07-26-2014, 09:24 PM
I used to sell Harley-Davidsons, and I replaced my stolen Nightster with the Deluxe. I can tell you flatly that most Harley riders don't give a cuss what you ride--just ride.
We have regular ride-ins here in Durham at a few watering holes. There's always a very eclectic bike mix, including Harleys, sport bikes, Can-Ams and even a Ural sidecar rig. Very, very few riders of any machine refuse to wave at me, and most times sport bikers beat me to it when I was riding my Nightster.
The only Harely-logo items I ever owned were my riding jackets, and that's because they not only "matched" the bike, but they're of higher quality than almost anything else on the market. Of course, you pay for that quality too. My brother rides a 2001 Dyna Super Glide that he bought new; he owns no Harley-logo gear whatsoever, and never has. And he's not unique.
But here's the thing: even bikers in full Harley regalia can be as accommodating as any other rider. I've seen as much motorcyclist bigotry from Power Rangers as I have from Pirates. I don't let stereotypes determine who I enjoy our passion with. I focus on the rider.
We have regular ride-ins here in Durham at a few watering holes. There's always a very eclectic bike mix, including Harleys, sport bikes, Can-Ams and even a Ural sidecar rig. Very, very few riders of any machine refuse to wave at me, and most times sport bikers beat me to it when I was riding my Nightster.
The only Harely-logo items I ever owned were my riding jackets, and that's because they not only "matched" the bike, but they're of higher quality than almost anything else on the market. Of course, you pay for that quality too. My brother rides a 2001 Dyna Super Glide that he bought new; he owns no Harley-logo gear whatsoever, and never has. And he's not unique.
But here's the thing: even bikers in full Harley regalia can be as accommodating as any other rider. I've seen as much motorcyclist bigotry from Power Rangers as I have from Pirates. I don't let stereotypes determine who I enjoy our passion with. I focus on the rider.