A lot of the newer Triumph owners seemed way concerned about what the Harley riders think. I think its an inferiority complex, always worry about what the Harley riders think. Whether or not the Harley rider will accept me or say hi to me, or gosh, I hope that Harley rider waves to me. I have never had one problem with anyone who rides Harleys. I am too busy enjoying myself to worry about what another rider thinks. I don't look down at any rider but alot of the Harley worriers do the same to the import cruiser crowd.
I think a lot has to do with the fact that these bikes ( In Harley owners minds) are the equivalent to the Sportster. Most riders hold the Sportster in disdain but when asked they usally had owned one in their past. A lot of members deciding factor to buying their SM/BA was price. You receive a lot for the price but its still on the economical side. A lot of members would love to have a harley but would never pay for one. These I find are the ones that make the biggest stink about Harley's. They somehow have to demean the other brands in order to validate their purchase. Deep inside they want to be accepted by the Harley crowd and get their feelings hurt when someone doesn't wave or doesn't park their harley right next to theirs.
I am in no means defending Harley riders(myself included) but you have to admit Harley has cornered the market on the Toughguy biker image. With this in mind too many of the new weekend warriors feel a sense of entitlement when they lay that $20k down to own one.
Fryguy
