Does the way you want others to see you influence your choice of bike?

[Molly]

Be honest. Was there something in your choice of bike that was influenced by what you felt it'd say about you as a person? If not consciously then, on reflection, are there perhaps characteristics of your personality reflected in your choice?

For example, I like 'barn door' over-engineering. I like the idea of form following function. I think there's a beauty in simple utility and have no time for bling. Mostly, I'm interested only in what something <i>is</i> and not what it <i>means</i>. I notice that my Guzzi, my ute and my Fender Stratocaster all have that in common and in that way think they're a reflection of me.

What about you?

Sorry if this is a bit wank. I was just pondering. You could put it another way and say why you wouldn't ride a particular bike where the reason has nothing to do with what that bike is and everything to do with what you interpret that bike to mean (and therefore what you wouldn't want to think it says about you).

[bogan]

fuck no, I dont pick my bike for what other people think (just look at my choices :bleh:) But there are characteristics of my personality that are probably reflected in my choice, but then whos bike doesnt.

[Maha]

I purchase a bike that best suits my needs, what others think has no bearing what so ever. I couldn't care less how others view me on my choice of bike. As long as im happy and my wife is happy then thats all that matters.

In a nutshell........No.

[YellowDog]

I am very embarrassed to say YES.

BUT not to a large degree.

[PirateJafa]

Yeah, I'm a fag, so I bought a Honda. :rolleyes:

[one fast tl1ooo]

I picked my bike by the sound. :bleh::bleh:tl1ooo

[crazzed]

hell no buy for what i want.

[madmal64]

No

I ride what I ride because it spins my wheels. I dont give a flying rats arse what others think.
Thankfully they make different bike for different folks.

[Molly]

I am very embarrassed to say YES.

BUT not to a large degree.

I don't think you should be embarrassed to say yes. For example, lots of people have no difficulty dismissing Harley but have no experience of Harleys as 'machines for riding'. They just don't like what they think it might say about them (based, I'm guessing, on the prejudices they carry or that they fear their peers carry).

[beyond]

I bought a GSX1400 because everyone likes them :)



Nah... seriously, I like them and found they just do everything I want from a bike.

[Trudes]

Practicle, low maintenance, Un-flashy and naked.... Yes my choice of bike could say something about my personality. :confused:

[Maha]

I don't think you should be embarrassed to say yes. For example, lots of people have no difficulty dismissing Harley but have no experience of Harleys as 'machines for riding'. They just don't like what they think it might say about them (based, I'm guessing, on the prejudices they carry or that they fear their peers carry).

The Harley dissmissing and Honda is gay stems from those who are possibly uneducated on the quality and technology of both manufactures.
I have spoken to a well respected person on both these matters, and can just add that, Graeme Crosby owns a Road King.

But you are right, there alot out there that really do care what others think. They will show up in this thread soon enough.

[Swoop]

Does the way you want others to see you influence your choice of bike?
No.
It is a very sad day when your ego dictates your ride.

[Big Dave]

No.

I cite my influences as Foghorn Leghorn, Groucho Marx and Wayne's world. If it wa'n't for all the faggy stuff Warhol would get a mention too.

[F5 Dave]

I don't think you should be embarrassed to say yes. For example, lots of people have no difficulty dismissing Harley but have no experience of Harleys as 'machines for riding'. They just don't like what they think it might say about them (based, I'm guessing, on the prejudices they carry or that they fear their peers carry).

erm actually it doesn't take a MotoGP engineer to know that a Hardly (or Clone) isn't going to handle like any other normal bike, - just look at the angle of the forks. 'How someone may be perceived' isn't why most motorcyclists don't buy them. They are chosen because of the way people want to be perceived or they way they feel when they ride one, live the dream & that sort of stuff & if that's their bag then that is cool, they spent their money well if they are happy.

Changing the subject
I've purchased a rareish sort of bike by chance & built some specials & do sort of like the exclusivity in a sad sort of way (gee what a wanker!, but I also own & have owned & will buy some cookie cutter models too if they fit the purpose.

[Hiflyer]

not totally but it still has a factor, I don't know how people can't be affected by what other people think! (Maybe its because I'm young)


Although in saying that, looking from a different view, people will think wow he rides a bike,

those kinda people dont know whats "cool", its just a bike to them so maybe just having a bike would be fine?


man im confusing myself

[AllanB]

Interesting question. I'm pretty sure I need more than one beer to ponder on this ....:niceone:

No & Yes

No - it floated my boat, fitted my needs and was in my price bracket (a big factor in my circumstances) plus the Hornet is a good base to muck around with and mod a bit to personalise.

Yes - in a subconscious way I guess and probably maybe for future purchases.
Yes for gear - I can't see me wearing tassles off my arms for a while or a race suit coloured like a licorice all-sort.

[Renegade]

yes, im a little self concious so i know what i do and dont want to be seen on.

And no, i know what i like and wont buy some thing i think is shit.

im confused now :argue:

[mattian]

No.... not in the choice of bike. But certainly in the choice of colour. Any colour you like..... as long as its black....... or possibly red

[F5 Dave]

not totally but it still has a factor, I don't know how people can be affected by what other people think! . . . . .um -have you met a woman before?:rolleyes:

Come to that why do guys show off?

[Hiflyer]

. . .um -have you met a woman before?:rolleyes:

Come to that why do guys show off?

sorry I meant to say CAN'T be affected,

[The Stranger]

Does the way you want others to see you influence your choice of bike?

Ok, I admit it, yes. In particular the XT.

[DarkLord]

Not really with me - my bike is all I can afford right now, and it does all I need it to do (although of course not all I want it to do).

However I do believe that at least to a certain degree people's bike choices often show up certain aspects of their personality.

[Oakie]

No ... but what I want in a bike reflects me I guess. Not flashy but reliable. Yawn.

[McWild]

Yes.

What I want, and what feels like the right bike, is in part determined by my perception of how other people are viewing me.

If I think other people think I'm a loser on the bike I'm on then it won't feel right.

So, the way I think others see me on a bike won't make me turn away from an otherwise perfectly good bike, because in my mind the bike won't be perfectly good.

I ride what I want sure, but part of what I want is to feel confident in all aspects of ownership.


Hopefully some of that made sense. It's not like it's the be all end all anyway, lets see so far I've owned and ridden a 50cc four stroke Chinese scooter, and a RG150 smoker. Clearly I don't care that much :second:

[ducatilover]

I ride what I like, I like twins. Sporty twins. That's what I tend to buy. I also drive what I like, how many people consider a 73 bmw cool? :bleh:

[chef]

ofcourse i wanna look great its so sad riding my hyo gt250 and sounds like a sowing machine then some dude rocks up next to me on a harley or w.e makes me feel small. ha but im changing it to a beast so i do feel good about the look of my bike.

[howdamnhard]

No ... but what I want in a bike reflects me I guess. Not flashy but reliable.

It's got to meet my needs first and foremost. In my case more power,reliable (ha,ha) and cheap. Never put form over function and in that way it reflects my character/persona.

[Pwalo]

Presumably your choice of anything is influenced by how you want others to perceive you (it'd be hard to sell fashion otherwise), so I imagine it's the same for your choice of two wheels.

Personally I think my choice of bike was more to do with what I didn't want people to perceive me as.

[slofox]

Most of my choice was governed by what I could afford.....the rest was governed by what I liked.
What other people might think of it didn't even come near my rattling brain...and never has. Fashion? Pah!

[Pwalo]

Most of my choice was governed by what I could afford.....the rest was governed by what I liked.
What other people might think of it didn't even come near my rattling brain...and never has. Fashion? Pah!

You must ride an SV650S then!!

[RC1]

NO dont give a rats about what others think :rockon:

[Dodgyiti]

I nearly always customise my bikes, so I would have to say no- I change things to how I want them, I may however do a few things to rile people up- like when I flamed a rare bike and then took it to a marque rally :crazy:
And I bought a BMW this week, if you care what others think I don't think you would buy a BMW eh? Of course I am stripping right back to a bobber look and matt blacking it ;)

[desmo dave]

I ride Ducatis because i allways have & i dont know any better.Do i give a shit what you ride, no.Just enjoy what ever makes you smile.

[jetboy]

My answer would be no - Im just under 2m tall and ride a 250 (it looks pretty rediculous)...and it's a Honda!

Plus...aren't all bikes cool?

[Mom]

I ride the bike I do because my feet reach the ground :scooter:

I guess what that says about me is I am a shorty :D

[yungatart]

My bike is gorgeous, sexy and racey red (what does that say about me?).....I don't care what others think of me (or my bike)....its what I think that matters!

[Nasty]

I don't really care a lot about what others think .. but my bike is beautful to look at and comfortable to ride. Best thing is that it is heavy enough in the wind that I don't feel dragged under trucks on it .. and that suits me down to the ground!

[MIXONE]

My bike suits my personality perfectly.
Old,beaten up but still a good ride.

[vifferman]

Do I consider others when I choose a bike?
No.
Apart from the vifferbabe - I wouldn't have bought the VFR if hse hadn't forced me to. (Does that count? :confused:)
However (but!) I can't help but sometimes be aware of what other people think about other things: how my bike looks and sounds, what 'bits' it has, and so on. I guess that's because I'm a bit insecure and that sort of thing. :o

[dogsnbikes]

its all about what I want not what others think....my steeds are all different

CB250RS, great for chasing down bigger bikes in the twisties better still when I pass them:whistle:

CBX750 BOLD'OR, gives me that sense off being old and responsible like other touring bike riders :eek5:

DAYTONA955i,in my hands it cuts through twisties like a hot knife through butter am totally at one:woohoo:

but all give me the same thing satisfaction freedom and Farking big smiles but its not what you ride its how you ride

[Devil]

Dont particularly care what anyone thinks. I buy my bikes for what they do, not what they look like!

Dont care about "fitting in".

[Hazza]

I buy bikes to suit me and my riding style and if it looks cool well thats bonus. TBH I dont give a F*ck what other people think about my bike. I'm not one of them posers who goes and buys the coolest looking bike and gears to try and impress. The majority of people that do cant even ride there bikes

[wysper]

Something F5 Dave said earlier on got me thinking. Alot of people have said the wouldn't choose a bike because of what someone thought of them riding it.

But what if you took a slightly different view and said, I won't buy one of those because of what I think of the people or the bike associated with it.
The Harley example is almost perfect here,

eg. I wont get a Harley because it is ridden by gang members or old farts who take the bike out on sunny weekends only - not real riders

eg. I wont buy a Harley because they are shit and can't go round corners, my uncles massey fergusson is better!

This could be done for Gixxer 1000s too so I am not picking on Harleys at all.

The above is a perception and I think definitely influences buying decisions.

Me - apparently I ride a girls bike so what would I know LOL

[The Stranger]

Presumably your choice of anything is influenced by how you want others to perceive you (it'd be hard to sell fashion otherwise), so I imagine it's the same for your choice of two wheels.

Personally I think my choice of bike was more to do with what I didn't want people to perceive me as.

One only needs to ask why do people buy sport bikes for the street?
It's not for practicality, speed or cornering, why then?

[Morcs]

One only needs to ask why do people buy sport bikes for the street?
It's not for practicality, speed or cornering, why then?

Exactly. Especially when they cant even ride them!

[vifferman]

I won't buy one of those because of what I think of the people or the bike associated with it.
That reminds me - when I was young and (even more) stupid, Jap bikes were newish to the market. Non-Jap bikes were too big for a youngun, but the Jap bikes still had a stigma. Although I rode anything I could get hold of, somehow when buying a bike, Honda sounded less Japanese than Kawasaki, Suzuki, or Yamahaha. (Yeah, I know that sounds really stupid). Also, even then, Hondas had a good reputation for reliability and solidity.
The first bike I bought was a Honda, and since then, even though I have an open(ish) mind whenever I consider or test-ride bikes, I'm so used to the Honda ergonomics and whatnot, I've always ended up with another one, despite having other brands.

I'd still like a Ducati one day though. It'll probably never happen, because I'm getting even stupider than I was 35 years ago.

[Pwalo]

One only needs to ask why do people buy sport bikes for the street?
It's not for practicality, speed or cornering, why then?

Or for that matter cruisers, or motards. If we weren't concerned (just a little bit) we'd all be riding GS500s. And that's not putting down GS', they're bloody good little bikes.

[Morcs]

Or for that matter cruisers, or motards. If we weren't concerned (just a little bit) we'd all be riding GS500s. And that's not putting down GS', they're bloody good little bikes.

Actually cruisers and motards are quite purposeful.

Cruisers arent fast. Good for, well, cruising.

Motards are essential in the city.

[2wheeldrifter]

I don't care what others think,

Hey would I look good on a RC8 ? everyone like them, buying a new bike...

[Rockbuddy]

dont care what others think its what i think that matters ill own any bike as long as its not a spuzuki. currently own two bikes one sporty and one cruiser so the style of bike doesnt bother me either

[short-circuit]

One only needs to ask why do people buy sport bikes for the street?
It's not for practicality, speed or cornering, why then?

:jerry::jerry::jerry:

[bogan]

One only needs to ask why do people buy sport bikes for the street?
It's not for practicality, speed or cornering, why then?

Have you seen the new R6, jizz in my pants beautiful that is.

[The Stranger]

Motards are essential in the city.

Cheap to run, light and nimble, narrow, good ground clearance for running kerbs and obstacles.
They are THE most suitable bike for commuting and in my case city wide site visits.

[The Pastor]

i only buy triumph becuase it makes me look cool, i have all the triumph books and clothing, my next bike will be another triumph, i wont sell my current one becuase the new one will get lonly sitting in the garage all the time and not getting to see the world.

-Indy

[PirateJafa]

i only buy triumph becuase it makes me look cool, i have all the triumph books and clothing, my next bike will be another triumph, i wont sell my current one becuase the new one will get lonly sitting in the garage all the time and not getting to see the world.

-Indy

The garage? NEGLECT!

Should be on a pedestal in the living room. Or in bed, to cuddle each night.

[The Stranger]

Have you seen the new R6, jizz in my pants beautiful that is.

I rest my case.

[Drunken Monkey]

One only needs to ask why do people buy sport bikes for the street?
It's not for practicality, speed or cornering, why then?

They are practical - they're street legal track bikes. I could ride my Gix to Pukekohe/Taupo/etc, ride around the track then ride home. Easier than dicking around with a trailer and 'hardcore' non-streetable track bike. Same deal with dual sports, streetable dirt bikes rock.

[dipshit]

One only needs to ask why do people buy sport bikes for the street?
It's not for practicality, speed or cornering, why then?

For me because they are usually lighter and handle better... important to me considering how many tight and twisty roads NZ has. And the "handling better" isn't necessarily about cornering faster. Just a more enjoyable controlled ride.

It makes me wonder about guys like this and if they are more concerned about self-image and what other people think of them....

[Katman]

I think I was a Katana in a previous life.

[The Stranger]

They are practical - they're street legal track bikes. I could ride my Gix to Pukekohe/Taupo/etc, ride around the track then ride home.

Sure, and you do now and then at least, and you can ride actually ride it, which all makes good sense for you.
But lets face it, most sport bike owners don't and can't. In these cases it's pose value.

[F5 Dave]

That's a queer statement. If you want a speed fix then a Gixer thou will give an considerably bigger hit than a Groady old Bandit. Whether you think they can ride it or not to your obviously stella level matters not to them, they put down cash for performance. & most sportsbikes have better suspension & brakes. Just because a nakid or whatever has soft suspension doesn't mean it is better for the street, without quality damping, soft is not necessarily an advantage.

From an engineering point of view a bike can appeal. To ones-self. These people may appreciate a highly advanced bike (or as close as likely for production). If they buy it for that & it makes them happy, then that isn't for pose, it's because they like it. In the same manner that shiny baubles sell on Cruiser bikes.

I think your macho statement about most sportbike owners not being able to ride smacks of self righteousness.

[The Stranger]

That's a queer statement.

Well, clearly it's a statement about queers - and posers

I think your macho statement about most sportbike owners not being able to ride smacks of self righteousness.

So a little honesty is hard to take, but you'll thank me for it when you realise I am right. No good shooting the messenger now.

[Morcs]

I think your macho statement about most sportbike owners not being able to ride smacks of self righteousness.

Not really. Ive always found it funny when im out for a ride, and i come across some riders or even groups, they have the latest model sportsbikes, all the alpinestars poser gear, knee sliders untouched etc... and ill follow them for a while - the way their body position is, the way they take corners etc... is diabolical.

I never actually realised how crap a lot of road riders are - im not talking about riding hard and fast, just riding in general.

I was out scrubbing brand new slippery tyres in the other weekend, my mate had a steering head that was about to shatter itself to bits, and the posers that tagged on behind us were soon left many K's behind quickly - and thats just taking it easy at a legal pace.

[dipshit]

Not really. Ive always found it funny when im out for a ride, and i come across some riders or even groups, they have the latest model sportsbikes, all the alpinestars poser gear, knee sliders untouched etc... and ill follow them for a while - the way their body position is, the way they take corners etc... is diabolical.


Ok, so that is pretty sad... but then you do live in Auckland.

[Morcs]

Ok, so that is pretty sad... but then you do live in Auckland.

Next time your up here Ill quite happily give you some riding tips.

[dipshit]

Next time your up here Ill quite happily give you some riding tips.

Of course. You have a photo of yourself on a race track. Obviously you are superior to me every way because i have no photos of myself on a race track.

[Maha]

But you are right, there are alot out there that really do care what others think. They will show up in this thread soon enough.

The last few pages is full of what people think, I knew it would happen, the 'whys and hows' of personal selection when spending ones own money.
Everyone is entitled to purchase what bike they want, its thier money. The underlying fact that they are legally obligated to ride at a speed not exceeding 100kph, makes buying a sportbike an easier choice.

Who here owns a bike that, when they are road riding, gets the maximum out of what their bike has to offer? Apart from Noel...:whistle:

[Sable]

Does the way you want others to see you influence your choice of bike?

Yes. But money influences it more.

[Rosie]

Who here owns a bike that, when they are road riding, gets the maximum out of what thier bike has to offer? Apart from Noel...:whistle:

Me! Me! :woohoo:
Or is that not something I should be proud of :mellow:

[The Stranger]

Of course. You have a photo of yourself on a race track. Obviously you are superior to me every way because i have no photos of myself on a race track.

Yeah, but we all know you are better than Brian Bernard (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1129350595#post1129350595), so you don't need photos right?

[oldrider]

I don't care what other people think! :argh: :nono::oi-grr:

I buy run out models, well tested, bugs ironed out, less dollars involved, basically does the business the way I want it to! :niceone:

Then I like to tart it up to do the business even better and look specifically like "I" own it! :yes:

Hmmm, so it seems I do care what people think! :eek:

Sorry, :o I must have lied in the first sentence! :Oops:

[StoneY]

Does the way I wish to be seen affect the choice?
HELL YES!!!

Sportbikes are just soooooo sexy...and some nude bikes are too but wtf I like a full fairing bike, lean mean nad looking like its doing the ton even parked!
VANITY rules



One only needs to ask why do people buy sport bikes for the street?
It's not for practicality, speed or cornering, why then?

Because we LIKE them is why-

If I wanted a GN250 I would buy one- (as Mum had one I have no problem with them but it AINT me)
My GSX600F just did not do it for me so I upgraded... it couldnt handle long rides with 2 up, and got pushed round in the wind

Both my current bikes handle fine in any capacity I use em, and I for one would never ride anything less than I currently have - and never will (not as the owner)

As with any ride, its how you use it and my two sportbikes (ones a SUPERBIKE actually) both get used for commuting and touring, hopefully soon I will add a track day appearance to that useage list...

[Gremlin]

Not initially, but perhaps more so now.

It seems everyone thinks I'm mad... which isn't a bad thing I guess :whistle:

But it only really happened after I got the KTM. Me and KTM seems to constantly = outrageous happenings...

Ultimately however... no... I buy what I want, and those foolish enough to follow me can enjoy the beaches and gravel, night time or not, in the middle of nowhere :ride:

[bogan]

I am amused as to how well The Strangers troll is working, especially as very few people in this thread care what other people think about their bike choice. :whistle:

[short-circuit]

I am amused as to how well The Strangers troll is working, especially as very few people in this thread care what other people think about their bike choice. :whistle:

Priceless. Too easy.

[F5 Dave]

So a little honesty is hard to take, but you'll thank me for it when you realise I am right. No good shooting the messenger now.

What on earth are you on about? You know I do care to some extent what other people think, I think it is a lie if people say '100% I don't care'. But I can't see anyone caring about your supposed epiphany unless you can make a compelling argument. & so far you haven't.

How one rides on the road is a personal choice to some extent. Yes talent & skill vary enormously, but I can't see someone would ride worse on a decent modern bike compared to a budget model. Bear in mind none of my bikes (aside from the dirt ones) were made this century.

I've been riding with people who walk away from me on the road, but I know I'd smear them at the track. Often taking passing, traction or visibility risks I wouldn't consider. I don't often use the bike's full potential, but it's margin of safety is larger riding at 7/10th than some of the other bikes I've had when pushed to the same speed.

[boomer]

Yeah, I'm a fag, so I bought a Honda. :rolleyes:


no more denial.. congrats !

[PirateJafa]

no more denial.. congrats !

Yeah. I was just that jealous of that special relationship you and your boyfriend Chrislost have, I couldn't help myself.

[Morcs]

Of course. You have a photo of yourself on a race track. Obviously you are superior to me every way because i have no photos of myself on a race track.

I never mentioned anything about track riding.
I dont even own a sportsbike anymore.
I never said anything about being superior, just that I could give you some tips.
Dipshit.


(ones a SUPERBIKE actually)
Just out of curiosity, which one is the superbike? the GSXR1100 is a heavy, long-wheel based whale, and the SS is a sports tourer ;)

[boomer]

Not really. Ive always found it funny when im out for a ride, and i come across some riders or even groups, they have the latest model sportsbikes, all the alpinestars poser gear, knee sliders untouched etc... and ill follow them for a while - the way their body position is, the way they take corners etc... is diabolical.

I never actually realised how crap a lot of road riders are - im not talking about riding hard and fast, just riding in general.

I was out scrubbing brand new slippery tyres in the other weekend, my mate had a steering head that was about to shatter itself to bits, and the posers that tagged on behind us were soon left many K's behind quickly - and thats just taking it easy at a legal pace.

Sorry we couldnt keep up, the knee slider was falling off.

[Maha]

Sorry we couldnt keep up, the knee slider was falling off.

I found them, they had falling off in our driveway....:yes:

[boomer]

I found them, they had falling off in our driveway....:yes:

I weeed.. keep 'em safe plse Dad !

[dipshit]

I never said anything about being superior, just that I could give you some tips.

I have no doubt that you think you could. Most people that have a photo of themselves on a race track (or pulling a wheelie) for their avatar seem to be full of themselves.

[boomer]

I have no doubt that you think you could. Most people that have a photo of themselves on a race track (or pulling a wheelie) for their avatar seem to be full of themselves.


we've evolved.. from just track day foto's to wheelie foto's.. in just 2 days..

Well done !

[dipshit]

we've evolved.. from just track day foto's to wheelie foto's.. in just 2 days..


Of course this begs the question... Do people who have a photo of themselves on a race track or pulling a wheelie on their avatar do it for self-image and pose value?

[boomer]

Of course this begs the question... Do people who have a photo of themselves on a race track or pulling a wheelie on their avatar do it for self-image and pose value?


for me..?! yes. others i cannot speak for. Why else would i wear pink sliders..??!

[2wheeldrifter]

Of course this begs the question... Do people who have a photo of themselves on a race track or pulling a wheelie on their avatar do it for self-image and pose value?


Do you think I am posing in mine?

[The Stranger]

I am amused as to how well The Strangers troll is working, especially as very few people in this thread care what other people think about their bike choice. :whistle:

What? me troll, surely you jest.

[modboy]

I am very embarrassed to say YES.

BUT not to a large degree.

are all triumph riders are ex-hairdressers - haha.

For me, sorta, I always felt there was a cool factor with Triumphs, what the classics lack in performance they make up in coolness, and coolness is always related to "image".

But, what the hell. If we didn't care what we looked like we'd all still be letting our mummys dress us - wouldn't we. Whats worse?

[Molly]

But, what the hell. If we didn't care what we looked like we'd all still be letting our mummys dress us - wouldn't we. Whats worse?

You're right of course. I think we do like to think the bike says something positive about us.

Lots of people jumped in with "I don't give a damn" but that very attitude could well be something they'd like their bike to say about them (in which case, they actually do give a damn).

The thead wasn't meant to wind anybody up. It was just something to think about.

[The Stranger]

But, what the hell. If we didn't care what we looked like we'd all still be letting our mummys dress us - wouldn't we. Whats worse?

Riding a triumph of course. :girlfight:

[rideon]

For me the bike I ride must stir something inside, make me wanna be on it, ride it well & enjoy the journey. If it does all those those things for ME, cool, if it doesn't, I'll look for something else. I guess it's something along the lines of that poster quote - " 4 wheels move the body, 2 wheels moves the soul" . What that says about me ......who knows ?? My thoughts anyway

[=cJ=]

Sure, and you do now and then at least, and you can ride actually ride it, which all makes good sense for you.
But lets face it, most sport bike owners don't and can't. In these cases it's pose value.

In my case, it's a hell of a challenge to know it's not the bike that's the limiting factor, it's me.

I like that.

[usa-vtwin]

Being a petrol head from way back Ive owned Mustangs, Camaros and Corvettes and my only desire for a road bike was to own a Harley. For me its the hot rod comparison...the sound of the motor and the motors appearance..the blank canvas to individualize your ride...and like a cool hotrod, you don't need to prove how fast you can/cant go...just chugging around is satisfying. My bike feeds my soul..its satisfied one of my before I die ambitions...it just feels right! And that it..

[The Stranger]

In my case, it's a hell of a challenge to know it's not the bike that's the limiting factor, it's me.

I like that.

I'm sure you are the limiting factor and have no doubt you are good at it, though it's hardly something to aspire to is it?

[LBD]

You're right of course. I think we do like to think the bike says something positive about us.



Probably close to hitting the "Honda inferiority complex" nail right on the head.

In that my personal tastes were for a sporty naked handling bike, my bike probably reflects how I see myself more than how I want others to see me.
In that it was Ducati Yellow?....Um....no, definately not how I wanted to be portrayed.

[=cJ=]

I'm sure you are the limiting factor and have no doubt you are good at it, though it's hardly something to aspire to is it?

No, but it sure as hell shuts up any excuses I might try and come up with about why I'm a rubbish rider... :niceone:

[humphrt]

Yes, you get a bike because you think its cool(and for a host of other reasons too), biking is partly image just like having a nice house or car. Doesnt matter what you're talking about in some way or other it will come back to the way it portrays you :niceone:

As for sports bike owners, who cares if we all cant ride like Rossi(I'm sure we'd all like to). Point is who cares as long as you keep learning :first:

[scumdog]

For me because they are usually lighter and handle better... important to me considering how many tight and twisty roads NZ has. And the "handling better" isn't necessarily about cornering faster. Just a more enjoyable controlled ride.

It makes me wonder about guys like this and if they are more concerned about self-image and what other people think of them....

They are here to ballance out the R1,race-boots,sliders,tooth-paste tube suit,rear-set,clip-on group.

[Big Dave]

They are here to ballance out the R1,race-boots,sliders,tooth-paste tube suit,rear-set,clip-on group.

Hmmm. My guess would have been your yin for tassles was to balance your seargent-major yang.

[Macontour]

I bought my Superlight because I had always fancied Dukes and was actually looking at a 750 SS but it was sold before I made a decision. I like the old school styling and bought the S/L more because it is a classic, much as someone will by an old Mustang or similar. It is not the most practical bike but I like its looks.

An unexpected side effect is that it draws attention and comment from people. I am a pretty laidback sort of guy, I don't care about "labels" and don't understand Ford vs Holden(they're just cars ffs), would have kept my plain old black 25 year old leather jacket if it wasn't falling apart, but I have ended up with a bike that sort of makes a statement about the type person I am, even though I don't see myself that way!

[98tls]

I bought my Superlight because I had always fancied Dukes and was actually looking at a 750 SS but it was sold before I made a decision. I like the old school styling and bought the S/L more because it is a classic, much as someone will by an old Mustang or similar. It is not the most practical bike but I like its looks.

An unexpected side effect is that it draws attention and comment from people. I am a pretty laidback sort of guy, I don't care about "labels" and don't understand Ford vs Holden(they're just cars ffs), would have kept my plain old black 25 year old leather jacket if it wasn't falling apart, but I have ended up with a bike that sort of makes a statement about the type person I am, even though I don't see myself that way! Been there myself,only thing was i couldnt hear a word they were saying over the bloody clutch rattle so sold it,actually,all three of em.:niceone:

[Molly]

Been entertaining reading your replies. I think we're more constrained by our egos than many like to admit.

Some bikes are more neutral in that they actually suggest very little about the owner. Triumph is a good example.

[Dooly]

They are here to ballance out the R1,race-boots,sliders,tooth-paste tube suit,rear-set,clip-on group.

Dont forget USD forks too Scummy.:msn-wink: