Japa vs. American/Euro Rivalry!

[Zed]

Gidday all you nutcase Kiwi bikers, it's good to talk with my kind!

Can anyone shed some light on the origin of this rivalry you get out on the road between those riding Japa sports bikes and those riding American/European bikes? You know what I mean don't you- sports bikes give the nod or wave to eachother when passing in opposite directions while there is a willing ignorance/disgust when you face a Harley or non-sports bike type!

I believe that you're either in one camp or the other...are there any of you who own both types of bikes- sports & cruisers?

Give it heaps out there!! (obeying the law if at all possible?) :confused:


Zed

[Hitcher]

Welcome to the Pleasuredome, Zed.

The issue you raise is something of a perennial in these parts, and you will find a lot of crap as well as erudite comment on various forum threads. The xenophobia has at times extended even to scooters (shudder).

In summary, people generally like what they ride or aspire to their "dream machine". Brand loyalty is another factor too. As to why some riders don't wave at others -- goodness knows. You outline some of the common generalisations as to who doesn't wave at whom (you forgot BMW riders, by the way), but then there are the glorious exceptions that break the rules. There really is a "brotherhood of bikers"!

If it's got two wheels, ride it hard and ride it well.
:banana: :banana: :banana:

[Jackrat]

Some of it comes or did come from racisim.
Most of my own family ride non jap bikes,I ride anything with two wheels.
When I bought my first Jap bike I copped heaps of shit over it from my old man.Seems there was a war some time in the fortys and a lot of wankers use that as an excuse to carry on like prats.
For some reason this don't extened to Italian or German bikes.
Of course most Harley riders will do their best to forget that Harley is in fact partly owned by a Jap company and uses jap parts(those are the bits that don't bust).I guess we can forgive the Italians because they were on the side of whoever was winning at any given time.Of course the Germans had no choise(yeah sure).So the japs came out as the bad guys,Even if the yanks did Nuke em' after they had already surrendered.
So what we really have is assholes being assholes,nothing more.
Some people just need some one to hate,It's what gives their misrable lives meaning.Unfortunatly it's not restricted to any one group.
Because I have owned bikes from most of the major companys I have heard all the crap a dozen times.I know guys that learnt to ride on jap bikes and now denie it so they can fit into a particular group,I know sport bike riders that shit on cruisers of all makes but have never ridden any thing but sports bikes so don't know shit anyway.I have a brother that never misses a chance to slag jap bikes but drives a Subaru.
I came to the conclusion a long time ago that bikers are just as fucked up as the rest of society.As for me,As I said I will ride anything ,but I do tend to stear clear of other bikers because I can't be bothered listening to the crap.
I know one thing for sure,If I ever get to stand in front of St peter,I will just say,I had a go at every thing so open the bloody gate.
:devil2:

[duckman]

"but I do tend to stear clear of other bikers because I can't be bothered listening to the crap."
Er - What the hell are you doing here then ??? :Pokey:

[Jackrat]

"but I do tend to stear clear of other bikers because I can't be bothered listening to the crap."

Er - What the hell are you doing here then ??? :Pokey:

See what I mean.
On a forem like this a person can push the OFF button.
So do you have something to say or are you simply going to continue justifing my opinion.

[duckman]

Gosh, I thought I had already said it. but for those of us who really want to hear it again... :confused:
I was wondering why, if you dislike conversing with bikers, you spend your time on this site. ??

I thought it was valid question - Perhaps off topic, but still valid.

Maybe I just took exception to you calling my opinions "Crap".

I'll try and harden up :baby:

[wkid_one]

This post has been answered elsewhere.

I think the answer lies in the type of riding and brand preference. Why do people buy Nikes and not Reeboks, why do people drinks Coke and not Pepsi, why McDonald's and not Burger King, why Sky chooses Nascar over MotoGP.

It has to do with price (Jap bikes typically cheaper than Euro/American Bikes), styling (Jap bikes typically more cutting edg/racing looking), image (say no more), advertising (We see more advertising for Jap bikes in NZ), race results etc etc.

All I will say, again, is it would be a boring place if we all liked the same bikes.......

As for the wave thing.......the way the Harleys vibrate, rattle, roll and (don't) stop - I would be reluctant to take my hands from the bars also - that is of course if I could see you thru my wicked vibration distort vision

[Jackrat]

And we have another winner.
Just can't get a point across without taking a cheap shot
I have to admit I'm not suprised that with all I wrote,somebody had to take one line and twist it into his own little argument.
I REST MY CASE.

[KATWYN]

I was at a bike accident scene (with a couple of Jappers involved)
once and although it wasn't serious...to onlookers going past it
would've looked serious. One person drove past hanging out his
car window (not rendering assistence) but all he could do was
take a cheap shot and yell out "haha good job Jap crap etc "

I thought if that is the mentality of some people that are
into brand wars then they are a real sad breed indeed.

A head nod can still be managed....without having to take your
hands off the bars :whocares: anyway

[Motu]

It goes back a bit beyond Harleys in NZ,the ''bikies'' of the 60s and 70s rode British bikes,Harleys were non existant in our market,these Harley riders you see are a later breed.

A lot of flack against Jap bikes came because believe it or not Japanese products after the 2nd WW were very low quality - kinda like made in China these days - hey,do you think these Chinese bikes we are getting now are crap?....same thing.They look just like Hondas,copycats....so were the Japanese back then.In 10yrs the Chinese products will be the best in the world,then we start looking for another scapegoat.

The Germans have always made quality,so have always had a good reputation.Those of you brought up on Japanese only know them as quality goods,but those who used Japanese products of 30 years ago will remember them as crap - ok,they should grow up,but some people don't back down easy.

I just ride bikes - they are all good to me.

[wkid_one]

If that was aimed at me - I hadn't even read your post - I was responding to Hitchers & Zeds post

I do however agree with your post now I have read it. Humans, by very nature are, creatures of conformity. Very few of us like to stand out as not being 'part of the group' - those that ride Harleys have to slag non-american bikes or be scorned.

Sports bike riding is no less worse - if not more so...because you end up with the Yam v Kwak v Suzuk - where in actual fact at the end of the day - they are all identical bikes to the layman (and most professional riders only choose to ride them based on $$$$$ - not brand preference).

I also agree that the majority of sport bike riders may have never have ridden a Harley or sim. I am one of the ones who has - and hated it. No ground clearance and no fun (for my riding style). I won't put them down tho - because when I am 50 - they will most likely look entirely appetising.

Bikers are also heavily stereotyped within themselves. I honestly have seen more middle aged professionals riding harleys than the supposed A-typical gang banger? IN fact, most successful gang bangers are now driving around in pretty flash cars (courtesy of professional middle aged drug users).

As for people that own both types - I know a few of these as well.

IMO much of bike choice is image. People buy Harleys are usually those with a high disposeable income, those endeavouring to recapture their youth, those who want an alternative to long car drives in the weekend.......

it is much the same as the turbo 4WD v v8 argument, the Euro v Jap v US truck argument. The US v Jap Excavator Argument. The De Walt v Black & Decker Argument. And the list goes on.

Remember a time when NZ scorned Japanese Imports!!! Now - you struggle to find a car that isn't

It all comes back to status.......and ego

[Zed]

Personally I enjoy the rivalry!

To me it's an acknowledgement of the same breed, if you will...when I see another Superbike on the road something inside me speeds up (let alone my bike!) and I need to identify the bike to see what kind it is and what reaction the rider will have to me- exciting stuff. I get most disappointed when I see a bike in the distance and when it gets closer realise that it's a cruiser or small motorcycle (is a scooter a motorcycle? laf)- just not in the same awesome field as the 600cc+ machines. :msn-wink:

Actually I think small bikes are a danger to the rider and society as a whole!

I've got nothing against other makes/types of bikes (rode a new 1300cc Harley in 2001- good fun), but they just don't cut it when you want pure power & speed and the feeling that very few other vehicles on the road can keep up with you!


Zed

[Motu]

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Motoracer]

Actually I think small bikes are a danger to the rider and society as a whole!

Zed

I am confused by your statement, what exactly did you mean? :confused:

[Zed]

I am confused by your statement, what exactly did you mean? :confused:

I'm glad you asked...my opinion is from a 600+cc perspective remember. :msn-wink:

Small bikes lack power (especially when you need to get around something quick- depends how you ride I suppose)
Small bikes are too light- hard to control in winds & rain.
Small bikes are a greater risk in the blindspot of a car.

There is an attitude that comes from riding a big bike that small bike riders don't seem to have- a respect for greater speed and power that can be used as an advantage in times of danger!


Zed

[Motoracer]

I can understand where you are coming from but smaller bikes are just different. And you just work around the differences. I'd rather ride my TZR 250 in the rain than a big bike cause when I loose the front around corners, it is a LOT easier to get it back than a bigger bike. However I do wish sometimes that I had more acceleration to overtake cars quicker or squeeze through a tight closing gap faster.

I'd say the lightweight is a major advantage but the major disadvantage is the lack of power (for traffic situations only). In my opposing opinion, I think that small cc bikes aren't a threat to the rider and society at all! lol

[Indiana_Jones]

lol well guess jap is only option really as I'm on 250cc limit :D
But then again I would wave to both parties, we're all one big happy family :D

-Indy

[MikeL]

Jackrat, I don't want to get involved in a slanging match, and you are entitled to your opinion like everyone else. It would however be better to base your opinion on fact not ignorance. You can't understand why some people even nowadays refuse to buy Japanese products because of WW2. Talk to some of the men who fought in Borneo (there are a few still alive) Read about the atrocities. Get your facts right (Japan only surrendered because of and after Hiroshima & Nagasaki).
I have 2 Jap bikes, a Jap car and the usual Jap electronic gear and when I buy these things I have no reason to consider anything other than value for money, quality, reliability etc. My father, who died in the 70s, would never buy a Japanese product. He was in Borneo. Although he rarely talked about it, I have an inkling of what he experienced. The world moves on, and for a later generation there is a new perspective on things. But I respect my father's choice which I imagine reflects a commitment he made to the memory of his fallen comrades.
As for other prejudices against Japanese bikes from the BMW/HD/Triumph/Italian brigades, it's just the usual snobbery/oneupmanship/elitism that emerges in order to justify to yourself the fact that you paid twice as much as you needed.
:done:

[Zed]

Jackrat, I don't want to get involved in a slanging match, and you are entitled to your opinion like everyone else. It would however be better to base your opinion on fact not ignorance. You can't understand why some people even nowadays refuse to buy Japanese products because of WW2. Talk to some of the men who fought in Borneo (there are a few still alive) Read about the atrocities. Get your facts right (Japan only surrendered because of and after Hiroshima & Nagasaki).
I have 2 Jap bikes, a Jap car and the usual Jap electronic gear and when I buy these things I have no reason to consider anything other than value for money, quality, reliability etc. My father, who died in the 70s, would never buy a Japanese product. He was in Borneo. Although he rarely talked about it, I have an inkling of what he experienced. The world moves on, and for a later generation there is a new perspective on things. But I respect my father's choice which I imagine reflects a commitment he made to the memory of his fallen comrades.
As for other prejudices against Japanese bikes from the BMW/HD/Triumph/Italian brigades, it's just the usual snobbery/oneupmanship/elitism that emerges in order to justify to yourself the fact that you paid twice as much as you needed.
:done:

Great entiltled opinion!!

[wkid_one]

I can understand where you are coming from but smaller bikes are just different. And you just work around the differences. I'd rather ride my TZR 250 in the rain than a big bike cause when I loose the front around corners, it is a LOT easier to get it back than a bigger bike. However I do wish sometimes that I had more acceleration to overtake cars quicker or squeeze through a tight closing gap faster.

I'd say the lightweight is a major advantage but the major disadvantage is the lack of power (for traffic situations only). In my opposing opinion, I think that small cc bikes aren't a threat to the rider and society at all! lol
Ummm - look at the more modern sports bikes - and they aren't giving that much weight up to a 250cc bike anymore. Plus, with all the R&D being invested in the large bore bikes (rather than small capacity bikes) - I think would rather trust the handling of one of these.

[wkid_one]

I'm glad you asked...my opinion is from a 600+cc perspective remember. :msn-wink:

Small bikes lack power (especially when you need to get around something quick- depends how you ride I suppose)
Small bikes are too light- hard to control in winds & rain.
Small bikes are a greater risk in the blindspot of a car.

There is an attitude that comes from riding a big bike that small bike riders don't seem to have- a respect for greater speed and power that can be used as an advantage in times of danger!Zed Yes they have less TORQUE to overtake, as for too light - refer my previous post. Greater Risk of blindspot - no way.

At the end of the day it is the RIDER that makes the bike safe - not the bike itself. As for the attitude - it works AGAINST big bore bike riders. They can just fang down a striaght, brake hard, roll round a corner and fang off again and think they are quick. The fact that they don't have to plan their overtaking moves (or worse, under estimate the danger) - is more a danger than a help. The fact they have engineering and development under their arse that WAY EXCEEDS their ability to ride greats a false sense of security.

Don't be so quick to assume bigger is better. It comes with its own problems.

[Marmoot]

Well....yeah. A big bike the size of a full-grown Humvee would be safer than a (relatively) tiny Goldwing. :sly:

[wkid_one]

Well....yeah. A big bike the size of a full-grown Humvee would be safer than a (relatively) tiny Goldwing. :sly:
Marmoot is my case in point - his bigger bike definitely wasn't safer! Neither was my R1

[Zed]

Yes they have less TORQUE to overtake, as for too light - refer my previous post. Greater Risk of blindspot - no way.

At the end of the day it is the RIDER that makes the bike safe - not the bike itself. As for the attitude - it works AGAINST big bore bike riders. They can just fang down a striaght, brake hard, roll round a corner and fang off again and think they are quick. The fact that they don't have to plan their overtaking moves (or worse, under estimate the danger) - is more a danger than a help. The fact they have engineering and development under their arse that WAY EXCEEDS their ability to ride greats a false sense of security.

Don't be so quick to assume bigger is better. It comes with its own problems.

Mine isn't an assumption! It's based on years of experience and discussions with those in the know- Bigger is a far more enjoyable & safer riding experience than smaller. <_<


Zed

[wkid_one]

Mine isn't an assumption! It's based on years of experience and discussions with those in the know- Bigger is a far more enjoyable & safer riding experience than smaller. <_<


Zed Unlike me I will disagree. Having recently ridden a 250cc bike - I loved it.....the R1/VTR are incredibly lazy bikes to ride. You have all the power and torque in the world.......

As for them being safer??? Based on experience and discussion = OPINION and here I was thinking you were going to finish that sentence with FACTS? Silly me.

Everyone on this site has an experience/discussion/opinion. Support you statement with FACTS?

They may SEEM safer, because typically when you ride a 250CC bike you are LEARNING and when you go to the bigger bike you know what you are doing! This is illusionary. They more be more comfortable due to the power, torque. As for SIZE??? my R1 is SMALLER than many 250cc bikes.....the new R1 is than same size as the R6? The new CBR1k is the same size as the 600RR......Gee - you should tell the manufacturers that BIGGER IS SAFER - because they are going the opposite way.

There is NO WAY you can convince me a 180hp 165kg R1 is a safer proposition than a VFR400? That is like trying to tell me a Nissan Skyline on NOS is 'safer' than a Ford Mondeo GLX. RUBBISH.

:bash::bash::bash::Pokey:...

[Marmoot]

Mine isn't an assumption! It's based on years of experience and discussions with those in the know- Bigger is a far more enjoyable & safer riding experience than smaller. <_<


Zed


Do I sense a Freudian case in here? :eek:
And, about "bigger is a far more enjoyable", what about if we ask our Biker Angels to fill us in on this issue? :blah:

[Zed]

Unlike me I will disagree. Having recently ridden a 250cc bike - I loved it.....the R1/VTR are incredibly lazy bikes to ride. You have all the power and torque in the world.......

As for them being safer??? Based on experience and discussion = OPINION and here I was thinking you were going to finish that sentence with FACTS? Silly me.

Everyone on this site has an experience/discussion/opinion. Support you statement with FACTS?

They may SEEM safer, because typically when you ride a 250CC bike you are LEARNING and when you go to the bigger bike you know what you are doing! This is illusionary. They more be more comfortable due to the power, torque. As for SIZE??? my R1 is SMALLER than many 250cc bikes.....the new R1 is than same size as the R6? The new CBR1k is the same size as the 600RR......Gee - you should tell the manufacturers that BIGGER IS SAFER - because they are going the opposite way.

There is NO WAY you can convince me a 180hp 165kg R1 is a safer proposition than a VFR400? That is like trying to tell me a Nissan Skyline on NOS is 'safer' than a Ford Mondeo GLX. RUBBISH.

:bash::bash::bash::Pokey:...

Whatever...

Why were you getting out of motorcycling again?

Let me speak with a real biker!

[Motu]

So,real bikers only go up in power size and price - to opt for less makes one less of a rider....sorry,looks like I am now dickless.

[KATWYN]

Do I sense a Freudian case in here? :eek:
And, about "bigger is a far more enjoyable", what about if we ask our Biker Angels to fill us in on this issue? :blah:

Well putting Freudian ideas aside (where does one start with his theories tunnels and trains, biting horses etc!),bigger is not better and certainly not very enjoyable when it comes to the darn thing tipping over onto you pinning you to the ground, A smaller lighter bike would be more preferable in these instances....so I found out. As far as on the road goes, personally comparing my cbr250 to the yzfr6 I feel safer and in more control on the yzfr6 and in saying that there was a few years difference between the two
which probably wouldnt help

[Kickaha]

So,real bikers only go up in power size and price - to opt for less makes one less of a rider....sorry,looks like I am now dickless.

Having gone from a Ducati 900 to a GN125 bucket I guess I'll be joining that club to!

Each to his own I guess,but there is no way you will convince me that size/brand and type of bike relates to how safe it is,it all comes down to the individual riders attitude.

[James Deuce]

So,real bikers only go up in power size and price - to opt for less makes one less of a rider....sorry,looks like I am now dickless.

Oh dear! Looks like I am in this category too, for I surrendered 10HP to go from a CBR600 to a TRX850. One of my fave bikes of all time was my VFR400 (Pro-Arm - NC24 I think). I fanged it round on the road, toured, and then bought an F3 kit for it from Japan. Got 64HP at the rear wheel and it just rawked at the track because I could WRING ITS NECK. Without scaring the bejeezus out of myself, and if there is one thing I hate it is scaring myself.

The TRX is reminding me of that bike, except with about twice the torque.

I really don't buy the bigger is better thing. Most 250s leave a Mitsi Galant for dead up to about 140 which is buh bye license AND bike now. They are also light, nimble, stop on a dime, which must be SOME fun surely. When I came off my restricted I went from an RG250 to an RG400 and just went YUK! and bought a new GSXR250 2 months later and rode it for year before getting the VFR. My point is that its a poersonal choice, ride what you like, and don't let anyone bully you into anything you feel uncomfortable about. Stepping out of your depth because your "peers" told you too is just stupid.

Never understood brand loyalty or "type" loyalty either. If it works, is fun, makes you feel good, buy it and ride. If it garners attention from members of the opposite (or whatever your flavour is) gender, then that's a bonus!

[Jackrat]

Mike,you may not want to get into a slaging match but if you read your history books you will find Japan did propose a conditonal surrender before the yanks Nuked em'.
All the male members of my family took part in the war at the time.
So I do know what I'm talking about,As I DID point out I had it ramed down my throat myself when I bought my own first Jap bike.
It still remains a weak reason to dislike Jap bikes by those who were not even born at the time.No disrespect to your father or anybody else who served against the japs at the time,but it should be pretty obvious they are not the people we are talking about.As to the second part of your post where you do discuss the point,I have owned two Harleys,one Ducati,and five british bikes.I have never felt I needed to justify buying any of them for any reason,but then I don't bag other riders bikes either,or their reasons for riding them.

[wkid_one]

So,real bikers only go up in power size and price - to opt for less makes one less of a rider....sorry,looks like I am now dickless.
Yeah exactly.......Zed is living in his own little world - 10 foot tall and bullet proof (and fulla shit)

[wkid_one]

Each to his own I guess,but there is no way you will convince me that size/brand and type of bike relates to how safe it is,it all comes down to the individual riders attitude.
Exactly.

I rode the PANTS off my R1.........and enjoyed every minute of it (excpet for the last 5 seconds)......however I would not say the type of riding it encouraged was safe nor sensible.

There is NO place on the road for 180hp+ machines......same as there is no need for 600hp+ cars.

The fact is, this provides you with more ability to kill yourself - than being safe..

Zed - you obviously feel like you are some kind of biker.....I am guessing with a bigger mouth than ability. However until you have ridden with some of the other Kiwibikers that I have ridden with on this site - I will reserve judgement.

I know my ability.....you appear to be a little self conscious about yours.

If you want a humbling experience - go for a ride with Andy on his 250.....then come back and mouth off the same words. As ANYONE on here will attest - he is more than a match for any proud cock on a big bore sports bike (or outdated 600)

[Indiana_Jones]

Can't we all just get along? :sweatdrop

-Indy

[Zed]

Yeah exactly.......Zed is living in his own little world - 10 foot tall and bullet proof (and fulla shit)

enuf said!

[Zed]

Exactly.

I rode the PANTS off my R1.........and enjoyed every minute of it (excpet for the last 5 seconds)......however I would not say the type of riding it encouraged was safe nor sensible.

There is NO place on the road for 180hp+ machines......same as there is no need for 600hp+ cars.

The fact is, this provides you with more ability to kill yourself - than being safe..

Zed - you obviously feel like you are some kind of biker.....I am guessing with a bigger mouth than ability. However until you have ridden with some of the other Kiwibikers that I have ridden with on this site - I will reserve judgement.

I know my ability.....you appear to be a little self conscious about yours.

If you want a humbling experience - go for a ride with Andy on his 250.....then come back and mouth off the same words. As ANYONE on here will attest - he is more than a match for any proud cock on a big bore sports bike (or outdated 600)

enuf said!

[Jackrat]

Can't we all just get along? :sweatdrop

-Indy
Hey we tried that in the sixtys.
It didn't work.
:ar15: :hug:

[wkid_one]

Hey we tried that in the sixtys.
It didn't work.
:ar15: :hug:
and it would be boring

[Zed]

Yeah exactly.......Zed is living in his own little world - 10 foot tall and bullet proof (and fulla shit)

Hey Dan,

I've been reading through your threads about your accident and came across that same bullet proof phrase...you quoted it about yourself dude!

Lets get one thing straight & clear- from what I gather you have not had many years experience on bikes, correct? and yet you've come off at least twice in the last 18months. I on the other hand have been riding for 18 years and have never had an accident. It's not because I think myself to be bulletproof that I havn't come off, but rather because I ride safe (which you don't/didn't on your own admission.)

Don't take out your frustrations on me because you think I am like you- I ain't kid...and don't you forget it.

Zed

[wkid_one]

LOL - I have made no bones about my riding style....everyone who I have ridden with on here knows what it is like - and it is the very reason I am curtailing my ROAD riding. I KNEW I was going to crash again, and again, by my own admission foretold that very fact. Did it stop me from riding hard....nah as it was a calculated risk of riding. And it was 19 months 15 days between accidents.

My last accident was the result of diesel on the road.....admittedly which I didn't see and was trying to slide BOTH my knee and rear tyre thru unbeknownst to me. I was first to admit my failings.

I will be controversial and say - if you haven't had an accident - you aren't pushing yourself hard enough......keep riding soft but upright.

Don't mistake riding safe with being a good rider......even Rossi falls off now and then. I know people who have been riding for years with chicken strips 2 inches wide.

PS - it is wkid_one/wkid unless you know me......

(Some people are just all too easy to get under the skin of - no challenge)

Now I am off to the pub for some more beers.

[Zed]

I said I ride safe, not soft. But I know you're only being a prat talking that way.

If you still rode I would gladly challenge you! The last guy I went riding with couldn't keep up...and technially he was on a faster bike, GSXR600.

How many years riding experience did you say you had?

I called you Dan to bait you- it worked! Personally I don't like your nick because it represents the antichrist in the Bible. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Of course you call evil good and good evil, only because you don't know the truth about life & death.

Zed

[wkid_one]

Personally I don't like your nick because it represents the antichrist in the Bible. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Of course you call evil good and good evil, only because you don't know the truth about life & death.

Zed
Me likes that......however the origins of the name are somewhat more boring.....coming from my number plate - so sorry to disappoint.

As for a challenge.....I am not quick......I just enjoy riding. Jesus, in fact I am an utterly USELESS rider.....first to admit it.

Looks like my ride to the pub is late...fuck it.....too late now anyway

[Lou Girardin]

Another pissing contest. Love it!
BTW my Dad taught Rossi's Dad how to ride.
Lou

[Indiana_Jones]

heck I don't care what they ride, as long as the other dude an't a dick :bleh:

-Indy

[marty]

Remember a time when NZ scorned Japanese Imports!!! Now - you struggle to find a car that isn't

It all comes back to status.......and ego


hmmm - italian motorbike, holden station wagon, french bicycle (peugeot), american BMX bikes (GT and Haro)......

not much in the way of jappas at my house if anyone needs a respite :) (or maybe I just have an ego???)

[marty]

I'm glad you asked...my opinion is from a 600+cc perspective remember. :msn-wink:

Small bikes lack power (especially when you need to get around something quick- depends how you ride I suppose)
Small bikes are too light- hard to control in winds & rain.
Small bikes are a greater risk in the blindspot of a car.

There is an attitude that comes from riding a big bike that small bike riders don't seem to have- a respect for greater speed and power that can be used as an advantage in times of danger!


Zed

PARDON????

[wkid_one]

PARDON????
I wondered how long it would take to he who owns the bike that scares many a big bore bike to respond