Hatin’ Harleys
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 52,957
Likes: 44,476
From: SW OH.
I get a chuckle out of the "sportsters-aren't-real-Harleys" attitude.
Here's my story:
When I was shopping for a riding jacket, I had 3 criteria: It had to have a good amount of bright color on it (preferably orange), it had to have zip-up vents for different weather, and it had to have a mandarin-style collar. I didn't want to spend $300-$400 on a Harley jacket, so I searched elsewhere. I couldn't find one I liked, but I ended up finding a Harley jacket on Ebay for $200. I wasn't too keen on being a Harley billboard, but I went for it anyway since it met all of my criteria and wasn't that expensive.
So, I'm in a bar recently with my jacket on. Two "hardcore biker" types sitting next to me were eyeing me up (mostly my jacket) and one of them said "let me guess, you got that jacket with your new Sportster." I just said "yeah... something like that." They laughed at me a bit longer, and that was the end of that.
But later on, I was smiling ear-to-ear when they came out to get on their bikes and I was riding away on my 93 lowrider.
Moral of the story: Some people are just ********. There's no need arguing with them, because they'll always be ********. You can just smile at yourself and be happy that you're not one of them.
Here's my story:
When I was shopping for a riding jacket, I had 3 criteria: It had to have a good amount of bright color on it (preferably orange), it had to have zip-up vents for different weather, and it had to have a mandarin-style collar. I didn't want to spend $300-$400 on a Harley jacket, so I searched elsewhere. I couldn't find one I liked, but I ended up finding a Harley jacket on Ebay for $200. I wasn't too keen on being a Harley billboard, but I went for it anyway since it met all of my criteria and wasn't that expensive.
So, I'm in a bar recently with my jacket on. Two "hardcore biker" types sitting next to me were eyeing me up (mostly my jacket) and one of them said "let me guess, you got that jacket with your new Sportster." I just said "yeah... something like that." They laughed at me a bit longer, and that was the end of that.
But later on, I was smiling ear-to-ear when they came out to get on their bikes and I was riding away on my 93 lowrider.
Moral of the story: Some people are just ********. There's no need arguing with them, because they'll always be ********. You can just smile at yourself and be happy that you're not one of them.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
I've been in most of the non-Harley shops in my area. They've all treated me very well. At one metric shop, and employee came up to me and told me it was starting to rain. He suggested I pull my bike up onto the sidewalk, under and overhang. When I told him it would just get wet when I was riding, he suggested it might be better to get on a dry seat. He came outside with me and asked if I wanted help getting it up on the walk - told him I'd just ride it up.
There were some dealer bikes out on the sidewalk as well. A couple shopping for bikes walked over to look at my WG. When they asked the salesman for the price on my bike, he responded "I wish I could sell you this bike!"
I haven't run into any Harley hatin' anywhere (yet).
There were some dealer bikes out on the sidewalk as well. A couple shopping for bikes walked over to look at my WG. When they asked the salesman for the price on my bike, he responded "I wish I could sell you this bike!"
I haven't run into any Harley hatin' anywhere (yet).
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
I ran into the same thing in reverse. I got alot of that when I had my Honda's and Yamaha RoadStar. shame. doesnt matter to me what someone rides. you would think a dealer that couldnt sell you your bike would love to get a couple of bucks out of you on something else.
Most Wanted
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,345
Likes: 808
From: ( . )( . )
Very simple really. Spend your money elsewhere. If I don't receive decent service, I don't do business with them. With this attitude and approach, soon they will be out of business. Now if someone gave attitude to my wife, you can bet that there would be hell to pay!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Schertz, TX
I have had good service in local HD shops and non-HD MC shops. In fact I just bought a Shoei RF-1000 in the Selma Yamaha Shop a few days ago and they were great.
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, SC
I commute on a '93 KLR-650. It's cheap, simple, and if it gets damaged at work, I'm not out much. For the first time, I was planning on joining the local HOG chapter for thier dinner ride on a Thursday evening. I ride past the dealer on my way home. As I was riding home, I passed numerous Harley's heading toward the dealership. Since I wave to all two wheelers, I waved to those who passed. Some waved, some didn't, one shot me the finger. I continued home, got my Road King and returned the dealership. I hunted down the jackass that shot me the bird and confronted him. It went something like this.
Me, " Did you see that guy on the KLR waving at everybody?"
Him, "Yeah, I shot him the bird, f*ck him."
Me, "That was me jackass."
I got back on my RK and left. And people wonder why I don't socialize with HOG members.
My point, there are jackasses in all walks of life. No need to waste a minute with them.
Me, " Did you see that guy on the KLR waving at everybody?"
Him, "Yeah, I shot him the bird, f*ck him."
Me, "That was me jackass."
I got back on my RK and left. And people wonder why I don't socialize with HOG members.
My point, there are jackasses in all walks of life. No need to waste a minute with them.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
I commute on a '93 KLR-650. It's cheap, simple, and if it gets damaged at work, I'm not out much. For the first time, I was planning on joining the local HOG chapter for thier dinner ride on a Thursday evening. I ride past the dealer on my way home. As I was riding home, I passed numerous Harley's heading toward the dealership. Since I wave to all two wheelers, I waved to those who passed. Some waved, some didn't, one shot me the finger. I continued home, got my Road King and returned the dealership. I hunted down the jackass that shot me the bird and confronted him. It went something like this.
Me, " Did you see that guy on the KLR waving at everybody?"
Him, "Yeah, I shot him the bird, f*ck him."
Me, "That was me jackass."
I got back on my RK and left. And people wonder why I don't socialize with HOG members.
My point, there are jackasses in all walks of life. No need to waste a minute with them.
Me, " Did you see that guy on the KLR waving at everybody?"
Him, "Yeah, I shot him the bird, f*ck him."
Me, "That was me jackass."
I got back on my RK and left. And people wonder why I don't socialize with HOG members.
My point, there are jackasses in all walks of life. No need to waste a minute with them.