I was reading a post from some "experienced" rider bashing some new ones and I got to thinking. After 41 years in the saddle, if I was sitting on a barstool next to you here is what I would tell you:
1. Glad you took up riding! Changed my life way back when and hope you get a passion for it too.
2. Forget the image thing. Popular culture is kind of like music you know. From swing to twist to disco to pop to whatever the hell you kids do these days! A rider in Boot Hill Saloon on main street in 1975 would probably be incarcerated pretty quickly today.
3. Get great gear that lasts. It will be cheaper and more functional in the long run. A great leather jacket that will last you 40 years is worth $600. If it serves a purpose, wear it. If it doesn't, its extra gear to carry.
4. Its ok to be an idiot. We've all been there. Just learn to be safe. If you want to sit at a stop light and blip your throttle, you'll get over it eventually. Of course, these days you might get a ticket. In the old days, if you rode a Harley in the wrong part of town, you were an automatic hoodlum. Now most Harley customers probably live in better sections of towns to be able to afford them.
5. Its not a horsepower competition. Unless you've really been taught, your ability will never come close to matching a newer bikes capability. So don't waste you money on "mods" unless something really bugs you.
6. Last, go on road trips. Longer the better. I don't mean on a trailer. Become an motorcycle enthusiast (hope I spelled it right). The road is really what being a biker is about. New places, new roads, new friends. Wont matter if they ride Bmw, Honda or Harley. People who ride for the road appreciate motorcycles regardless of the brand and will strike up friendships and share experiences.

 

Amen!

 

Right on!

 

i agree with the overall post. The only issue with I have are stunt bike riders. I recently had one pass me on a freeway at approximately 70 mph riding a wheelie. so as you stated "Ride Safe"

 

Good stuff. Yes everybody has to start somewhere and it's refreshing to remember the guys and gals with real experience don't feel the need to slam the new faces to make themselves feel better.

 

You are a wise man kojak. Here's hoping I have the privilege of sitting next to you on a bar stool some day.

 

Well said, Kojak!

Cheers from one old rider to another!

 

Great post Kojack - thanks for taking the think to putting your thoughts on paper...

 

Good writeup and putting it in its true perspective.

 

Kojack, you really nailed it. It really is that simple. As Mn Roadking put it, I hope to sit on barstool next to you as well. It would be a great conversation. Ride on and ride safe!