"Real bike" comments

[stefrrr]

So I was looking at this picture on a friend's Facebook. (Who posts here and has one of the best bikes EVAR)


My thoughts: "Nice bike. I could ride that. Looks cool, looks comfortable, somewhat practical. It's not overly chromed out so maybe I wouldn't have to clean the bitch all the time." The usual stuff whenever I see a Harley or any cruiser that leans closer to the standard end of the scale.

Then I read: "is it yours?? you riding a real bike lol "

So this person is kidding, but seriously, comments like that... I don't want to have ANYTHING to do with people who, lols and smileys aside, actually think that anything other than a Harley is less. If I had a bike like this, people would admire it and want to compliment it. Then I might have to talk to them and stuff. Life is to short for that much smiling and nodding.

The point is, I realized that since I now own an efficient, reliable soulless Japanese fake rice/crotch rocket, "real bike" comments are what keep me from ever seriously thinking about buying a Harley. It must be the outcast rebel 16 year old in me. (emphasis on the outcast) 

[kevin_stevens]

Too bad you let other people have that much control over your life.  

KeS

[Tar Snake]

Real Bike = Whatever I ride

That's all don't worry about it. For an H-D guy it's an H-D, For us on STN those aren't real bikes, they are for pirates, posuers, yada. Real bikes have plastic and the ability to carry stuff,  On sport bike site "real" bikes are sportbikes, and so on.

Just ride whatever you like ride.

[stefrrr]

Too bad you let other people have that much control over your life.  

KeS

See, I knew that was coming. But in reality, we all let our perceptions of others and vice versa affect us daily. I realize that on a certain level it's not rational, but the appeal of bikes like this one isn't enough to balance the unappealing attitudes of most of the people who like them and ride them.

Real Bike = Whatever I ride

That's all don't worry about it. For an H-D guy it's an H-D, For us on STN those aren't real bikes, they are for pirates, posuers, yada. Real bikes have plastic and the ability to carry stuff,  On sport bike site "real" bikes are sportbikes, and so on.

Just ride whatever you like ride.

I was thinking about this earlier this week - the coolest bike there is, is the one I can go and put the key in and ride. Everything else is kind of pointless.

[black hills]

Living in the land of Harleys (specially in August ) I get this quite a bit. the usual repsonse when soneone aske me "when are you going to get a real bike" or "why don't you get a real bike" is usually a simple smile and "I was just thinking the same thing" it usually confuses them enough that I can make my excape

The best one was the lady at the biker bar all decked out in her white HD leathers. SHe turns around, runs eye level into the bug encrusted shoulder of my jacket and says:

"ew, what's all over your leathers?"
" huh?"
"what's all over your leathers?"
" um, bug guts I guess?"
"how did that happen?"

the stories are endless, but best told over cold beer

[UFO]

I'm going to pick me up one of those.

[county]

 but seriously, comments like that...

Well, they is people who say it and mean it and people who say it because they think it's funny but ultimately it is bike bragging.  Which. unless you ride an FJR, is pretty much ok.  
 
Of course the ultimate comeback is:  "Well the jerk store called and they are running out of you"  

[Giaka]

Thats a decent looking machine. I would ride it assuming it has more than 65hp.

[slvrsprint]

I like the ones who say "If you don't ride a Harley, you don't ride shit".  

[atadaskew]

Everyone knows real bikes are Moto Guzzis.

[steve.ski]

I like the ones who say "If you don't ride a Harley, you don't ride shit".  

Which apparently means that if you do ride a Harley, you are actually riding shit.

[Moto Morphin Power Ranger]

Everyone knows real bikes are Moto Guzzis.

Damn, You beat me to it

[krumgrinder]

Living in the land of Harleys (specially in August ) I get this quite a bit. the usual repsonse when soneone aske me "when are you going to get a real bike" or "why don't you get a real bike" is usually a simple smile and "I was just thinking the same thing" it usually confuses them enough that I can make my excape

With the Connie, I usually get the curious look and pause while they try to figure out which model/year BMW it is, but can't find the emblem anywhere.  Then there's the 'how big's the engine in that thing?' followed by the incredulous stare when I tell them it's 1000cc (don't ever tell them it's a 'liter-bike', or you end up explaining what the metric system is.)  The a**hats with the sarcastic remarks get the 'oh yeah? how many miles you got on yours?' or 'how many miles you go in a day?' or 'how do real bikes handle in the rain?', any of which is guaranteed to end the conversation fairly quickly after I share mine.  

[falconati]

I wish somebody would say something like this to me in person.  I don't think I've ever legitimately laughed in someone's face before, and I'd like to try it!

[Kootenanny]

The best one was the lady at the biker bar all decked out in her white HD leathers. SHe turns around, runs eye level into the bug encrusted shoulder of my jacket and says:

"ew, what's all over your leathers?"
" huh?"
"what's all over your leathers?"
" um, bug guts I guess?"
"how did that happen?"

I arrived at a Harley dealership early one morning, to get my Buell in for a small warranty repair.  As I'm parking, a guy pulls up on a big custom chopper, complete with tons of chrome and incredible paint.  I went over to look at it, and commented on how clean it was--it was immaculate!  This guy looks over at my bike, covered in bugs and road grime (note: I took a 2-day ride to get there) and says, "Well, at least yours is getting ridden!"

My point is that not all H-D riders are clueless.

(that said, I did get some interesting comments from other store patrons when I was first looking at Buells, which were often displayed in the back corner of the sales floor...many of them couldn't understand why anyone would be interested in a tiny plastic bike like that...)

[Galo]

Several years ago, I was gassing up my Trumpet and this idjot in a 883 Sportster all farkled up with the 1.5 quart leather saddlebags with rivets, him with chaps and the requisite beanie helmet idles up to refuel his bike.....all of 1.3 gallons or whatever pittance of fuel it gets full with.  

But I digress. He shuts his bike off, I nod a greeting and of course he ignores my greeting. After ignoring my greeting, he sorta ambles up too me as I'm still pumping fuel and asks the question; 'so, when are u gonna get a real bike?'

I look at him with a rather blank look on my face, because that was the last thing I expected from a Sportster rider. A Fat Boy rider, maybe, but an 883 rider?
So, quite off the cuff, I say something like 'I'm sorry.....a real bike, as in what?'
Pirate: ' As in this -a Harley!'
Me: 'I'm sorry, but......do you know how many horsepower that bike has?'
Pirate: 'Ahhh...uhhhh....lots! It's a Harley!'
Me: 'Really?  Well, lemme enlighten you:  that thing has 47 horsepower. Mine has 118. If I had a bike with 47 horsepower, I would put training wheels on it.'

End of discussion. Pirate was not happy.
 

[Big D]

I usually say...

"I had one, it was fun. I'm just too much of a performance junky."

They generally don't know how to respond.

[M]

I ride with fellow cyclists that could care less what I ride. Whether I throw my leg over a Ninja 250 or a Yamaha Roadliner, I'm still the same rider.

[Kraz]

Me: 'I'm sorry, but......do you know how many horsepower that bike has?'
Pirate: 'Ahhh...uhhhh....lots! It's a Harley!'
Me: 'Really?  Well, lemme enlighten you:  that thing has 47 horsepower. Mine has 118. If I had a bike with 47 horsepower, I would put training wheels on it.'

         

GAWD do I love a good Harley bashing...

I did see a very nice Road King in DC last weekend that I REALLLLLY liked though.  
...then something like 20 minutes later as I was walking the other way some D-bag gets on it and starts buttoning up a week little leather vest.

The biggest reason I wouldn't buy that Road King is price... after that's it's b/c I'm a skinny little shit who doesn't want to dress like a toolbox, and couldn't pull it off even if I did.

[Open Sore]

Then I read: "is it yours?? you riding a real bike lol "

So this person is kidding, but seriously, comments like that... I don't want to have ANYTHING to do with people who, lols and smileys aside, actually think that anything other than a Harley is less. If I had a bike like this, people would admire it and want to compliment it. Then I might have to talk to them and stuff. Life is to short for that much smiling and nodding.

The point is, I realized that since I now own an efficient, reliable soulless Japanese fake rice/crotch rocket, "real bike" comments are what keep me from ever seriously thinking about buying a Harley. It must be the outcast rebel 16 year old in me. (emphasis on the outcast) 

If you like a bike, but don't ever experience it, because you don't want to be lumped in with a group of people who own that bike, you're doing yourself a great dis-service.  Don't let pride get between you and something you are interested in.  Not saying you have the desire to purchase a HD.  My point is, if you never own a Harley, it shouldn't be because your thinking about other peoples perception of you.

The thing is, you can always buck the trend.  You can ride a HD, wearing textile waterproof gear, put miles on it.  The other choice is you can get a Japanese cruiser that might be what you're looking for,

[Paintman]

Ahh the invasion begins as Blackhills said this time of yr the comments never stop i took my Granson out for his first ride with me today we did the Pig tails and Custer state park. he was having a ball when we were stopped getting water about 9 bikes pulled up and one of them asked him having fun he said yup . he said your granpa should get a bike like mine, wit hout skipping  a beat he said and i Quote My granpa isnt old to get one like yours and he rides hes alot lol i Almost fell over we took off and had 170 mile ride hes hooked. i dont care what you ride or who you are its all about enjoying your self and today was a great day with my granson.

[peacemaker24]

I got one of those just the other day.  Dude looked at the F3, scratched his head, and asked: "So, when are you gonna get with it, and get a real bike?"  

I started in about how I actually do own a Harley, and the damned thing's a POS, presently in need of a transmission, blah blah blah.  He looked at me crosseyed, and said, "Nah, man, I meant something modern!  That dinosaur you're riding's still got a steel frame!  Weighs more than a modern literbike!"  

"Oh,"  I said.  

~~~Jesse

[Big D]

I got one of those just the other day.  Dude looked at the F3, scratched his head, and asked: "So, when are you gonna get with it, and get a real bike?"  

I started in about how I actually do own a Harley, and the damned thing's a POS, presently in need of a transmission, blah blah blah.  He looked at me crosseyed, and said, "Nah, man, I meant something modern!  That dinosaur you're riding's still got a steel frame!  Weighs more than a modern literbike!"  

"Oh,"  I said.  

~~~Jesse

Now that's funny!

[black hills]

I occasionally ride with a guy who has a turbo charged street glide (?) whenever I have to wait for him at the end of a twisty section the first thing out of his mouth is always "geez Mike, you gotta remeber I'm riding farm equipment here, give me a break"

[fastdadio]

The best one was the lady at the biker bar all decked out in her white HD leathers. SHe turns around, runs eye level into the bug encrusted shoulder of my jacket and says:

"ew, what's all over your leathers?"
" huh?"
"what's all over your leathers?"
" um, bug guts I guess?"
"how did that happen?"

the stories are endless, but best told over cold beer  

This one just sums it all up. That was and is so true. I kind of feel sorry for someone that would buy a bike just to gain acceptance to a particular social group. "Sorry about your identity crissis there dood" I feel the same way about cowboy hats. I'm an old guy that rides a Sportster ATGATT. I dont fit in anywhere. FYYFF I have enough friends anyway.

[sammyseaman]

This thread is all kinds of

[scottzilla]

None of this stuff would happen if you folks just bought real bikes.

[jfurf]

I've never gotten a single bit of shit from any Harley rider since I started riding two years ago. I suspect it has to do with where I live. Here in A-Town, we do have tons of H-Ds, but they have to co-exist with the BMW dorks  , the squids on clapped-out ZX-6s and the black m/c clubs on Busas (my personal favorite)... so I think they tend not to give others too much shit.

It's probably way different in Oklahoma or Indiana or South Dakota where virtually everyone is on a Harley.

[atadaskew]

I like to ask people riding Honda Reflexes, Yamaha Zumas, Suzuki Burgmans etc  when they are going to get a real scooter.

[Skee]

So when are you going to get a real bike?

[atadaskew]

So when are you going to get a real bike?

I already had a Guzzi.

[photomd]

I already had a Guzzi.

Skee's just frustrated he doesn't have an FJR....  

[Dan K]

I hope that grandkid got a giant bowl full of icecream or something good for that outburst...awesome.

- Dan

Ahh the invasion begins as Blackhills said this time of yr the comments never stop i took my Granson out for his first ride with me today we did the Pig tails and Custer state park. he was having a ball when we were stopped getting water about 9 bikes pulled up and one of them asked him having fun he said yup . he said your granpa should get a bike like mine, wit hout skipping  a beat he said and i Quote My granpa isnt old to get one like yours and he rides hes alot lol i Almost fell over we took off and had 170 mile ride hes hooked. i dont care what you ride or who you are its all about enjoying your self and today was a great day with my granson.

[jay547]

It's probably way different in Oklahoma or Indiana or South Dakota where virtually everyone is on a Harley.

most riders bike owners here in oklahoma are on harleys but they generally seem pretty cool about other brands. i've never once had one ask me when i was going to get a real bike. but maybe it's because i ride a 20 year-old standard/naked and they don't have a clue what it is?

i'm waiting for one of them to ask me so i can reply with, "i don't have enough money for a ducati."

[J-Mac]

Real what, slow...

 

[jhawk]

I can't remember getting any "Real bike" comments from other bike riders  

.... just from bike sales people.... needless to say, they lost the sales  

[K2D2]

When I get that, I usually ask them where theirs is.  Its either in the garage, or in the shop.

Then the see the Triumph logo and they all start reminiscing about the past.   Remember your roots!

[TRaGiK]

I was at a chicken wing joint one night. As I was next to my bike gearing up to leave, a "biker" dressed in the full pirate setup yells across the parking lot, "Get rid of that jap crap and get yourself a real bike!".

He then proceeded to walk to his minivan, get in, and leave.

I couldn't say anything, as I was too busy pointing and laughing.

[ConPilot1]

I was at a chicken wing joint one night. As I was next to my bike gearing up to leave, a "biker" dressed in the full pirate setup yells across the parking lot, "Get rid of that jap crap and get yourself a real bike!".

He then proceeded to walk to his minivan, get in, and leave.

I couldn't say anything, as I was too busy pointing and laughing.

I had that happen one fine sunny day 2 miles from where I passed a pickup truck with an HD sticker in the back window.
Truck caught me at a stop light and the shotgun-riding biker skank started yelling obscenities and "Get a real bike" out the window at me.

'course that happens here sometimes too but what are you going to do?

[greywolf]

As an owner of 3 Harleys and an FJR , I can tell you the Fatboy pictured is a comfy scooter,  I think if you want a standard type you'd be happier with a Dyna as they handle better ..like the Fat Bob.

The "Real Bike"  comment is an old one , ignore it .   When I ride my FJR I always say to myself what a vastly superior bike it is to my Street Glide.  I still love my HD , it is a comfortable , reliable friend and much better for 2 up.  

What's REAL is what You ride , not what anybody else thinks

[maddjack]

tell them this is a Real Bike



then tell them,I ride motorcycles, not bikes

[FiremanBob]

Harlidiots sometimes ask why I didn't buy a Harley. I tell them it's because I wanted a motorcycle.

[Windblown]

I follow some age old advice when faced with ignorance. I just consider the source and therefore the stray comment has no bearing on me one way or the other. I might recall it for amusement purposes but that's about all. Like the time a guy in a Honda Civic with a Harley decal in the window sneered out his window "You should've bought a real bike". The irony of that always brings a smile to my face.

Or take the typical gas station conversation started by someone who doesn't ride (usually).

Stranger: "Nice bike, How fast is it?"  

Me: "*Shrug* Fast enough to get me in trouble if I don't watch myself."  

Stranger: "Yeah, but what's the top end?"

Me: "It's tops out around (Insert estimated top speed depending the bike I'm on).

Stranger: "Yeah? Well my (insert relative) has a (insert model) that will do (Insert impossible speed claim)".

Me: "Really? That's nice." (End conversation)

[oremike]

I've not had any harassment from H/D riders away from large metro areas, out there it's the same wind for all of us. In town is where I find the wanna-beez that feel the need to hassle me. I just tell them to fire up their scoot and lets go for a ride then you tell me if this is a real motorcycle or not, usually that's greeted with "mines in the shop/garage/living room getting a new transmission/motor/clutch" or something.  I try to respond with something friendly like when you get it running let's go for a ride and I'll buy you lunch in Winnamucca (or some other place 400 miles away) some Saturday afternoon. The worst wanna-beez are the ones that get their H/D attire at Wally World and don't even own a bike usually because "my wife/girl friend/mom won't let me". < shrug> I just zip up my power ranger suit and ride on.

[black hills]

The worst wanna-beez are the ones that get their H/D attire at Wally World and don't even own a bike usually because "my wife/girl friend/mom won't let me". < shrug> I just zip up my power ranger suit and ride on.

I need to carry a camera more often. Last year during the rally I stopped at the local biker bar (my usual spot). and witnessed 6 "bikers" piling out of a minivan in the parking lot. All were decked out with vests, chaps, sunglasses, fingerless gloves, etc. One even had a nazi helmet. I was wating for the comment as I took off my helmet but none of them said anything? Once inside they were all "hard core riders"  

[Galo]

I need to carry a camera more often. Last year during the rally I stopped at the local biker bar (my usual spot). and witnessed 6 "bikers" piling out of a minivan in the parking lot. All were decked out with vests, chaps, sunglasses, fingerless gloves, etc. One even had a nazi helmet. I was wating for the comment as I took off my helmet but none of them said anything? Once inside they were all "hard core riders"  

Six guys climbing out of a minivan....it's not ezzzactly like they can say much now, can they? That would be living very dangerously indeed.....

[bomber]

When folks ask me what kind of bike I ride, I have taken to saying, "The best kind."

When the quizzical response is given, I continue,"its paid for."

Further questions are generally not forthcoming.

[black hills]

Six guys climbing out of a minivan....it's not ezzzactly like they can say much now, can they? That would be living very dangerously indeed.....

I had my response ready: I was simply going to fall to the ground laughing my ass off.

[Skee]

Skee's just frustrated he doesn't have an FJR....  

Now that is a real bike!  

It really doesn't matter much to me what you ride; it's more like when, where & how you ride that counts.

I've seen scooter riders in Naples pilot their bikes with the skill of a GP racer.  (Takes more guts than I have.)

I'm tired of hearing that question - except as a humorous poke.  

Someday, I hope to own a "real bike", one with no plastic on it, all metal & chrome, 'cept it'll probably take too much effort to keep it clean, except for short rides on perfect days, so I'll have to trailer it to shows, because it's some seriously bad-assed chopper that's almost totally unsafe to ride.  Yeah, I'd like to own something like that.  Or a CBRR

[black hills]

With the influx of rally goers on the road and the fact I am heading 300miles east tonight and back in the morning I expect at least a couple gas stops will result in this question
Of course I'll have repsonses prepared so it should be fun

[atadaskew]

The real "Real" bike list:

Real bike : Moto Guzzi
Real cruiser/touring bike:  Harley
Real sport bike: Ducati
Real dirt bike: KTM
Real scooter : Vespa
Real disposable bike : Any Honda/Kawasaki/Suzuki/Yamaha...

Just accept it and move on.  
Sheesh.

 

[Dan K]

I need to carry a camera more often. Last year during the rally I stopped at the local biker bar (my usual spot). and witnessed 6 "bikers" piling out of a minivan in the parking lot. All were decked out with vests, chaps, sunglasses, fingerless gloves, etc. One even had a nazi helmet. I was wating for the comment as I took off my helmet but none of them said anything? Once inside they were all "hard core riders"  

Hey, maybe they were going to have a whole bunch of beers and knew it would be safer not to ride the bikes / have a designated driver?  You never know...I try not to assume...

- Dan

[stefrrr]

When folks ask me what kind of bike I ride, I have taken to saying, "The best kind."

When the quizzical response is given, I continue,"its paid for."

Further questions are generally not forthcoming.

I'm going to use that.  

[bomber]

I'm going to use that.  

It is my pleasure to serve.

;-}

[JIMLARCH]

So I was looking at this picture on a friend's Facebook. (Who posts here and has one of the best bikes EVAR)


My thoughts: "Nice bike. I could ride that. Looks cool, looks comfortable, somewhat practical. It's not overly chromed out so maybe I wouldn't have to clean the bitch all the time." The usual stuff whenever I see a Harley or any cruiser that leans closer to the standard end of the scale.

Then I read: "is it yours?? you riding a real bike lol "

So this person is kidding, but seriously, comments like that... I don't want to have ANYTHING to do with people who, lols and smileys aside, actually think that anything other than a Harley is less. If I had a bike like this, people would admire it and want to compliment it. Then I might have to talk to them and stuff. Life is to short for that much smiling and nodding.

The point is, I realized that since I now own an efficient, reliable soulless Japanese fake rice/crotch rocket, "real bike" comments are what keep me from ever seriously thinking about buying a Harley. It must be the outcast rebel 16 year old in me. (emphasis on the outcast) 

The guy made a comment which was likely meant to be facetious on his part.  Why be so sensitive about it?  In the scale of things who really cares about people making comments regarding different bikes!

[Grnarrowe]

It is my pleasure to serve.

;-}

I'll have a Bacon Double Cheesburger, Onion Rings and a Diet Coke, kthx.  

[Playinthestreet]

That diet coke is gonna do you a lotta good

[birdrunner]

My response is usually humerous such as, "I'm not fat enough yet for chrome plated ass jewelery".
One jerk got asked when he would be a real man and race me for pinks.   He shut up.

I haven't had that question in a while,  and as mentioned earlier, the farther from a town you are, the less likely you're to hear it.


Most H.D riders ask seriously if my bike is comfortable,  and I'm generally happy to explain why it is.

[Mr.Black]

Steff, The guy and I used to ride together back in the club days. Nice old man. He said when he first saw the Bandit "Hey, that's not a Harley" I replied "I know, I didn't like the way the Harley made me act like something I wasn't like a bad-ass so I went back to my I4 roots." He understood and that was that. Ride what you have. As you said, now I have the best bike EVAR!!!!!

[bikerpunk]

Years ago my Wife and I were at Willville on the tail end of a motorcycle camping trip.  She was on her 01' Electraglide and I was on my 03' wing.  We're hanging around the campfire with this group of pirates drinking a couple of cold ones when one of the pirates asks "So who's riding the real bike?"  I tell him that since they're all riding Harleys I'll assume that they want to know who's riding the Glide.  I tell them she is and then I address the "real bike" comment.  I ask old boy how come his Harley is a real bike and my wing is not when it makes more horse power, more torque, handles better & stops faster.  He had no answer, so I go a step further.  I tell him to pull his bike out to the road to see which bike is the real bike.  I lay out the race rules like this.  "We'll run down the highway to town, and just to make it fair I'll hitch up my cargo trailer and pull it behind me, and you can put the fattest girlfriend you ever had on with me and I'll still bust your ass."  It got real quiet around the campfire.  Oh yeah, and no takers on the race.  

[Kootenanny]

I haven't had that question in a while,  and as mentioned earlier, the farther from a town you are, the less likely you're to hear it.

Most H.D riders ask seriously if my bike is comfortable,  and I'm generally happy to explain why it is.

It's true, I dunno if I've ever actually been asked when I'm gonna get a "real bike."  But, I don't live in an urban centre.  I have had a few snide comments directed at my Buell, but these were inevitably from riders visiting the area from away (and, not surprisingly, I get them from both sides of the fence--both sportbikers and the cruiser crowd).  

As for the "comfort question," yes there are a lot of cruiser riders who seem convinced that anything other than a couch on whee--er, cruiser, isn't worth riding.  I think this is ofen the viewpoint of people who have never ridden bikes other than cruisers--they won't even bother to try, because their assumption is that all "sporty" bikes are uncomfortable.  This is one reason I like to do demo rides, and why I make it a point to ride other types of bikes (cruisers, heavy tourers, maxi-scooters) if/when I have the chance; how can I have an opinion without any experience?

[birdrunner]

It's true, I dunno if I've ever actually been asked when I'm gonna get a "real bike."  But, I don't live in an urban centre.  I have had a few snide comments directed at my Buell, but these were inevitably from riders visiting the area from away (and, not surprisingly, I get them from both sides of the fence--both sportbikers and the cruiser crowd).  

If you'd ever slow down enough for me to catch you,  I'd ask you about getting a real bike.

[psyco1]

When on the KLR, I say something like the only real bikes do street AND dirt. On the ZX6, I usually say why settle for that when you can get an unreal bike.

[badcat]

I have only been asked this question one time and I don't think the idiot that asked me will ever pose the question to any one else ever again...    He said to me, and I quote, "If you save yer pennies, you could buy a real bike." Of course this asshat was driving a clapped out POS pickup truck and had all the trappings, HD tshirt, HD wallet and chain, HD belt buckle, but probably didn't even have a bike. I lit into him and informed him that my choice of ride (at the time a brand new Triumph Sprint ST) had nothing to do with money, I could have purchased a "real bike" if I wanted to. I let him know I didn't chose an HD because they were fat, slow and weren't worth the money in my opinion. Not to mention you can't swing a dead cat where I live without hitting an HD parked in a garage or at a bar.    He was fairly shell shocked at my reaction, which is why I don't think he ever asked anyone else about their choice of motorcycle. If you want a HD, fine. Ride whatever you want, don't be talking smack about it. Just ignore me like all the other HD riders do.

[black hills]

Hey, maybe they were going to have a whole bunch of beers and knew it would be safer not to ride the bikes / have a designated driver?  You never know...I try not to assume...

- Dan

Nah, I knew two of them, the don't even ride

[Galo]

Nah, I knew two of them, the don't even ride

 
You could follow up the sighting with a visit to the two guys you know to 'see their new Hardleys'.  If they begin to  stammer 'no new Hardley', all you need to say is 'but wait, I saw you on X date eating at the Y diner, and you were all decked out in Hardley gear.....was that just you posing?'

They will never do it again.  

[Fourstring]

... and you can put the fattest girlfriend you ever had on with me and I'll still bust your ass."  It got real quiet around the campfire.  

Well, they probably had to compile a list.

[black hills]

  
You could follow up the sighting with a visit to the two guys you know to 'see their new Hardleys'.  If they begin to  stammer 'no new Hardley', all you need to say is 'but wait, I saw you on X date eating at the Y diner, and you were all decked out in Hardley gear.....was that just you posing?'

They will never do it again.  

It's typical behavior of the locals here. During the rally everyone is a biker, during the stock show everyone is a cowboy, etc. Easiest just to ignore the idiots.

[Papa Lazarou]

I have a real bike

[bluepoof]

It's funny.  I grew up in Milwaukee and have been back there on bikes multiple times.  I've never gotten a single comment from a Harley rider like that.

I do, however, get those comments all the time about my small displacement bikes.  Every time I ride the XT on more than a day ride, I get some comment about getting a "real" bike or "moving up to a real bike".  Amusingly, I also get comments about the XT at the dirt park about it being too BIG and how I should get a "real dirtbike".  The poor XT gets no respect!

[jay547]

we sort of had one yesterday. we were doing a route 66 ride and we had to stop at wal-mart to get a memory card for my camera. as we were getting back on, a girl walking through the parking lot yelled, "you should buy my harley softail, have more fun!" i just said, "that's allright" and got on my bike. we noticed she had a "for sale" sign in her car window too. we figured she needed more meth money - she probably weighed about 105 pounds and looked really rough.

[Biking Sailor]

"we noticed she had a "for sale" sign in her car window too. we figured she needed more meth money - she probably weighed about 105 pounds and looked really rough."

  Should have yelled back that she needed to save her money for dentures!

[ScottysB12]

The real "Real" bike list:

Real bike : Moto Guzzi
Real cruiser/touring bike:  Harley
Real sport bike: Ducati
Real dirt bike: KTM
Real scooter : Vespa
Real DEPENDABLE bike : Any Honda/Kawasaki/Suzuki/Yamaha...

Just accept it and move on.  
Sheesh.

 

[HappyRiding]

One of my patients said to me, "You've got a pretty good job, Couldn't you afford a Harley?" I told him that I probably could but it would be a shame to ride one of those shiny beauties thousands of miles in all kinds of weather and not stop for maintenance.

[stevent]

See if you guys actually HAD a Real Bike this sort of thing wouldn't bother you so much..................

[Mr.Black]

OK. Lets close the door on this.
This is my old HD.

The guy in the back row left is me and the little guy in the front row with the funny colored glasses is the guy that made the comment to me on FB.


We all have a past. The Harleys have come a long way but they are still old tech that really smell bad are loud and make the people that ride them (most, not all) feel they are something they are not and never will be.

Somebody thinks this is pretty.

I think it is extremely silly looking. I'll bash these uglies all day long.

Any questions?

[blueridgerider]

I don't need a "real bike" because the last people I would want to hang out with are "real bikers."

[black hills]

I don't need a "real bike" because the last people I would want to hang out with are "real bikers."

Actually I have several friends who would be considered "real bikers" and they are pretty interesting. One rode from San Fransisco to Atlanta and back on a rigid chopper in 1970. I think that is probably a tougher ride than most of us here ever make? While it is fun to pick on them there are a few who are real riders, wierd thing is they never comment on what I ride

[badcat]

Actually I have several friends who would be considered "real bikers" and they are pretty interesting. One rode from San Fransisco to Atlanta and back on a rigid chopper in 1970. I think that is probably a tougher ride than most of us here ever make? While it is fun to pick on them there are a few who are real riders, wierd thing is they never comment on what I ride

I too have known some "real bikers" and this is true, they generally don't give a crap what you ride. It's usually the posers that do all the trash talking.

[black hills]

One of them had a few too many one night and I gave him a ride home on my CBR, he was pretty impressed with it! He said he couldn't ride one as his HD is fast enough for him and he would kill himself with a bike that "worked that good".
It is fun to pick on the poseurs though

[blueridgerider]

Actually I have several friends who would be considered "real bikers" and they are pretty interesting. One rode from San Fransisco to Atlanta and back on a rigid chopper in 1970. I think that is probably a tougher ride than most of us here ever make? While it is fun to pick on them there are a few who are real riders, wierd thing is they never comment on what I ride

There are "real bikers" and there are real bikers.

[cyclopathic]

I don't want to have ANYTHING to do with people who, lols and smileys aside, actually think that anything other than a Harley is less.

The point is, I realized that since I now own an efficient, reliable soulless Japanese fake rice/crotch rocket, "real bike" comments are what keep me from ever seriously thinking about buying a Harley.

get those alot (last time from LEO at Bishop)..
LEO: You rode this thing all way from Michigan?
me: no we are from Maryland
.....
LEO: how many days have you been on the road?
me: what day is it officer?
......
me: 17?
LEO: how many miles a day? (he actually rides bikes)
me: ~500, give or take

LEO: why don't you get a Harley?
me: ??

Funny how those not considering anyting less then Milwakee Iron as "real bike" happily drive Toyotas on daily basis.

truth is that when you get far out of the urban areas overwhelming majority of bikes on road are cruisers. For every ST/Wing we've seen at least 3 Harleys.

[Papa Lazarou]

There's a few bits missing on your map.

Make em red and THEN talk to us about being a real biker  

[OVD]

For every ST/Wing we've seen at least 3 Harleys.

??? I see at least 20 or more Harleys (or other cruisers) to 1 (one) ST/standard/even sport bike here in Cinci.

[Geoff]

Too bad you let other people have that much control over your life.

Ain't that the truth. Sounds too sensitive.

[FJRmgm]

But in reality, we all let our perceptions of others and vice versa affect us daily.

Now that is one of the few good things about getting older - no you don't...

[KeithB]

Tell them that Sonny Barger won't even buy a Harley... read his book.  He has nothing good to say about them.  He rides a Victory now.

[atadaskew]

Tell them that Sonny Barger won't even buy a Harley... read his book.  He has nothing good to say about them.  He rides a Victory now.

Yes.  He got it for $1 (no jokes) from Arlen Ness as a p.r. deal to make Victories seem more acceptable to real bikers..

I'd also buy a Victory if it was $1...

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-sonny-barger-20100706,0,5539601.story

After half a century riding Harley-Davidsons, Barger — an Army veteran who was raised during World War II and taught to buy American — now straddles a bike from a different U.S. manufacturer: A 2008 Victory Vision he purchased for $1 from legendary custom builder Arlen Ness.