Japanese motorcycles hate

[usa_imp]

Hi all

I am a newbie in this forum but not new to riding. I would like to ask you all about your thoughts about the hatred of Japanese motorcycles in some circles here in the USA. Some are very vocal and demonstrative about such hatred.

I know people who don't like Japanese motorcycles at all and they didn't hesitate to let me know. They told me that as American I should buy American. For years, Japanese motorcycles were not on my list of consideration. But lately, I've read a little bit about motorcycle history in general, and such reading led me to consider Japanese motorcycles again.

I will share with you the reasons why Japanese motorcycles are back on my list, but first, I would like to hear from your thoughts before I share mines.

[emptysea]

I have not encountered very many folks who hate Japanese bikes. A few who would never buy one, but not many who "hate" them. Sometimes they come at me with the "buy American" stuff and I start talking about free-trade and its benefits to the economy and how most Americans have done better in their lives because of it. I have a few quotes from some highly-regarded economists at the ready, too. They usually get bored and walk away from me well before I have to drag out the Milton Freidman quotes, though.

I believe that if a person wants to ride, then he should ride what suits him best. Good luck!

MTC

[Rolls_imp]

I never encountered it. I bought my bike at a Honda/Indian/Victory dealership. The retro nature of the CB1100 draws lots of friendly interest among the HD crowd, in my experience. But regardless, everyone should buy the bike they think is right for them. In turn, manufacturers can then build the bikes they think they'll sell the most of. Least that's how I see it. Good luck in getting what's right for you!

[Elipten_imp]

Those people are small thinkers. Their beloved HD has a lot of foreign made components.

I have not meet a non-USA hater in over 40 years. If they are your friends or coworkers, get new ones.

Buy what you want and enjoy.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Rocky_imp]

We sometimes get the "Harley attitude" towards Japanese bikes (or anything not a Harley for that matter), but no real hostility and certainly not hate. Generally speaking, it's all very friendly.
When I came back to bikes in 1992 it was on a Honda NT650 Hawk.
I noticed right away that Harley riders would not wave back, but over the years this has softened and now it's often the Harley guys who wave first.
Back around 1993/4, I came upon a Harley rider broken down by the side of the road. I stopped and offered to give him a lift to the nearest telephone, but he declined.
I guess he would rather be stuck on the side of the road than be seen on a Japanese bike

[the Ferret]

Nobody I associate with has this attitude.

and for the record I love Japanese bikes (and American, and Italian, and German, and British, and Austrian and....)

[4 Paws_imp]

I ride Japanese and Russian bikes these days, previous recent bikes have included German and British. Haven't received anything but good natured ribbing from the V-Twin crowd and I always respond with a quip and a laugh. Seems the younger crowd in matching outfits really wants to try and prove something (as they stand there in their Asian made clothing tapping away on their Asian made phones) while the older crowd that actually rides wants to talk about motorcycling in general and good roads in particular.

I overheard a "well seasoned" rider tell his pillion companion this summer when she commented on my bike that "It's not what you ride but that you do". Posers pose and riders ride.

[Allen K_imp]

I used to see a lot more of this back in the 70s and early 80s. If anything, you would get a one finger salute from the HD crowd (although I was living in Milwaukee then). Shortly after that, I was out of riding for a while. In 2006 I was able to start riding again on an 06 ST1300 and one of the first things noticed was how friendly most all of the riders were, including the HD crowd. Times change. I guess most of us realize that we're all out there together doing what we love on the bike that suits us best.

[Sam Mac_imp]

I guess they don't know what to think about me, I have a Harley jacket from when I owned a Harley.

[kballowe_imp]

No, never had a problem with someone hating on my Japanese motorcycle(s).

I DID once have a problem with a guy on a Gold Wing that threw a fit, and called me a traitor for wearing a Harley t-shirt and riding our Gold Wing. He was REALLY having a bad day.

Beemer riders being snobby.

Sport bike riders passing me in my lane, while riding on the back wheel

.... (insert your experience here) ....
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We used to get these 100% cotton long-sleeved t-shirts at the local Harley dealer (on the closeout rack) for $10. They breathe well, and wear like iron.
Note nice LS Harley t-shirt on the Wife.
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