Harleys. Love them or hate them.

**peasea** · 15th April 2009, 21:39

Originally Posted by naphazoline

As the title implies,everyone has their opinions on them.
Not my cup of tea,but each to their own.

But i didn't start this thread to argue about weather they're the ducks nuts,or if they're a pet hate.

But SOME, (NOT ALL), of the guys riding harleys round in groups in the Naki on the weekend,(Easter bike show in new plymouth),are sure out to give them a bad ass name.

Two abreast,(not staggered),4-5 feet between bikes,hogging the road,(now i know where they get the name "HOG" from),and forcing passing manouevres, after sitting in the blind spot on the rear pillars of cars, that they were tailgating.

Several people had mentioned this to me over the weekend,and said it was a really intimidating feeling,and that they were forced to pull over,almost off the road as they passed,because they were riding WAY too close for their comfort.

I know you're probably thinking that i'm singling out Harleys,but aside from the one or two other brands amongst a sizable couple of bunches,that's all there was.

No...They weren't patched up,either.So before you think that it's a gang thing,i can tell you it wasn't.

I've got mates,who ride in groups of predominantly Harleys,but they don't ride like this.

There's been far too many bike accidents lately,and i would prefer that there wasn't anymore.

So what the fucks up with the "tough guy" shit??

I hate jappas, bikes and cars, but I drive a jap car as a commuter coz it was cheap to buy, it's reliable and cheap-ish to run. Plus, if someone pinches it, I don't give a fuck.

If we want to tour on four wheels we take the 5.7l V8 for comfort and torque.

On two wheels we tour on HD's because of the comfort and the torque.

We have no aspirations to be Rossi's when it comes to motorcycle riding and laugh heartily when wannabees drop a knee at every corner. Wankers, one and all. I've been in the saddle for donkey's years and the most stupid things I've seen have been done by sportsbike riders and they seem to occur with monotonous regularity. That's not to say HD riders don't so silly things, they do, but the ratio is against the SB riders in my experience, especially when I'm riding rather than driving. It's bad enough in the car but it seems that most fuckin' tosspots on SB's seem to think that HD riders need to be shoved into the kerb at every opportunity.

I keep a close eye on my mirrors and keep hard left when another bike comes up behind me, just in case another prize wanker wants to take me on the left to prove his riding prowess.

People who ride like that are nothing but cunts.

My apologies to the careful SB riders, no offence intended but there are some who are giving you a bad name. (I admit, it goes both ways.) It's about choice, like most aspects of life in a free country.

**peasea** · 15th April 2009, 21:40

Originally Posted by Molly

Doesn't matter if I'm on my Guzzi or Harley, I don't wave.

I'm worried it might invalidate my warranty.

Did you sign a 'waiver'?

**Blatman** · 15th April 2009, 21:40

This pic is an oldie, but a goodie:

**peasea** · 15th April 2009, 21:45

Originally Posted by Blatman

This pic is an oldie, but a goodie:

A goodie....because?

**Molly** · 15th April 2009, 21:47

I too wave the sports bikes past. Did this for three SB riders climbing out of the Rakaia Gorge last weekend. They took off past me and my mates and past a coach up ahead, passing completely blind on a left hand bend.

How the f'k did they know they'd get away with it? Do they not have people at home they're hoping to see again?

**awayatc** · 15th April 2009, 21:57

Originally Posted by P38

Love em.

Dislike the attitude of most who ride them though.

You've got no idea how much that means to me....

**Baldy** · 15th April 2009, 21:58

i think they dont wave because if they let go of the hand grip the bike will fall to pieces, my thoughts ,baldy

**peasea** · 15th April 2009, 21:59

Originally Posted by Molly

I too wave the sports bikes past. Did this for three SB riders climbing out of the Rakaia Gorge last weekend. They took off past me and my mates and past a coach up ahead, passing completely blind on a left hand bend.

How the f'k did they know they'd get away with it? Do they not have people at home they're hoping to see again?

My thoughts exactly. I think having kids gives you a reason to live.

**Molly** · 15th April 2009, 22:20

Originally Posted by Baldy

i think they dont wave because if they let go of the hand grip the bike will fall to pieces

Aaaa... f'k off and buy a real bike ;-)

Originally Posted by peasea

I think having kids gives you a reason to live.

I've a ten week old daughter to think about. I asked the coach driver who near wiped me out a few weeks ago if he would've paid for her eduction etc. if he'd have killed me. Blind c**t.

**fire eyes** · 15th April 2009, 22:38

this really has no relevence but ..

harleys rock .. love the sound .. admire the sight ... if other people are on them.

would not purchase one for myself.

have recently been with a group of harley riding guys ... awesome bunch of folks .. can't vouch for the arrogance.

**AllanB** · 15th April 2009, 22:51

Bah.

I ride a Honda - a naked one and enjoy it. Just as well as it will be a long haul until I have the dollars for a replacement

Driving back from Wanaka to Christchurch today, in the car, with the family on very empty roads, my mind wondered to bikes (as it often does). It occurred to me around the Southern roads that this would be ideal Harley (or 'cruiser') territory. Good quality roads, nice open corners with just enough tight stuff to keep it interesting - long straights with beautiful scenery.

Superb cruising roads - 110 or there abouts and enjoying the ride not the race.

Just a thought.

**mdnzz** · 16th April 2009, 08:44

Originally Posted by naphazoline

Yeah... "just worrying about what's in front of them" . +1

Nah... Just that some people don't act like they own the road,whilst others obviously don't give a fuck.

You either move,or you create an accident.20 bikes to 1 car.No one wants to be responsible for that,no matter who's in the wrong.

Doesn't take rocket science to work it out.

I think maybe my point didn't come across right for you, Im not advocating dangerous or stupid driving or not caring about whats behind you, but they are behind you and are responsible for themselves and their actions...surely??

Yes I am a considerate driver wether I'm in the truck or our car, but if I see a tosser on any style bike ( or even a car for that matter) tryin to test Darwins Laws then I don't bother and why should I?

It will not be I who causes an accident and it is not I who needs to learn to be considerate to other road users.

If they are given the room to act like tossers then thats all they are going to promote themselves and any other respectable rider as such.

**mdnzz** · 16th April 2009, 08:47

Originally Posted by Molly

I too wave the sports bikes past. Did this for three SB riders climbing out of the Rakaia Gorge last weekend. They took off past me and my mates and past a coach up ahead, passing completely blind on a left hand bend.

How the f'k did they know they'd get away with it? Do they not have people at home they're hoping to see again?

Was this Sunday?

I was coming back through there after cruising upto the Methven Rod show and saw a few SB's typicult none would wave to us Harley owners

**Molly** · 16th April 2009, 18:47

Yep. Sunday. Coming back from Methven. Couldn't name all the bikes (they looked much the same) but one was an older GSXR without a fairing. There was a flash, blue coach / RV type thing up ahead that they passed on sheer luck.