poker runs?

[crashman]

poker runs

I can't help but put in my two cent's worth here. When I'm out riding, I won't even wave at a H-D rider anymore unless he waves first, which is almost never.
I remember a time around my small town, before all the "credit-card bikers", when anybody on a bike waved at another motorcycle because we were riding! Not anymore.
I still hang with a few of the older H-D guys and they are pretty cool about things. But these "next generation-I'm-a-bad-mutha-because-I-have-a-Harley" guys really get me.
Sorry, I couldn't help it!
To quote an old Yamaha saying, "When you know how they're built, you'll buy a Yamaha."
Dave

[Jerry]

Uh, well, going to stick my foot in it...

Did a little looking today (lunch hour walk) at the bikes out and about during this spell of good (50 degree+) days:

750 Virago
Kawasaki KZ1000
R1150GS (BMW)
Some Yellow-colored Honda sport bike
2 Gold Wings
4 Harleys of various types
A few more bikes going past that I did not identify, though 1 looked like a Moto Guzzi.

In short, several HDs on the road along with other early-spring riders. I suspect these are the folks who put a lot of miles on their bikes, certainly a minority of the HD crowd, but not unknown.

With any brand of bike, there are those who ride and those who pose. I've seen a lot of Harley posers, but also have ridden with HD groups and know there are some who ask "What route did you take" before they ask "what brand do you ride?"

[Pat Kelly]

I wave to all that are on two wheels, if they don't wave back I don't care. I tease the guy at work that won't ride his 999 Ducati in the rain...don't Duc's like rain? I go talk to all that pull in to the motorcycle parking at work. When they start to sneer at my XS I tell them how much I paid for it. That seems to get a nod of respect from most.

[Jeff]

Yes.... there are definately several types of H-D riders out there. There are the "old school" riders who pretty much define the saying "Live to Ride and Ride to Live". They generally wrench on their own bikes and their bikes are literally part of the family. Then... as someone aptly put... there are the "credit card" H-D riders who seem to be desperately seeking something and believe they can get it by purchasing a Harley. They usually tend to be white collar types who wish to be a weekend rebel. You know the type.... the ones who won't ride unless everything they have on is H-D branded...... usually purchased all at the same time with the bike. These are often the same fellows who own an expensive lifted pickup with monster tires, chrome everything and consider driving down a gravel road to be "off roading". You might spy a few of these driving around wearing cowboy hats, expensive boots and rodeo belt buckles knowing full well they have never in their life even SAT on a horse. In this part of the country.... they usually have the biggest baddest deep powder and hillclimbing snowmobile on the market and never go more than 100 yards away from the trail they are riding...... and for the sake of consistency..... won't even SIT on their machine without being decked out from head to toe in gear bearing the brand of the machine they are riding. These are the guys that think they can change who they are...... or at least their own perception of themselves at the drop of a Platinum Card. The simplest way to spot these types is when they pull up along side of you and give you that "Check ME out.... Yes.... I'm better than YOU!" look. Or in casual conversation..... they are the ones who always volunteer just what outlandish amount they paid for whatever they are riding or driving. I've met more than my fair share of these type.

Then you have guys who visit my pawnshop to hock their belongings because they just got evicted from their house or apartment because they didn't make enough last month to pay both their Harley payment AND their rent.

Sorry about the ranting. I have many friends who ride H-D's and follow the philosophy of "You ride what you like." and just happen to love the ride, sound and feel of a Harley. These guys generally consider anyone on two wheels to be a fellow rider and though they can't resist a little light hearted ribbing directed at the "rice burner".... you know that it is all in good fun and spirits. Once they've gotten it out of their system.... they treat you with the same respect they treat any other rider. The last comment I got was...... "You know.... rice burners are like fat chicks...... they are fun to ride..... but do you really want your friends to catch you on one.".

[pgg]

Down here, harley riders are tough. I know this because they don't wave under any circumstance. Goes without saying if you don't wave you're very tough. They wear skimpy open faced helmets with no visor. The faggot riders among them wimp out and wear shades. Is that tough or what? They don't ride with headlights on during dawn, daylight and dusk. How many jap bike riders can say they're as tough as that?

[nashville_bill]

I'll say one positive thing about HD. They have a GREAT marketing department. They have sold the idea that HD is THE brand of motorcycle and everyone, motorcycle rider or not, needs to wear the HD branded clothes.

[kf4anm]

rides

hey chev we usually have a few decent rides here in indy during the summer. it would only be a few hours for you to zip over here. there are more bikes here than i have ever seen anywhere i've lived. i'll keep you posted on whats coming up. i know there is a big swap meet and poker run in april. i'll get my brochure when i get home and list it. as for the hd's to steal a line for mastercard:

2004 hd electra-glide $28,785.00
chromed everything $4795.00
insurance premium $4888 per year

getting your ass beat down by a 22 year old $800 Xj1100

PRICELESS

[John]

We're not getting older, we're getting faster. That Big Bore kit is getting closer...

[John]

Originally posted by pgg
Down here, harley riders are tough. I know this because they don't wave under any circumstance. Goes without saying if you don't wave you're very tough. They wear skimpy open faced helmets with no visor. The faggot riders among them wimp out and wear shades. Is that tough or what? They don't ride with headlights on during dawn, daylight and dusk. How many jap bike riders can say they're as tough as that?

Don't forget the bikes that have the tassles hanging from the ends of the handlebars. Now that's the epitome of tough. My 8 year old daughters (twins)really think they're cute. They have them on their bikes too. My 6 year old son must not be that tough. He doesn't have any on his bike.
Here in Texas, the really tough ones don't even wear helmets. I know this isn't the smartest thing to do, but when it gets really hot here, I will ride in shorts, but I always wear a helmet. The h-d riders I work with give me crap about that, but my reply is" Skin will grow back, but a head won't, and I can live with without a leg, but can you live without a head?" Most of them are living without a brain anyway... Their head is just someplace to put their hats.

[mitch]

HD Riders

Ok, not to defend anyone but im 51 yrs old and met a lot of tough Harley riders and some real nice ones too. I also have met some nice metric bike owners and some real *******s on both sides of the line!I guess its not what you ride its how you present yourself. long as your polite to me and ride a bike, i dont care what your on, but i will tell you i wouldnt own a harley for two reasons Price and Power, not to mention longevity ill stick to my old Yamahas thank you!.........MITCH

[chevy45412001]

indy poker

Hey kf4anm .That is bizzare,I use that saying all the time,And to boot i own a 82xj-11,that i might add i paid 800 for. And your right i would like to try doing an all weekend ride athon.

[kf4anm]

swap meet

hey chev here is the info on the upcoming event in indy

21st annual midwest motorcycle swap meet
sat april 17th and 18th 10am until 4pm
marion county fairgrounds in indianapolis
5 $'s admission

poker run april 17th and a bike show the 18th

for more info contact mwmcinfo@yahoo.com

or try www.midwestmc.com

[webbcraft2150]

Most of the Hd riders around here are pretty cool. My best reply when they ask why I ride a 24 year old ricer is "HD does not provide the performance envelope I require from motorcycles. As a side note, at the last rally I got fed up with an loud mouth, 130in BIG DOG rider who was touting off about his 130hp at the real tire, we made the bet and proceeded to a secluded strip of road. The "performance envelope" of my full dress 80g came into play after about 30ft, after that, he didn't even come close.

[Pat Kelly]

When anyone attempts to degrade my XS I tell them "I paid $60 for it". That usually ends that avenue of conversation.

[REFFI]

The thread seems to have drifted away from poker runs to an anti-Harley rap. To get back to poker runs, I like'em. I have just missed two because of other commitments, but there'll be more.

How do I find them? On the web, of course. They are also listed in the back of Motorcycle Consumer News, to which I subscribe (a fine, no b-s publication); and in the back of the AMA magazine which comes with membership (you do belong, don't you?).

On the web I search the AMA website (membership not required), and links to clubs. In California, the Southern California Motorcycle Assn seems to have something going all the time (They sponsor the Three Flags Classic).

Personally, I'd rather ride a poker run than a charity ride 'cause I'm not a fan of formation riding. I like my own pace on a trip. I like best when two or three riders just hook up and go. I never tag along when not invited.

JMO


Ralph