Harley Snobs: RANT - Page 2

JunkyardDog · 07-05-2010, 06:51 PM

Harley riders have always been pretty nice to me. I certainly don't wear Harley clothes, but often I am wearing a black bike t-shirt or jacket, and I carry a do-rag around to put on when I take off my helmet. I have several t shirts, from Sturgis, Laughlin, Daytona, J&P, etc. None of them say Harley. Now if you want to meet some real snobs, start paying attention to newer BMW riders. They think they are so high and mighty they won't talk to you at all. Jerry.

**Buickguy** · 07-12-2010, 01:17 AM

Sorry to hear of your loss Twitch!

I know what you mean about that Harley type. Early on in my riding, I ran into the same type. I had an old Benelli 250 that wasn't a real bike Over the years, I have learned that the type to do that are more posers than riders. I put more miles on my Rebel in a year than they did it two years and their posing bike were their only bike while I had split my miles between several. Even still, the experience left such a bad taste in my mouth for anything H-D that I will never own one.

JunkyardDog · 07-12-2010, 04:53 PM

I still want an H-D, because I like the bike, NOT because I want anything to do with the "Harley culture". Many Harley riders around here are not like that, though some are. There will always be that type. I will just ignore them, whether I am on a Harley or something else. When I get my older Harley, it certainly won't be my only bike, it may replace my Vulcan 750 (I only have so much room), but I will still own and ride several Japanese bikes. And again, I will NEVER wear any clothes that say Harley Davidson on them. Then I would also have to get clothes that say Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha, and wear the right clothes for the right bike. Sounds like a real PITA. Jerry.

**Buickguy** · 07-12-2010, 10:50 PM

I meant no offense to your choice Jerry. I hadn't seen your post when I posted my reply. I guess you can find the attitude anywhere. I had two BMWs with the last one purchased twenty years ago. Back then the BMW motorrad riders were performance enthusiasts and disliked the snobby/preppy subculture of the BMW cagers. Now it seems like it spilled on to the cycles as well.

**twitch** · 07-13-2010, 12:25 AM

In all fairness, I should follow up with another encounter I had with a Harley couple yesterday.

I was at a gas station, and I came out to find the exact same scenario unfolding--again! Two Harleys are parked next to me, ridden by one man and one woman, and they had the same look as the pair who started this rant. I walked past them to get to my bike, bracing for the attack. I'm gun shy now, so I don't wave or acknowledge them in any way. As I'm loading some sodas into my saddlebag, the dude says from behind me: "Hey."

I slowly turn around to look at him, and say, "Hey, how are ya?"

He says, "Did you know there's a poker run going on today? You can register till 3:00 at the McDonald's."

I didn't go because I was busy with other things, but that was all they had for me. No kick in the teeth. Now, I know not all HD riders are a$$4013s. It's definitely not fair to paint any group with a broad brush. Those two proved it. It's just that I have run into my share lately.

I'm really not touchy about my bike; but I am a little sensitive about my financial standing. When someone makes fun of my bike, what I hear is: "Ha, ha...you're POOR!"

Anyway, it just seemed only fair to post the good experience with HD riders for balance. Still don't think I'll be going to Bike Night at the local bar any time soon, though.

JunkyardDog · 07-13-2010, 01:11 AM

Harley elitism is dropping a bit, since Harley is not doing so well, and resale values on used Harleys finally dropped to where most people can afford one. Hopefully it won't come back. I understand brand loyalty, I used to be a GM guy through and through, now I own 3 Fords. With the advent of newer computerized cars, I became an old American car guy, pretty much any American brand will do, as long as it's pre emissions/pre electronics.

I don't want a new Harley (even if I could afford one, which I can't) for the same reason. They have become too much like new cars, other than they still look like motorcycles, new cars look like, well I'm not exactly not sure what new cars look like, but they do not look like cars to me. A late '90s carbureted EVO will be just fine for me. Jerry.

**flitecontrol** · 07-13-2010, 11:00 AM

I have had Harley riders point and laugh at me as we passed each other, and others who refused to acknowledge my wave. One went so far as to shake his head "no" when I waved. I called the local Harley dealership and found they were about the cheapest place to get a tire balanced. But when I brought the wheel in and they learned it was off a Kawasaki, they wouldn't balance it.

However, when I was stranded on the side of the road, a Harley rider was the first to stop and see if I needed help. Idiots and angels can and do ride the same brand.

**cagie** · 07-13-2010, 02:08 PM

What I can't understand is the attitude of a business refusing customer service. I understand not wanting to work on another brand machine, but a tire is a tire.

If anything tell the customer "well, we're sorry, but our insurances tells us we can't touch another brand, but let me give the Kawi dealer a call and see if he can help before you have to hike over there." Of course that is a fantasy too... but think of the good relations doing something like that could bring...

**flitecontrol** · 07-13-2010, 02:34 PM

I too was dumfounded that they wouldn't balance the tire. I'm sure their balancer didn't have "Harley tires only" written on it. Previously, I bought some accessories for my Rebel there. Haven't been back since, and don't plan on returning.

**Blueberry** · 07-13-2010, 02:54 PM

Whats with HD? Well if they don't want my $, fine, they won't get it. If I owned a HD stealership I would try to get as many different bike riders into my store/shop and show them when/if they are ready to move to a HD, my place is the place to come to with good service, and good advice. Oh, I'm sorry, I'm using logic again. Nevermind.

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