I would not be so sensitive. The HD scene is like any other scene. You either like it or you don't. It is not a big deal, so don't make it one. I tend to side with you. Standing around when one could be riding makes little sense. I don't need a tattoo to feel I belong to something. Move on and don't worry about the small stuff.

 

I do ride without a helmet or a do-rag.
I don't drink and ride.
I don't have any tattoos. (I get sick of a car after two years, no way I'm getting a tat)
I don't belong to a club.
I rarely ride with others.

but who cares...

Like you, most everyone else would consider me an introvert.
I just consider myself to be a quiet person.

Bikes are THEE perfect hobby/life style for an introvert, especially if the bike is set up solo... just you, the bike and the ride.

And then there is the "Sportster" factor...
The "metric" community will hate on you for no other reason than it's an HD.
MOST of the HD community will look down on you because it's a lowly Sportster.
It is the PERFECT bike for those that don't comfortably fit in.
It is thee "UP YOURS" bike to everybody!


I don't mind the Harley "scene" at all.
We all share one common passion...riding.
That doesn't mean we are all instant buddies, BUT... there is at least the one small common factor that we all enjoy.
Take away all the stupid divisive garbage and we all love to ride.
At least most of us.
For some, I do believe IT IS all about the image.

I usually include a stop at one or two of the local HD dealerships every weekend or so.
I enjoy seeing and hearing all of the bikes if not the people who ride them.
But honestly, I enjoy most of them as well.
They'd just never know it.

 

This.

 

Been riding all my life, on every brand ranging from Bultaco to Yamaha, and have always tried to keep it a solo affair. Dislike groups 10+. I tend to wear whatever the mood sets that day.
To the OP's point, the culture at a lot of the dealership gatherings I've attended, seem to be oriented towards groups of people standing around saying SE this, and SE that or other ways of bragging about how much money they spent on their bike.
I am exactly the opposite. Frugal to a fault, and impressed by others' display of same.

 

What social scene? I am a solo rider and will not do group rides. I do not wear motorcycle specific gear except the T's gifted to me by the dealer with a new bike.

I do go and partake at the free food events. MMmm free food. Or stop by the dealer when I need to use their nice restroom.

Yet everyone seems to know be by name there. Oh! I forgot I bought 25 bikes there since 2009.

 

25 bikes since 2009?....what, you can't make up your mind...lol. How many do you have in your garage? Perhaps I should make my way to Illinois..haha...just joking.

 

It's a scene and it's not. It's tribal and it's confederated and it's isolated. Driving around the Southern California freeways in the carpool lane recently - the lane splitters were Harley / adventure bike (like KLR) / BMW in no particular order for almost 60 miles. It was like Deja Vu for that many miles. That's the thing with Harleys, tattoos or anything else - the more "unique" everyone is - the more they are the same. There are more of every style and persuasion riding out there than one may realize.

My lack of tattoos is my tattoo. There is only one condition which I would get a tattoo - and my prayer is that I leave this planet with no ink. I don't judge as the stories of body art very often contain experiences none of us would want and that is their way of honoring that.

Bottom line - get out and ride - say hi to someone you wouldn't normally greet and you might just be surprised.

 

My thoughts -
would you buy a new house the spray paint and engrave nonsense into the side of it? Most will say no... well why then would you do it to your body? Most have some stupid answer that will make your brain hurt and your ears bleed


Wear a helmet, its not fair to those that will have deal with your medical bills and insanity/depression /streaking/going on talk shows and cry... etc, after the fall

 

Virtually this whole quote could have been written by me (except the tats part- I have several)! Well said.

 

I buy the bikes but not the lifestyle.