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

**Morcs** · 13th August 2009, 09:24

Originally Posted by The Stranger

One only needs to ask why do people buy sport bikes for the street?
It's not for practicality, speed or cornering, why then?

Exactly. Especially when they cant even ride them!

**vifferman** · 13th August 2009, 09:34

Originally Posted by wysper

I won't buy one of those because of what I think of the people or the bike associated with it.

That reminds me - when I was young and (even more) stupid, Jap bikes were newish to the market. Non-Jap bikes were too big for a youngun, but the Jap bikes still had a stigma. Although I rode anything I could get hold of, somehow when buying a bike, Honda sounded less Japanese than Kawasaki, Suzuki, or Yamahaha. (Yeah, I know that sounds really stupid). Also, even then, Hondas had a good reputation for reliability and solidity.
The first bike I bought was a Honda, and since then, even though I have an open(ish) mind whenever I consider or test-ride bikes, I'm so used to the Honda ergonomics and whatnot, I've always ended up with another one, despite having other brands.

I'd still like a Ducati one day though. It'll probably never happen, because I'm getting even stupider than I was 35 years ago.

**Pwalo** · 13th August 2009, 09:38

Originally Posted by The Stranger

One only needs to ask why do people buy sport bikes for the street?
It's not for practicality, speed or cornering, why then?

Or for that matter cruisers, or motards. If we weren't concerned (just a little bit) we'd all be riding GS500s. And that's not putting down GS', they're bloody good little bikes.

**Morcs** · 13th August 2009, 09:51

Originally Posted by Pwalo

Or for that matter cruisers, or motards. If we weren't concerned (just a little bit) we'd all be riding GS500s. And that's not putting down GS', they're bloody good little bikes.

Actually cruisers and motards are quite purposeful.

Cruisers arent fast. Good for, well, cruising.

Motards are essential in the city.

**2wheeldrifter** · 13th August 2009, 09:54

I don't care what others think,

Hey would I look good on a RC8 ? everyone like them, buying a new bike...

**Rockbuddy** · 13th August 2009, 09:55

dont care what others think its what i think that matters ill own any bike as long as its not a spuzuki. currently own two bikes one sporty and one cruiser so the style of bike doesnt bother me either

**short-circuit** · 13th August 2009, 09:58

Originally Posted by The Stranger

One only needs to ask why do people buy sport bikes for the street?
It's not for practicality, speed or cornering, why then?

**bogan** · 13th August 2009, 10:08

Originally Posted by The Stranger

One only needs to ask why do people buy sport bikes for the street?
It's not for practicality, speed or cornering, why then?

Have you seen the new R6, jizz in my pants beautiful that is.

**The Stranger:Me** · 13th August 2009, 10:13

Originally Posted by Morcs

Motards are essential in the city.

Cheap to run, light and nimble, narrow, good ground clearance for running kerbs and obstacles.
They are THE most suitable bike for commuting and in my case city wide site visits.

**The Pastor** · 13th August 2009, 10:29

i only buy triumph becuase it makes me look cool, i have all the triumph books and clothing, my next bike will be another triumph, i wont sell my current one becuase the new one will get lonly sitting in the garage all the time and not getting to see the world.

-Indy

**PirateJafa** · 13th August 2009, 10:34

Originally Posted by renegade master

i only buy triumph becuase it makes me look cool, i have all the triumph books and clothing, my next bike will be another triumph, i wont sell my current one becuase the new one will get lonly sitting in the garage all the time and not getting to see the world.

-Indy

The garage? NEGLECT!

Should be on a pedestal in the living room. Or in bed, to cuddle each night.

**The Stranger:Me** · 13th August 2009, 11:11

Originally Posted by bogan

Have you seen the new R6, jizz in my pants beautiful that is.

I rest my case.

**Drunken Monkey** · 13th August 2009, 11:19

Originally Posted by The Stranger

One only needs to ask why do people buy sport bikes for the street?
It's not for practicality, speed or cornering, why then?

They are practical - they're street legal track bikes. I could ride my Gix to Pukekohe/Taupo/etc, ride around the track then ride home. Easier than dicking around with a trailer and 'hardcore' non-streetable track bike. Same deal with dual sports, streetable dirt bikes rock.

**dipshit** · 13th August 2009, 11:34

Originally Posted by The Stranger

One only needs to ask why do people buy sport bikes for the street?
It's not for practicality, speed or cornering, why then?

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....