If you are like me you don't "Run Down" what the other person is riding. That is their business 1st of all; and 2ndly it is commonly a combination of timing, finances, location, etc. that brought them to their 'ride'...
That said the guys that aren't on Harley's can have a real "Mob" mentality.
I went for a ride on Saturday with a neighbor.
He is 15 years older, open heart surgery survivor, US Veteran & started rifing in his late sixties...
A character that likes to drink & loves his cigars.
He rides a "Big Scooter" (a 650 Bergman). Mostly cause he can't swing his leg over a bike, but also cause his hands get tired quickly (clutch lever) and he started riding at 67...
Long story, but he asks me to go on this ride up to "Sleepy Hollow" (a fishing camp/biker gathering spot) with this group he rides with.
I didn't know it was a Scooter group when I said sure.
Sat. was pretty cold & we are waiting in a 7-Eleven parking lot for the Group. I had found out that it was a scooter club whilewe are waiting.
A half a dozen folk on Bergmans, Silverwings & a Scarebo pull in 20 minutes later...
Guys on 500cc scooter wearing chaps & full face helmets with transmitters. One guy on a 250cc Chinese job. A small lady on a Silverwing (whose feet didn't touch the ground, at the same time) & a guy wearing a "Neon Road Worker's Vest" on an old Yamaha Majesty...
Most were nice folks, but I have to tell you 3 or 4 if them really liked telling me my '09 Fatboy (with chrome wheels, SE big Thunder style air, V & Hines Large Radius pipes, etc.) was too loud to ride anywhere but the back of their pack. I heard a dozen comments how it must be tough for me to keep up (maybe true on the 10mph twisties), at a gas stop I was asked how much the HD leaked & why harley made such uncomfortable bikes...
It was cold anyway, so when I "Bailed" early in the ride I blamed it on me having worn the wrong helmet for the weather. However the scorn aimed at me (I gave no initial cause nor did I reply in kind) and my ride was pretty nasty, especially when you think, "I just met these folk".

Well I guess I better get rid of the Softail & pickup a Vespa so I fit in... Nah!

 

I'd have responded with something like " Seriously dude? You're riding a f****** scooter!"

 

You got dissed by a gang of elderly scooter riders? At least now you have a hilarious story to tell.

Guess they're not going to invite your to prospect until you get a "real" scooter, huh?

 

These people find any way they can to knock a Harley.They're trying to bring you to their level and it just can't work.

 

Dude...They were on *****&&g Scooters...what do you expect...They don't get it...I know how you feel, I have this guy in my SCRC club that rides metric, the first time he came on a ride he started on how my HD stayed in the shop and leaked and cost this and cost that...I tried to ignore it and it was hard...I talk trash and get talked back but usually by friends,,, not a perfect stranger...I think my bike for an 07 has a decent amount of mileage and has had some issues but i always say to them when we stop at a Honda shop ...look at the service shop and ask what these bikes are in for....It's not just oil changes and tires...There just machines and the thicness of our skins is what makes us tolerate others with other brands like, Ford VS Chevy, Toyota VS NIssan, WII vs Playstation etc....Like i said ...Dude they ride scooters...take it for what it's worth....If i get to a point i have to ride a scooter i will get a Power wheelchair.

 

Didn't know what a "650 Bergman" was until I googled it. $8,500 for a scooter? WOW, and we thought our bikes were expensive. Too each their own, as long as they get out and enjoy it let 'em be. Not everyone shares the same interest. Sounds like some of them are still living in the past when Harleys did leak oil all the time, and they just don't realize times change.

 

At least take a MSF safety class if you trade up to a superbike Vespa.
Don't want it to get out from under ya on those wicked 10mph twisties.

 

better respect yer elders

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBcb-dvGhEM

 

Sadly this happens, many think Harleys still leak oil, parts fall off all the time, and Lucky to go 100 miles without a breakdown .. I just laugh at situations like these although will add I also know an older fellow with a 650 Bergman that has health problems but feels more secure on it due to it's light weight and easier handling for parking, holding it up etc.. But if think it's underpowered ride beside him at take it up to 90MPH and be shocked when he is still there right beside you ..

 

I can't wait for the day I grow up and can afford a super sharp 250 cc chinese scooter. I will be so bad!
I will wear leathers and terrorize people in bars.
Heck I may have to join the Angels....