Rolling Thunder - D.C.
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From: d.c.
Rolling Thunder - D.C.
My god - this is a great cause, don't get me wrong - but I would be scared to death to ride with these guys. There was a line going up 15th this morning, 20 or so of them, but with only one motorcycle per lane. I was on my Bianchi (kinda like a motorcycle, but like without a motor and it has pedals, ya know) and started to split up the middle as I would do if it were a line of cars, buses, etc. As I was passing them, several of them were caught unaware and one guy almost laid it down. Fine, ok, but then he rips it up to chase me. Being on a bike I run reds all the time, and this joker didn't notice until he was halfway into the intersection and almost got creamed. And, some guy with N.C. plates ran into the back of a parked cab in Adams Morgan last night. Perhaps the powers that be could give them a pamphlet or something on riding in city traffic?
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From: Funfax
Re: (Newk)
I am soooo fed up with silly unmuffled Harleys riding around the area. They ride so slow, clogging up 66 and 50, and are loud as hell even at low road/engine speeds.
I just never got the Harley thing. Loud, ugly, expensive, and SLOW. What exactly does one get out of owning one?
I just never got the Harley thing. Loud, ugly, expensive, and SLOW. What exactly does one get out of owning one?
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From: Laguna
Re: (Ross)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I am soooo fed up with silly unmuffled Harleys riding around the area. They ride so slow, clogging up 66 and 50, and are loud as hell even at low road/engine speeds.
I just never got the Harley thing. Loud, ugly, expensive, and SLOW. What exactly does one get out of owning one?</TD></TR></TABLE>
it's an acquired taste, like cigars and wine. I'd have no problem cruising on a hog, albeit it doesn't sound or look offensive. And no, I wont wear leather chaps, the hog ain't a horse to warrant wearing chaps or other leather horseback riding gear.
I just never got the Harley thing. Loud, ugly, expensive, and SLOW. What exactly does one get out of owning one?</TD></TR></TABLE>
it's an acquired taste, like cigars and wine. I'd have no problem cruising on a hog, albeit it doesn't sound or look offensive. And no, I wont wear leather chaps, the hog ain't a horse to warrant wearing chaps or other leather horseback riding gear.
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From: Funfax
Re: (evil vapor)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by evil vapor »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'd have no problem cruising on a hog, albeit it doesn't sound or look offensive.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Stop and think about that for a second.
In order to be a real "Hog," a Harley must have its pipes cored or changed to produce that cacophony that their owners love so much.
Harleys are the biggest poseur bikes around and there's just no contest. They never wear any gear, their helmets offer the protection of a baseball cap, all in the name of an image. On top of that, the bikes are slow. I could understand the noise if the bikes were fast or handled well - but they do neither.
We say "Different strokes for different folks" but there is absolutely no compelling reason to buy a Harley over any other kind of cruiser, unless it's just to say you have one. A Yamaha Road Star Warrior will do the job just as well and cost half as much. Ditto a Honda VTX.
I'll never understand it. But I guess I'm not the kind of person that will ever need a Harley.
Stop and think about that for a second.
In order to be a real "Hog," a Harley must have its pipes cored or changed to produce that cacophony that their owners love so much.
Harleys are the biggest poseur bikes around and there's just no contest. They never wear any gear, their helmets offer the protection of a baseball cap, all in the name of an image. On top of that, the bikes are slow. I could understand the noise if the bikes were fast or handled well - but they do neither.
We say "Different strokes for different folks" but there is absolutely no compelling reason to buy a Harley over any other kind of cruiser, unless it's just to say you have one. A Yamaha Road Star Warrior will do the job just as well and cost half as much. Ditto a Honda VTX.
I'll never understand it. But I guess I'm not the kind of person that will ever need a Harley.
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From: Old Dominion
Re: (Ross)
I'd sport one.
Ross, you've got a point, on basis of cruising, a Honda or Star would be just as fine as a Harley. But there is a certain image with having a Harley...it's like having a Corvette or a Porsche. ***** size? Maybe.
My boss has a Harley...but he also has a 1000 gixxer. He gears up, but I do see more cruisers with no gear. Then again, on a day like TODAY, it felt like I was the only one on the road sweating my *** off with my gear.
Ross, you've got a point, on basis of cruising, a Honda or Star would be just as fine as a Harley. But there is a certain image with having a Harley...it's like having a Corvette or a Porsche. ***** size? Maybe.
My boss has a Harley...but he also has a 1000 gixxer. He gears up, but I do see more cruisers with no gear. Then again, on a day like TODAY, it felt like I was the only one on the road sweating my *** off with my gear.
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From: Funfax
Re: (Nihonjin)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Nihonjin »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Ross, you've got a point, on basis of cruising, a Honda or Star would be just as fine as a Harley. But there is a certain image with having a Harley...it's like having a Corvette or a Porsche. </TD></TR></TABLE>
It's totally different.
Porsches offer supercar performance for non-supercar prices, and hold their value better than anything else on the market.
Corvettes offer performance that borders on Ferrari territory, again for a very modest price tag. They just skimp on the bling.
There are concrete reasons to buy a Porsche or Corvette. But buying a Harley involves paying twice as much as you would for better-performing, more dependable competitors. The bikes by themselves are just ok. But what really gets me is the fanclub.
Guys that ride Harleys usually give other bikes absolutely no respect. If I ever wave to another biker on the road and don't get one back, I say "That must have been a Harley." Real motorcyclists can look at other bikes and appreciate them, and put a bike's performance before the image it gives them.
Ross, you've got a point, on basis of cruising, a Honda or Star would be just as fine as a Harley. But there is a certain image with having a Harley...it's like having a Corvette or a Porsche. </TD></TR></TABLE>
It's totally different.
Porsches offer supercar performance for non-supercar prices, and hold their value better than anything else on the market.
Corvettes offer performance that borders on Ferrari territory, again for a very modest price tag. They just skimp on the bling.
There are concrete reasons to buy a Porsche or Corvette. But buying a Harley involves paying twice as much as you would for better-performing, more dependable competitors. The bikes by themselves are just ok. But what really gets me is the fanclub.
Guys that ride Harleys usually give other bikes absolutely no respect. If I ever wave to another biker on the road and don't get one back, I say "That must have been a Harley." Real motorcyclists can look at other bikes and appreciate them, and put a bike's performance before the image it gives them.
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From: MD
Re: Rolling Thunder - D.C. (ceas)
last year on the way to school in August we were headed 95 S in between Baltimore and DC and all the sudden we noticed the Northbound lanes were pretty empty. All the sudden we saw like 2 dozen motorcycle cops and tons of other police cars behind them. and behind them was like 6 miles of bikes 2 per lane 2 lanes wide. they were blocking off each on ramp to keep the group together. Was so incredibly insane to see. Was a 9/11 ride or something. Went from the PA crash site to DC then up to NY. So crazy to see.
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From: Funfax
Re: Rolling Thunder - D.C. (EngineNoO9)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EngineNoO9 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">last year on the way to school in August we were headed 95 S in between Baltimore and DC and all the sudden we noticed the Northbound lanes were pretty empty. All the sudden we saw like 2 dozen motorcycle cops and tons of other police cars behind them. and behind them was like 6 miles of bikes 2 per lane 2 lanes wide. they were blocking off each on ramp to keep the group together. Was so incredibly insane to see. Was a 9/11 ride or something. Went from the PA crash site to DC then up to NY. So crazy to see. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Now that's kinda cool. Cops working with bikers for once.
Now that's kinda cool. Cops working with bikers for once.
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From: MD
Re: Rolling Thunder - D.C. (Ross)
it was sick to see. so many cops in front of the group. so many bike cops, and the never ending line of bikes was insane. Supposedly they've done it every year since 9/11
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From: Funfax
Re: Rolling Thunder - D.C. (EngineNoO9)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EngineNoO9 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">it was sick to see. so many cops in front of the group. so many bike cops, and the never ending line of bikes was insane. Supposedly they've done it every year since 9/11</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'd inquire about joining the ride, but I'm sure I'd end up in handcuffs somehow.
I'd inquire about joining the ride, but I'm sure I'd end up in handcuffs somehow.
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From: MD
Re: Rolling Thunder - D.C. (Ross)
I'm interested but I have no desire to be stuck in such a crowded pack like that.... A small group is all I can handle... larger groups scare me regardless of how good the riders might be
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From: Old Dominion
Re: (Ross)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It's totally different.
Porsches offer supercar performance for non-supercar prices, and hold their value better than anything else on the market.
Corvettes offer performance that borders on Ferrari territory, again for a very modest price tag. They just skimp on the bling.
There are concrete reasons to buy a Porsche or Corvette. But buying a Harley involves paying twice as much as you would for better-performing, more dependable competitors. The bikes by themselves are just ok. But what really gets me is the fanclub.
Guys that ride Harleys usually give other bikes absolutely no respect. If I ever wave to another biker on the road and don't get one back, I say "That must have been a Harley." Real motorcyclists can look at other bikes and appreciate them, and put a bike's performance before the image it gives them.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I agree to a certain extent. But then again, I'm just stating that there's a 'cool-guy' image that comes with having a Harley. That's why I said, it's like having a 'vette or a Porsche. These two cars (and others) are well-known to help cope with mid-life crisis...and I'm sure those guys aren't buying them for their 'performance'. It's all about the appeal.
I also agree that many, many Harley riders never respond to any of my waves. My buddy's dad owns one, and have given me an insight to their 'too cool for school'-ness.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EngineNoO9 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">larger groups scare me regardless of how good the riders might be</TD></TR></TABLE>
How 'bout that video where there's a bunch of riders in a group, and it ended-up in a large pile up?
Porsches offer supercar performance for non-supercar prices, and hold their value better than anything else on the market.
Corvettes offer performance that borders on Ferrari territory, again for a very modest price tag. They just skimp on the bling.
There are concrete reasons to buy a Porsche or Corvette. But buying a Harley involves paying twice as much as you would for better-performing, more dependable competitors. The bikes by themselves are just ok. But what really gets me is the fanclub.
Guys that ride Harleys usually give other bikes absolutely no respect. If I ever wave to another biker on the road and don't get one back, I say "That must have been a Harley." Real motorcyclists can look at other bikes and appreciate them, and put a bike's performance before the image it gives them.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I agree to a certain extent. But then again, I'm just stating that there's a 'cool-guy' image that comes with having a Harley. That's why I said, it's like having a 'vette or a Porsche. These two cars (and others) are well-known to help cope with mid-life crisis...and I'm sure those guys aren't buying them for their 'performance'. It's all about the appeal.
I also agree that many, many Harley riders never respond to any of my waves. My buddy's dad owns one, and have given me an insight to their 'too cool for school'-ness.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EngineNoO9 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">larger groups scare me regardless of how good the riders might be</TD></TR></TABLE>
How 'bout that video where there's a bunch of riders in a group, and it ended-up in a large pile up?
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From: cAshburn
Re: (Ross)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">They never wear any gear, their helmets offer the protection of a baseball cap, all in the name of an image. </TD></TR></TABLE>
I've heard something a lot like that quite a few times about a certain population we're familiar with.... but I can't quite place it.... hmmmm.
Way to stereotype Ross.
I've heard something a lot like that quite a few times about a certain population we're familiar with.... but I can't quite place it.... hmmmm.
Way to stereotype Ross.
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From: Funfax
Re: (Apocalypse)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've heard something a lot like that quite a few times about a certain population we're familiar with.... but I can't quite place it.... hmmmm.
Way to stereotype Ross. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Ever seen a Harley rider with a full-face helmet on? Or even a good pair of gloves?
I haven't. Not in person.
Way to stereotype Ross.
</TD></TR></TABLE>Ever seen a Harley rider with a full-face helmet on? Or even a good pair of gloves?
I haven't. Not in person.
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From: cAshburn
Re: (Ross)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Ever seen a Harley rider with a full-face helmet on? Or even a good pair of gloves?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes, today as a matter of fact...and it was an Arai.
Ever seen a Harley rider with a full-face helmet on? Or even a good pair of gloves?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes, today as a matter of fact...and it was an Arai.
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From: Old Dominion
Re: (Apocalypse)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yes, today as a matter of fact...and it was an Arai.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You lieee! Most likely a salad bowl with some weightlifting gloves.
You lieee! Most likely a salad bowl with some weightlifting gloves.
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From: Norf Burbs, IL, USA
Re: (Ross)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ever seen a Harley rider with a full-face helmet on? Or even a good pair of gloves?
I haven't. Not in person.</TD></TR></TABLE>
dude ross, i was riding home today and i saw a dude on a harley(i assume harley or another loud *** cruiser didnt really get a look), and the dude was in full gear. full face helmet and all leathers and gloves and boots.
i was like no way!! must report to honda tech lol
I haven't. Not in person.</TD></TR></TABLE>
dude ross, i was riding home today and i saw a dude on a harley(i assume harley or another loud *** cruiser didnt really get a look), and the dude was in full gear. full face helmet and all leathers and gloves and boots.
i was like no way!! must report to honda tech lol
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From: Funfax
Re: (mookie)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mookie »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
dude ross, i was riding home today and i saw a dude on a harley(i assume harley or another loud *** cruiser didnt really get a look), and the dude was in full gear. full face helmet and all leathers and gloves and boots.
i was like no way!! must report to honda tech lol</TD></TR></TABLE>
Probably a former sportbiker doing the right thing and riding a Japanese cruiser
dude ross, i was riding home today and i saw a dude on a harley(i assume harley or another loud *** cruiser didnt really get a look), and the dude was in full gear. full face helmet and all leathers and gloves and boots.
i was like no way!! must report to honda tech lol</TD></TR></TABLE>
Probably a former sportbiker doing the right thing and riding a Japanese cruiser
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From: nashville, sup?
Re: (Ross)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It's amusing that you're bitching about Harley riders not wearing gear when you've profressed on more than one occation to riding in a tshirt.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I was kinda thinkin' the same thing
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> They never wear any gear, their helmets offer the protection of a baseball cap, all in the name of an image.</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's not all together true.
I agree with Apocalypse. I see Harley riders with full-face helmets everyday. Don't get me wrong 3/4 of them have the brain buckets but SOME have the sense to protect their nugget.
My Uncle has a white Ultra Classic that he let me ride on Memorial day...with my helmet on:
Bet I got some awesome stares
I was kinda thinkin' the same thing
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> They never wear any gear, their helmets offer the protection of a baseball cap, all in the name of an image.</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's not all together true.
I agree with Apocalypse. I see Harley riders with full-face helmets everyday. Don't get me wrong 3/4 of them have the brain buckets but SOME have the sense to protect their nugget.
My Uncle has a white Ultra Classic that he let me ride on Memorial day...with my helmet on:
Bet I got some awesome stares
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From: Funfax
Re: (Apocalypse)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It's amusing that you're bitching about Harley riders not wearing gear when you've profressed on more than one occation to riding in a tshirt.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Only when it's above 95 degrees or so, because I would rather be riding than sitting in a car, looking at low oil pressure warnings.
Only when it's above 95 degrees or so, because I would rather be riding than sitting in a car, looking at low oil pressure warnings.
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From: RIP Craig Jones
Re: (Ross)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Only when it's above 95 degrees or so</TD></TR></TABLE>
Get a mesh jacket and deal with it.
Only when it's above 95 degrees or so</TD></TR></TABLE>
Get a mesh jacket and deal with it.
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From: Funfax
Re: (.RJ)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Get a mesh jacket and deal with it.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Alter Ego breaks down to mesh. But it's black
Alter Ego breaks down to mesh. But it's black