Buying into brands

[Dodgyiti]

I dunno about the 'Guzzi Riders Don't' statement.

I bought a Guzzi last year that had Guzzi plastered all over it!

Normally a Guzzi will have name badges-
2 x tank
2 x rocker cover
1 x tail section
1 x alternator cover

This bike had additionally from the previous owner-

2 x pannier
1 x seat back
1 x rear guard
2 x front guard
1 x tank top
1 x starter cover
4 x foot rest rubbers
2 x crash bar stickers

It was bloody everywhere!!

I managed to peel a few off but most were clear coated over.

Then I sold it, so ultimatly Carver, your right.

I hate labels, I often cut them off (or un-pick the stitching) my riding gear if I can (sorry Quasi/Givi/Leda/Garne etc), I don't want to be known for what I wear/ride or put in a $ bracket.
My bikes are what I like, and my gear is what I percieve to be good for me and my safety/comfort.
I would wear a Triumph jacket if the quality/fit/safety/price was right. And wear it on my Yammie or one of my Guzzis

[Hitcher]

I am a motorcyclist. I ride bikes that I enjoy.

I have yet to ride a bike that I hate. I have ridden many that have disappointed.

[Dooly]

I have 2 Triumphs and a Ducati.
Everyone I ride with pretty well all ride Jappas. No prob with me, each to what they like. I've had Japs.
I turn up to the RAT ride here and hardly any Triumphs turn up here, usually Jap bikes.
Triumph make cool shirts and things, I have several Ts, and my main riding leather jacket is Triumph branded. Its comfy, armoured, fits well, and is subtle with its branding, love it.
Just a matter for me if you like something, buy/do it.
Fuck what everyone else thinks.

Mind you was down at a HD dealership recently and could'nt believe the price of HD gear, like jackets etc.
Holy shit, thought Triumph stuff was pricey!

[carver]

It doesn't start out this way, but when you come to the realisation that you bought an over priced POS and are unable to keep up with the other brands what the hell can you do?

haha, nice

i dont really support any brand, every brand has good and bad bikes.

i have had good and bad kawasaki's

im interested to see how this beta stacks up

[James Deuce]

Moto Guzzi riders don't wear Moto Guzzi branded gear, because they don't want to end up at their destination partially clothed.

[tri boy]

Most recent bike in the garage was given to me.
I don't buy into anything i don't want to.

Pass the collection plate, and praise the lord..........NOT!

[svr]

In '89 I rode from LA to Daytona on a GS1100, and checked into a campground for speed week. Over a few buds that night a couple of HD riders started ribbing me about riding a `jappa', and therefore not being a `real biker', which bemused me, as I had actually ridden 3,000 miles there and was told they had driven 400 odd in RVs and trailered their bikes pretty much everywhere. The noise of the `real bikers' hairdriers in the mens showers every morning was deafening.

Not sure why people are so loyal to corporate brands - corporations sure don't give fuck about you!

[Headbanger]

I generally dislike people no matter what brand they ride.

I bought a HD because they make the bike that I want to ride.

[carver]

Moto Guzzi riders don't wear Moto Guzzi branded gear, because they don't want to end up at their destination partially clothed.

well, yes, thats a good point, tried quasi gear?

In '89 I rode from LA to Daytona on a GS1100, and checked into a campground for speed week. Over a few buds that night a couple of HD riders started ribbing me about riding a `jappa', and therefore not being a `real biker', which bemused me, as I had actually ridden 3,000 miles there and was told they had driven 400 odd in RVs and trailered their bikes pretty much everywhere. The noise of the `real bikers' hairdriers in the mens showers every morning was deafening.

Not sure why people are so loyal to corporate brands - corporations sure don't give fuck about you!

ah yes, thats big in the us, trailering bikes, fuck, i ride my trials bikes on the road!

posers eh!
its strange to have events and rides for one make, model of bike.

[The Stranger:Me]

i dont really support any brand, every brand has good and bad bikes.

I do support some brands in principal.
Over time I get to see and experience various things that sway my view.

For example, if in doubt about electronics I buy Philips.
Why?
They have been pioneers and innovators and rarely (actually never) have I experienced an unreliable product from them. I know they had a bad rep on TV's and accept that is the case, no doubt also some have had a bad product from time to time from them. However I still believe that on the balance of probabilities if you buy Philips, you wont be disappointed with the quality.

Yamaha have for about 50yrs now been developing engines for and with Toyota and look at Toyota's reputation for reliability. Yamaha outboards are excellent, Yamaha wave runners are good, Yamaha motorbikes have not infrequently led the pack in a new direction.
Again, all things being equal. I'll choose Yamaha.

[usa-vtwin]

I own a Harley and theirs no way I would be seen with a Harley belt buckle, Harley boots, Harley bandanna etc...And there's no Harley table lamp in my lounge or Harley phone on my desk. I confess I own a Harley Jacket but I do ride my bike with out it more often than not. I loves Harleys but I didn't want to be a Harley shrine.

[Molly]

common among harley, buell and triumph owners...getting all the branded gear, supporting the brand, wanking on about how this brand is so much better then the rest. guzzi riders dont seem to do it! its not to common among the japanese brands, not to the same extent.being loyal to the brand, riding with only the other people that ride the same kind of bike....what the fuck is wrong with you that you have subscribe to a corporation like triumph.

Mate. Why do you give a shit? The world is full of wankers (or just people who choose to do things a different way). So what? There are worse sins than buying a Harley t-shirt.

I have a KTM jacket but no KTM (it's just a f'kin' good jacket). I've also got a (discrete) Harley jacket that did a good job when I slid down the road in it. I like to wear it on my Guzzi so I look like a wannabe... ;-)

[carver]

I do support some brands in principal.
Over time I get to see and experience various things that sway my view.

For example, if in doubt about electronics I buy Philips.
Why?
They have been pioneers and innovators and rarely (actually never) have I experienced an unreliable product from them. I know they had a bad rep on TV's and accept that is the case, no doubt also some have had a bad product from time to time from them. However I still believe that on the balance of probabilities if you buy Philips, you wont be disappointed with the quality.

Yamaha have for about 50yrs now been developing engines for and with Toyota and look at Toyota's reputation for reliability. Yamaha outboards are excellent, Yamaha wave runners are good, Yamaha motorbikes have not infrequently led the pack in a new direction.
Again, all things being equal. I'll choose Yamaha.

i buy panasonic!

for the same reasons

however, i buy what works for me, i hate the ER5, loved the ER6, hated the DRZ 250, abused the 400SM....

ah well, i dont hate yamaha, just my local dealers are such wankers!

I own a Harley and theirs no way I would be seen with a Harley belt buckle, Harley boots, Harley bandanna etc...And there's no Harley table lamp in my lounge or Harley phone on my desk. I confess I own a Harley Jacket but I do ride my bike with out it more often than not. I loves Harleys but I didn't want to be a Harley shrine.

good on ya man, it just makes me laugh at the people i see with all the genuine gear all over em

[carver]

Mate. Why do you give a shit? The world is full of wankers (or just people who choose to do things a different way). So what? There are worse sins than buying a Harley t-shirt.

I have a KTM jacket but no KTM (it's just a f'kin' good jacket). I've also got a (discrete) Harley jacket that did a good job when I slid down the road in it. I like to wear it on my Guzzi so I look like a wannabe... ;-)

you do, your talking about it with me, telling us about your own experiences with this subject.

i just asked the question

[Headbanger]

When I was a youngster I entertained myself by roaring around town on my Honda while wearing a Harley Jersey.

It ruffled feathers in both camps, especially down the local Harley Bar, Then I'd top it off by telling people to get fucked.

Sort of outgrown that sort of carry on, I no longer own any Honda's.