Total Motorcycle Community Forums

dr_bar wrote:I've always believed that it's not what you ride, but that you ride...

I'de also like to add.....


It's also how you ride, ride like a smuck and you won't earn the respect of other riders.

Randy wrote:Every once in a while, you will even see some souped up Vespa on the site too. Now that is acceptance!

i cant wait to get a nice new 250...someday someday

BuzZz wrote:Just be careful about joking about Harleys.... I think they viberate the humor gene out of most owners....

Buzz, I realise your comment was made in jest but it touched off a rant in me anyway. When I hear the same old cliches over and over and over and over and over and over and over again, it gets REAL hard to try and maintain a sense of humour about it. It wouldn't be too bad if the comments people make were actually funny, but all too often they are made purely out of spite and ignorance instead of humour - and people who don't know enough about bikes to know the difference will parrot what they hear and help perpetuate the cliches.

Think of it this way - if someone makes a Harley joke here or on any other forum, everybody just nods their head and says "yep, that's right" and only the Harley owners will take it to issue. But I'm certain that had I made a joke about "japanese scrap" or "crotch rockets" or "squids" as my first post here I would have been shown the door immediately by the entire membership.

What I like about this forum is that the "My (insert brand name here) is better than your (insert brand name here)" silliness seems to be kept to a minimum. I don't hang around places where brand bashing is the norm - and yes, I have refused to join certain Harley forums for that exact reason - and so far this place seems to be truly about MOTORCYCLES which is why I plan to stick around.

dr_bar wrote:I've always believed that it's not what you ride, but that you ride...

I agree fully, it's refreshing that we all share a common interest......the love of riding motorcycles and everyone has their own taste and riding style. There's no sense in coming in here and slamming a particular kind of style or bike...we need to support each other and pass on our experiences especially to all those new riders.

I live to ride!

Since I'm new I'll jump in and give my two cents on why I keep coming back. Not only is there complete acceptance regarding what you ride, there is also complete acceptance and advice regarding your skill level. I have yet to see a post that leans toward the "I'm a better rider than you slant" which is refreshing.

The other thing I liked is the common idea of making everyone here a better rider regardless of what they ride. I like that you all give input on what good starter bikes are and gear and such, but it seems that even if you go out and buy that brand new crotch rocket, everyone is still going to help you be the best rider you can possibly be.

That's my take on this place anyways. Personally, I love it.

You'll find it's also possible to have very interesting conversations here about virtually any topic. The common bond that brought us here extends to make us friends, even if we haven't met. We discuss, even disagree at times, and just keep on helping each other any way we can with whatever experience we can share. Even the older members, who have probably heard it all before, treat us all like equals. It's a great community, and it does seem to be outside the forum, too. Great observation.

for example, Star wars episode 3 is freakin awesome.

for example, Star wars episode 3 is freakin awesome.



So I hear. I'm hoping to see it tomorrow, if not then for sure on Sat.

Gummiente wrote:[ When I hear the same old cliches over and over and over and over and over and over and over again, it gets REAL hard to try and maintain a sense of humour about it.

Just imagine how it was to be Buzz, puttin' up with all of those pull-type Suzuki jokes for so long......even the Harley guys had to feel sorry for him

Gummiente wrote: Buzz, I realise your comment was made in jest but it touched off a rant in me anyway. When I hear the same old cliches over and over and over and over and over and over and over again, it gets REAL hard to try and maintain a sense of humour about it.

So you've never been married, then?

Gummiente wrote:It wouldn't be too bad if the comments people make were actually funny, but all too often they are made purely out of spite and ignorance instead of humour - and people who don't know enough about bikes to know the difference will parrot what they hear and help perpetuate the cliches.

Maybe.... but people didn't dream up those issues that the jokes are based on. They came from actual bikes that actually had problems. And the japanese bikes have had thier share of issues to live down as well. Any mechanical device will have some problems. Nature of the beast....

And now you know what us old buggers had to take from H.D. riders in the 70's and 80's.....

Gummiente wrote:Think of it this way - if someone makes a Harley joke here or on any other forum, everybody just nods their head and says "yep, that's right" and only the Harley owners will take it to issue.

Lost me there..... sounds like Harley owners don't like to admit that thier bikes could ever have a problem......

Gummiente wrote:But I'm certain that had I made a joke about "japanese scrap" or "crotch rockets" or "squids" as my first post here I would have been shown the door immediately by the entire membership.

You SURE about that? Before I got too old, I WAS a squid. And I can take(or make) a joke about squids with the best of 'em. I have seen all types and styles of bikes, riders (or colors ) slammed... some were funny, some were not. But some people are funny, some are not. I think alot of it comes down to that.
Funny is funny, if the joke hurts, maybe it's cause it hits too close to home, or there is some denial going on??? I don't know, but it sounds reasonable....

Gummiente wrote:What I like about this forum is that the "My (insert brand name here) is better than your (insert brand name here)" silliness seems to be kept to a minimum.

Agreed 100%!!! But that doesn't mean you can't even mention idiosyncracies of any make of bike.... does it? Most (granted, not all) comments are not made with any malice, but most (again, not all) H.D. comments are taken as a personal attack by H.D. owners. Never figured out why.... it's not like the owners designed and built the things..... we just ride them.(those? Al??)

Gummiente wrote:I don't hang around places where brand bashing is the norm - and yes, I have refused to join certain Harley forums for that exact reason - and so far this place seems to be truly about MOTORCYCLES which is why I plan to stick around.

Agreed!!! What were we talking about???? Screw it, lets ride!!!