I am a long time Harley rider, in my mid 50's. Have owned many other brands of bikes in my life but expect to ride Harleys for the remainder of my time on this earth. Current bike is a 2010 Ultra.

It may be my old(er) age, but I find myself getting very defensive over comments from my co-workers and friends over questions about tatoos, black leather, Sturgis, motorcycle gangs, naked women, etc.

I find that these questions are degrading and continually put me on the defensive over the bike I ride. I personally do not buy into the Harley stereotype. I just love the bikes and the friends I meet because of the bike I ride. Non-Harley riders always assume the purchase of the Harley has more to do with the Harley lifestyle stereotype that has bee embraced by Harley and many old movies.

Just wondering if I am along in feeling this way or if there are others out there that are fed up with the Harley stereotype.

Also, how do you handle these questions. I am losing my patience...

 

i just give them a good stare with my good eye and take the bad out out. that always keeps them geussing.

 

I think its funny you posted this...Just today I was having a conversation with a guy he seemed ok the first question out of his mouth was is this a harley his second question was so do ya go to sturgis and all that stuff...Im not bagging the guy but talk about your stereotyping...I don't mind answering questions but cmon people

 

Just tell them your getting a HD tattoo on your shoulder and to have a nice glass of Shut The Fack Up.

 

Why get defensive? You don't have a tattoo? You don't ride with a club? Don't have a closet full of leather? Surely you like naked women. I love it when I have to explain the teeth to tattoo theory.

 

Wait a cotton-pickin' minute, what do you mean it's not about the lifestyle? WTF?

 

Most people don't talk to me but if someone does and starts to ask those kinds of questions I just say that those people at Sturgis and such scare me and I try to stay away form them.

 

I kinda like it...course I've been out of the loop for a long time. But I liked it back in the day too.

 

the older I get the less patience I have

 

LMAO...I get this a lot. And I guess I fit in with alot of the comments you posted...except I like the naked men!
I am at a point in my age(39) where I really don't give a fuc* what people think. But when they ask stupid questions...I give them stupid answers. Make them look like the jackazzes they are.
Honestly for me it's a matter of I don't give a _____!