Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge A creeping sadness cometh forth.

I gotta say, I do have a real case of mixed feelings right now. You see, one of the things that disgusts a lot of us here is what I'll call "motorcycle tribalism." Now nowhere is this more prevalent than in the H-D community. But, the same thing (albeit to a lesser extent) exists elsewhere. And it seems there is no escaping it. Perhaps as an over-reaction to H-D rednecks, we (me included) heap a lot of scorn a H-D people. In doing this, we trumpet the excellence of our own machines (our Triumphs). Now, however, my Triumph is belly-up, and I find myself on the outside looking in by virtue of the fact that I'm riding a Beemer. The bummer (in my mind) is that I really like the folks around here, - but the touchstone on which we all meet is the fact that we own either a Triumph America or a Speedy.

I used to meet for breakfast with "Shakey" and some other Triumph owners, - which was fun. But I am really not sure about the future of those meetings now (with me riding a Beemer).

Don't get me wrong, I want to participate in the "Idaho Invasion" (Soren invited me), but my presence around BA.com will without doubt be diminished (actually, it already has been since my crash). This saddens me because the only reason for this is "motorcycle tribalism," which is childish. But, perception is often reality.

I say all this because one of the BA.com members PM'd me about selling some parts, which really made me start to consider parting out my "Bumble-Bee Bonnie." The thought seems blasphemous, at first, - but it probably makes more financial sense.

I am truly torn.

-BT

BTW, I've been on this board since 2003.

-BT

You need a nap.
Joking aside, you,ve been around here long enough to know that the folks here don't really judge you by what make of cycle you ride but more so by what kind of person you are. Most anyone on here would enjoy riding with you on your beemer and think nothing of it. Your family now.
As for financial sense, the only good financial sense would be not to own one of these machines and sink every last dollar into it, not going to happen. So my thought is to do just as you have been, ride your beemer and let the speedy set till it can be fixed up proper like.
Thats the way I see it and I'm sticking to it.

First off, you should already know that you are always welcome here....period. Most of us really don't care what you ride just that you enjoy riding. Sure there is some good humored teasing amoungst members about their rides even as far as which color is faster. Some of us even have other bikes in our stable. Now that said, the reason we are all here in the first place is our common ownership of a Triumph. That is what brought you here in the first place. So if you decide to change your ride, does that make you any less of a brother? I don't think so and neither do alot of the members. You are always welcome here amoungst your brothers and sisters....ride safe...Gordon

Listen to what Terry and Gordon said. It doesn't matter what you ride or even if you don't ride at all. Once you are a friend that's all that matters. Heck. I'd be glad to ride with you even if you rode a scooter! Well, maybe not a scooter.

What made you think you weren't welcome here. I read the site before I was even able to ride my bonne. I rode behind my hubby. Besides, we have more fun riding with different bikes, it makes the looks more interesting. Sure hope you decide to get your speedy fixed, and not parted out. It's too pretty to have that done to it.

AmyLee

has anyone here said anything? I doubt it. Any friend you have will still treat you the same no matter what you ride. Plus you still own the SM even if you are not currently riding it. I am sure people will and do rib you but we do it to everyone reguardless what you ride. I know I took a shot about the golf clubs and grey poupon but it was meant to be funny not alienate or insult.

As a Bmw rider - I am new here, just ask! lucky if only 3 weeks, and in that time I've posted and read posts....

The people here have been warm and inviting, and I thank them all for that....

I'm not sure if this post even helps, but I love both brands, and will share my knowledge and questions with anyone that is happy to listen all in the faith that I am also welcome.

Good observations Mark. I felt the same way until I got my feelings under control. Got tired of reading about how I and all my friends were sub-human. Triumph owners are branded as or more deeply than Harley, they just won't admit it.

Visit the forum and take from it what you want and ignore the silly stuff. You know you are always welcome here.

Mark, no matter what you ride or even if you do or don't ride, you are a friend of mine. You need to do whatever it is that will give you the most peace, that will also be the thing that will make the most sense.

Soren

There's no need to be a stranger Mark. We are brothers and sisters here.

I almost ended up with a bmw Rll50R. Had the dealer been willing to prep the bike for me to take home that day, I would have. But alas they didn't so I ended up with my speedy. I still have a facination for them. The new R1200R looks really mechanical. I like that...

Tamara rides a Honda. We joke around & call her "Honda Girl" @ the GA Rallies but we still love her!

Mark,
It looks like we still love you - Just promise you'll wave from time to time, unlike those other 'Beemer boys'.

Yeah Mark! What are you thinkin' here???!!!

I mean, GEEEZ! I dare say even though you'll now be ridin' one o' them there "Teutonic Wonders" that can cross continents without even breathin' hard, there's not a single soul here who would object to you droppin' by ANY ol' time!

(that is of course unless I ever catch you making sport of my rather "nappy" attire, OR the "ho(l)es" in my Levis....THEN all bets would be off Dude, and I'd have to send my friends Jesse and Al to tell ya that you'd no longer be welcomed around here anymore)

Being you have been a member since the age of enlightenment, I'll throw a Renegade quote at you, a quote that says a lot about the way I feel too,

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Unlike wives and girl friends that run off old biker bro’s are always a part of you even if you have traded a punch or two

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It's just the weather gettin you down, go to your happy place. I don't care if you ride a tricycle.

Quite frankly Mark, I'm ashamed to be associated with you! I mean, what with fraternizing with the Hun, and riding a bike built by the very same company that supplied engines to some of the very same bombers that BOMBED Coventry, England, original birthplace of our beloved Triumph! Sir, if this weren't polite society, I'd have you horsewhipped, tarred and feathered!!! Hun loving Busch-whacker!!!! Next you'll be buying a Mercedes and running over our cherished veterans from the Blitz!!! Do you secretly eat KRAUT at home? Maybe a little STREUDEL after a jaunt on your Stalingrad Scycle KOMERADE? Hmmmph!!! Well, I've personally had about enough of your FASCINATION with FRANKFURTERS Sir, I think I need a good Hefeweizen to wash down that bitter taste....



By the way Hun-Boy, does Odekirk come from the Saarland, the Rheinland, or Berlin...

My best friend rides a Yamadog. I'm accepting of other rides. I think it's the commonality of riding, not the ride, that makes a community.

I here ya, my wife wants me to buy a BMW K1200LT. Don't get me wrong the BMW is a fine machine but I can't afford 2 bikes and I'm not willing to part with my America. I told her when we can afford 2 bikes we'll get a BMW touring bike but until then the America is the only bike I want.

BikerThug,
You gonna make it to Georgia on your long distance tourer?
I have a very limited view of real motorcicles. BMW is one of them. You are accepted here in my book. Let us all know how your Beemer does, because that's a brand we all respect. As far as tribalism, maybe? But European bikes are my favorite. We'd have a K12LT today if my wife didn't think they are ugly. We're waiting for the Victory Vision in September. Maybe we'll get a R1150RT or R1200RT since the boxer engine is on borrowed time. Just Ride Safe!!!

I appreciate all the votes of confidence. And I want to make one thing real clear, - I AM NOT A VICTIM. I really don't like being lumped-in with those that reside in the "poor-me, pity party club."

So, I crashed my Bonnie. So what? I polished my pennies for awhile, then bought another M/C. Since I've always indulged in variety, this time I bought a Beemer.

So, obviously, I will have a diminished role on these boards because in the past I've walked BA.com members through a how-to guide for a Barnett Clutch installation (I still own those shop tools for anyone that wants to borrow them), or a how-to guide for a Wiseco Big-Bore Project, or various other little projects like this powdercoating thread, among other things.

But now, my role has been cut back to straightening out a lot of fuzzy thinking in the realm of politics, theology, a social commentary, etc., etc.. (are you enthused Dwight? How about you Greg?).

You see, it probably wouldn't go over so good to have me posting "how-to guides" for upgrading my BMW R1100S on a Triumph America/Speedmaster website. So, I won't be raining on anybody's parade. In other words, "I know my place."

But, I'll be around.

-BT

YOU TELL 'EM, (fellow blowhard) GREG!

(I'll just be sittin' over here tryin' to "enthusiastically" come up with the next little piece of irreverence for these here threads around here...even though it seems "social commentary" seems rather passe in this new modern work-a-day world)

(note to self:
Limit your viewing time of Leno and Letterman...it's seems to be affecting your correspondence around here some)

BikertThug- Just another self absorbed Bimmer rider! Bimmer riders always look down on the rest of us, they're so proud of BMW. They are arrogant because not only did BMW manufacture motorcycles they also made airplanes, bicycles, pots & pans and autos. Yes, BMW is the Swiss Army knife of european bikes. They never miss an opportunity to thow it in our faces.

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In other words, "I know my place." But, I'll be around.

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Oh No! A stealth lurker!
Take Care Mark!

Strangely enough, I also moved on from a Speedmaster to a BMW, but everyone over here still talks to me.....hello....hello.....is there anyone there.......hello...........

Did you hear something?

But, really...
Most of us know Triumphs saying, "Go Your Own Way". Well.... you gotta go your own way. And that directin should be respected by all that truly believe in going your own way.

Soren

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But, I'll be around.

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I look forward to hearing from you. Best to ya' Bro'.