How do Suzuki riders feel about Harleys? - Page 7 - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

farmbone · 06-15-2005, 06:53 PM

Well, Please forgive me if I offend anyone. But I have a story to tell you. I am African American! And I went to an ABATE rally after I bought my M50. Now I get there early and park my bike. Most of the people were in costume. I wasn't. I sat under the band stand and was pretty much tolerated. But when I started walking around, I felt out of place. So, I pretty much packed it up. On my way out, one of the costume wearers pointed me out and said " Wow, a spook on a rice burner". I know it was just one guy but I think that was the consensus of the whole crowd. They will tolerate a black guy. They will tolerate a rice burner. But when the two are together, that sent them over the edge.

Oh, another reason I got out of there. If I had a problem with one, I couldn't identify which one it was. They all looked alike.

Wink · 06-15-2005, 07:57 PM

Harleys are great bikes. Unfortunately, it seems to me that many who ride them think that they're the elite motorcyclist.

When I was shopping for my bike I considered and tried a Sportster. The C50T felt much better and smoother. And I bought it.

A co-worker (Harley owner) expressed great disappointment that I didn't buy a Harley, for the culture. My male neighbor, owner of a Harley, snubs my bike. But his wife, a Harley owner and much more attractive than him, loves my bike.

Wink · 06-15-2005, 08:01 PM

Farmbone - I'm sorry that kind of crap still exists. But come on it was an ABATE gig.

What has 22 legs and 8 teeth? An ABATE meeting.

stp1971 · 06-15-2005, 08:08 PM

Well farmbone,, I live in Georgia,, still alot of that here as well,, I am not an African-American,, but it does bother me sometimes when someone is trying to fit in and some group will not let them do so.

I have helped guys on the side of the road that were every color from white to green,,, and I have been helped by the same. Treat everyone like you want to be treated,, treat everyone with respect,, and maybe it will come back on you tenfold. I have no problem with someone no matter what color they are as long as they act decent, respectful, and treat me like I would treat them.

If that is the way you think,, then you are welcome to ride me and my group anytime!!

nevanerviss · 06-15-2005, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farmbone

" Wow, a spook on a rice burner".

If you had been riding a Harley, think of how much more pissed off they would have been...

stp1971 · 06-15-2005, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevanerviss

If you had been riding a Harley, think of how much more pissed off they would have been...

Yeah no sh*t,, you are probably right about that,,, I could see that happening around here as well,,, but I am beginning to see a different mix of people on different bikes around lately.

sachmo · 06-15-2005, 08:51 PM

Farmbone, glad you have a sense a humor about it. One thing people that oppose you cannot handle is you having fun and laughing at them. It burns them up.

stp1971, green REALLY!

farmbone · 06-15-2005, 10:50 PM

Well, I plan on traveling once my riding skill level increases. Who knows, maybe one day I'll get a chance to ride with some cool folks. Just out there for the ride and the fun that life brings. I didn't really know about the ABATE club culture. I joined ABATE for the MSF course and heard about it one day while I was out riding the M50. Actually, I had a ok time at the party under the bandstand during the day. Beer, music and b__bs;

Let me also say: ONCE WAS ENOUGH

Let me finish by saying thanks to the many who expressed how they felt about the Boulevard lineup.

nevanerviss · 06-16-2005, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farmbone

...maybe one day I'll get a chance to ride with some cool folks.

Farm, if you're ever in Detroit, look me up... It would be a pleasure to ride you, er, ride WITH you...

But first; how do you feel about "pizza"?

stp1971 · 06-16-2005, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sachmo

stp1971, green REALLY!

Well they were green from the alcohol poisoning!!!!

ddarais · 06-16-2005, 09:42 AM

Well farmbone....to bad to hear this stuff still happens...I lived in Alabama for a couple of years...still big problems there. I live in UT now. Now a lot of African Americans here in UT. When people see them out here they usually assume the play for the Utah Jazz and want there autographs

stp1971 · 06-16-2005, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevanerviss

It would be a pleasure to ride you, er, ride WITH you...

But first; how do you feel about "pizza"?

DANG Girl!!!!!!

You know,,, it's alot of fun down South here!!!!!

nevanerviss · 06-16-2005, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stp1971

DANG Girl!!!!!!

You know,,, it's alot of fun down South here!!!!!

Think of me as a map... I like it "down South" too...

stp1971 · 06-16-2005, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevanerviss

Think of me as a map... I like it "down South" too...

I like it down South also,,, I have found in the past that others like the fact that I am from the South and that I am good with "Directions"!!!!

COme on down,,, you are the next contestant on STP Tonight!!!!!

nevanerviss · 06-16-2005, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stp1971

...COme on down,,, you are the next contestant on STP Tonight!!!!!

Shouldn't that be, "Go on down..."?

stp1971 · 06-16-2005, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevanerviss

Shouldn't that be, "Go on down..."?

Yep,,, you are right!!!!

My mistake,,, but hey,,, I believe it fairplay,,, equal fifty fifty!!!!!

nevanerviss · 06-16-2005, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stp1971

,,, I believe it fairplay,,,

Oh, I see... I've been divorced for a couple years, now... Guess I'll go buy some bomb pops and start practicing...

stp1971 · 06-16-2005, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevanerviss

Oh, I see... I've been divorced for a couple years, now... Guess I'll go buy some bomb pops and start practicing...

Yeah,, I've been divorced for almost seven years,,, what are bomb pops? Did that go over my head? Never heard that before.

roysclockgun · 06-16-2005, 06:14 PM

Wow, this thread really did take on a life of its own! Went from impressions of Harleys to thoughts on Harley riders to racism. At the very least, everyone has been "nice".
I have owned a number of Harleys. Last Harley was purchased new in 1985 and sold in the early '90s. So, beginning with a '49 Harley EL dresser, through Super Glides and up to that '85 FLTC, I was always sucked in by those who said: "Harleys are much better bikes now!" They never were worth what one had to pay. Too much of the cost of a Harley is wrapped up in AURA. That aura is thin at best and for the most part, false.
Today, Harley appears to be trying to hold some of their market share by creating more shelf space in the form of more updated models. Also nothing new. Harley had some attempts in the past and the only thing that makes those failures expensive today, is their rarity. Case in point; the Harley Cafe Racer.
Harley riders: My experience is all over the map. However, I have probably had more experiences with Harley riders who tried to make their identity somehow tie in with what they ride. In other words, the Harley becomes who and what they are. Just last week, I stopped at a restaurant table to speak to a neighbor couple who live up the road in a forty year old house trailer. They cruise around on a full dresser Harley and I know them to wave, as I cruise by their trailer on my Suzuki S50. When I stopped at their restaurant table to give a quick greeting, the lady asked me; "What's that little bike I see you riding!" When I answered that I had two Suzukis and a restored '81 KZ, she spat on the floor! Okay, I laughed and said goodbye. No biggy, just another Harley rider that sinks more into their ride then they do into their home. That's their choice and I accept same. The sad thing to me is, that she really believes and has swallowed the entire Harley aura BS!
What's the old saying: "90% of all Harleys are still on the road! The other 10% made it home!!" This, a truer statement then most believe.
Gotta go pick the bugs outa my teeth,
Steve

MYC50T · 06-17-2005, 12:43 AM

I guess if you want to pay more for less, buy a hhhhaaaarley, less comfort, less reliability, you do however get more, more maint. costs, more vibration, more fatigue, more noise, you also pay wwwaaaay more for accessories, really, personally it matters not what your riding, but how you ride and how you present yourself (unfortunately a good many harley riders think they are riding superior motorcycle nirvana, when all they are riding is a much more expensive motorcycle) I must admit, I like the VRod, just can't commit to paying $17,000 base price for it, when for under $7,000 I'm getting a reliable, safe, smooth, nice looking Suzuki C50T, just for info, my parameters were, liquid cooled, shaft drive, fuel-injected therefore Suzuki was the only One!

06-15-2005, 08:08 PM	#124 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,826	Well farmbone,, I live in Georgia,, still alot of that here as well,, I am not an African-American,, but it does bother me sometimes when someone is trying to fit in and some group will not let them do so. I have helped guys on the side of the road that were every color from white to green,,, and I have been helped by the same. Treat everyone like you want to be treated,, treat everyone with respect,, and maybe it will come back on you tenfold. I have no problem with someone no matter what color they are as long as they act decent, respectful, and treat me like I would treat them. If that is the way you think,, then you are welcome to ride me and my group anytime!! __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

06-15-2005, 10:50 PM	#128 (permalink)
farmbone Fender Buffer Joined: May 2005 Bike: M50 Blk Location: South Bend , IN Posts: 429	Well, I plan on traveling once my riding skill level increases. Who knows, maybe one day I'll get a chance to ride with some cool folks. Just out there for the ride and the fun that life brings. I didn't really know about the ABATE club culture. I joined ABATE for the MSF course and heard about it one day while I was out riding the M50. Actually, I had a ok time at the party under the bandstand during the day. Beer, music and b__bs; Let me also say: ONCE WAS ENOUGH Let me finish by saying thanks to the many who expressed how they felt about the Boulevard lineup. Last edited by farmbone; 06-15-2005 at 11:00 PM.

06-16-2005, 06:14 PM	#139 (permalink)
roysclockgun Seat Tester Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 67	Wow, this thread really did take on a life of its own! Went from impressions of Harleys to thoughts on Harley riders to racism. At the very least, everyone has been "nice". I have owned a number of Harleys. Last Harley was purchased new in 1985 and sold in the early '90s. So, beginning with a '49 Harley EL dresser, through Super Glides and up to that '85 FLTC, I was always sucked in by those who said: "Harleys are much better bikes now!" They never were worth what one had to pay. Too much of the cost of a Harley is wrapped up in AURA. That aura is thin at best and for the most part, false. Today, Harley appears to be trying to hold some of their market share by creating more shelf space in the form of more updated models. Also nothing new. Harley had some attempts in the past and the only thing that makes those failures expensive today, is their rarity. Case in point; the Harley Cafe Racer. Harley riders: My experience is all over the map. However, I have probably had more experiences with Harley riders who tried to make their identity somehow tie in with what they ride. In other words, the Harley becomes who and what they are. Just last week, I stopped at a restaurant table to speak to a neighbor couple who live up the road in a forty year old house trailer. They cruise around on a full dresser Harley and I know them to wave, as I cruise by their trailer on my Suzuki S50. When I stopped at their restaurant table to give a quick greeting, the lady asked me; "What's that little bike I see you riding!" When I answered that I had two Suzukis and a restored '81 KZ, she spat on the floor! Okay, I laughed and said goodbye. No biggy, just another Harley rider that sinks more into their ride then they do into their home. That's their choice and I accept same. The sad thing to me is, that she really believes and has swallowed the entire Harley aura BS! What's the old saying: "90% of all Harleys are still on the road! The other 10% made it home!!" This, a truer statement then most believe. Gotta go pick the bugs outa my teeth, Steve Attached Thumbnails

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06-15-2005, 06:53 PM	#121 (permalink)
farmbone Fender Buffer Joined: May 2005 Bike: M50 Blk Location: South Bend , IN Posts: 429	Well, Please forgive me if I offend anyone. But I have a story to tell you. I am African American! And I went to an ABATE rally after I bought my M50. Now I get there early and park my bike. Most of the people were in costume. I wasn't. I sat under the band stand and was pretty much tolerated. But when I started walking around, I felt out of place. So, I pretty much packed it up. On my way out, one of the costume wearers pointed me out and said " Wow, a spook on a rice burner". I know it was just one guy but I think that was the consensus of the whole crowd. They will tolerate a black guy. They will tolerate a rice burner. But when the two are together, that sent them over the edge. Oh, another reason I got out of there. If I had a problem with one, I couldn't identify which one it was. They all looked alike.

06-15-2005, 07:57 PM	#122 (permalink)
Wink Newbie Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: C50T Location: Metamora, IL Posts: 8	Harleys are great bikes. Unfortunately, it seems to me that many who ride them think that they're the elite motorcyclist. When I was shopping for my bike I considered and tried a Sportster. The C50T felt much better and smoother. And I bought it. A co-worker (Harley owner) expressed great disappointment that I didn't buy a Harley, for the culture. My male neighbor, owner of a Harley, snubs my bike. But his wife, a Harley owner and much more attractive than him, loves my bike.

06-15-2005, 08:01 PM	#123 (permalink)
Wink Newbie Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: C50T Location: Metamora, IL Posts: 8	Farmbone - I'm sorry that kind of crap still exists. But come on it was an ABATE gig. What has 22 legs and 8 teeth? An ABATE meeting.

06-15-2005, 08:51 PM	#127 (permalink)
sachmo In Training Joined: May 2005 Bike: M50BLK Location: Chattanooga/Nashville Posts: 119	Farmbone, glad you have a sense a humor about it. One thing people that oppose you cannot handle is you having fun and laughing at them. It burns them up. stp1971, green REALLY!

06-16-2005, 09:42 AM	#131 (permalink)
ddarais Seat Tester Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: M50 Location: Pleasant Grove, Utah Posts: 57	Well farmbone....to bad to hear this stuff still happens...I lived in Alabama for a couple of years...still big problems there. I live in UT now. Now a lot of African Americans here in UT. When people see them out here they usually assume the play for the Utah Jazz and want there autographs

06-17-2005, 12:43 AM	#140 (permalink)
MYC50T Kickstand Operator Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 Suzuki Boulevard C50T Location: SE Minnesota Posts: 291	I guess if you want to pay more for less, buy a hhhhaaaarley, less comfort, less reliability, you do however get more, more maint. costs, more vibration, more fatigue, more noise, you also pay wwwaaaay more for accessories, really, personally it matters not what your riding, but how you ride and how you present yourself (unfortunately a good many harley riders think they are riding superior motorcycle nirvana, when all they are riding is a much more expensive motorcycle) I must admit, I like the VRod, just can't commit to paying $17,000 base price for it, when for under $7,000 I'm getting a reliable, safe, smooth, nice looking Suzuki C50T, just for info, my parameters were, liquid cooled, shaft drive, fuel-injected therefore Suzuki was the only One!

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