Triumphrat

KingStreetRat · 05-16-2007

I've just found that 99% of Triumph guys are just regular dudes that love their bikes without having to prove that they are azz kickers.

Still got the hog and will keep the hog. And no, didn't have a fallout with anyone.

Always been a loner and observer from afar.

And like I said, after a good (almost a year) I've come to the conclusion that there is a reason why I've never hung out with HD riders. My GF rides a HD Duece and she feels the same way.

Matter of fact, she makes more fun of them than I do.

I hang out at a location that has mostly HD riders parked street side (Muss knows where Im talking about.) just the jocko attitude, the white trash biker look ...on and on.

I ride my road king classic down there on one day, Im 'in the club' with the "hey man..wuz up?" and*****.

I ride my Tbone down and its instant outcast.

I do enjoy however, when I park my mod' Tbone out next to a chromed out 40K piece of "LOOK AT ME!!!" and my bike gets all the looks and questions.

[ This message was edited by: KingStreetRat on 2007-05-16 20:42 ]

TCL · 05-16-2007

To each his own. :chug:

mecscc · 05-17-2007

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

rickykarate99 · 05-17-2007

Somebody needs to read Robert Pirsig's "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance." If you don't get it after that, you won't. And that's cool too.

mecscc · 05-17-2007

Man, you must be clairvoyant! Sue and I are going on a 10 day moto tour on the 24th and I was digging around trying to find my old dog eared copy, and can't. I've read it a dozen times, but not in several years and I thought it would be a great read in the evenings on the trip. So..........I ordered a new copy from Amazon just about an hour ago.

You are right. Either you get that book or you don't. And either way that is "OK."

Good post.

Monte :-D

bgaz · 05-17-2007

There are different people looking for different things I guess.
I would guess the usual harley guy or gal might be looking to join a 'club' or group, many seem to gravitate to the many runs and gatherings, and ride in groups.
They seem to really enjoy the entire scene, and the bike is just an entry ticket.
They want to fit in, so they do what they need to do.

I myself generally avoid people and don't join groups, but really enjoy doing my own thing, when and how I want.

As far as wrenching, I realize many don't like it, don't have a place to do it, and would be no good at it if they did.

And if I did it for a living all day long, I doubt I would want to do it on my own time!

But I cant understand how people can go through life not knowing how things work, how to fix things, etc.
I think its a big disadvantage to be totally clueless as far as practical information goes.
A simple problem can ruin your day, people can take advantage of you big time, and not knowing some things can be dangerous.
But that is just how my brain is wired, I MUST know how something works, and how it should be taken care of.
I know plenty of people who know there is a motor under the hood of their car, but could not point it out.

They get ripped off and risk breaking down for a simple reason, and have no idea if the stuff the mechanic is spouting makes any sense at all.
(some of that is actually VERY funny stuff)

I think the trend is that way, my son and his friends have NO idea how anything works, from an Ipod to a car to a TV set, they just USE the stuff.
They have totally bought into the idea that they must go to the high priests of service/repair, for every and any product, when I know many of the 'high priests' have little clue and less training, and don't care at all. (you should see the guys they call VW mechanics at my local dealers!)

Personally, I enjoy working on stuff, put the tunes on, have a cold one or two, and do some quality work.
Its relaxing!

I have more time than money, so it fits in real well with my personality traits.

Brett

Sam56 · 05-17-2007

I undrestand your complaints; but you don't have to hang out with the 20 something wannabes, do your own thing with whatever bike you like,

I do draw the line in not waving back!! I've realized that less people on HDs wave back unless I'm riding my hunk of too much spent!

[ This message was edited by: Sam56 on 2007-05-17 13:35 ]

convict · 05-17-2007

hey guys and girls - thanks for being there and always offering great advise and suggestions - i consider myself very lucky to be part of such a great group of people. i think at this time, it is to share . i have taken my seat off atleast five times. seriously . all is good - now get the frig off the computer and go ride your freakin bike . right now!!!!

DannyChrist · 05-17-2007

hey King Rat, if you want to feel a bit better , check out the latest issue of Motorcyclist. It has some wild pics of big cruisers eatiing it on the 'Tail of the Dragon" Deals gap loop.
I know its completely wrong but the guy dumping the full dress Harley is Hysterical! the crash bars to prevent Damage, leverage the wheels off and make him crash! Brilliant! :razz:

akenaten · 05-17-2007

Sam56: that is a beautiful bike!

Now as far as the whole "Harley scene" I've never understood the attraction. But then I rarley ride with other people so maybe that's why i don't get it. Wearing what is basically a uniform,palstered with logos and trying to look "tough"(mostly just to impress their wives in the hope of getting some)is not what I call a good time.
My girlie bike has a quarter-fairing,no skulls anywhere and I'm slowly denuding it of chrome. I do all that because I want to. Not to follow some crowd in the hope that some bunch of shallow a$$holes will pay attention to me.
Yes the general Harley scene is stupid. But there are also a lot of Harley riders who don't care about any of that nonsense and are good people.
The BIKE is what is important. Yes many people by a bike as a fashion accessory. Many people do the same with cars,clothing etc....
I guess I ride a motorcycle not a lifestyle.