Rice Rockets vs. Touring Bikes / Harleys: Different Attitudes or Cultures?

What about us midpoint guys with the machines that are not full cruisers but can handle the cruising well however still have the sporty power and handling abilities?

I have a older Kawasaki GPZ 750 that the previous owner hand no trouble with it handing the crotch rocket guys their butts good number of times. While I now on the other hand have no trouble cruising with at interstate speeds comfortably either.

It don't have the full laid back cruiser seating position, but I don't sit like I am F'ing a football either.

My sentiments similarly!

Drew

My last two street bikes have been resurrected barn bikes. I have gotten a big kick out of bringing old bikes back to useful life.

but is this not the last frontier for men (in general-women are accepted) to turn a wrench and feel some glory or inner sanctum of satisfaction to do so.

Captain Kirk has nothing on "the riding brotherhood "-lets see him with his hair blowing into the abyss of 0 gravity!!!!

lmaso!!

I agree with you about the posers. Back in the mid to late '80's, I used to ride with a very loose collection of friends on the Sunday Morning Ride north of San Francisco, Cal Hwy 1. They were a great bunch of folks on all types of bikes, but mainly sport bikes, some dual purpose, the occasional cruiser and semi-touring bikes. All were welcome. Everyone rode the pace they were comfortable with and there were stops along the way for socializing, bench racing etc at the overlook above Stinson Beach, breakfast at the Le Printemps Cafe (I believe it's closed now and the ride has found another watering hole for breakfast) and another spot or two. It gave time for the group to catch up and talk about whatever, the road, weather, sports, .. . .

If a squid-brained yahoo would show up, attempts were made to modify any egregious behaviors (ours were bad enough as it was). We endeavored to have everyone be mindful of their speed and noises in the towns and villages. If the locals didn't complain, the CHP more or less left us alone back then. But it never ceased to amaze me that riders like Bill Boyd, riding rather unassuming machines could ride as fast as they did and quickly "schooled" the posers on their (lack of) skills. The sphincter factor never let me get much above middle of the pack on the ride, but I still had a blast at the speed that was right for me. Those who were dangerous to themselves and other riders and seemed to be unwilling to modify their behaviors were more-or-less told to take their insanity elsewhere.

They don't bother as much about what you ride, as long as you Ride

Great attitude isn't it. GA to you.

Exactly! enjoy the moment,the scenery,the sun,the clouds,the walking dead,the girls,the smell of bread or coffee,not the mondassity!Remember my motto--TO RIDE IS SALVATION-it say's it all.

It's a bit unfortunate that there is sometimes to much classification and it being such a sub-culture. To me they're fun, a means of transportation, sometimes ads to some challenges and excitement of driving and yes they tend to lend to the notion of freedom. Mostly being exposed to the elements and touching mother earth at every stop. I own many different types of bikes due to my simple admiration for them on many levels.

I must admit, at least where I live, camaraderie from many different types of riders is pretty commonplace and a little heart warming. I get the friendly chat and wave from old school hard core Harley riders, the ones stereo typed on movies, to the BMW, Aprilia, Ducati, etc. guys.

Those Sunday, fair weather, once in while only guys, or hard core wanna be's, seem to be the most rude (expressed in many ways) regardless of what they ride.

Bottom line, I really do love to ride my motorcycle. (Alro's old song just popped into mind) I've been licences since 12 years old! (yes in my small town living many miles from school it was granted)

Those Sunday, fair weather, once in while only guys, or hard core wanna be's, seem to be the most rude (expressed in many ways) regardless of what they ride

What behavior do expect from bankers, lawyers and MBA's?

Well I see emotions are starting to come out!Finally!

But I really want to know is what could we do as fellow riders to bridge the gap or do you think its too deeply ingrained into either side?

Bridging the gap seems to only be achieved through example. I'm as courteous as can be to all drivers and my posture is just myself and keep it humble anyway. I will often start some motorcycle chat with the one who may posses the "higher than thou" attitude which usually ends up a rather good conversation.

It's important we form a positive impression to non-motorcyclists as well. They usually have larger vehicles and attitudes. I've noticed in the past few years especially, more and more drivers give me more room at the lights and on the street. I feel it's due to more awareness through more people driving them. The auto driver may also have a friend or relative who rides. Non-the-less it's been nicer on the city streets where I've been anyway. I haven't driven through any of the eastern states and I have a feeling it's a bit different.

Have you been around competition BIcyclists? Talk about rude and snotty, Sorry to offend.

Like motorcyclists, some of the bicyclists are the nicest people you would ever meet and some are just plain @$$holes. I work and live near Sandy Point State Park in Maryland and a small percentage of the stretch pant crowd think it's their God given right to ride two or three abreast on the narrow access roads with no shoulders on either side of US Rte 50/301 near the state park, motor vehicle traffic be damned. And just like motorcyclists, the actions of a (I believe) minority of bicyclists taint the reputation of the whole.

We must enjoy each others attributes--oh oh!I pulled a cliche didn't I?lol

We all have good and bad qualities and limitations!

But we have a commom thread-no pun intended-

We enjoy the RIDE,The socialization(giving the peace be with you sign) OH MY GOD ANOTHER CLICHE!!!!

In other words we are not so different,we should embrace the differences and help with the limitations--But I digress!I'm starting to sound like a philosofer.I mean we all ,deep in side ,want the same thing when on the bike-As soon as we are off,we become this capitalistic,back stabbing S.O.B.who wants people to fall from grace as long as we are ahead of them--Happy capitalism.

At the end of the day "I Am OLD SCHOOL" I want peace,commoroderie,laughing,parting and most of all Peace.

Sorry for the Sermen!

The only "bike" I ever rode was a Vespa. Where do I fit in the social mix?

in Europe you would be cool or just like everyone else , but here in America! you are frugul and conservative and care of the enviroment or like in downtown Toronto-you don't want to pay for parking and want to bob and weave in and out of traffic-you put a basket in front of your bike and go shopping in those specialty or mom and pop shops.YOU ARE AN URBAN LEDGEND!

Hi,

I live in Florida and I ride a Suzuki VSTROM 1000. It doesn't really fit either subject mode any better than the guy with the Vespa. In riding around by myself or with others, I noticed that some poeple would miss identify snobery with pride. The Harley guys are proud of what they ride and enjoy the Harley family but, they don't hate others. The sport bike guys likewise. All machines have strong points and short comings and everyone likes racking off good, very justified and, accurate, jokes about it. I get the jokes from all sides because my machine is a morphadite ("adventure" bike)of some kind. I actually bought it because it was the most confortable and easy to handle bike for me. I grew up on motorcycles starting in the 60's (old guy here) and I liked riding no matter what I had.

Screw everyone my old friend and ENJOY!

The new Harley riders are sometimes labeled "RUB's". This means "Rich Urban Bikers". Actually, they are "RUN's". This means "Rich Urban Nerds". They have enough money to buy a new Harley, but they don't have the brains to understand Harley riding. They think it's like the biker gangs-mobs get respect. The real Harley enthusiasts are mostly "old school". They work on their bikes. Even when they buy a new one, the first thing they do is change it. Usually, they change the handlebars, the foot pegs, and paint. The scooter is somewhat a reflection of their personality. Although those days are gone now, I remember all the fun we had at wrenching parties. We would meet at someone's place, BBQ, drink, and wrench. There was always enough talent to help the mechanical impaired ones like me. On weekends, we'd ride around the countryside and end up at the beer joint and laugh and discuss the days ride. No club or organization. Just people that enjoyed a common interest of riding their Harleys and having fun. If makes a person have a feeling of accomplishment just to be able to ride a cantankerous Harley. It was truer in the Shovelhead days. There are other fringe benefits that I better not go into.

The crotch rocket riders were and still are somewhat different. They get their fun out of popping wheelies and going real fast around curves. Their riding is much more dangerous than ours because they not only have to dodge the traffic, they must be careful not to lay it down. They have fun their way and we have fun our way. However, I get pretty pissed when one passes me in my lane at 90mph. And the "RUN's" do it, too.

The "Run's" and the crotch rocket riders are very similar. The "Old School" Harley riders are a lot different. Of course, in a little while, there won't be any "Old School" Harley riders left. Oh, I was going to quit riding when I got to the point where I didn't have enough strength to lift if after I dropped it. Some of us at an ice house decided this would be good criteria to use to stop riding. I agreed, then. However, I'm just getting over a hiatal hernia operation and I'm ready to ride. I think I'll just keep riding until God stops me. And, I'm 71.

Have some fun today,

PAPADOC

RMFR

Papadoc--May your God bless you with many more safe and enjoyable rides including -the one more ride- into the sunset!

Having owned an antique Harley KR (unique)and a BSA for 40+ years and working for Honda/ Kawasaki and Triump and BSA, I find each has a place in time.
To flat track and road race the Harley is cool, but on the super slab give me a rocket like a Ninja, CBR, or a Buel. I sprint around and never go more tan 100 miles...but it is WFO whereever. By the way I learned to ride in downtown San Jose. Right side, left side, down the middle, run over em all attitude.

Ray -so you grew up with pure riding attitude-I would have loved to have ridden with you.

At 60 I have learned a thing or two about kicking, move the propane heater close for 15-20 minutes and she's easy to start. Ride til ya puke, all that, I was in Cal when EASYRIDERS came out and we acted just like the "in the wind " section. Ride hard /Die fast. or Ride fast/ Die Hard ..I forget....................

I do not know about the cultures or what they actually mean now. The culture tends to become more deluted.

I am somewhat annoyed at the harleys that seems to be marketed to people that enjoy to draw attention to themselfs as compared to a people that owns a goldwing.

Two very different types of enjoyment.

phoenix911 -I agree that once may generation passes on -What will become of the snaughty 30 something generation which is highly educated,but doen't have any motivation or real man's intestinal fortitude or drive-or the 20 something crowd who thinks they are gods gift-with absolutely nothing to back it up or the next generation which walks across the street with their fingers on their phones,pda,psp and the a 1989 harley runs them over -they only wish--here in the last 20 days 13 pedestrians have been struck and its mostly their fault.women feel staying single is cool and marriage is poo!poo!

CAN'T WE JUST GET ALONG!

RIDE BABY RIDE!!!

Posers come in all colors, but there is one thing they just don't understand. It is about the ride.

AMEN!

SMELL THE COFFEE,ROSES,WOMEN'S BODY ODOUR(IF YOUR A GUY)-THINGS THAT MATTER!

@ least that particular form of selfishness / stupidity is genetically self-limiting :)

I would ride with anyone who would have me. Yea my bikes been through its better days. Its been laid down hard a few time by the previous owner and I never did get it fixed properly. Its scuffed and scratched on both sides.

Plus in the years since I got it I learned that when its parked it also has this annoying habit of sinking into anything thats not concrete and tipping itself over as well. The kickstand foot is too small for a heavy bike and the main stand feet are also to small and will drive themselves into anything softer than cold pavement. Both tuck up into recesses just enough that I never was able to come up with a foot design that would travel right.

I am not sure what the next generation of riders may be like. I am in my mid 30's now and I have no real want for an expesnive Harley and I dont care for the sport bike scene. I guess I am stuck cruising the back roads with the middle aged farmers who have every other odd brand and design of bike parked out in a barn some place.

Now theres a whole other type of rider that the city boys will never get to know!

I'M A CITY BOY(GREEN ACRES AT HEART) LOL

I would love nothing more than to ride with anyone who didn't care about my ride and cared for the RIDE itself! YOU CAPICE!(italian)

I enjoy riding in small groups and it doesn't matter who I'm riding with or what bike they are on. However you do have to obey the rules of "the pack". If there's seven of us comfortably cruising down a backroad, I don't want someone who feels they have to constantly be zipping in and out and powering through turns inches from your fender. We do join large groups for charity runs and this is where I mostly see the seperation. Wheelies and burnouts do not fair well with large groups. One run is through the Holland Tunnel into New York City where we over run China Town with several thousand bikes. It was so bad going through the tunnel one year with burnouts and wheelies and screamin mufflers that the next year everyone was warned that they would shut the tunnel down until the smoke was cleared. It was as bad as heavy fog and visability was less than 100 feet. Several accidents occured in the tunnel when those "screamers" tried to avoid other screamers and where knocked into large groups minding their own business. On the other hand if your on a cafe racer and want to power through twisty turny roads with other racers, feel free to enjoy to the max. But around that blind curve may be a group of cruisers. Stay in control and we can all enjoy the rides.

P.S. I mostly ride a big Touring Bike now because my wife (the old lady) enjoys riding with me. We kinda outgrew the old bike. That and she still insists on takin everything she can fit in the saddlebags. And T-Bag. And back pack. and.....well you kinda get the idea.

A million years ago when I was a young man, I was sitting at the bar one day enjoying a soda at the local (not to me, but it was to my "friend") fire house after a long ride. I got in a "conversation" with a guy because I was wearing a Honda shirt. I had won it shortly before and it was quite nice, so it worked for the evening (I actually rode a Yamaha, but what the heck).

Anyhow, he as wearing the black leather, and he wanted to know what could possibly make me so smart by riding a Honda. The question was not asked in a manner that I could reply that I rode Yamaha, so I just politely pointed out that it fit my style better than a cruiser. That was not an acceptable answer, so I less politely pointed out that they are quicker, faster, more reliable, and MUCH cheaper than the rattle-box he was currently riding. I also explained that I did not care for the attitude that a brother rider would pitch toward another guy that enjoyed two wheels (this was in the days when Harleys were not ridden by lawyers, etc.). That got his hackles up so bad that when I excused myself to take a pee, he rallied his fire-fighting buddies to enter the rest room to beat me senseless for my stupidity. Luckily for me, the (much older) chief showed up and put a stop to their fun and they had to let me go out the door.

Of course, he could not make them stay at the fire-house, and as I rode away, there suddenly appeared a bunch of headlights in my rear-view mirror. Being smart (probably because somewhere deep inside I must be a Harley fan!), I turned up the throttle and gave myself plenty of distance between us. Their "faster" Harleys never caught up, and I suspect that maybe they got enough fresh air to clear their drunken heads enough to give up. I am sure they had many laughs at my expense, but I can't help but hold a complete disdain for them and their likes to this day. I will still ride with anyone, and I am getting old enough to prefer the easy rides over the fast ones, but if you look down your nose at me I don't have any time for you! Whether you ride Big Red, Black and yellow, or Harley.

Just my thoughts on the subject...

I would have loved to be in your shoes at the time!!!

I would have shown them a thing or two or five!

I have run into idiots in groups-but you have to chose your battles you can win-if your by yourself you should have excused yourself right away.Don't even answer his questions-too much testosterone,not enough good brain cells.In other words he was looking for it-don't look for it.

although I should practice what I preach! up until my mid forties I would have gone some rounds with anyone!Maybe I grew brain cells.

It's too bad that you had an unfortunate encounter with the "would be badass" Harley rider. However, I've been ridiculed by jap bike riders many times, especially in the 70's when we wrenched nearly as much as we rode. However, I wasn't ever threatened with bodily harm. Due to the so called outlaw motorcycle image, there's some of the AH out there. Thank God, there's not as many as there used to be. Although I still keep a close watch on my scoot, the Harleys aren't stolen as much as they used to.

There seems to always be those that when they are with a bunch, they want to show how bad they are. Of course, they got the club to back them up. These types of people are nearly unique to the Harley riding crowd. And that's due to the Outlaw Motorcycle Club image. Us free riders just like to ride our Harleys and, of course, wrench on them sometimes, change them up to what we want, and live and let live. I'm sure there are lots of psychological reasons for one loving to ride the ole Harley, but, I won't try to analyze it. It's just fun. And the free riding Harley riders are fun to be with, too.

Have some fun today,

PAPADOC

RMFR

its a personal thing-to one self-the wrench and changing part-feeling of belonging or a feeling of making the bike fit your ego or alter ego.

Well, I ride a Buell which is a Harley that can go around a corner.

And one of the coolest (or at least Bad-Ass-Est) - I might add! Too bad Eric gave up the project! I guess guys can't afford to pay what they used to for a truly unique ride!.

I really like my Buell. It has trick hardware, cool design and handles like it's on rails. Erik put some really nice pep into that motor too. Not to mention that it gives it some cred with the chaps and ape hanger crowd. I am soooo sorry to see the brand dropped.

I hope I understood your comment-so here it goes!

I can afford a harley/buell

but I don't need it,want it,I don't need my ego stroked in that fashion.

My kawa 1600 is great for me at this time in my life,it meets all my needs.

I am in the process of changing the pipes-reason-its too quiet-safety

also Vulcan's are choked when they land here @ around 75hp-with pipes and usb command module and maybe a hyper charger I should be around 100 hp--do I really need it?no,but for what i am paying why not.

and I am still $10000.00 cheaper than the road king--so am I frugal,cheap,poor or extremely smart!!!!

Same here. I was about to buy a 'Zuki V-Strom DL-1000 and the AMA called me to tell me I won their 2006 membership sweepstakes of an '06 Buell Ulysses with the trunk and the saddlebags. Sweet deal to say the least. Of course paying income taxes on $13K was no small expense, but that was a deal I wasn't going to pass up.

Before that, my main street ride was a 1990 DR350S with some Avon streetish tires. My '86 VF500F Interceptor has been laid up with a seized front caliper for more than a decade (I just haven't had the time to tear it apart and fix it. Also the slave clutch cylinder blew a seal and dumped the fluid into the crankcase. The carbs are going to need a good cleaning. I topped the gas tank with fuel so that should be in decent shape but the old bike needs some serious TLC. I sold my '83 750 Interceptor back in '92 when my second child was born and motorcycling took a back seat to raising family and stoking a career.

Now that our fourth and youngest is 14, we have more time for riding. I took the whole family to the Honda dirt bike riding school down in Georgia a few years back, and now we trail ride in Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. I'm all about riding on the cheap. Every dirt bike we bought, we purchased off of Ebay for about 1/2 the price new at a dealer. We were patient and just waited for the right deal to come along. Our four kids love getting out riding. It's a great family activity.

Good for you.

Gentlemen -please remember 1 very important aspect of life-we lived in a nice warm hole(metaphorically speaking-no disrespect to the ladies)all of our basic needs met and then we live the rest of our lives waiting to be put in a 6ft deep cold hole for all of eternity,with no needs met.The End.

Moral of this story is enjoy life and make the bike your space craft and imagine yourself as a spaceship superstar.

Well stated. Is a "Rat Rodder" someone that rides a rat bike? I rarely see a rat bike anymore.

Have some fun today,

PAPADOC

RMFR

(Riding in the snow seems more like an endurance contest than fun.)

Go to the Sunday Morning Ride in Marin County leaves Tam Junction (the Arco station?) around sevenish, rain or shine every Sunday and chances are you will see at least one rat bike give or take. Usually, they've been down enough that fixing the plastic gets to be too much a bother and the plastic just comes off. Ridden just for the joy of riding, looks be damned. The rider is probably also a motocycle messenger in San Francisco during the week.

mr.natural extraction

I agree with your comments whole heartedly.

There will always be some bias between people in general!but as for fellow bikers/riders,when the chips are down usually the best does come out-putting all the ego aside.The common thread is the RIDE on 2 wheels.it is(for lack of a better term and I should ,maybe ,fester this for a while longer,before amswering) like sex.!!

WE all have the body parts-they come in all shapes and sizes and brands(colour/creed)

but at the end of the day,We all want the same action/feeling.

The main difference is-you don't really need to worry about your performance,just show up-and that should safice.I hope I haven't gone too far here-but the message is there.

Hear, hear for quieter pipes. Not to say I don't enjoy a throaty rumble, but let's not make them obnoxiously loud. I like how my Buell sounds. Good compromise between loud enough to enjoy and quiet enough not to piss off the neighbors early Sunday morning when I go for a ride (in warmer weather, thank you.)

I wear ear plugs anytime I'll be travelling faster than 35-40 mph anyways because the wind noise through the helmet will make you every bit as deaf as the exhaust note and more so. I didn't realize it at the time but back in my mid-twenties, hearing tests showed me losing mid-range and higher frequencies (about 10-15 dB down). After some personal reflection, I realized it was the helmet noise at highway speeds. I began wearing earplugs all the time while riding and I got back most of the lost hearing (about 5 dB down). Now I'm just getting old. Heh?

Isn't that illegal in America? Something about not hearing emergency vehicles. If I am right about the law, it is crap because on a bike at 70 withe earplugs in you can still hear more from around you than a modern car with windows up and stereo going.

Drew

It might be illegal in some unenlightened jurisdictions. There have been plenty of studies that show your auditory perception is improved when you lower the overall levels to safe limits. Think of it this way: When you are no longer clipping the input device i.e. exceeding the dynamic range (of your ear) you can discriminate sounds much better. I'd risk the court appearance any day.

Saving your hearing means you can hear more. I like the clipping reference. Good analogy.

G.A. for the loud pipes comment. I don't mind a bit of burble as a nice sounding bike goes by, but enough is enough. I think the SouthPark episode (wikipedia) on the subject was perfect. This does go the same for the sport bikes with race cans on, the HP improvement you get for the loud exhaust is so small you will not notice it while riding unless you are doing a time trial on a track or drag strip.

Anon

Well, the Air Force tried to ruin my ears with jet blast but wind over my ears gives me more deafness than my straight pipes. I've gone to using my full face (horror) race helmet. with the sheild up I still have perception and enough sound. At 4 ounces I don't notice it and I seem to push the bike harder because of the false sense of security, after all it has a fire retardent lining, what could happen? I also lost my bass hearing but gained it on the treble end of the scale. Speak to my left ear, all I can hear over here is drag pipe drone.