cc, 800-lb weapon.
Today: Some of the best riding weather CT has to offer: Clear 40-ish in the morning, 50's on the way home, Harley rider hasn't been seen since the beginning of October. I rode in, of course, and will continue to do so up to the threat of black ice or snow/rain.
That reminds me: There's a flyer for a Harley for sale in my bldg. 2003, I think, with like 13k miles on it, advertised as "...serviced yearly at dealer." Really? I would be worried that a dealer was tinkering with my bike every 1,000 miles. No thanks.
Last: My comment about NJ drivers was based on the observation that EVERY time I get past an incomprehensible slowdown on the local roads or highways, it's a NJ plate that's causing the jam. You can ask my wife and kids, happens every time. That's obviously an exaggeration, but every stereotype has a small basis in fact......
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Hmm, generally when I read in a thread like this one, "who cares", I interpret that as someone who really does care, but wants others to think their beyond that.
If you really thought, "who cares", or "why should you care", you would bother writing it in the first place.
I could be wrong, I am from time to time, but they again, I care, so maybe I'm biased? All good food for thought.
Or if my suggestion tics you off you can explain me away as a liberal, pink bandana wearing dreamer. As our good buddy indy Chuck would say, <shrug>
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Btw, this 'waving' concept is non-existent here in the UK. I'm used to it being from Canada, but had to readjust my ways here
This may be as much as anything else a function of population density. What is it in the UK? Something like 64 million? And that on an Island smaller in area than NZ. People start valuing personal boundaries when they are scrunched up. I mean, I'm beginning to feel the squeeze here and that with a population pushing past 4.5 million (+ about 1 million visitors a year)
When I started riding in 1966 there were very few motorcycles on the road. In fact most people still travelled by train. On the rare occasion you saw another one on the road there was always a wave. If it was traveling the same way as you as like as not you would stop for a chat.
This is not the case now in the day when every one knows someone with a motorcycle. One waves or one does not. No store is set by it nor is there an expectation.
The wave thing doesn't work so well if you drive on the wrong side of the road like they do in England.
There is that too. We, being a self respecting non Napoleonic country, still use the correct side of the road too. Back in the aforementioned 60s over here we all rode British bikes. It was rare to encounter a beastie from other lands, especially actually on the road, but they were for looking askance at and maybe poking with a stick to see if they did anything.
British bikes all had a built in throttle brake, and in those times I met few people that didn't use it. This meant a right handed wave was entirely feasible.
Not so today. I don't know off the top of my head of any machine that comes out with one as standard now. Though in fact the Guzz is the first bike I've owned without one. I find it as awkward as hell and intend to remedy that lack first thing after getting it on the road.
Speaking of which, I might just toddle out and do a bit of work on it.
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In Italy, they wave with the left leg stuck out. I thought it was cool.
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I have never understood waving to other moto riders... why would I take my hands off the bars to seek validation from some person I dont even know, speeding in opposite directions?
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Where I live, car drivers sometimes wave at each other, motorcycle riders usually do, and if two people walking pass in a parking lot, they say hello to each other. If you walk in a store and ask where something is without first saying hello to the guy working there and asking how he is, he'll probably assume you're not from the area. It's not really seeking validation, just being friendly.
Yesterday while I was on my daily bicycle ride, a group of four Harley riders passed going the other way. I waved and a couple of them waved back.
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Hmm, generally when I read in a thread like this one, "who cares", I interpret that as someone who really does care, but wants others to think their beyond that.
If you really thought, "who cares", or "why should you care", you would bother writing it in the first place.
Because I'm politely (or passive aggressively) telling you that you're a moron for bitching about _________.
That's very different than actually caring about what the morons are complaining about _______.
[emoji13]
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I have never understood waving to other moto riders... why would I take my hands off the bars to seek validation from some person I dont even know, speeding in opposite directions?
That sounds sadly cynical to me.
Why would it have to be validation, why can't it just be a polite greeting, a well wish.
I guess that's why I'm not offended on the rare occasion it's not returned, it means nothing to me.
My actions only reflect on me.
Their actions only reflect on them.
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Because I'm politely (or passive aggressively) telling you that you're a moron for bitching about _________.
That's very different than actually caring about what the morons are complaining about _______.
[emoji13]
Yebbut wow. Isn't that the very thing that turns a discussion (about ANYTHING) on a board like this from a discussion into a personal attack that are the things that the moderators should really be concerned about?
People are discussing an issue, even if it's "I like blue" "I like red" "Oh yeah? I like blue more!" ... and then someone says "You're just an idiot" or "Why don't you shut up discussing this?"
Who needs that level of control, such that they tell people to shut up about discussing a subject that they supposedly 'don't care about'?
Sounds like they may not care about the specific subject, but they DO care about telling 'morons' what to do and what not to do? That's WORSE .... :sad:
Lannis
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Lannis, if you can't tell the difference between "I like blue" and "I think _____ people suck because" than we don't need to waste our time here.
PS, a friend should tell a friend if they're being a moron.
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You're a moron :shocked:
Oh , wrong kind of bait .
Maybe we should let this one rest fellas , thanks
signed , one of the moderators .
Dusty
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I agree. Thank you. I'm surprised at it's length. Why is it important if someone notices your/my bike?
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You could include me in some of that. I usually make it a point to ignore most other riders anywhere I go. That includes kinda gruff replies if they ask questions or make comments, no matter what they are riding.
About the only kind of rider I will chat with is another Guzzi, another person on a rat bike, or someone who looks like they might need some help.
And, yes, I am a bit anti-social :)
Not antisocial in a clinical sense. You would be looking to prey on those that look like they might need some help. You're actually pretty pro-social!
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Here's one answer: "Its all about me and how great I
am look!" :huh:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic003/selfie_zpsgw12b57n.jpg)
What's the question again? :boozing:
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Living in the heart of "Harley Country" (south central Pennsylvania) where Harleys are built and rule in numbers, my experience with Harley riders and their comments has been of respect for the Moto Guzzi. That could change tomorrow, but its been good for the past 3 years of ownership.
Same here in Chicagoland. Guzzis are just so rare that everyone, even dentist weekend gay pirates on their shiny Credit Glides, stops and asks.
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I hadn't really thought of it until this thread but I realize I pay little attention to HD's.... I'm a friendly sort and I certainly have conversations as appropriate with their owners but they're as common as Subarus in a Unitarian parking lot and have become somewhat invisible to me.
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Same here in Chicagoland. Guzzis are just so rare that everyone, even dentist weekend gay pirates on their shiny Credit Glides, stops and asks.
That's not my experience in Chicagoland. I think it may depend on what kind of Guzzi. I seldom have anyone say anything to me on the Breva or v65.
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Level 1: take a few minutes to research his ride; paying particular interest to its shortcomings---electrical issues? False neutrals? Throttle lag? Then the next time he pounces, you can very politely remind him of all its problems.
Level 2: above plus, research "nicer" (i.e. more expensive) Harleys. After reminding him of the problems with his, mention that the new SoftGlideElectraFat XTR1200FreedomRider doesn't have said issues.
Level 3: above two plus arrange the conversation in front of the woman of interest. Casually remark to her that you had considered the nicer Harley, but, really it's apples and oranges, and you prefer Italian motorcycles...and food, speaking of Italian food, have you been to Luigi's?
If all else fails, just talk about his minivan. I hear men who drive minivans LOVE that.
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Sorry to say: Once they have been imprinted, they are virtual impossible, impossible, to rebrand! :lipsrsealed:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Penderic004/harley%20barbie_zps2d0kihgx.jpg)
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Harley's brand recognition / loyalty has to be envied by all marketing folks .
A co-worker and I were talking about bikes years ago . He had emigrated from Czechoslovakia about 4 years prior .
I was riding a BMW K100RT at the time . He asked me , since I had a good job and surely could afford it , why I did not ride a Harley .
I asked , " why would I " , and he said " they're the best " .
This from a guy that had not been on a bike since he was a teen on a two stroke .
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Uncle , a friend's wife made the statement that HD's are the best based on one short ride as a pillion . She had zero experience on motorbikes before or after .
Dusty
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Had a guy tell me that I "should get a real bike, like Harley." I was on my Buell S3 Thunderbolt. All I could do was walk away laughing. :grin:
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Uncle , a friend's wife made the statement that HD's are the best based on one short ride as a pillion . She had zero experience on motorbikes before or after .
Dusty
Well - if she was on the back of an Electraglide or Road Glide, it would be hard to find a more comfortable perch for a pillion. If she was on the back of an older Sportster, the orgasm she got from the vibration may have influenced her opinion :grin:
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Well - if she was on the back of an Electraglide or Road Glide, it would be hard to find a more comfortable perch for a pillion. If she was on the back of an older Sportster, the orgasm she got from the vibration may have influenced her opinion :grin:
It was one of the alphabet glides , as for the other thing , improbable :evil:
Of course this same woman questioned why so many young folks were installing motorbike engines in cars . Had to think on that for a bit , then it dawned , she was referring to the sound 4 cylinder car engines make on open exhausts . She wanted to argue that she knew they were MC motors , until the other folks present began laughing .
Dusty