 How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husband?
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Joined: May 2007
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Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
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My wife and I just bought a home in the California Bay Area, and thus acquired a mortgage. We don't have children and we don't plan on it (please no chastise  ), so it isn't unreasonable to bring home a "child" made of chrome, steel, and grease. Financially, we can do it without stretching. My question to you: How did you convince, beg, brainwash, or otherwise threaten your significant other to let you buy a motorcycle? My wife insists that a motorcycle is too costly (which isn't so much the case) and too dangerous with "idiot" drivers out there (which is more the case). She loves me as much as I love her, but she has threatened 1) divorce, and 2) a beat-down. How did you do it?  Thanks, John
Last edited by Powerband; 05/12/2007 5:01 PM.
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Adjunct
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Stayed married for over twenty years. Then she said go ahead and doubled the life insurance. 
My mind and body are still out of tune
I hope they run into each other real soon "
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Big Bore
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Big Bore
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Do you have friends that ride that can talk to her about riding? Are you prepared to 'armor up' every time you ride (and I mean every time)? Have you taken the MSF basic rider course? I am lucky in that my wife understands why I ride and has since started riding. Most people get their impressions about motorcycles from people that have no clue about riding and therefore harbor preconceived notions. You have to convince your wife that you will be a smart, safe, capable rider. And then you just have to wear her down with incessant whining!! 
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
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Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
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buying bike and tell her later
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 35
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 35 |
Quote:
Do you have friends that ride that can talk to her about riding? Are you prepared to 'armor up' every time you ride (and I mean every time)? Have you taken the MSF basic rider course?
Yes, yes and yes. I rode a motorcycle for more than a decade, and I commutted on one for four years straight when I met her. I don't wear shorts and flip-flops on a bike and she knows how careful I am. And, yes, you're right that she has a preconceived notion on motorcycle riding.
As for the rest of the replies, you all crack me up. I have had my shares of fist fights and even some beatings, but, trust me, I do not want a beat-down from the wife. 
John
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 Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husband?
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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The ONE rule I never broke: All first dates are on a motorcycle. Since that's too late for you, try this one: It's easier to get forgiveness than permission.  It also helps if she likes the way you look in black leather.
Last edited by BrianT; 05/12/2007 5:28 PM.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Personally, I had to wait THIRTY YEARS to get a bike.
First we got married, had and raised our kids, bought cars and our home, etc. THEN we got the bike.
For my two cents, if I had gotten a bike when I was 20 like I wanted to, I might never have made it to this ripe old age.
Enjoy.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husband?
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Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Quote:
She loves me as much as I love her, but she has threatened 1) divorce, and 2) a beat-down.
Hmmm, divorce ya say. Sounds like you have options 
Besides a beat down will be over quickly.
Just kidding, tell her you are in the prime of life and getting older every day. Say dear, I would hate to look back 20 years later and wish I had.
Last edited by mikemm03; 05/12/2007 5:42 PM.
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,416
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
tell her you are in the prime of life and getting older every day. Say dear, I would hate to look back 20 years later and wish I had.
That's exactly how I did it...
"Wise men speak because they have something to say, fools because they have to say something."
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husband?
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I'm single, so that wasn't an issue.
A beating's not that bad, you'll heal!
Maybe a full coverage helmet w/tinted sheild,
so the black eye doesn't show.
Uncle Charlie
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husband?
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Forgiveness is easier than permission?
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I bought her a bike first.
And all of her friends ride.
She was in Hawaii for work, and I had her bike in the garage when she came home. And then it was just a matter of "finding one for me".
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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I bought it, kept it at a friend's house, then told her my friend let me borrow it. She said I looked good on it, and I said "Good, I just bought it. Don't ******' ruin it for me!"
Not you fat Jesus!
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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John I am not sure where you lived before, and I had no "better half" to ask.... BUT ..... if you have just recently moved to the Bay Area, keeping your sanity might be a reason!! If you have been there a good while, getting your sanity back!! Member Soren has a T-Shirt that says it all "for some there's therapy" "for the rest of us there's motorcycles"  convince her of this and then maybe, just maybe its 
BA has Freak, 160mains, 44pilots, air mix3 1/2 to 4 turns, BUBS dresser dogs. Never had more fun on any bike - 2nd bike 2008 RIIIT
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Tell her how hot she'll look inleather, then, take her to the bike shop and let her choose the color. Or, you could just beg relentlessly, obsess over American Chopper then casually show her the price of one of those babies.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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John,
Come home and say were going out I have something to show you. What What its a surpize were almost there.
Take her to the show room and have your bike picked out prior to arrival.
When she she sees how exicted you are and those little boy eyes light up, they melt like butter.
This will only work if you have a bike picked out, if you just take her to a bike shop and look around you will have a better chance of springing wings and flying to the moon.
Good luck, let us know how you make out.
John
John 06 America Mulberry\Silver
"Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time"
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Stay at home all day doing nothing but drinking beer,eating pickled eggs and watching sports. After a weekend of smelling your release, she'll beg you to buy a bike and get out of the house.  ........Angelis
Last edited by angelis745; 05/12/2007 8:19 PM.
1200CC BIG BORE, W/WISECO PISTONS,.250 STROKED CRANK, PORTED/POLISHED HEADS AND LARGER VALVES, CUSTOM WELDED EXHUAST, DUAL 42MM MIKUNI CARBS.
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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forgiveness works best. Go buy your bike, but first bring your blanket and pillow down to the couch. 
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Buy her a new car, or at least promise to.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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See if she'll take the MSF course with you. That may be enough to excite her about it & she'll know your concerned about safety. If that doesn't work, surprise her with your new Triumph!! 
'05 America - Tec 2-1 (from a Thruxton)/ 4 pot caliper/ Kurt's Rearsets /
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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My first ex wife absolutely forbid me to buy a bike. Big part of why she's an ex wife.Nuff said.
Just an old Hippie and I don"t know what to do.
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Ditto. I'd been bitching about wanting another bike to the constant refrain of "over my dead body" from the missus. I got divorced and had the America a week after we separated. To really rub the salt in I saw her several times during the (friendly) separation before she went home to the US and took her on several rides, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Wow. This is an "insight into the male mind" thread. Uncle Charlie's point about the full face helmet- RFLMAO!!!  I go with the "Baby, I'm soooooo gonna looooooove you in those leather Triumph pants" point.....Use the WIIFM technique....What's In It For Me.....and bring her to the dealership, let her feel a part of the process....Hopefully you're planning for her to ride with you? Let her know that's your vision, and that your vision includes some sick black boots in just her size. The MSF course, good thinking there, dardoonk. Very practical. And the ideas about letting her know you don't want to get old and regret not riding- very open, this invites her to be a part of making you happy. If you go with the "beg forgiveness later" tactic, tuck a pair of diamond earrings into the fork bag, or into the pocket of the killer leather pants. Most women don't stay mad as long if they're holding a little velvet box.
"Let your soul shine,
It's better than sunshine,
It's better than moonshine,
****** sure better than rain."
-ABB
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
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The riding with you is another good one. I don't have to but Wendy is always with me. I don't ride anymore without her unless its to run an errand. Thats by choice. We work together both out of our home we go everywhere together (except shopping "yawn") and wouldn't have it any other way.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 97
Member
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Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 97 |
New to the forum, first post...
Her: diamond ring, what she's been wanting for many years.
Him: '07 America, what he recently wants after not riding for almost 30 years.
She also wants- me to get in physical shape (I'm 51, lost my shape years ago), and get back in mental shape (stop drinking so much and get back sharpness and alertness).
Damn, it's a hard bargain, but worth it! Stay tuned...
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Quote:
Wow. This is an "insight into the male mind" thread.
Cool it guys. It'll be on the female telepathy network in no time 
Then we'll have to.............oops, almost let the cat out of the bag there  .
Quote:
Let her know that's your vision, and that your vision includes some sick black boots in just her size.
Like these?
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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OH and to answer the original question: Metal and rocks. And a few textiles.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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Quote:
buying bike and tell her later
Sounds familiar
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Gonna give it to ya straight up, Kid! Money concerns are most often the reason for divorce. You say money is no object here, ergo, if you would grow a backbone and first TELL the Mrs that tomorrow you are going out and buying that Triumph you've been lusting after, and then go DO IT...as I doubt (hope) that you're just kidding about her being a batterer...the percentages are still in your favor that after a short interval (maybe two weeks, tops) of her not talking to you, the third week of ownership you'll find her arms wrapped around your waist as you two ride your motorcycle towards Napa Valley and a beautiful sun-light afternoon of wine tasting. (however, if later she serves you papers....I never saw this thread, and I don't know you from Adam) 
Last edited by Dwight; 05/13/2007 2:33 AM.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Sep 2006
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2006
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Quote:
buying bike and tell her later
It's easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission
Anyway, my wife knew I wanted a bike long before we got married. When we had a few bucks set aside, I said I was going shopping. She agreed.
I too had to get extra life insurance as part of the deal. Oh well, small price to pay for the fun factor I have.
Just my 2 cents
Trev
07 TBA Pacific Blue and White.. stock for now!
A bike has half the wheels my cage does.. but 3x the fun factor
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
My first ex wife absolutely forbid me to buy a bike. Big part of why she's an ex wife.Nuff said.
This is why all first dates should be on a motorcycle. If she doesn't like bikes, she never becomes a girlfriend, let alone a wife.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Dec 2006
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I started out by telling her I was interested in a Segway. We then agreed on how dorky I'd look. It progressed from there.
Gerry
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Insist that she drive a '85 Chevy Caprice Classic. Safest boat on the road. Buy her cost effective upgrades (tires, battery, etc.) to the vehicle for the next few gift-giving events. She'll appreciate the thought, just like you do with the bike.
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
This is why all first dates should be on a motorcycle. If she doesn't like bikes, she never becomes a girlfriend, let alone a wife.
I agree wholeheartedly. If a man doesn't share my passion for motorcyles, he simply doesn't make it to the short list.
Bigbill- my only concern with those particular boot is that the studs might leave scratches on the paint.
"Let your soul shine,
It's better than sunshine,
It's better than moonshine,
****** sure better than rain."
-ABB
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husband?
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Best thing you can do is sell her on the idea and make her feel involved in the decision. Would she ride with you? If she (or you) have never ridden before, take the MSF class, even if she is going to just ride with you. Take the class together. I was never going to win that argument, so I just went and did the deal, after doing several years worth of homework and knowing she knew I was definitely serious. She never expected me to do it on my own, but that is the only way it was going to happen. She has yet to ride with me, but we are talking more about it lately because the marriage has not been so good of late and she is trying to make an effort. (I could care less.) 
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Dump the wife..get a girlfriend 
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Im lucky...my g/f called me from her work asking how I felt about her taking the MSF class (she had me on speaker phone so the other girls in the office could hear). I said what the F**k was MSF? She explained and I said ok...do you want me to pay for it (I offered). I was then taken off speaker phone and was told what was going on. Seems that women like to see whos man is better in a public setting. Anyway...the way I saw it...she opened the door and I easily walked through it. About a month later I took my MSF class and about a month after that she took it with her friend.
I suppose asking your wife to take teh MSF class is a start. Itll show her how fun this can be.
Its also a selling point to explain to her how you will buy her a bike too so she wont be riding ******! She can be free and in control, she can be a woman in a mans world, she will get attention everywhere she goes, etc...
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: How Did You Get the Green Light from Wife/Husb
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Joined: May 2007
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Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
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Quote:
You say money is no object here, ergo, if you would grow a backbone and first TELL the Mrs that tomorrow you are going out and buying that Triumph you've been lusting after, and then go DO IT...as I doubt (hope) that you're just kidding about her being a batterer...
Sir, I DO have a back bone -- I just need to ask for it back, as she is currently using it to hang her bras and socks from. As for the spousal battery, she is careful not to leave marks; it's amazing a pair of stilettos can leave extensive damage without leaving holes.
All kidding aside, my wife would not divorce nor beat me if I brought home a motorcycle. Our decisions on major items over the past 12 years have been based on complete agreement between both of us. I am enjoying the peace and love that mutual respect and courtesy bring, and would like to preserve that through the purchase of a Triumph. In actuality, it's not so much divorce, a beating or growing a spine -- even if one with scoliosis -- that I'm concerned with, but a respectful "green light" that I'm seeking.
So, I'm seeking ideas on how to brainwash my wife. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks all!
John
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