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Post by wheelbender6 on Dec 14, 2017 19:53:12 GMT -5
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 14, 2017 22:56:17 GMT -5
Great post! Have a bone on the Old Chopper Guy!  |
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Post by spandi on Dec 15, 2017 3:59:15 GMT -5
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Post by wheelbender6 on Dec 15, 2017 8:09:43 GMT -5
Courting the millenials is not easy. I think the Street 750 was a step in the right direction, but the price seemed to be too high to be competitive.
Scooter manufacturing companies are not doing very well either these days.
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Post by lostforawhile on Dec 15, 2017 19:04:10 GMT -5
the image that people on Harleys project, or try to act like is not winning over riders either, I was on the scooter the other day, and two guys on a Harley pulled up next to me and started yelling insults, fag,queer, pussy etc, if I could have afforded to go to jail, I would have removed at least one of them from that bike, I'm out here having fun riding my little scooter, I'm out here in the freezing cold, and wind, the same as they are, I have to deal with the same idiots on the road they do, why can't people enjoy riding and worry about the cagers, instead of each other?
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 16, 2017 18:07:54 GMT -5
the image that people on Harleys project, or try to act like is not winning over riders either, I was on the scooter the other day, and two guys on a Harley pulled up next to me and started yelling insults, fag,queer, pussy etc, if I could have afforded to go to jail, I would have removed at least one of them from that bike, I'm out here having fun riding my little scooter, I'm out here in the freezing cold, and wind, the same as they are, I have to deal with the same idiots on the road they do, why can't people enjoy riding and worry about the cagers, instead of each other?
I'm really sorry you had that happen... Probably the result of too much party smoke and drink... LOL!
 I'll always have a soft spot in my old heart for Hog jockeys, having been one for a half-century... Fortunately, I have not had a single negative experience with either chopper-jockeys, baggers or crotch-rocket boys in ten years of riding scooters here. Sometimes I'll fall in with some bikers and be invited to ride with them. Generally a pretty friendly bunch, although I do stay well clear of the organized hard-core gangs in colors. They don't welcome any outside contact whatsoever. I was an outlaw for many years, and respect their code of autonomy... Not to do so these days can get you killed in a New York minute.My friendly reception could be the friendly attitudes are due to my gray hair and arthritis, making it obvious why I'm on a step-through scoot instead of a chopper... LOL! Just ignore the idiots, and enjoy the ride... ANYTHING on two wheels is more fun than a car... Except of course in bad weather... LOL! Ride safe!Leo in Texas |
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Post by lostforawhile on Dec 16, 2017 22:52:38 GMT -5
the image that people on Harleys project, or try to act like is not winning over riders either, I was on the scooter the other day, and two guys on a Harley pulled up next to me and started yelling insults, fag,queer, pussy etc, if I could have afforded to go to jail, I would have removed at least one of them from that bike, I'm out here having fun riding my little scooter, I'm out here in the freezing cold, and wind, the same as they are, I have to deal with the same idiots on the road they do, why can't people enjoy riding and worry about the cagers, instead of each other?
I'm really sorry you had that happen... Probably the result of too much party smoke and drink... LOL!
I'll always have a soft spot in my old heart for Hog jockeys, having been one for a half-century... Fortunately, I have not had a single negative experience with either chopper-jockeys, baggers or crotch-rocket boys in ten years of riding scooters here. Sometimes I'll fall in with some bikers and be invited to ride with them. Generally a pretty friendly bunch, although I do stay well clear of the organized hard-core gangs in colors. They don't welcome any outside contact whatsoever. I was an outlaw for many years, and respect their code of autonomy... Not to do so these days can get you killed in a New York minute.My friendly reception could be the friendly attitudes are due to my gray hair and arthritis, making it obvious why I'm on a step-through scoot instead of a chopper... LOL! Just ignore the idiots, and enjoy the ride... ANYTHING on two wheels is more fun than a car... Except of course in bad weather... LOL! Ride safe!Leo in Texas I generally try to get along with anyone, but there seems to be a new generation of riders, who think it's cool to act this way |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 17, 2017 19:11:26 GMT -5
Lostforawhile,
I do commensurate with your observation on a new generation of riders... In fact, there's a whole new generation of people in-general who pride themselves on being world-class jerks.
That being said, there ARE a few distinctly separate classes of Harley riders... The hard-core organized outlaw chopper boys who are not going to be friendly to anyone... Stay clear of them. Then there's the old geezers like me who still don't have enough arthritis to keep them off the big bikes... THEY are likely to be very friendly and accepting of anyone on any ride... And the younger affluent guys (and gals) who ride Hogs simply "because they can afford a $50K bagger..." Those are a crap-shoot. Some may be nice, some may not.
Sadly, I'm old enough to remember when driving a Japanese (or German) car would keep you from getting a job, and even get you beaten or killed... Driving your car "built by the enemy" was akin to a Black guy in KKK territory... OR, a white guy on Black Panther turf.
I'm at the age where I just enjoy it when someone treats me with respect, and try to forgive and forget when somebody acts the fool...
I see that Harley Davidson is now offering some smaller V-twins at affordable prices. Could be that will change the landscape by getting a whole new genre of HD bikers craving that "potato-potato-potato" loping engine throb and V-twin styling at a price that doesn't surpass the sticker on a new family sedan...
I guess that if I woke up tomorrow free of arthritis and with plenty of money, I'd end up riding a new Indian Chief... They ARE sweet!!! And I'm sure even THAT choice would tick-off some Harley riders...
Like they say: "You can please some of the people some of the time, but you'll never please everybody..." Or something like that. If someone is not helping you pay your bills, don't worry what they think of you.
Ride safe, and DO enjoy WHATEVER you ride, from a bicycle to a crotch-rocket!
Leo (still happy ridin' "Minnie Mouse") in Texas
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Post by wheelbender6 on Dec 17, 2017 20:29:24 GMT -5
I have had good luck with Harley riders while riding my scoot, but I know there are plenty of jerks out there on all makes of bikes. I don't visit biker bars on my scooter or other places that are traditionally Harley riders "turf". I stick to my suburban pubs and cafes.
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 18, 2017 21:33:29 GMT -5
I have had good luck with Harley riders while riding my scoot, but I know there are plenty of jerks out there on all makes of bikes. I don't visit biker bars on my scooter or other places that are traditionally Harley riders "turf". I stick to my suburban pubs and cafes. Very sound advice! Have a bone on The Old Chopper Guy! |
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Post by SylvreKat on Dec 19, 2017 0:41:35 GMT -5
I went to a bar 'cause the band my brother ran lights for was performing. At one point, their leader asked if anyone rode a bike. Of course I shot up my hand (along with a good third of the other folks). The leader pointed to me and asked, "What kind do you ride?" I proudly announced, "A Piaggio BV200!" "What kind is that?" "A 200cc scooter." The guy smiled and had me come up and gave me a free cd. I noticed lots of smiles around me.
Now, maybe it's 'cause I'm a girly-gal. Or maybe it was my pride in my bike and the enthusiasm of getting to join in. Or maybe it's 'cause it's not a hard-core bar. But I sure was included by the big-dog bikers. Although I think my brother was a bit embarrassed.
>'Kat
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 19, 2017 16:23:30 GMT -5
I went to a bar 'cause the band my brother ran lights for was performing. At one point, their leader asked if anyone rode a bike. Of course I shot up my hand (along with a good third of the other folks). The leader pointed to me and asked, "What kind do you ride?" I proudly announced, "A Piaggio BV200!" "What kind is that?" "A 200cc scooter." The guy smiled and had me come up and gave me a free cd. I noticed lots of smiles around me.
Now, 1: maybe it's 'cause I'm a girly-gal. 2: Or maybe it was my pride in my bike and the enthusiasm of getting to join in. 3: Or maybe it's 'cause it's not a hard-core bar. But I sure was included by the big-dog bikers. Although I think my brother was a bit embarrassed. >'Kat
Back in my day, outlaw bikers were MUCH different than today... Sure, we were rough and ready, but no drugs, no bullying, willing to help anyone broke down on the road and anybody on 2 (or 3) wheels was welcome to ride with us...
As drugs, organized crime, extortion, kidnapping and such entered the equation it all changed. And it took place while I was in the Army. There ARE still "good guys" outlaw clubs, especially those Christian groups like the "Tribe of Juda". Even among the hard-core crowd, usually easily identified by colors, 1%er tats, no plates on their chops, class III weapons (sawed-off shotguns, full-auto stuff in their belts) tomahawks, Bowie knives, machetes and of course the obligatory framing hammer in the loop in their overalls... Even among that frightening bunch, the older ones with gray hair and beards are quite often friendly and accepting of us.
Just DON'T bet yer' life on it...Stopping for a cold one at one of their marked watering holes is still NOT a good idea for the scooter-jockey... even a WORSE idea if you're also an outlaw and wearing the WRONG colors...  Every so often, on a bright, sunny day, with wind on my knuckles I go back in memory to riding "Old Blue" with the "Rolling Lords". I can almost hear that BEAUTIFUL thundering cackle of 150cid of animal motor... Then, I'll pass a hard-case biker bar and remember I'm NOT 17 anymore, and, I'm NOT riding "Old Blue"... I'm 71, with arthritis, bad vision, poor balance and riding "Minnie Mouse".
Oh well, being young and reckless WAS a lot of fun!  Leo (ah... born to be mild these days) in Texas |
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Post by urbanmadness on Dec 21, 2017 13:12:08 GMT -5
I always respect the scooter, no matter what I'm riding. It's where I started. Some of the most fun you can have on a bike is a 'lil 150cc running all out-- I now ride a 1500cc Goldwing and there are somethings the lil' 150 did better. I'm with Ol' Chopper guy, If I had unlimited funds, I'd probably go for an Indian.
Love all bikes-- The one's ridin' are your brothers and sisters in arms. We are the crazy mo fo's that are out when it's 32 degrees or 110 degrees out. I see you on a clapped out Honda Spree (Spree's are just cool) or a new HD, I'm just as likely to talk to you, when I'm riding. Heck, I will even wave at you if you are riding a 50cc motorized bike. It's Community, Brothers and Sisters--
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Post by oldchopperguy on Dec 21, 2017 23:38:07 GMT -5
I always respect the scooter, no matter what I'm riding. It's where I started. Some of the most fun you can have on a bike is a 'lil 150cc running all out-- I now ride a 1500cc Goldwing and there are somethings the lil' 150 did better. I'm with Ol' Chopper guy, If I had unlimited funds, I'd probably go for an Indian. Love all bikes-- The one's ridin' are your brothers and sisters in arms. We are the crazy mo fo's that are out when it's 32 degrees or 110 degrees out. I see you on a clapped out Honda Spree (Spree's are just cool) or a new HD, I'm just as likely to talk to you, when I'm riding. Heck, I will even wave at you if you are riding a 50cc motorized bike. It's Community, Brothers and Sisters-- Merry Christmas and have a bone on the Old Chopper Guy, bro! |
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Post by spandi on Dec 22, 2017 8:56:51 GMT -5
I went to a bar 'cause the band my brother ran lights for was performing. At one point, their leader asked if anyone rode a bike. Of course I shot up my hand (along with a good third of the other folks). The leader pointed to me and asked, "What kind do you ride?" I proudly announced, "A Piaggio BV200!" "What kind is that?" "A 200cc scooter." The guy smiled and had me come up and gave me a free cd. I noticed lots of smiles around me.
Now, 1: maybe it's 'cause I'm a girly-gal. 2: Or maybe it was my pride in my bike and the enthusiasm of getting to join in. 3: Or maybe it's 'cause it's not a hard-core bar. But I sure was included by the big-dog bikers. Although I think my brother was a bit embarrassed. >'Kat
Back in my day, outlaw bikers were MUCH different than today... Sure, we were rough and ready, but no drugs, no bullying, willing to help anyone broke down on the road and anybody on 2 (or 3) wheels was welcome to ride with us...
As drugs, organized crime, extortion, kidnapping and such entered the equation it all changed. And it took place while I was in the Army. There ARE still "good guys" outlaw clubs, especially those Christian groups like the "Tribe of Juda". Even among the hard-core crowd, usually easily identified by colors, 1%er tats, no plates on their chops, class III weapons (sawed-off shotguns, full-auto stuff in their belts) tomahawks, Bowie knives, machetes and of course the obligatory framing hammer in the loop in their overalls... Even among that frightening bunch, the older ones with gray hair and beards are quite often friendly and accepting of us.
Just DON'T bet yer' life on it...Stopping for a cold one at one of their marked watering holes is still NOT a good idea for the scooter-jockey... even a WORSE idea if you're also an outlaw and wearing the WRONG colors... Every so often, on a bright, sunny day, with wind on my knuckles I go back in memory to riding "Old Blue" with the "Rolling Lords". I can almost hear that BEAUTIFUL thundering cackle of 150cid of animal motor... Then, I'll pass a hard-case biker bar and remember I'm NOT 17 anymore, and, I'm NOT riding "Old Blue"... I'm 71, with arthritis, bad vision, poor balance and riding "Minnie Mouse".
Oh well, being young and reckless WAS a lot of fun! Leo (ah... born to be mild these days) in Texas Yes Leo, but the young think their youth and strength come from THEM. They haven't been around long enough to realize it's just on loan from mother nature. (And will have to be returned one day.) |
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How Harley-Davidson has failed to connect with the millennials, is losing huge market shares, and is dying a slow death as a result.
