Harley Branding and the FNG
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 916
Likes: 12
From: NoVA
Harley Branding and the FNG
Yeah, I'm another one of those old geezer's that started out in the mid '60's going sideways in the dirt on a Triumph Cub, working my way up as skills and income allowed. By the time Captain America and Billy rode toward the Big Easy I too was an Easy Rider. I mean I did not just watch the movie, I lived it. What great times. Funny back then there was a magazine called "Big Bike". It was for 650cc's and up. And a 500 was considered big enough to go cross country, solo at least.
Last weekend I was going through the Virginia horse and wine country when I saw a couple on their H-D's make a very wobbly turn into a winery. It was 10 AM. They were learning. I can't imagin leaving after the tasting on a sporty and big twin with no known riding skills. They too had on all H-D branded gear.
Now I'm glad that Harley has survived the economic downturn by selling tee shirts and doo bags. But... As I look around me at rider's with serious seat time, say 2,3 or 4 decades worth, few seem to be wearing the branding. The only thing I have that says Harley-Davidson on it is my bike and a hunk of shirt in my tool roll.
I don't want this to be a poser vs. biker thread. I dislike the term biker anyway. Too many years on a FLHTP for that. But I wonder about all you other life long or long term rider's. Do any of you dress like a billboard? If you have a H-D jacket over say, ten years old, I don't think that would count.
I welcome all into the world of motorcycling. Whether you started early or found your way due to a mid-life crisis it doesn't matter. I do believe there would be a bit less poser strife if the new guy would just slowly assimilate rather than trying to be all Harley costumed and acting like a b grade movie.
Last weekend I was going through the Virginia horse and wine country when I saw a couple on their H-D's make a very wobbly turn into a winery. It was 10 AM. They were learning. I can't imagin leaving after the tasting on a sporty and big twin with no known riding skills. They too had on all H-D branded gear.
Now I'm glad that Harley has survived the economic downturn by selling tee shirts and doo bags. But... As I look around me at rider's with serious seat time, say 2,3 or 4 decades worth, few seem to be wearing the branding. The only thing I have that says Harley-Davidson on it is my bike and a hunk of shirt in my tool roll.
I don't want this to be a poser vs. biker thread. I dislike the term biker anyway. Too many years on a FLHTP for that. But I wonder about all you other life long or long term rider's. Do any of you dress like a billboard? If you have a H-D jacket over say, ten years old, I don't think that would count.
I welcome all into the world of motorcycling. Whether you started early or found your way due to a mid-life crisis it doesn't matter. I do believe there would be a bit less poser strife if the new guy would just slowly assimilate rather than trying to be all Harley costumed and acting like a b grade movie.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 657
Likes: 0
From: Republic of Texas
You might want to find your way to this thread:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/the-g...lifestyle.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/the-g...lifestyle.html
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Yep, the old days are gone. They don't allow us to ride around nekid anymore.
So from what your saying it was OK to wear a H-D jacket 10 years ago, but not today?
Honestly,
30 years ago on a rainy day ride I probably would have been wearing tennis shoes, and a T shirt from a rock concert. I would have been soaking wet and quite possibly covered in mud.
Today,
I have a few H-D T-shirts, most were gifts, some were on sale, sometimes I wear them. I have a H-D rain suit, its only a couple years old.
I have a pair of H-D boots that have seen better days. They are about 15 years old. I still wear them occasionally.
So what you're saying is that I should pack the T-shirts and rain gear away for a few years and some vintage stuff to wear now. Guess I got lucky with the boots, maybe I should get them repaired.
I would have guessed that by 60 you guys would quit worrying about what other people are wearing.
So from what your saying it was OK to wear a H-D jacket 10 years ago, but not today?
Honestly,
30 years ago on a rainy day ride I probably would have been wearing tennis shoes, and a T shirt from a rock concert. I would have been soaking wet and quite possibly covered in mud.
Today,
I have a few H-D T-shirts, most were gifts, some were on sale, sometimes I wear them. I have a H-D rain suit, its only a couple years old.
I have a pair of H-D boots that have seen better days. They are about 15 years old. I still wear them occasionally.
So what you're saying is that I should pack the T-shirts and rain gear away for a few years and some vintage stuff to wear now. Guess I got lucky with the boots, maybe I should get them repaired.
I would have guessed that by 60 you guys would quit worrying about what other people are wearing.
Last edited by piasspj; Jul 1, 2011 at 11:52 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,164
From: Oxford, Nc
A good customer gave me his "Genuine" HD Vest as a gift along while back. I took the Eagle patch off and still ride with it to this day.
If I ever did wear a patch, it would be upside down, Remeber that one? It meant: "Love the Motorcycle, Hate the Company"
Some things never change.
If I ever did wear a patch, it would be upside down, Remeber that one? It meant: "Love the Motorcycle, Hate the Company"
Some things never change.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 985
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
I thought in true wine tasting you spit the wine out into a bucket. Maybe I'm wrong , I 'm not much for drinking wine or wine tasting. I have noticed lately a bunch of whiners around though.
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