The Almighty Harley Rider

[JimV]

First, to GunMD: A great bit of satire.

Secondly, I mostly ride around Washington east of Seattle, places like the Snohomish valley. I'm also surprised to hear that Wingers have a reputation for not waving. In my experience almost all Wingers wave. Harley guys for the most part wave here too. Even the no gear, no shirt, non-DOT half helmet one yesterday.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[yamaholic]

I have a simple rule for waving.

If you have a helmet on, I'll wave. No helmet, no wave. Doesn't matter what they ride. Although I'll take this exception to this on occasion if the non-helmeted rider is adamant about waving at me.

Anyone ever have cars wave at them? Seems like I get that a lot from S2000's, Vette's, and Subaru WRX's. Prolly 'cuz they also ride. Speaking of which, MY GOD I want an S2000!!!!

 

[Tilly]

Hey Tucson, is it still legal to carry a side arm in AZ? If so, it's O.K. to pull over and assist the H-D guys since you then can compare firearms.

 

[TucsonFJR]

I appreciate everybody's input. I had no idea it was such a hot topic. I can see that we pretty much have the same ideas about waving. Let's all remember that it's us (bikes) against them (cagers). Let's try to look out for each other. And yes, I do wave all the time, and stop whenever I can to help, no matter what bike I'm on. See ya on the battlefield.

 

[DrEvil777]

I grew up in Tucson and that was where I learned to ride!

For the most part, nice people but alot changes over 20 years.

I try to wave to most riders, sport or HD. Just trying to be friendly.

I stop for stopped bikes, regardless of brand.

I will keep waving regardless. I think of it as road karma - and we all need some good karma on the road

 

[Toynut]

Funny thing is that most Harley riders know how to wave quiet well!

Ever see them try to get a bartenders attention! :drinks:

 

[deanw]

I have a simple rule for waving. 
If you have a helmet on, I'll wave.  No helmet, no wave.  Doesn't matter what they ride.  Although I'll take this exception to this on occasion if the non-helmeted rider is adamant about waving at me.

That was my rule when I lived in Colorado (no helmet law), and applied to sportbikers and cruisers.

As far as needing your left hand to wave, or being scared to take your hand off the bar- isn't that what the bitc^H^H^H^Hpillion is for- to wave for you?

If I see a bike stopped, I look at the situation and determine if a stop might be prudent. A rider standing there looking baffled, or looking at his bike, probably I should stop. Six bikes stopped, and it's halfway between Barstuck's and the local bar*, that's just a normal bunch of RUBbers going for a ride.

*You know the one I mean- the bar that caters to Rugged Individualists (as long as they wear a protest beanie, do-rag, t-shirt, optional vest, jeans, sunglasses, fingerless gloves, and boots, all endorsed by and bearing the logo of the Motor Company).

 

[yanktar]

I have a simple rule for waving.
If you have a helmet on, I'll wave. No helmet, no wave. Doesn't matter what they ride. Although I'll take this exception to this on occasion if the non-helmeted rider is adamant about waving at me.

Anyone ever have cars wave at them? Seems like I get that a lot from S2000's, Vette's, and Subaru WRX's. Prolly 'cuz they also ride. Speaking of which, MY GOD I want an S2000!!!!

No SLKs??? I have an SLK320 with the 6 spd. A guy here has the S2000. The S2000 is a little faster and lighter, but the SLK320 is a heckuva lot more comfortable to ride in! Also that clamshell roof beats a rag-top ANYDAY--especially in the winter!

 

[galxy5]

sooo... deanw

I guess you get all your riding gear from wallmart ,,,

with no logos or styling points on them ,,

and your FEEJER has all the FJR1300 stickers and tuning fork labels removed,,

see how stereo typical you are,,

I come from a long line of HD/Indian bikes,, we all ride for some type of individualisim,, and the love of the road ,,, you might wear loafers with little tassels on them with button down oxford shirts to work ,, but once in your riding gear you are "A BIKER" to the cagers,,

I do not judge you by your narrow view of what people wear ,, you judge yourself ,, look in your garage and decide why you have an FJR ,, is it because it's kool to own a bike that few know what it is?? or because it performs like no other bike I have ever owned ,, fast as hell,, comfortable for hours on the road,, flicks over into curves and feels like riding on ,,, yes I'll say it ,, a rail ,,

so go to you closet and begin removing your labels ,,

 

[deanw]

I guess you get all your riding gear from wallmart ,,, with no logos or styling points on them ,,

I typically wear a conspicuity vest over my gear, so the one logo on the jacket is covered up. I put a reflective sticker over the helmet logo, and black out the embroidered logo on my gloves. When they offer to pay me, I'll think about advertising for them.

and your FEEJER has all the FJR1300 stickers and tuning fork labels removed

You mean, like this?

There is still a YAMA peeking out of the footshield, but you have to be looking for it. Anyway, see above- I paid them to ride what I want. If they want to provide me with a bike, or send me monthly royalties, I might consider advertising for them.

I come from a long line of HD/Indian bikes,, we all ride for some type of individualisim,, and the love of the road ,,, you might wear loafers with little tassels on them with button down oxford shirts to work ,, but once in your riding gear you are "A BIKER" to the cagers,,

Ride what you want- I do. I ride because I like the experience, not because I hope someone will notice how cool I look while I happen to be sitting on a motorcycle, in the middle of a pack of my 100 closest friends. My "individualism" is expressed by going riding, by myself, typically on roads where hopefully, nobody will see me, and I won't have to see them. Maybe you need to spend a couple years teaching new riders to truly loathe that mindset- continually hearing that people are buying a HD because they want to look bad-***, worried about putting as many as a thousand miles a year on their bike going to various runs and meets where they can be seen.

If someone rides, good for them. If they like to pretend at being a bad-*** and that happens to involve owning a HD (because there is only one true motorcycle), we have nothing to talk about. One of my best friends rides a '62 Panhead, 12" over springer front end, suicide shift of course. He digs my sportbike and dual purpose bike, but still sticks with "The *****".

But you're right- the typical person can't tell the difference. They're quite happy to tell me how dangerous bikes are because someone in a beanie & T-shirt got drunk and smeared themselves all over the interstate last week.

Don't get me wrong, btw- I hate T-shirt & shorts wearing squids as much, if not more.

Then again, while I religiously go to Laguna Seca each summer, I have no interest in Sturgis. Went to Disney once, don't get it. Absolutely zero interest in Las Vegas, so I'm just a freak, I guess.

 

[Toecutter]

I have no interest in Sturgis. Went to Disney once, don't get it. Absolutely zero interest in Las Vegas, so I'm just a freak, I guess.

Hey, me too. Since getting the FJR, I often find myself taking the long way for a change. That has been a real paradigm shift. I can't imagine stopping at a bar, either. Much less going to a 'rally'. I do like stopping to eat once in a while. The true bikers on their way to and from their socials do make great slalom posts though. Everybody has a purpose, I guess. BTW, my bike has also been de-badged, but not as extensively as yours.

 

[galxy5]

deanw

I think you missed my point,,

and I ride because it feels good ,, I never rode because I wanted people to think I'm kool or a bad *** ,, although I am kool and a bad *** ,, the Navy taught me that ,,

seriously ,, everyone has many reasons for riding ,, I am living a dream I have had since I was 9 years old when my uncles and father rode Indians and Harleys ,, dirt track racing ,, and touring ,, I do not make any distinction between styles of riding ,, as long as you enjoy your experience and are not endangering others on the road ,, yes I think squids of all kinds should be roped and tied ,, and wearing shorts and tank tops on sport bikes is just stupid,, I am not trying to change your mind,, I just have a different take on what people wear ,, or what they ride ,, it has no effect on how I view them ,, as people having fun ,, I like Hot Rods and Customs ,, don't much like the new boxes ,, I have Tattoos (began getting them before they became mainstreem) ,, and listen to rock n roll n blues

btw I have put on over 7500 miles since May 28th riding alone ,,no passenger,, and about 130 miles last week trying to hook up a couple of riders going to EOM ,,

I am a loner ,, I get a Zen like feeling from riding ,, trying to be at peace with myself ,,

as I said ,, I am living my dream,, I hope you are also

 

[Centerline]

I wave whenever I can. If the other biker doesn't; it is not my problem. Stop to offer aid to bikers looking like they are tending a broken ride.

 

[yamaholic]

No SLKs??? I have an SLK320 with the 6 spd. A guy here has the S2000. The S2000 is a little faster and lighter, but the SLK320 is a heckuva lot more comfortable to ride in! Also that clamshell roof beats a rag-top ANYDAY--especially in the winter!

Nice! Very, very nice! I actually just broke down last week and got an older MR2 Turbo (black, t-tops, near mint,45K miles!) Can you say "WOW! Or rather "Wooooshh!". Could not justify the S as I just bought a new 4runner earlier this year. If you read up on the S2000's, you'll find they are kinda weak in "holding up to abuse" category. Clutches and diffs are expecially weak. That's a major turnoff to me. I'm very sure I could dust an S2000 without trying very hard..way more torque and way more potential on the turbo version for upgrades.

Now the SLK is a perfect blend of comfort, performance, looks, and functionality. I was amazed to how smooth and quiet they are at speed! I assume it's a keeper? I can imagine the clamshell is the biz!!!

Oh, and yes, I waved to another MR2 yesterday! See, I'm still on topic!

 

[sparky3008]

FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS RIDE HARLEY DAVIDSON

My brother-n-law has a soft tail that he loves. Good for him. He bought it because he said of all the bikes he sat on the HD fit him best. Of course he wishes he had more power and is looking at doing it this winter. He is in Colorado and owns his own Tractor-trailer business. Most of his friends ride HD's and I tend to think that is more the reason he bought it. I have rented and ridden many HD's over the years and the experience has never made me want to run out and spend $17000 on a bike that still needed more.

As a kid HD was what I always wanted and many of my friends kept that kid dream and that's what they bought. After years of riding and being true to myself and how I like to ride I went with what really fit my style of riding best.

Enjoy...

 

[galxy5]

deanw

how'd you get that pesky tank badge off???

and did you take the one off the front also ??

heat gun??

 

[Bounce]

a local radio jock got a harley. of course it was comped to him. he hardly (heh) ever rode it outside his neighborhood because he said traffic was too dangerous.

he had people calling in to tell him NOT to waive at other bikes. that it was wrong and only (fill in whatever blank) did that.

i stopped just short of calling in that day and telling him that was the difference between a poser who bought a lifestyle and those who already had a life but like to ride their motorcycles; regardless of brand.

the point is that there are some real pieces of work out there and they are "working" the newbies as often as they can to create another generation of idiots.

 

[yanktar]

No SLKs??? I have an SLK320 with the 6 spd. A guy here has the S2000. The S2000 is a little faster and lighter, but the SLK320 is a heckuva lot more comfortable to ride in! Also that clamshell roof beats a rag-top ANYDAY--especially in the winter!

Nice! Very, very nice! I actually just broke down last week and got an older MR2 Turbo (black, t-tops, near mint,45K miles!) Can you say "WOW! Or rather "Wooooshh!". Could not justify the S as I just bought a new 4runner earlier this year. If you read up on the S2000's, you'll find they are kinda weak in "holding up to abuse" category. Clutches and diffs are expecially weak. That's a major turnoff to me. I'm very sure I could dust an S2000 without trying very hard..way more torque and way more potential on the turbo version for upgrades.

Now the SLK is a perfect blend of comfort, performance, looks, and functionality. I was amazed to how smooth and quiet they are at speed! I assume it's a keeper? I can imagine the clamshell is the biz!!!

Oh, and yes, I waved to another MR2 yesterday! See, I'm still on topic!

My '02 SLK320 now has 35,000 miles on it--all me!

We had an '01 that was a lemon from day 1. M-B actually bought it back. It had 14,000 miles on it so for $2000 more they gave me the '02. Then I wanted some extras I then had to pay for. I got the Designo Silver because I HATE convertibles with black seats! Can you say "3rd Degree burns"? Sure you can!

I commute in it when I can't ride a bike--It's super-comfortable despite being a little close fit. A few things suck--like only a M-B phone can be integrated into the sound system--and they don't even MAKE the phone for this anymore. M-B is finally, I gather, discovering GSM (and they are a European company :dribble: ). They STILL haven't discovered BlueTooth! :angry: I've had to have the exhaust replaced on BOTH SLKs--but under warranty. Also the stereo head unit is garbage--had to replace it on this car, twice on the other, and once on my wife's old SL--all the same head unit. I think it's also Bose ("got no highs, got no lows, sounds like $#!t, costs too much--MUST be Bose!"). Still have the CD changer (non-MP3) in the trunk! And the retro-controls for the heat/AC gotta go....Actually, for the new one, they did.

But all this is piddly stuff. It's fun to drive, but comfortable enough for several hours without stopping, and has been a real cream-puff. I did put Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires on it--and I don't like them as well as the OEMs. When the OEMs were new it cornered better.

I had it less than a week and a lady in an SUV backed into it despite me blowing my horn and screaming my bloody head off. AMAZINGLY, there wasn't a scratch anywhere. Had I been on a bike she would have run over me--"Did you feel a bump, dear?"

Now if you wanna drive something AWESOME, you should drive the new SL55 AMG. WOW! Super-charged V-8, 490hp. No matter HOW hard you corner, the thing just stays dead level--and rides beautifully. Will eat up any 'Vette short of the Z06, and most Porsches--plus you can actually ride comfortably in it. Tip-tronic (nobody's perfect) and politically IN-correct gas mileage. But a heluva nice car! Clamshell, too.

 

[deanw]

how'd you get that pesky tank badge off???and did you take the one off the front also ??

heat gun??

Carefully.

I took a popsicle stick and put it right next to the edge of the emblem, then a thin screwdriver just under the edge to get it started. Once it started I kept working underneath it until I could get ahold of it and pull. I've heard someone used thin dental floss, too.

Once the emblem itself is off, Goo-Gone or WD-40 and elbow grease will dissolve the sticky stuff (eventually...). Do be careful, though- I was OK getting the emblems off, but somehow managed to scratch the tank getting the goo off.

Yes, both tank badges, the one on the front, both FJR stickers. (A heat gun helps there, but once you get a good start, steady firm pressure and they'll come off.)

As for why- I just don't like lots of emblems and insignia. I'm more than happy to tell people who ask... and it's mildly amusing to me when people think it's a BMW (or, once, a Buell!) And I'm ever so impressed when someone asks me how I like my FJR...

 

[deanw]

deanwI think you missed my point,,

and I ride because it feels good ,, I never rode because I wanted people to think I'm kool or a bad *** ,,

Galxy5-

I think we may be in violent agreement, for the most part.

I don't care what you ride, but at least enjoy the ride. People who buy a motorcycle as a self-propelled fashion accessory, to park in front of a bar or coffee shop, shouldn't be on bikes. They're not bikers, no matter what they, or the public, may think. They're posers, playing with dangerous equipment they barely know how to operate.

(If my bike's in front of a coffee shop, you can bet it was a fun ride getting there. If it's in front of a bar, I'm at the coffeeshop next door, see "fun ride getting there", above. If I want coffee, I'll hit the drive-up and bring it home.)

BTW- interesting collection you've got. Any photos online?