Back when....???
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: nw indiana the region
saw this thread an figered I'd add my $.02
I agree with most if not all the comments by the old MF'ers as I am one also ,,
I will say that back in the day safety was the least of our concerns,, ya cobbled together what ya could and ride the F otta it ,, no front brake ,, and even if ya did have one on an old pan with a drum all it was good for was holding ya on a hill, sheet rode for years with no front and mechanical rear, now I'm diggin a reliable ride ( no chase truck needed ) decent brakes and a freekin stereo , yep moved on up to a geezer glide
parts was parts if ya had it an a bro needed it no question , an as others have said if ya couldn't work on em ya didn't ride
also when i was commin up the only "bikers" were club'ers never called ourselves bikers ,, then started ta hang wit some newbies in da 80's an they used the term ,, tried ta explain to em but then just figered WTF go wit it
the only reason i even found this forum was cause I got me a bike with EFI an didn't know squat bout em,, an btw have learned a whole lot from ya'll this is a great place to learn and laugh,,,,
MDST is Moondogger Scooter Trash,, been ridding with some of the same guys fer going on 40 freekin years
as far as I'm concerned these will be the good ol days if I live long nuf,,
sorry for the ramble but I'm about 3/4 thru a bottle o' Mr beam,,,,
peace love & bobby sherman
I agree with most if not all the comments by the old MF'ers as I am one also ,,
I will say that back in the day safety was the least of our concerns,, ya cobbled together what ya could and ride the F otta it ,, no front brake ,, and even if ya did have one on an old pan with a drum all it was good for was holding ya on a hill, sheet rode for years with no front and mechanical rear, now I'm diggin a reliable ride ( no chase truck needed ) decent brakes and a freekin stereo , yep moved on up to a geezer glide
parts was parts if ya had it an a bro needed it no question , an as others have said if ya couldn't work on em ya didn't ride
also when i was commin up the only "bikers" were club'ers never called ourselves bikers ,, then started ta hang wit some newbies in da 80's an they used the term ,, tried ta explain to em but then just figered WTF go wit it
the only reason i even found this forum was cause I got me a bike with EFI an didn't know squat bout em,, an btw have learned a whole lot from ya'll this is a great place to learn and laugh,,,,
MDST is Moondogger Scooter Trash,, been ridding with some of the same guys fer going on 40 freekin years
as far as I'm concerned these will be the good ol days if I live long nuf,,
sorry for the ramble but I'm about 3/4 thru a bottle o' Mr beam,,,,
peace love & bobby sherman
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
Because there are a lot more motorcycles, there are also more riders that are disrespectful and full of crap, trying to maintain a so called image that is a figment of their own imagination and a delusional vision of their no riding skills. There are also a disproportionate of riders that think they are 10 feet tall and bulletproof.
Last edited by shortride; Jan 23, 2010 at 06:38 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
We used to get a laugh looking at the signature oil leaks,knowing who cared about their bikes and who didn't.A lot of great memories,those that I do remember.A lot of partying,chasing fine looking ladies,racing,getting together on most every weekend at different friends shops,work on bikes,and brag.Miss those days!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 25
From: se michigan
started ridin harley's back in the late 70's(dirt bikes before that) my older brother took me under his wing. You could say he lived an alternative lifestyle, but he taught me how to stay alive in dangerous surroundings. I was a 18yr punk from the suburbs of Detroit who didn't have a clue and thank god he was around.. Back then it was all sex/drugs and rock and roll and the lure of so called "easy money" He taught me how to enjoy life without throwing it away. Looking back what seems to be missing now is the live and let live attitude that they had back then. You rode what you had, wore what you wanted and got the respect of others by your actions. Now many on this forum seem to judge people by what they wear or ride without a word being spoken. If thats the way you are fine, it's not how I was brought up..
Last edited by flhxkiller; Jan 23, 2010 at 11:41 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,551
Likes: 22
From: Jacksonville Beach, FL.
My folks got a Honda 750four back in the day. It was around '73 or so.In '79-80 I got a Yamaha 500. I drooled over Harleys but couldn't afford one. Heck I couldn't afford a car, so that's why I had the bike.
I lived just south of Atlanta, and rode year round because it was my only transpportation. Rain, cold.....at least I didn't have to walk.
There were ALOT LESS cars on the roads back then. A lot less bikes too.
To all those who say that everyone bought a basket case and fixed it...or that there were no wealthy people riding...BS.
There were rich people buying new bikes, yes there were some people who could afford new bikes. Maybe you didn't know of any, but there were some new ones on the road.
I lived just south of Atlanta, and rode year round because it was my only transpportation. Rain, cold.....at least I didn't have to walk.
There were ALOT LESS cars on the roads back then. A lot less bikes too.
To all those who say that everyone bought a basket case and fixed it...or that there were no wealthy people riding...BS.
There were rich people buying new bikes, yes there were some people who could afford new bikes. Maybe you didn't know of any, but there were some new ones on the road.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Basile, La
I just read the first 10 post and I agree with all. The one thing everyone didn't seem to mention was the title method. Today the frame is titled and "back when" the motor was titled. Made it alot easier to customize your bike, so a bikers statement was in his ride not his cloths or his look. Bikes were refered to more as motors than as bikes in the circle I ran with, which consisted of riders from New Mexico,Texas, Olkahoma and Arkansas. Most of us somehow met at Sturgis, SD and planned to meet each year somewhere and make a couple of runs to different events the following year. Today we just email a couple of months early and go. I also use to laugh when a buddy would have a couple to many and would kick his ride over wrong and end up with a knot on his leg or being thrown by his two wheeled horse. You would also have to keep it indoors on a cold run or you would not be able to kick it over til you warmed it up. Those were the "Fun Days" LOL
Last edited by greatlab; Jan 31, 2010 at 09:33 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 759
Likes: 7
From: Western KY
Well my right leg doesn't bother me as much as it use to , the the scars on my shin are
still there. Quick get a ways are easier, not that I need them anymore. Roads are better
,but to much traffic. You wore what you had and nobody cared. If you didn't ride on
gravel you miss alot of good sites.
still there. Quick get a ways are easier, not that I need them anymore. Roads are better
,but to much traffic. You wore what you had and nobody cared. If you didn't ride on
gravel you miss alot of good sites.
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
Question:
In your opinion, what is/are the differences with today's motorcyclist the motorcycling community compared to 30 -40 years ago?
In your opinion, what is/are the differences with today's motorcyclist the motorcycling community compared to 30 -40 years ago?
The Internet. A very good chance that this is the only difference.
We are still the same people that we always were.
But now we have a place to gossip, whine, criticize and complain about the other bikers. The INTERNET.
The "Old School brotherhood" BS is just a myth.
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