Culture: Imports Vs. Domestics

[ZooTech]

If I cant cope on a 400-500cc bike as recomended by a lot of the American riders on here I'll stand a pint for everyone on the forum.

Now now...nobody said anything about 400-500cc bikes. My two buddies and I all learned on 500's and did alright on the freeway, though they were heavier shafties from the late 70's and early 80's (CX500 and GL500i). But we weren't ready to contend with rush-hour traffic at that time, though I did run my CX500 up to Detroit for an over-nighter.

So we are probably going to have the Hertz rental cage the airline have offered us at Biketober and I'll carry a picture of Zootechs bike in my wallet in case anyone has a problem with that!

NO! Don't do that, man! I hear the Harley owners in Florida are straight-up representin', and you're likely to get your arse kicked flashing a picture of a Kawasaki!

[Kal]

I can see the conversation now;

"So, what kinda bike is that?"

"erm, er, its a Harley Davidson Vulcan fxtdgtsacc4wdhttpcbwallawatsit electracruise mean streak!"

"Thump!"



Honda when they produced the 250 just dropped sleeves into the 400 motor, and instead of fitting it with twin discs up front fitted just the one.

Its pretty much the same size as its successor the CB500. Its just the 250 was the easiest one to measure at the time.

[in_denial]

Most of the Harley riders I pass refuse to waive back at me. Now, when this happens, I extend my left middle finger and hope they see it in their mirror. I really think their attitude is silly. Here's a fat balding bondage boy "O Ring" monkey and he is snubbing his nose at me?? Since when did dressing up like the Village People become cool?? I have nothing against Harleys, just some of the a-holes that ride them.

[Aquaduct]

I'm in Florida in just over a month.

If someone with a smaller bike would care to lend it to me*, I'll happily take it on to the Freeway's round there.

If I cant cope on a 400-500cc bike as recomended by a lot of the American riders on here I'll stand a pint for everyone on the forum.


*We were trying to rent one and cruise from Daytona to Orlando, but it seems impossible to rent a mid sized bike in Florida.

Just this evening my wife and I got to talking about coming to the UK, probably in a couple years after she finishes school. Probably acouple weeks. Tour the whole place but particularly up into the Highlands of Scotland (wife's a Scot- sheesh!), take in some time at Pluscarden Abbey and the Glenmorangie lodge, etc.

So, can bikes be rented in the UK? Specifically a Triumph Tiger? (Yeah, I know, bigger than I need, but I'm older than you and American, what can I say? ). I'd definitely throw a stop in Hinckley in.

Any info?

[Jeffreybomb]

So we are probably going to have the Hertz rental cage the airline have offered us at Biketober and I'll carry a picture of Zootechs bike in my wallet in case anyone has a problem with that!

Biketober meaning the Biketoberfest in the Central Florida area?

[Kal]

Just this evening my wife and I got to talking about coming to the UK, probably in a couple years after she finishes school. Probably acouple weeks. Tour the whole place but particularly up into the Highlands of Scotland (wife's a Scot- sheesh!), take in some time at Pluscarden Abbey and the Glenmorangie lodge, etc.

So, can bikes be rented in the UK? Specifically a Triumph Tiger? (Yeah, I know, bigger than I need, but I'm older than you and American, what can I say? ). I'd definitely throw a stop in Hinckley in.

Any info?

Yes you can rent bikes, not sure about the Tiger but Someone must be doing it...

If your point of entry/depature is Scotland you might try these: http://www.rentamotorcycle.co.uk/index.html

Whether they have a Tiger now or have one available when you get here is another issue altogether...

Time it right and we'll drag you off to a show or something with the Nottingham clan.

Biketober meaning the Biketoberfest in the Central Florida area?

Thats the plan, or rather camping out in the Mouse's magic kingdom in Orlando before going to Biketober and then back to Orlando so we can harrass any rodents we missed the first time round.

So far discussions arent going too well. Jules is insisting on me finding some insurance and getting a lot of two up practise.

That said she hasnt ruled out the idea as long as I get my Direct Access in the very. very near future.
Hertz rental is still a favorite on the other side of the bed, but I am working on it!

[rubthebuddha]

Actually, along these same lines, I see a lot of guys talking about street bikes. I'm assuming that term is interchangeable with sport bikes?

Right now, I'm looking at the Honda line of cruisers, such as the Aero (although a friend of mine who owns one says that, being six-foot-five, I might do better to get myself something like a 1300).

But -- after reading more and more of this forum, it seems like maybe a 1300 (or even an Aero) might not be a great choice for a first bike?

I haven't had a chance to sit down and read a lot of these topics. However, I have yet to come across another post by another tall rider.

Suggestions?

Hey J-bomb I picked up an Aero just about a month ago and I can tell you that it is a great first bike. But yeah it might be a little cramped for your size. I suggest getting on as many bikes as you can (not just Hondas) to find something comfortable.
__________

So far I haven't had anybody "look down" on me because of my choice of bike and in fact just about everyone waves. Eventually I'm sure I'll run into one of those no funs, but the world's full of them, what are you gonna do? Just ride - that's what.

Good luck man.

[Aquaduct]

Yes you can rent bikes, not sure about the Tiger but Someone must be doing it...

If your point of entry/depature is Scotland you might try these: http://www.rentamotorcycle.co.uk/index.html

Perfect, thanks!

[flynrider]

You can rent some pretty cool two-wheeled hardware in the U.K. About the only thing I see available for rent in the U.S. are Harleys and a few of the larger touring bikes. Check out the inventory at this place:

http://www.tpc.motorcycle.hire.mcmail.com/index.html

[Mustang]

Most of the Harley riders I pass refuse to waive back at me. Now, when this happens, I extend my left middle finger and hope they see it in their mirror. I really think their attitude is silly...... I have nothing against Harleys, just some of the a-holes that ride them.

Couple of things......

I'm on a Harley and some of the other HOG riders don't wave back to me either!!! It seems some bikers, regardless of what they ride are either distracted (this has happened to me a few times) or they just don't want to wave.

As I sort of mentioned above although I wave to everyone, some riders cruisers and sports alike don't wave back.....oh well....

Bottom line is I agree with how you think and believe in waving to each other no matter what the bike.

Going back to the original post....no matter what you ride not every person is going to agree with your taste.

Pick whats safe in relation to your learning curve of riding. I think on of the main causes for the recent increase in MC deaths is baby boomers getting on bigger, heavier and faster bikes after being away from riding for the last 15 or 20 years.

Pick whats comfortable, hopefully you'll be spending a lot of hours riding and it wants to feel fun not awkward.

And finally pick whats affordable. You mentioned Harleys, well they currentl;y have a high resale value that you probably couldn't get on cheaper equivilants, but that doesn't matter if you cant afford the insurance or gas to ride because you spent too much on the bike.

And I agree with the other poster...if anyone looks down on you because of your ride...you're hanging out with the wrong crowd!!!

Laurence

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