Sounding like an idiot.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
Sounding like an idiot.
I've mentioned before that I'm a mechanical idiot.
I have a flash card level of understanding on how an engine works, but that's it. I certainly don't have any real mechanical experience.
Having the sporty though has me wanting to do/learn more.
I've put on pipes, an AC, and done some cosmetic things to the bike.
I even have grand visions of doing simple maintenance myself (after the 5k mile service is done by the pros)
I would like to try to do other things myself too.
Chop the fender
Mess with the rear lighting
etc
Despite my lofty ambitions I got a healthy reminder of how far I have to go recently.
The other day I was filling up at a gas station when they guy at the pump across from me engages me in conversation about my bike.
It went a little something like this:
Guy: "Excuse me... does that engine use push-rods?"
Me: "Yeah, I have to admit that I don't know a whole lot about the engine, but yeah they're right here."
(I pointed to the push rod covers - and felt pretty cool.)
Guy: "Yeah yeah - looks like the guides. Huh... pretty old technology."
Me: "..."
(At this point I'm thinking 'Is it? I've no idea about that.')
Guy (sensing my ignorance I guess): "No overhead CAMS."
Me: "...well... I mean.. it HAS CAMS..."
(Now I'm wondering why the position of the CAMS are important.')
Guy: "Sure Sure, just not overhead - it still has push rods opening them up."
Me: "...ah. Ok."
(Now I'm wondering how the heck "overhead" cams get pushed if not by rods')
Guy: "Must be what makes that sound."
Me: "Yeah I dunno, I read once... somewhere... that... something... in the engine is mounted at... some... weird angle and that creates the 'Harley Sound'."
Guy: "..."
Me: "..."
Guy: "Well... I bet it's fun."
Me: "Yeah"
... Left felting pretty humbled.
But at least somebody appreciated the bike.
I have a flash card level of understanding on how an engine works, but that's it. I certainly don't have any real mechanical experience.
Having the sporty though has me wanting to do/learn more.
I've put on pipes, an AC, and done some cosmetic things to the bike.
I even have grand visions of doing simple maintenance myself (after the 5k mile service is done by the pros)
I would like to try to do other things myself too.
Chop the fender
Mess with the rear lighting
etc
Despite my lofty ambitions I got a healthy reminder of how far I have to go recently.
The other day I was filling up at a gas station when they guy at the pump across from me engages me in conversation about my bike.
It went a little something like this:
Guy: "Excuse me... does that engine use push-rods?"
Me: "Yeah, I have to admit that I don't know a whole lot about the engine, but yeah they're right here."
(I pointed to the push rod covers - and felt pretty cool.)
Guy: "Yeah yeah - looks like the guides. Huh... pretty old technology."
Me: "..."
(At this point I'm thinking 'Is it? I've no idea about that.')
Guy (sensing my ignorance I guess): "No overhead CAMS."
Me: "...well... I mean.. it HAS CAMS..."
(Now I'm wondering why the position of the CAMS are important.')
Guy: "Sure Sure, just not overhead - it still has push rods opening them up."
Me: "...ah. Ok."
(Now I'm wondering how the heck "overhead" cams get pushed if not by rods')
Guy: "Must be what makes that sound."
Me: "Yeah I dunno, I read once... somewhere... that... something... in the engine is mounted at... some... weird angle and that creates the 'Harley Sound'."
Guy: "..."
Me: "..."
Guy: "Well... I bet it's fun."
Me: "Yeah"
But at least somebody appreciated the bike.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 547
Likes: 2
From: So. Cal.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
My coversation with a friend -
friend - How big is the motor?
me - Uh, I don't know.
friend - how many horse power?
me - Uh, I don't know.
friend - How does it handle on the highway?
me - Like a dream!
You only sound like an idiot when talking out your ***! Know what you speak and only speak what you know.
friend - How big is the motor?
me - Uh, I don't know.
friend - how many horse power?
me - Uh, I don't know.
friend - How does it handle on the highway?
me - Like a dream!
You only sound like an idiot when talking out your ***! Know what you speak and only speak what you know.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: Houston, Texas
The sad part is, the less you know the less you seem like an idiot. If you know too much and get too technical then people think you are smoking something. I have had plenty of cases of that happening.
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Road Warrior
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awesome!!..
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...Dougy Dougy Dougy...I will have to teach you how to pull off the manuver above!!!I just got the maintenance guide. we can do the service before winter together. Screw taking it to the stealer!!!
