Elitism, Snobbery, Clanish behavior and the insistance that to be "real" one has to "be like me" are inherent in the human condition. Not one of our better traits. The problem comes when a majority of people who see themselves as "true believers" pile on those who don't conform. Trouble with pointing that out is that they never see what they do as piling on. Its hard to when you know your position if the only "right" one. I've done it. We've all done it.
Personally, I think Brett makes many valid points. Why do I think that? Because I agree with him on most of them.
On the other hand, Convict has done a very needed and courageous thing: he has taken the risk of telling us that we are stereotyping one of our own, him, and others like him, who have no interest in wrenching, as being less than a "true" motorcyclist. It is hard to call out a majority opinion when you are in a decided minority in a group in which you wish to be treated as uqual.
I am as guilty as anyone on on this forum in insisting that one at least do his/her own maintenance, etc. In fact, until Convict brought it up, and I thank him for doing it, it never even occured to me that someone might not actually "perfer" to work on his own bike.
I should know better because I live a perfect analogy everyday: I love my Grand Marquis autos, have only owned them as my main cage since 1970. And I have NEVER had the slightest interest in working on them myself, including changing the oil and other trivial maintenance items. I don't consider myself less a Grand Marquis fan, or less a "driver" because I don't work on them.
Thanks again, Convict, for calling us out. And, Brett, it sounds like you and me come from very similar backqrounds and I know exactly where you are coming from. I know you pretty well from your posts and know you intended no harm.
I believe there is plenty of room in this membership for riders, whatever you call them, bikers, motorcyclists, etc., of many differing loves and persuasions. That is what Shawn started this whole thing for. As one of the earliest members here I know that his vision has always been that what counts is a mutual interest in Triumph motorcycles. If we have that everything else is secondary.
Peace, folks.
Monte
