Re: Damn Harley Guys
Personally, I get on the anti-Harley kick because a large part of the H-D guys and their followers think they are better than everybody else. How many times have I heard the comments at bike shows, bars, and even in the elevators at work to the effect of "There are HD riders, and riders that wish they were HD riders." (Note, those same commuters at work probably ride in 2-3x a year, I do that in a week! Such tough guy riders) That kind of mentality, and it strongly exists, just puts me off.
It's a typical case of some people ruining it for the rest - I know plenty of HD riders that are great guys. My good friend is a career HD mechanic for the local stealership - he see's this stuff for what it is.
Earlier this spring, I had a Sportster pull up to me at a light. Nice babe blue/black 2 tone, it looks pretty cool, and I popped my shield to tell the rider it looked nice, nicer than my Sportster. He accepted the compliment, and then proceeded to berate my Vmax by asking why I downgraded. I explained I was interested in more than a look, I like some HP to go with that. Just amazing, the mentality. I mean heck, I OWN a Sportster- granted I don't ride it more than 2-3x a year because it's permanently gifted it to a friend in need, but it's still my name on the title. And I don't hate the bike, but if it was at home, in my garage, alongside my Vmax, I know it would just sit there all season anyways.
So, I can understand the anti-HD commentary, because if you're not in, you're out, at least with a lot of those folk. That said, I give everybody the benefit of the doubt, if they prove themselves to be what I consider the typical HD fanboy, I'm done.
Blaine - I think you might be on to something. I would at least expect the refer-er to be heavily involved in the recovery process, and if it doesn't go well, to consider helping out.
