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

[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:Me]

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.

[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:Me]

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...

[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

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

[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.

[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.