Sometimes you wonder ...
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Sometimes you wonder ...
.... if some people should own a bike, much less a Harley.
This guy where I work showed up last week on a new Softtail Custom, white.
I really don’t know this guy but I’m sure you have met the type before. A bit overweight, low brow, walks with the palms of his hands facing backwards, clothes never seem to fit quiet right, not very well spoken. If a Neanderthal could look like a dork (aka Gary Larsen cartoons) this guy would be it.
OK, so fine, Mother Nature wasn’t kind to him and he rides a Harley. Except …
He happens to be leaving the about the same time as I am in the after noon. Here he comes, it’s 90 degrees and he’s in full leathers including chaps, red in the face, looking like he is about 20 minutes past well done. The leather looks brand new except like the rest of his clothes; just don’t seem to fit right. The leathers just kind of hang on him like they are at least 4x too big.
He fires up the Custom and pulls out. The 30 day tags seem to match his experience as he ‘bobbles’ at every start and stop. OK, so he is a inexperienced, dorky looking Harley rider.
The next day as I get ready to leave, again I meet him in the parking lot, same baggy leathers, still 90 degrees, humidity about 90 too. This time he is cussing. It appears he didn’t turn off the ignition switch and the lights have drained the battery.
Yesterday around noon it had been threatening rain, I went out, got my rain suit out of the bags and bring it in. Sure enough, about time to go home, the bottom falls out. I shrug, put on my rain suit and walk out. Other employees look at me and smile. They know I ride year round in just about any kind of weather. One jokes as the stands at the door ‘Hey, bring my car to me!’ I say ‘Sure, take my bike home!’ and smile back.
As I start to saddle up, here comes Mr. White Custom, no rain suit, still wearing his baggy leather in heavy rain. I assume he is going to ride in it. I refrain from shaking my head in wonder and just give him a wave as I pull out. At least maybe his leathers will shrink up a bit.
This guy where I work showed up last week on a new Softtail Custom, white.
I really don’t know this guy but I’m sure you have met the type before. A bit overweight, low brow, walks with the palms of his hands facing backwards, clothes never seem to fit quiet right, not very well spoken. If a Neanderthal could look like a dork (aka Gary Larsen cartoons) this guy would be it.
OK, so fine, Mother Nature wasn’t kind to him and he rides a Harley. Except …
He happens to be leaving the about the same time as I am in the after noon. Here he comes, it’s 90 degrees and he’s in full leathers including chaps, red in the face, looking like he is about 20 minutes past well done. The leather looks brand new except like the rest of his clothes; just don’t seem to fit right. The leathers just kind of hang on him like they are at least 4x too big.
He fires up the Custom and pulls out. The 30 day tags seem to match his experience as he ‘bobbles’ at every start and stop. OK, so he is a inexperienced, dorky looking Harley rider.
The next day as I get ready to leave, again I meet him in the parking lot, same baggy leathers, still 90 degrees, humidity about 90 too. This time he is cussing. It appears he didn’t turn off the ignition switch and the lights have drained the battery.
Yesterday around noon it had been threatening rain, I went out, got my rain suit out of the bags and bring it in. Sure enough, about time to go home, the bottom falls out. I shrug, put on my rain suit and walk out. Other employees look at me and smile. They know I ride year round in just about any kind of weather. One jokes as the stands at the door ‘Hey, bring my car to me!’ I say ‘Sure, take my bike home!’ and smile back.
As I start to saddle up, here comes Mr. White Custom, no rain suit, still wearing his baggy leather in heavy rain. I assume he is going to ride in it. I refrain from shaking my head in wonder and just give him a wave as I pull out. At least maybe his leathers will shrink up a bit.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 981
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Sometimes you wonder ...
I don't know what part of your post makes you think he should not own a bike. I also can't recognize why you included "much less a Harley".
The guy may be ugly, goofy, new-to-riding, and a bit forgetful (ignition switch), but SO WHAT!
At least the guy is smart enough to gear-up (even if he'd be better served by proper-fitting gear) and is not so much of a wuss as to leave his bike at home at the first sign of rain clouds.
What makes more experienced riders with proper fitting gear and natural good looks so much better and/or more deserving of a motorcycle, especially theHD product?
I can give you the benefit of the doubt to believe you may have meant that he should not ride because of the following valid concerns:
1. as a newbie, he may want to consider a less expensive bike to own/repair since the likelyhood of dropping it in the 1st year is high.
2. wearing gear that properly fits is VERY important and ill fitting gear is almost as bad as no gear.
3. since he's inexperienced at riding, maybe a bike with less than 1000cc's is more appropriate in order for him to better learn the basics of motorcycling as opposed to just trying to avoid killing himself with the power.
All three are valid points and if that's what you meant by your post....I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH YOU!
The guy may be ugly, goofy, new-to-riding, and a bit forgetful (ignition switch), but SO WHAT!
At least the guy is smart enough to gear-up (even if he'd be better served by proper-fitting gear) and is not so much of a wuss as to leave his bike at home at the first sign of rain clouds.
What makes more experienced riders with proper fitting gear and natural good looks so much better and/or more deserving of a motorcycle, especially theHD product?
I can give you the benefit of the doubt to believe you may have meant that he should not ride because of the following valid concerns:
1. as a newbie, he may want to consider a less expensive bike to own/repair since the likelyhood of dropping it in the 1st year is high.
2. wearing gear that properly fits is VERY important and ill fitting gear is almost as bad as no gear.
3. since he's inexperienced at riding, maybe a bike with less than 1000cc's is more appropriate in order for him to better learn the basics of motorcycling as opposed to just trying to avoid killing himself with the power.
All three are valid points and if that's what you meant by your post....I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH YOU!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS!!!!
RE: Sometimes you wonder ...
I'd shake his hand and tell him congrats. Sounds like he might not have much going for him, so if he's found something that will bring some joy to his life (once he learns a little more). That's a great things for anybody. Ugly or not. 
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Sometimes you wonder ...
ORIGINAL: Stache
.... if some people should own a bike, much less a Harley.
This guy where I work showed up last week on a new Softtail Custom, white.
I really don’t know this guy but I’m sure you have met the type before. A bit overweight, low brow, walks with the palms of his hands facing backwards, clothes never seem to fit quiet right, not very well spoken. If a Neanderthal could look like a dork (aka Gary Larsen cartoons) this guy would be it.
OK, so fine, Mother Nature wasn’t kind to him and he rides a Harley. Except …
He happens to be leaving the about the same time as I am in the after noon. Here he comes, it’s 90 degrees and he’s in full leathers including chaps, red in the face, looking like he is about 20 minutes past well done. The leather looks brand new except like the rest of his clothes; just don’t seem to fit right. The leathers just kind of hang on him like they are at least 4x too big.
He fires up the Custom and pulls out. The 30 day tags seem to match his experience as he ‘bobbles’ at every start and stop. OK, so he is a inexperienced, dorky looking Harley rider.
The next day as I get ready to leave, again I meet him in the parking lot, same baggy leathers, still 90 degrees, humidity about 90 too. This time he is cussing. It appears he didn’t turn off the ignition switch and the lights have drained the battery.
Yesterday around noon it had been threatening rain, I went out, got my rain suit out of the bags and bring it in. Sure enough, about time to go home, the bottom falls out. I shrug, put on my rain suit and walk out. Other employees look at me and smile. They know I ride year round in just about any kind of weather. One jokes as the stands at the door ‘Hey, bring my car to me!’ I say ‘Sure, take my bike home!’ and smile back.
As I start to saddle up, here comes Mr. White Custom, no rain suit, still wearing his baggy leather in heavy rain. I assume he is going to ride in it. I refrain from shaking my head in wonder and just give him a wave as I pull out. At least maybe his leathers will shrink up a bit.
.... if some people should own a bike, much less a Harley.
This guy where I work showed up last week on a new Softtail Custom, white.
I really don’t know this guy but I’m sure you have met the type before. A bit overweight, low brow, walks with the palms of his hands facing backwards, clothes never seem to fit quiet right, not very well spoken. If a Neanderthal could look like a dork (aka Gary Larsen cartoons) this guy would be it.
OK, so fine, Mother Nature wasn’t kind to him and he rides a Harley. Except …
He happens to be leaving the about the same time as I am in the after noon. Here he comes, it’s 90 degrees and he’s in full leathers including chaps, red in the face, looking like he is about 20 minutes past well done. The leather looks brand new except like the rest of his clothes; just don’t seem to fit right. The leathers just kind of hang on him like they are at least 4x too big.
He fires up the Custom and pulls out. The 30 day tags seem to match his experience as he ‘bobbles’ at every start and stop. OK, so he is a inexperienced, dorky looking Harley rider.
The next day as I get ready to leave, again I meet him in the parking lot, same baggy leathers, still 90 degrees, humidity about 90 too. This time he is cussing. It appears he didn’t turn off the ignition switch and the lights have drained the battery.
Yesterday around noon it had been threatening rain, I went out, got my rain suit out of the bags and bring it in. Sure enough, about time to go home, the bottom falls out. I shrug, put on my rain suit and walk out. Other employees look at me and smile. They know I ride year round in just about any kind of weather. One jokes as the stands at the door ‘Hey, bring my car to me!’ I say ‘Sure, take my bike home!’ and smile back.
As I start to saddle up, here comes Mr. White Custom, no rain suit, still wearing his baggy leather in heavy rain. I assume he is going to ride in it. I refrain from shaking my head in wonder and just give him a wave as I pull out. At least maybe his leathers will shrink up a bit.
2. Based on YOUR sig pic, you're the last one to be calling anyone out for their wearing 'full leathers'.
3. Maybe the guy's 'geared up' in leathers for safety and protection purposes? Not all Harley riders go around in jeans and a t 24/7.
4. Rather than mock the guy, why not invite him out for a ride? Maybe do a lunch run somewhere? Get to know the guy. May find out that he's just like the rest of us: enjoying the helll out of his Harley. Nothing more. Nothing less.
5. Neanderthal? Don't know which magazine cover you just stepped off of? But I'd venture to say that .............nevermind.
6. So you ride in the rain, monsoons, earthquakes, tornados, blizzards, and what not? Good for you. What does that mean? What does that prove? Not a damn thing.
7. You'd be surprised how many avid riders don't carry (or even have) rain gear. Again, doesn't mean a whole lot.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 8
From: Dogtown, Oakland, CA
RE: Sometimes you wonder ...
hm. having ridden in some hot and humid places, if this were a coworker of mine, i might offer a word of advice on perforated or ventilated leathers, or even some ballistic textile gear, some of which can do a pretty good job of keeping the rain at bay as well. you can get some decent protection without cooking yourself, which is itself a hazard.
as for newbs starting on giant bikes, i have never understood that. there is so much to learn by starting on smaller bikes and trading to larger ones as ones experience grows its actually a shame people dont get to know what what its like. but im old school that way.
as for newbs starting on giant bikes, i have never understood that. there is so much to learn by starting on smaller bikes and trading to larger ones as ones experience grows its actually a shame people dont get to know what what its like. but im old school that way.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,553
Likes: 0
From: South Okanagan, BC
RE: Sometimes you wonder ...
And this fellow is someone you wouldn't walk up to & offer suggestions or advice to, why?
No 'hey buddy I noticed you didn't have rain gear the other day.. have you heard of _________ brand?'
No 'hey buddy, if you have any questions, maybe I can help'
no 'hey buddy, I don't know if you are aware of it, but leathers that don't fit snugly can actually be a hazard...'
Not even 'hey buddy, nice bike...'
Would have been nice to have someone point out a few tips & tricks as I was learning, instead of seeing my mistakes made fun of at someone else's expense, & learning that way...
No 'hey buddy I noticed you didn't have rain gear the other day.. have you heard of _________ brand?'
No 'hey buddy, if you have any questions, maybe I can help'
no 'hey buddy, I don't know if you are aware of it, but leathers that don't fit snugly can actually be a hazard...'
Not even 'hey buddy, nice bike...'
Would have been nice to have someone point out a few tips & tricks as I was learning, instead of seeing my mistakes made fun of at someone else's expense, & learning that way...