 Bar Conversation
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So I have a question as to how one might respond to the following situation: A bunch of coworkers and I got together at a local bar a couple of weeks ago on a Friday after work to just unwind before heading home. Soon the conversation turned towards bikes since there were a couple of new riders in the group, including myself. After discovering what each of us rides, a guy across the bar who I have met a few times starts preaching about why "you should never buy a Harley". Apparently, this new rider but a custom electraglide whatchamacallit at the beginning of the year and has hardly ridden it because it costs "at least $1,000 to have any work done on it". Now I like some Harleys specifically because of the heritage associated with them so don't get me wrong, but I love my Triumph so I spoke up "huh, that's interesting and too bad, but that's why I got my Triumph and I love it!" Now what follows is what left me almost speechless. His response "Now see, that's why I got a Harley, those Triumphs just look retarded!" I couldn't believe it!  Here was a guy going off on his own bike and basically just started shooting down everyone else while he was at it. All I could manage was some humorous comment like "Ya, nothing personal right?" trying to calm the rage I was feeling boiling up inside. I do work with this guy, but I couldn't believe it. Anybody have any thoughts on how they would have handled this?
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2 |
Yeah ignore it he's just trying to get a rise...or is way to ignorant to bother stressing yourself over it...life is WAY to short to stress eery time some moron says something stupid!! cripes where I work I'ld have a daily breakdown!
Just get out and ride your "retarded looking" bike while his sits because it's too expensive to repair, in a few miles you'll forget he said anything...
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: May 2007
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There's no accounting for taste. Looks are one of those things that are not worth an argument. If someone wants to talk specs I'll have that conversation all day but looks... you're never going to change someones taste.
Let my dying thought be that every mile was fun and let my tombstone read,"They never made one fast enough for me."
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Uneducated , unmerited comment , like a girl the other day on her Sportster ( a wannabe newbie ) said about my America , " those Triumphs are just CHEAP " , I say " why " ? and she says " they just are " . OK , very brilliant defense of her convictions . Some people just have reviews with no foundation . Pity them .
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
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Here's your answer:
So it's NOT retarded to buy an bike and let it sit?
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jul 2007
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I beleive bonnyusa said it best. Give 'em a big smile and say which is more retarded? 
'07 America
www.patriotguard.org
"If you're not living on the edge...........You're taking up too much space!
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,047
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
that's why I got a Harley, those Triumphs just look retarded
I would hit him with a bar stool and say "HA! now you look retarded!"
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Apr 2007
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I picked up this quip from an episode of CSI. I can't remember it word for word but this is how I would have used it; "To be retarded is defined as being held back, or unable to move forward. It seems to me that you are the one who is retarded." 
1982 Pontiac Trans Am...K.I.T.T. in progress.
"It looks like Darth Vaders bathroom in here..."
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: May 2007
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I would have waited until he went to the bathroom, and then tea-bagged his drink.
Sometimes you get the bar, sometimes the bar gets you.
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Hey! I've got it Andrew!!!
Your response should'a been the following:
Retarded, huh?! Well, you sound like the kind o' guy who still believes in somethin' I heard a few years back that went "something" like this..."You is either with us people who buys overpriced, big lumbering machines that aren't really that much fun to ride...or you is again' us!" Speakin' of retarded!!!
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: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
Only a retard would buy a bike he can't work on and have to pay $1,000 to have it done each time. I see most of us complain if something costs $500 or more to have done. So far I haven't had to pay for any service or repair.Most of us do our own or are learning to do it.
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: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Mar 2006
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Amen Dog! The onnly thing I like to add is that any thing hardly nerd has to say about bikes is nothing but rymes with kiss but replace with a a P and wind!  Harley guy (the real ones) don't have a problem with Triumphs.
She's a Lady and the Lady is 100% mine !
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Sounds like this wanker has never ridden a motorcycle much at all, this is just a excuse on his behalf for not being able to ride - got nothing to do with his bike - if he owned a Triumph you'd probobly get the same response from him.
Don't even respond to him, just a long quizzical stare and walk away disguisted
Hoffo
Last edited by Hoffo; 08/13/2007 6:02 PM.
2x Norton Commando Roadsters
08 Triumph America
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Re: Bar Conversation
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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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All I'd say is this, "How many miles ya got on that trailer queen?" Seat time talks, BS walks.
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
Friarjohn and Khatt both good points , Most Harley riders have no issues with Triumph and many talk lovingly about the one they had. I usually end up talking bikes with them , it's the ignorant wanna be status symbol clowns that talk down to Triumph riders. No comment except need for Friarjohns statement.
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: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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2x Norton Commando Roadsters
08 Triumph America
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Talk about meditation, it has been very theraputic to read all the hilarious responses. For me, it was the same reaction that I would have had if somebody had directly insulted a family member to my face. I am sure you all can relate, and that is why I needed to share. Now I am going to go for a ride!
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: May 2007
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I love my retarded bike!! 
03 Speedmaster
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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So he bought a bike he cant aford to ride? now THATS retarded.
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: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
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Quote:
Anybody have any thoughts on how they would have handled this?
I believe, "Bleep you" would have sufficed.
Especially someone I worked with.
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: Bar Conversation
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The proper response should have been "OK A--Hole - step outside" and once he does, shut the door and lock him out. 
Yes! I am a Redneck. Any Problems?
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Apr 2007
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In the immortal words of Forest Gump " stupid is as stupid does".
My mind and body are still out of tune
I hope they run into each other real soon "
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Good response would maybe be: "At least I actually ride. Why buy a bike you can't/won't ride?"
Soren
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Guess I must be retarded too. Ain't too bright but I sure have a good time!!
"Despite all the amputation, you could dance to a rock 'n roll station..."
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Feb 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
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Quote:
"OK A--Hole - step outside" and once he does, shut the door and lock him out.
Erwin
05 America
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Adjunct
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Quote:
All I could manage was some humorous comment like "Ya, nothing personal right?" trying to calm the rage I was feeling boiling up inside. I do work with this guy, but I couldn't believe it. Anybody have any thoughts on how they would have handled this?
Man, that would totally p... me off! I thought about this after i had some beers tonight and good thing i wasn't there drinkin' hearin' that kind of cr*p is all i gotta say.
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Quote:
that's why I got a Harley, those Triumphs just look retarded
I would hit him with a bar stool and say "HA! now you look retarded!"
Gotta love a primal response ! HaHa !
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 436
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2007
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
that's why I got a Harley, those Triumphs just look retarded
I would hit him with a bar stool and say "HA! now you look retarded!"
Gotta love a primal response ! HaHa !
Yeah, that was my favorite one. 
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
that's why I got a Harley, those Triumphs just look retarded
I would hit him with a bar stool and say "HA! now you look retarded!"
Gotta love a primal response ! HaHa !
Yeah, that was my favorite one.
Yeah ,CJ , with all of nice responses , replies , comebacks , on infinitum , that one ranks as the best most cool right off the hip fast reaction !
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 61
Member
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Member
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sounds like they saw him coming and charged him the moron tax
the enemy of the system is the individual
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I would tell him " you can no longer barrow my trailer when you go to bike night !" 
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Adjunct
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Ah, another sheep lost in the HD meadow. As an ex HD rider--30 yrs just sold my '77 chop-- I can tell you,they think if ya don't ride HD,you're looked down upon,----- they even make fun of sportster riders.Deciding on which SM I want--'07 or '08.Since I'm jump'n ship to Trumpet, been told can't ride with old group--suits me fine,I'm an independent thinker anyway. Like being a "lone" wolf,,,,, later
________________________________
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_WXxYGyRas
Noli Irritate Leones
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
The way I see it if they say you can't ride with them they were never your friends in the first place. I ride with mostly HD riders but I have a couple friends on Hondas and I ride with them and so do my HD friends. We all tease each other but nothing is meant by it just joking around. My friend left his honda in another friends (HD) garage to avoid the rain , when he came back my HD friend had spread rice on the garage floor under it and yelled at him. He said the Honda had leaked the rice! LOL
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: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Some bike owners are clowns really.
We were out on a breakfast run last week on the Victory when a bunch of HD pirates came in. Even though we had the ONLY other bike in the parking lot and were CLEARLY dressed for the ride, they refused to acknowledge us with a "hi", "ride safe", "nice bike", "enjoy the ride" or ANYTHING. They didn't even look up at us.
When we got outside, there were about 8 HDs out there. They all looked kind of the same - black & chrome. Original, huh?
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
There's nothing wrong with black and chrome. What cracks me up, especially in early August with thousands of bikes passing through on the way to/from Sturgis is the packs of 2-6 identical Harley baggers with batwing fairings and tour packs. Non-conformity in these groups seems to be indicated by dark blue or dark red paint. This is what has become of the world famous icon of rebellion? I don't get to talk to most of these people but I just want to ask them, "Okay, which one of you is the dentist?"
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Some bike owners are clowns really.
We were out on a breakfast run last week on the Victory when a bunch of HD pirates came in. Even though we had the ONLY other bike in the parking lot and were CLEARLY dressed for the ride, they refused to acknowledge us with a "hi", "ride safe", "nice bike", "enjoy the ride" or ANYTHING. They didn't even look up at us.
When we got outside, there were about 8 HDs out there. They all looked kind of the same - black & chrome. Original, huh?
That's a shame. At work I make it a point to go out and welcome every bike that comes into our parking lot even if they don't enter the store. It's just good manners and hospitality. This morning two cats in a mini-Bronco pulling a trailer used our lot to replace a rear brake adjustment spring on their way to Waynesville, NC to ride the twisties. I was delighted to find a Triumph Legend in their trailer Cafe'd up and ready to run (it was sweet). Point is, they ride, my kind of folks, had to say hi. It's the thing to do. Even the Suzuki 650 was nice...
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: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948 |
They were just emberassed to be seen on their Hardleys once they saw a real bike in the parking lot. It's great fun to remind them that Triumph is older than Harley.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,179
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,179 |
Think the following to yourself twice, it always works for me ....
"Your life's not worth 10 seconds of my time."
Regards,
Tom
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Re: Bar Conversation
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
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Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
$1K every time it needs work? Either his dealer is a crook or he's from another country that calls their money dollars, but have a poor exchange rate. Now, the tour bikes are a bit labour intensive because of all the useless crap like radios, disk players, electronic cruise control, etc has to be removed to get at the working bits but the regular HD's are about the same amount of time to repair because they are pretty much as accessible as a Triumph twin. Actually, a few of the parts are less expensive than Triumph because they use more ultra cheap far east imports on Harleys. As for looking 'retarded', he has obviously not seen a Triumph since they made that bathtub rear mudguard thing. oh, and, Quote:
They all looked kind of the same - black & chrome. Original, huh?
Hmmm, sound like my America. It has a good deal more chrome than my Night Train, and both are black and strong, as motorcycles and coffee should be.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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