07-27-2014, 03:48 PM
(07-26-2014, 09:24 PM)ZenBiker_imp Wrote: 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.
I visit HD store frequently, their product are of high quality but not expensive. I sometime wear my HD jacket for a long trip in cold weather on my CB. My BMW boot does the job but not high quality as its price suggest.
(07-25-2014, 02:14 PM)RetroSeattle_imp Wrote: I had an odd experience today when I took advantage of a glorious day to ride to the North Cascades in Washington State. I visited an antique airplane fly-in and got lots of compliments on my beautiful shiny red CB1100 Deluxe. However, on the way home on Interstate 5, I was reminded that all of us motorcyclists are not exactly united. A recent vintage Harley equipped with some very loud pipes appeared next to me in the fast lane, complete with a Biker Chick on back gesticulating wildly in my direction. I thought the poor girl might have some form of Tourett's Syndrome, but then she shouted in my direction "get that Jap Crap off of my road, you $#!@hole!" I dropped back behind and was treated to the sight of her wildly swinging her arms in a fine demonstration of Biker Unity. I guess I had blanked it out of my mind that not all motorcyclists are the fine kind of folks that seem to inhabit this forum. Too bad, it seems like our cause would be better presented if some of us didn't have a fit when presented with someone that doesn't look just like themselves. Oh well.
I live in CA, norther and now southern. As far as I can see, 50% or more car on hwy are Japanese brand. It is so common, you don't think about it anymore. Back in 79 in oil embargo, Detroit car workers can't go to work in their Jap car, it is unAmerican.