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Was looking for a new helmet today. I've always had a thing for how Harley helmets were shaped, so I headed to a Harley shop. I found the exact helmet I been eying for a few months and decided on a large. I approached a sales lady and asked for a large. She headed to the back room and gathered a large model helmet I had requested. As I was trying it on, she asked me if I rode a Harley. I said 'no, I rode a Kawasaki'. Her response? "It's Ok, you're looking to upgrade."

W...T...F....! I didn't make an issue of it and said 'I'll take the helmet."

Now...I'm not a branding racist, but that caught me off guard. Anyone else confront this in the past? I have several friends that ride Harleys, but damn...give a brother a break for liking their AGV branded Harley Davidson helmets!

Bike Racism...about as prevelant as any other. You may not think you are, but deep down it sits, lurking.

I think you're right, Corsco. She giggled a bit after saying that, but I really wanted the helmet and went on with the purchase. I don't can't return it as they have a no return policy. You know we have it good when stuff like this irritates us.

More like elitiism if you ask me. I'll stick to my 20 year old Honda, thank you very much.

Eh, DH got the same thing the other day. He rode to work on his Vulcan and then one of the other guys comes buy with the oh so typcal time for a new line harley guy, "When are you gonna buy a real bike?"

I told DH to ask him when Harley guys are gonna come up with a new line.

That kinda high and mighty attitude, as a new rider I really have no problems not ever having a Harley in the garage. They don't really appeal to me much anyway.

my apologies for the brethrens flagrant mechanical racism....

its silly from all angles...people ride what they like. Myself i have a kaw and a hawg... and would reallly like to add an bmw r1200c or one of those new victories to the stable....need money...may sell blood. any one here need any?

From someone who rides a Harley, I'm both confused and embarrassed by the apparent 'elitism' by some other Harley riders.

Never forget I mentioned how much I liked the new Star motorcycles while at a bike night dominated by Harleys...should've seen the looks

But don't forget this elitism can rear it's head from riders of other types and makes of motorcycles too...

BTW hope you got the harley helmet on sale...the one time I bought a HD helmet it stood for High Dollar rather than Harley Davidson

Of all the brands of bike I would ride, Harley isn't on the list.

I'd take a Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Ducati, Moto-Guzzi, Triumph,,,etc. etc. all first.

If someone GAVE me a Harley I would sell it, buy a Moto-Guzzi or a Yamaha, and pocket the rest.

They can keep their antiquated overpriced buckets thanks.

quintisv wrote:They can keep their antiquated overpriced buckets thanks.

That's good, because you're not skilled enough to ride one anyway.

Mustang wrote:But don't forget this elitism can rear it's head from riders of other types and makes of motorcycles too...

Yeah I don't understand that either. I don't care what you ride, it's just kewl that you do. But if I get that attitude from someone, you best believe they'll get it right back.

I wave at anyone one a bike be it a sport bike, cruiser, standard or trike. Maybe it's because I'm a newb and I haven't had the chance to get cynical and pissed off at the world..