When non bike riders ask you what you ride, how do you respond?

[McWild]

So I've been noticing recently, with the purchase of my pretty new motard, that I've been left to explain to family and friends exactly what it is that I ride.

Sometimes I say "An 06 DRZ400SM" which of course gets me naught but a blank stare. Then I am asked, "What make is that?" to which I respond "Oh sorry, Suzuki".

The next time I'm asked, I then think about that last time, and I respond with "A Suzuki 400" and then I'm asked, "oh what kind, what does it look like", to which I reply "well it's sort of a trail bike but with like sportsbike wheels so you can get stickier tyres" etc.

But none of these really fit the bill, as at the end of it I either look like a smug prick who tries to make the other person feel stupid, or I end up looking like I have no idea what I'm talking about in the first place. I noticed this exact same thing with my old ZX6R.

So how do you describe your bike to those curious enough to ask you about it?

[Big Dave]

Repeat after me:
'If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand'.
Carry on. The force is with you.

[Latte]

An aprilia, it's italian like a ducati, but you don't have to push it.

[george formby]

I'm constantly suprised by how many bike riders don't know what my bike is. To mere mortals I ride a yellow twin.

[Murray]

"One with two wheels" usually covers it and is easily understood

[MadDuck]

Oddly enough "non" bikers look at me sideways when I say I ride a tractor....:facepalm:

[Owl]

I love to talk about bikes but tend to ramble on in one long sentence so I generally don't bother but if I do I tell them my bike is a black Speed Triple to which they ask "what brand is that" and then I tell them it's a Triumph but they usually just look blank and say "oh is it fairly old then" and I say no it's not very old at all but they really don't get it so I tend to not bother.:blink:

[hellokitty]

When people get over their shock at the fact I ride a motorbike, they then assume I ride a Harley.. :blink: I guess that it the only brand they are aware of?

[hellokitty]

Oddly enough "non" bikers look at me sideways when I say I ride a tractor....:facepalm:

A very pretty tractor :love:

[Oblivion]

Oddly enough "non" bikers look at me sideways when I say I ride a tractor....:facepalm:

Its a Lamborghini isn't it? :yes:

[Drew]

I say, "would you know what I'm talking about if I tell you"? They usually say something to reveal they wouldn't by replying, "my brother rides a bike, I think it's a... (insert brand here)".

[\m/]

I tell people I ride a 250 Suzuki, some people think it's a KTM just because of the black/orange paint scheme :weird:.

[hellokitty]

I tell people I ride a 250 Suzuki, some people think it's a KTM just because of the black/orange paint scheme :weird:.

When we change the coloured ligatures on kids braces (holds the wire onto the brackets) at my work (dental surgery) I give them motorbike colours :innocent: ktm or kawasaki, suzuki etc, they look at me funny but tough shit, it is that or they all get pink....


I say, "would you know what I'm talking about if I tell you"? They usually say something to reveal they wouldn't by replying, "my brother rides a bike, I think it's a... (insert brand here)".

Yeah I have been known to say I have a silver and chrome shiny bike... makes it easier...

[Hitcher]

I now ride a "blue Suzuki". Previously I rode a "white Italian bike" and before that a "big Yamaha".

Keep answers simple in case your questioners panic.

[yungatart]

I tell the teenagers at school I ride a Ninja. The girls are impressed that I ride my own bike rather than pillion. The boys are most impressed...the only Ninja they know of is a race replica crotch rocket.

I don't tell them it is a sensible upright twin

[slofox]

"What kind of bike do you ride?"

"A gixxer six"

"Whaaa.....?"

"A lunatic bike..."

Conversation ends.

[Fatt Max]

When people get over their shock at the fact I ride a motorbike, they then assume I ride a Harley.. :blink: I guess that it the only brand they are aware of?

People think I ride a Harley because I am a fat bastard. They got a real fecking shock when I showed them the Yamaha Jog CV50 I was riding 6 years ago....

[Laava]

Good question OP! I now say Suzuki thousand, as it seems to cover most bases. My wife says, a black one!

[sil3nt]

Sportsbike.

Or ninja. They assume its one of these shiny new ninjas and thats fine by me :lol:

[Maha]

I started a similar thread ages ago titled 'Always a Harley'...:blink:
Because when its mentioned that I ride a motorbike, those in the dont know corner assume its a Harley...:corn:

[Berries]

So how do you describe your bike to those curious enough to ask you about it?
"Do you know much about bikes ?"

"No."

"It's a blue one."

[slofox]

I started a similar thread ages ago titled 'Always a Harley'...:blink:
Because when its mentioned that I ride a motorbike, those in the dont know corner assume its a Harley...:corn:

I've always assumed they think I ride a Harley because I'm an old bugger...as in "How could some old coot like that ride a sprots bike?"

[James Deuce]

I usually say, "your Momma".

[steelphoenix]

I now ride a "blue Suzuki". Previously I rode a "white Italian bike" and before that a "big Yamaha".

Keep answers simple in case your questioners panic.
:D This.

I ride a 'white Honda 250'. Those who know bikes will ask what model, and everyone else actually feels like they've been given some information. :p


"Do you know much about bikes ?"

"No."

"It's a blue one."
:lol:

[Oblivion]

People think I ride a Harley because I am a fat bastard. They got a real fecking shock when I showed them the Yamaha Jog CV50 I was riding 6 years ago....

Did the Jog get 0-30 in 16.9 seconds?

[Drew]

Did the Jog get 0-30 in 16.9 seconds?

I have only seen pictures of Fatt Max, but I doubt it :no:

[Milts]

How has it not been said yet.

"A MOTHERFUCKING TRIUMPH"

[Griffin]

I just get that stupid grin that I always get when I thinks about me bike and says... "A Harley"... not many people dont get that. After all... what else needs to be said :yes:

[sunhuntin]

i always answer with "yamaha virago 250". when i get a blank look, i add "a cruiser". sometimes i get an even blanker look which requires "a baby harley" to be added, and they look all enlightened and impressed, lmfao. :facepalm:

[98tls]

I just get that stupid grin that I always get when I thinks about me bike and says... "A Harley"... not many people dont get that. After all... what else needs to be said :yes:

Not to much really.Cheers though eh.:yawn:

[FJRider]

I've always assumed they think I ride a Harley because I'm an old bugger...as in "How could some old coot like that ride a sprots bike?"

So ... how do you ... ??? :innocent:

[banditrider]

I now ride a "blue Suzuki". Previously I rode a "white Italian bike" and before that a "big Yamaha".

Keep answers simple in case your questioners panic.

Yeah, that's the ticket.

Me: A 1400 Kwaka.

When they see it: Oh, it's a silver one...

[DrunkenMistake]

My usual answer:
"I ride a VFR 400 NC30" ..
"What type of bike is that?"
"Its a super sports bike"
"What make is it?"
"Its a honda"
"Oh... sounds gay." ..

I just respond with "a 400cc sports bike"

[FJRider]

I'm constantly suprised by how many bike riders don't know what my bike is. To mere mortals I ride a yellow twin.

So ... how many cylinders does it have ... :shutup:

and what colour is it really ... ??? :blink:

[slofox]

So ... how do you ... ??? :innocent:

The way I figure it, ya just hafta go as fast as the bike will go - that way you get further before you fall off...

[FJRider]

The way I figure it, ya just hafta go as fast as the bike will go - that way you get further before you fall off...

I just KNEW there was a simple explanation ... :yes:

[Shadowjack]

I'm constantly suprised by how many bike riders don't know what my bike is. To mere mortals I ride a yellow twin.
"No, FFS, for the second time, it's a parallel twin"...and this was to an ertswhile rider.:facepalm:

Or, as a particularly perceptive young lady of my acquaintance said..."Ooooh, cool bike..."

[varminter]

I say "a big one, can you give me a lift up with it please"

[superman]

Doesn't everyone keep a set of pictures in their fold out wallet to show their baby(s) off? :innocent:

Like a proud father.

[oneofsix]

Doesn't everyone keep a set of pictures in their fold out wallet to show their baby(s) off? :innocent:

Like a proud father.

On the cell, isn't that why they put cameras in cellphones? :innocent:
I don't cause usually they are just making conversation so why waste the pics on the ignorant? I usually start with Suzuki and gaging by their response to the brand provide further info. The further info is usually in the order of colour, cc rating, type (commuter) then if they are still interested the model.

[98tls]

I simply say "just an old shitter" and they dont bother with anymore questions.

[hayd3n]

a yellow Honda
according to the urban dictionary
The preferred sports bike of closet homosexuals. A yellow bike confirms homo sexual orientation.
I should have known he was a pillow bitter when I seen his yellow honda cb600f. That and the fact he liked to watch gay porn.

[Zamiam]

I usually say "an antiquated piece of American shit that I love", then when they look at me like I'm strange I say "a Harley".

[superman]

"A plant that wishes it was a beast"

[boman]

An old Suzuki. Soon to be changed to an old Triumph..

[98tls]

An old Suzuki. Soon to be changed to an old Triumph..

:sherlock:More info eh.

[boman]

:sherlock:More info eh.

I lie. Brand new Triumph. Sorry to miss lead you.

[dilligaf_nz]

Standard replay, a black and white 800.
If they actually have a clue/ care, they'll then ask more enlightened questions.

It still amazes me the number of people at my work that still see me wandering to the carpark, in all my gear, helmet in hand, who then turn around with that pearler of a question. "Oh, so you have a motorbike", My stock answer now, without missing a beat is "No, I'm just a crap driver".

I have yet to have anyone carry the conversation on after that...

[orangeback]

I have many ,
where do you want to head with this ?:woohoo:

Motard
"whats that "
a big fuck off dirt bike with small wheels
Ducati
"is it red "
no Black
"oh "

[98tls]

I lie. Brand new Triumph. Sorry to miss lead you.

:facepalm:Never mind,enjoy eh.

[Blackshear]

I don't know anymore.
"A 250"
'A 250 what?'
"Suzuki GSF250"
'.... Oh.'

"A bandit"
'What's that?'
"Naked 250cc"
'.... So like a Honda?'
"Yes but without clothes." ( :shutup:)

"250 straight 4"
'What does that mean?'
(It means I made a possibly fatal error answering your question)

A noisy black bike seems to suffice for now.

[Brian d marge]

My wife

Stephen

[hayd3n]

My wife

Stephen
your wifes name is stephen???

[Brian d marge]

your wifes name is stephen???

Sod knows, I only married the cow ..

Stop asking difficult questions


Stephen

[Maki]

It's red, and it is faster than your car. Don't come too close, or it will kill you.

[onearmedbandit]

It doesn't matter what I say, 99% of non-riders upon hearing I still ride mutter something about 'crazy' and 'not learning your lesson'.

[James Deuce]

It doesn't matter what I say, 99% of non-riders upon hearing I still ride mutter something about 'crazy' and 'not learning your lesson'.

Amen brother, amen. Never let the bastards get to you. Make sure you reserve special venom for the bikers that give you that shit.

[DMNTD]

"Depends on what mood I'm in"

[Usarka]

I ride a bike with a powerband.

[Pixie]

I started a similar thread ages ago titled 'Always a Harley'...:blink:
Because when its mentioned that I ride a motorbike, those in the dont know corner assume its a Harley...:corn:

Just reply:"I said A Motorbike"

Sorry Mad Duck

[Bonez]

Two black ones...
Two red ones..
And one with little crap on..
And the hairs on my dikky dy doe...............

[Spearfish]

My answer: a small speed hump and a slightly larger speed hump.

[Flip]

I just say "a Harley", says it all, or a old WW2 army bike with a side car.

[Old Steve]

I just say "a Harley", says it all, or a old WW2 army bike with a side car.

But that's the same bike isn't it? Why give different answers to different people?

[Number One]

I now ride a "blue Suzuki". Previously I rode a "white Italian bike" and before that a "big Yamaha".

Keep answers simple in case your questioners panic.

Those are my responses most times too.

I do add '650 twin' for those I think have half an idea beyond colour and number of wheels.

I do find it ironic and a little sad that non-riders I've come acrosss who have asked about the size bike I ride, seem to assume 'girls' only ride 250s.

Always gives me a giggle when they go 'woah you ride a big bike'...he he actually my SV is not a 'big bike' but never mind I love it anywho and they are seemingly easily impressed! Who am I to burst their bubble?

[FJRider]

Once ... in reply to that question ... I replied "A 1200 cc Yamaha" ... to

To which the response was ... "ahhhh ..... only a little one then ..."

:blink: :shutup: :shit: :facepalm:

[sinned]

I now try to avoid the question being asked - because it is a slippery slope to becoming highly pissed off very quickly. Being in the older age group there is the assumption from non riders that I ride a Harley - I have nothing against Harleys (may own one one day). This assumption demonstrates the excellent marketing by HD. I have commented on that in a way that indicates they have been sucked in by the HD marketing machine. Then my next mistake I answer the question -"I ride a sports bike - they are different to the Harley". Then comes the slippy slope: is it powerful, how fast will it go, why do you own a Suzuki, how much do they cost? followed by their statement "you could buy a car for that money"

[neels]

'A ducati', [pause] 'and a yamaha, and a honda, and a suzuki when my son lets me borrow it'. Often the reply is 'a ducati, nice' from non motorcyclists, they don't seem to notice the rest for some reason. Often the reply from motorcyclists is 'never mind'

[hellokitty]

Once ... in reply to that question ... I replied "A 1200 cc Yamaha" ... to

To which the response was ... "ahhhh ..... only a little one then ..."

:blink: :shutup: :shit: :facepalm:

:yes: hahahaha Guys say to me "wow a 750cc? That is a big bike for a woman!"
to which I say "No it is rather small actually"


how much do they cost? followed by their statement "you could buy a car for that money"

I used get "But you have such a shitty old car, yet you paid $:shit: this much and bought a new bike!!"

[Flip]

But that's the same bike isn't it? Why give different answers to different people?

Now play nicely young Padosung!

One is a heavy, under powered, side valve flat twin, the other is a Harley.

[baptist]

"A shiny red one" keeps it simple...

[EJK]

"A two fifty"

Works every time.

[gatch]

I ride an NC30, which is of course the baby brother to the RC30... No ?

Ok, it's a vfr400.. No ?

A v4 honda sports bike....... No ? Ffs :facepalm:

A HONDA.

[tigertim20]

it depends whose asking. if they look really gullible, then i make something up
its a '3 litre moto gp bike' or 'its one of them new one wheeled bikes with stabilising control'

if i dont wanna be a cunt it's 'a yamaha'

[javawocky]

"...just a little 6 hundy." if they ask more I give them details.

[Oleg]

Having RgV, the usual reply is "the one with a lawnmower engine".

[Insanity_rules]

I usually say "A Ducati, a Kawasaki and a Honda". If they can deal with those facts then I give em more.

[theseekerfinds]

I tend to decide on over-informative or brief answer and go with either "a Fireblade" or " a Honda 900" and their response determines where I go from there.. most people I know recognise one of the key terms in my responses; Fireblade or Honda so I haven't had too many doofus responses but then again I don't talk to too many people who don't know what a Honda Fireblade is and if they don't know to start with by the time they've finished listening they're a fucken Fireblade expert :-)

[theseekerfinds]

or I just smile and say "anything except a Harley" :blink:

[Old Steve]

One is a heavy, under powered, vee twin, the other is an old WW2 army bike with a side car.

I've corrected your typo for you Flip :innocent:

[Mungatoke Mad]

I say KTM 530 exc dirt bike they say who make's them I say KTM they say is that Kawasaki I say No K T M very slowly They then ask if It's a new company I then give them a quick Micky Mouse Clubhouse Colour Guide to off-road bikes Starting with the colour Orange working my way through

[Banditbandit]

People don't ask me "What do you ride?" When the find out I ride, by then they usually know me ... Given my generall attitude and appearance (anarchic non-PC crazy with visible tats and all) they generally ask "Do you ride a Harley?" .. and are very surprised that my answer is no .. "I ride Suzuki Bandits". ... that then takes some explanation ... which is a pain in the arse ...

[imdying]

Nothing; unless it's my employer or my wife, I ignore them. It's none of their business, and anybody that needs to know already does.

I don't care if their brother/father/cousin had a 'Ninja'. I don't care if they like/hate bikes.

[rogson]

My initial reply is "I've got seven".
That usually prompts a change in subject.

[Hanne]

I say a little red one. Fits the bill quite well :P

[davebullet]

Me: "A british one that burns oil"
Them: "A Triumph then?"
Me: "Yeah - that's right"
Them: "What year is it?"
Me: "2010"

[buellbabe]

"what bike is that?"

(the bike in question has a huge BUELL on both sides of the tank with American Motorcycles underneath that )

"its a Buell"

"oh...wheres that made?"

at this point I walk away.

Sometimes though the person is genuinely interested and so, if thats the case, I happily give them an abbreviated Buell Motorcycles history lesson :yes:

[CRM]

I get - "why do you have knobbly tyres on that bike?" a lot. When people haven't seen it and I say "a Honda Transalp" I usually get blank looks - even from people that are a bit into bikes. Then I do my best to explain but not sure if they are still listening at that point :facepalm:.

[Swoop]

"Something that makes a Porsche or a Ferrari look slow" normally shuts them up.

[98tls]

"what bike is that?"

(the bike in question has a huge BUELL on both sides of the tank with American Motorcycles underneath that )

"its a Buell"

"oh...wheres that made?"

at this point I walk away.

Sometimes though the person is genuinely interested and so, if thats the case, I happily give them an abbreviated Buell Motorcycles history lesson :yes:Hope all is well up yonder girl.

Yep,can imagine that you would.:facepalm::moon:

[R-Soul]

" a big red fuck-off bike"

[HEMA]

I usually also go with "a big red one"

but then it usually leads to:
is it a Harley?

it looks like a Harley / it sounds like a Harley (co-workers / students on campus)
etc.
:facepalm: