General Harley Davidson Chat Forum to discuss general Harley Davidson issues, topics, and experiences.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

How come the rudest people so far have been other harley riders?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 23, 2016 | 02:55 PM
  #61  
04Hali's Avatar
04Hali
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,610
Likes: 243
From: Oklahoma
Default

 
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2016 | 03:59 PM
  #62  
Campy Roadie's Avatar
Campy Roadie
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by Sarah93003
There is a fine line looking like Billy Badass versus Donny Douchebag. You don't want to cross it.

Sarah,

Your wit and sense of humor are one of the reasons I keep coming here
 
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2016 | 04:19 PM
  #63  
bigconan's Avatar
bigconan
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 65
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
Default

Originally Posted by Daytona Fat Boy
I think a lot of it has to do with where you live. Lots of Mass Holes in your area, lol

I definitely agree with that. haha
 
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2016 | 04:20 PM
  #64  
mike in dallas's Avatar
mike in dallas
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 87
From: Dallas,Tx
Default

People are just rude in general. Be yourself.
 
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2016 | 04:25 PM
  #65  
bigconan's Avatar
bigconan
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 65
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
Default

Originally Posted by skratch
'roaring past you pretty close' does not really say much. was he in his lane? was he in your lane? if you were in the left lane, right hand side, and he passed you on the right in the left wheel track, is that 'pretty close'?

as far as being intimidated by 'your size', meh, i doubt it. but, as justonedean mentioned, you might want to adjust your dress as appropriate.
Appropriate according to whom? I dress for the weather. If it's 90 degrees out, I'm not wearing some leather jacket or anything like that. I wear a tank top cause it's cooler while riding.. If some rather wear that suffocating and hot gear, be my guest. I choose not too. I'd rather be comfortable and not sweat my *** off.

Originally Posted by ISP-FLHTK
Guess I would be one of those "********" you are talking about. If we are at a stoplight together don't expect me to engage in conversation with you. I may wave or whatever but I am more concerned about the car coming up behind me stopping, or seeing who is on their phone texting, or what traffic may come blasting through that intersection when the light turns green for me........you get the idea. I don't strike up conversations with dudes in public restrooms either.....

I think you misunderstand. I wasn't trying to engage in any conversation. all I pretty much said was "hey, whats up" that's it.

Originally Posted by nevada72
Tank "top" I thought only chicks wore "tops". Right now I'm picturing Freddy Mercury on his way to do some alternative lifestyle nightclubbing. NTTAWWT Maybe the 1st guy was trying to impress you by being all Alpha. The second guy may have been a homophobe.

Ok.....now that I've had my fun.......you're a new rider. Experienced riders read situations differently than you. What you consider a fly by, we might not even log in the memory banks .5 seconds after it happened. The silent guy may have nodded or whatever and you didn't notice. It's subtle and we don't exactly exchange Facebook information at every chance encounter at a stoplight. Too much stoplight interaction gets creepy fast. And by too much, I mean anything beyond a nod.

So none of that stuff is rude in our world. Rude is the guy gets off his bike and pops you in the face and rides off. That's rude.

PS - as a new rider you should be wearing things that will protect you in a fall. Invest in a good mesh jacket and some Slider jeans. Always wear a helmet and gloves.

Not sure when the last time you've been in a gym, but guys where tank tops everywhere. Whether in gym or out. Let me rephrase. those that can pull it off. Guys that are built wear them.. If you have tattoos, you show them off, right. same thing.

Originally Posted by nevada72
Tank "top" I thought only chicks wore "tops". Right now I'm picturing Freddy Mercury on his way to do some alternative lifestyle nightclubbing. NTTAWWT Maybe the 1st guy was trying to impress you by being all Alpha. The second guy may have been a homophobe.

Ok.....now that I've had my fun.......you're a new rider. Experienced riders read situations differently than you. What you consider a fly by, we might not even log in the memory banks .5 seconds after it happened. The silent guy may have nodded or whatever and you didn't notice. It's subtle and we don't exactly exchange Facebook information at every chance encounter at a stoplight. Too much stoplight interaction gets creepy fast. And by too much, I mean anything beyond a nod.

So none of that stuff is rude in our world. Rude is the guy gets off his bike and pops you in the face and rides off. That's rude.

PS - as a new rider you should be wearing things that will protect you in a fall. Invest in a good mesh jacket and some Slider jeans. Always wear a helmet and gloves.

AS far as protecting me from a fall. I plan on not falling. I know that's a unique concept. But the best gear is between your ears. Don't crash. I maybe a new bike rider, but i've been on the road for over 20 years. I have good road awareness. And simply do not plan on getting in a crash. And contrary to the old myth about, only 2 kind of riders, those that have crashed and those that will is total bull. I personally know riders that have never had an accident in over 20+ years of riding.

Originally Posted by Sarah93003
It was the cargo pants. Cargo pants can be very tricky when accessorizing. What kind of shoes were you wearing and what color? What kind and color was your belt? Did they compliment your helmet, or did they clash? It would be helpful to know what color were the cargo pants as well as the tank top. HD riders are very fashion conscious and want to make sure you look good when you're out there "representin'". If you were wearing a scarf thinking it gave you the WWI Flying Ace look, it didn't. You'll have to surrender your man card.

For God's sake man, do NOT wear a Sons of Anarchy tank top. You'll end up the focus of another thread. There is a fine line looking like Billy Badass versus Donny Douchebag. You don't want to cross it.

Here are some helpful tips.

1. Grow a beard. I know....you're going to look gay for the first month. Hang in there once you're sporting a decent amount of facial hair you are well on your way.

2. Get some tattoos. The more the merrier.

3. Get a novelty helmet. The ones that look like a **** or Star Wars Storm Trooper are quite popular. It will help you look dangerous.

4. Wallet on a chain. That is a "Must Have". Forget the fanny pack. That look just can't be pulled off on a Harley.

5. Put together an outfit that you like and then stick with it. Wear it every time you ride and what ever you do, don't wash it. Ever.

6. Practice your "man nod" and the "biker wave" and you'll be golden.


There you have it. Follow everything I've detailed above and you will be accepted into the fold.

Alternatively, you could just say "fock it!", go for a ride and forgetaboutit.

I like your post. haha I do have many tattoos. I was wearing camo cargo with a green tank top. Only reason, they have numerous pockets to carry my different things. and no beard. They make you look older. Don't care for that.
 

Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Jul 24, 2016 at 01:39 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2016 | 04:47 PM
  #66  
Rusty42's Avatar
Rusty42
Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 375
Likes: 39
From: SoCal Desert
Default

Maybe the guy was on his way to pickup his mom from prison. According to the song he may have been drunk. Was it raining?
 
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2016 | 04:47 PM
  #67  
bigconan's Avatar
bigconan
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 65
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
Default

Originally Posted by upflying
Based on what you wear, you are a poser and the perceived rudeness is part of the non-verbal hazing you receive.

I would think wearing the typical leather jacket, leather boots would be a poser. Not wearing something I normally wear anyways..

Originally Posted by SixDD
A lot of guys who ride motorcycles are anti-social. What did you want him to do? Blow you a kiss?

I can agree. I'm on the anti social side myself. I was actually trying to be nice and not be that way.. but we learn from our mistakes. I have.
 

Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Jul 24, 2016 at 01:39 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2016 | 04:50 PM
  #68  
rjjj629's Avatar
rjjj629
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 345
From: Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by bigconan
I plan on not falling.
Good plan

what's plan B ?
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 23, 2016 | 04:58 PM
  #69  
bigconan's Avatar
bigconan
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 65
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
Default

Originally Posted by rjjj629
Good plan

what's plan B ?

Why not just wear a metal can as gear? That will really protect you. Riding gear will not matter if you hit a car head on. Sure, it might protect from a few scrapes and scratches. But the discomfort while riding is not worth it.. Id rather ride cautious and aware, and not crash.
 
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2016 | 05:13 PM
  #70  
rjjj629's Avatar
rjjj629
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 345
From: Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by bigconan
Id rather ride cautious and aware, and not crash.
Like I said good plan...

not all my plans work out the way I originally intended, maybe yours do


Put another way - I really don't know anyone who plans to fall or goes out and plans to ride without caution or awareness. I think its safe to say that 99.9% of everyone I see out on a motorcycle doesn't plan to have an accident.

But there are a lot of folks out there that have some form of plan B. Its probably not wearing full racing leathers with air bags built into the joints but its probably safe to say its something between buck **** necked skin sliding along the pavement and full racing leathers.

Wear what you want but don't be ignorant about your choices. Own up to them and be honest with yourself and others. Telling yourself, and us, that you plan to not fall, is only part of an intelligent answer.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:51 AM.

story-0
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-4
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-5
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-9
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE