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

**Molly** · 12th August 2009, 21:06

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 is and not what it means. 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** · 12th August 2009, 21:13

fuck no, I dont pick my bike for what other people think (just look at my choices

) But there are characteristics of my personality that are probably reflected in my choice, but then whos bike doesnt.

**Maha** · 12th August 2009, 21:14

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** · 12th August 2009, 21:17

I am very embarrassed to say YES.

BUT not to a large degree.

**PirateJafa** · 12th August 2009, 21:18

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

**one fast tl1ooo** · 12th August 2009, 21:19

I picked my bike by the sound.

tl1ooo

**crazzed** · 12th August 2009, 21:19

hell no buy for what i want.

**madmal64** · 12th August 2009, 21:22

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** · 12th August 2009, 21:22

Originally Posted by YellowDog

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** · 12th August 2009, 21:27

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** · 12th August 2009, 21:29

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

**Maha** · 12th August 2009, 21:32

Originally Posted by Molly

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** · 12th August 2009, 21:33

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** · 12th August 2009, 21:34

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** · 12th August 2009, 21:41

Originally Posted by Molly

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.