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Howdy All,

So, I had another great experience riding my Triumph this past weekend! Here’s the scene:
A buddy and I were riding through central PA and we decided to stop at a gas station for some fuel and a stretch. My friend was riding a 2002 Softail FXGTLPMSTPD (or something like that) and I was on my trusty ‘07 America. Well, lo and behold there were about five Harleys off to one side of the parking lot, with their respective owners (not the cleanest looking group I’ve ever seen). Where does my friend decide to park? You guessed it, amongst all the Harleys! GREAT (sarcasm)! So, I rode up on my sewing machine (stock baffles still in place) and parked amongst the Harleys. Now, as I said, these were not the cleanest looking group of riders, but their bikes were immaculate. We’re talking thousands of dollars of chrome per bike, and there I was, parked directly in the middle of them!

I removed my full face helmet and noticed, out of the corner of my eye, of a couple smiling men and women approaching me from their cars. Why? Because they wanted to talk about my bike…”is that a Triumph?” “I haven’t seen one of those in years.” “What year is it?” “How’s the engine, any leaks?”

So, as it seemed par for the course, I’m standing in the middle of the Harley crowd and the only person anyone wanted to talk to was me (Yes Dr. Freud. I’d like an extra slice of ego, please).

The disgust amongst the Harley owners was palpable and in a show of moronic solidarity they all began to mount their steeds and make as much noise as possible, demonstrating their repugnance for my ride and the conversation I was attempting to have with the interested cagers! After the noise subsided and they rode off my friend arrived back from the restroom and questioned where all his fellow Harley riders went? One of the persons I was talking with replied: “who cares, you’ve seen one Harley, you’ve seen them all.” I couldn’t agree more.

In conclusion, I need to share one last story. Approximately ten years ago, while living outside of Philadelphia, I met the leader of the Hells Angels (Philadelphia chapter) at a gas station. In awe of his bike I walked over to talk to him. After introducing myself and talking about his ride I made the statement: “I ride too, but it’s nothing like this (referring to his bike), I only have an ’84 Honda Shadow.” I’ll never forget his response, which, from that day forward has been my motorcycling mantra:

“It doesn’t matter what you ride, as long as you’re out there.”

So, Bonneville Fans, if the leader of the local Hells Angels understands, why don’t the riders I encountered last week?

Can’t we all just get along?

And as the band War put it....
Why can't we be friends,
Why can't we be friends,
Why can't we be friends,
Why can't we be friends.

Hey Notam - Great post! Thanks for the attitude check!

I had a similiar experience at a local watering hole with a couple of full patch members of the Outlaws. It never ceases to amaze me the respect our bikes get from people you would never expect it from.

A lot of old school bikers had Triumphs back in the day. A lot of "new school" Harley owners are in it mostly for the showoff factor.

ETA: Not all, by any means. A good buddy of mine rides a Road King Classic, and rides the ****** out of it. It's a pretty bike, but "pretty" is hardly the main motivation behind it.

You know, Joe, you nailed it on the head. I've run into countless Harley riders that fondly remember their first Triumph. It's usually a trip down memory lane for them and I truly enjoy being the one to facilitate their stories!

What can I say? That's what these bikes do to people.

Hey man, Fonzie rode a Triumph, so it's gotta be cool.

I think most of the older riders that know Triumph's respect them and give them their much deserved respect and won't talk sH!# on them. The younger Harley riders that really don't know the history enjoy talking about what they don't know!

You would have thought being from Milwaukee, he would have only ridden a Harley.

I think if you count up all the movies with motorcycles in them especially the classic movies Triumph's out number any other brand of motorcycles used in movies!

Here Here!

I was in a poker run in VA a couple of weeks ago. Mostly BMWs and a few others mixed to include the hogs. Many loved my 2009 America. Especially the harley girls & guys.
I have had most. 65 bonneville, 63 panhead, 500 kaw, 900 Norton, cz250 and many hondas. Loved them all but, Triumph is the coolest.
John in VA