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/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> The modern "biker"... /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1111664630 Message started by WD on 03/24/05 at 03:43:50 |
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Title: The modern "biker"... Post by WD on 03/24/05 at 03:43:50 I can't get over some of these people. ??? The modern biker is a joke. 40 grand and 40 miles doesn't make you a biker in my book. If I trailer my bike, something in the powertrain has gone terminal. Matt Hotch's paint jobs cost more than all my vehicles put together. :o How often do you see a "greaser" broke down on the side of the road? How often do you see a "real biker bike" broken down? Who do you see standing there scratching their heads, wringing their hands, or yapping on the cellphone because they are too dumb to swap a sparkplug on the side of the road? Gods forbid they get a flat, or throw the belt, or even just hit reserve and don't realize they have to manually switch the fuel feed. Whatever happened to riders knowing how to patch up the machine and get home? Or at least "rig" it enough to get off the roadside before calling for assistance? When did it become mandated that leathers have to look new, forever? Or that helmets can't get scratched? Since when is a fresh from the dealer scoot better than one you have become intimately familiar with, because you've actually learned how to do necessary maintenance? Yes, having the scratch to pay someone else to get dirty is convenient. Fat lot of good it does if you break down somewhere between Missoula and Sturgis. I guess I'm old fashioned. I don't trust anyone else to service my bike. I don't know everything, but I can patch it up and get home. I can change a tire and tube on the road if needed. Bike starts coughing, switch to reserve. Then panic. (I run out of gas all the time in the truck too, no gas gauge) Guess I'm not a "biker" after all. Bet Indian Larry is spinning in his urn, Which if you haven't seen it, is some kind of nice. Panhead cylinder and top end, fully engraved. I'll try to scan it in and send a pic. -WD Proud to be a wrench turning, long haired, greasy, dirty... |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by bobo383 on 03/24/05 at 06:26:07 I'm with you. I don't understand the guys who spend so much money on paint & chrome for their machines. It's harleys now, but it was mustangs and vws a while back. Whatever the trend is, stick chrome wheels on it and you're cool. I'd rather bolt on some edelbrock HD heads, swap the cam, open up the breathing, and haul butt. Chrome's OK, but if it's not cheap I'm out. And black DuPont Nason acrylic enamel is $11 a pint (colors are $40). However, if it wasn't for non-wrenchers, we couldn't pick up our cheap toys when they get tired of having to take them to the shop. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by WD on 03/24/05 at 06:44:46 $11 a pint huh? I painted my tins, and had half a can left over, for $7. Kubota tractor bomb can orange. Goes on smooth, holds its color really well. Been about 5 years since last paint, just now redoing it. With Kubota tractor bomb can orange...I wanted Candy Orange metalflake...wish the store would put the price up, they just started carrying the candies, but, I think they are lacquer (gag, choke, don't spill any gas topping it up)...managed my first ever orange peeled panel today, guess I need a fresh can of clearcoat. -WD |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by lagagnon on 03/24/05 at 07:48:53 I understand where you're coming from WD. I think that whole scene is symptomatic of our highly affluent society today. There are many people now who can afford to get everything done by others: they hire mechanics, handymen, gardeners, cleaners, babysitters, nannies, personal trainers and personal life coaches. They have more money than they know what to do with but very little time because they are too busy at work earning all the money but they have no leisure time to spend it. That's why they trailer their bikes to Sturgis! Larry Gagnon |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by bobo383 on 03/24/05 at 08:14:53 Sad. True. Where's the fun in that? |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by WD on 03/24/05 at 09:37:09 Think they'd be caught dead in any of my "bikerism" shirts? 1) Bikers have more fun than people do. 2) I don't know or care what bling-bling is. Paint it flat black and ride the wheels off it. 3) I rode my bike to trailer week. 4) My other auto is a .45. 5) I own a bike, not just a t-shirt. Feel free to add shirt slogans. -WD |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by Savage_Rob on 03/24/05 at 11:06:41 Quote:
Heh, I really like that. I'm definitely not a pro at bike mechanics but I'm not particularly challenged when it comes to tools and vehicles either. So far as wrenching goes, I love getting to know my bike better and the main thing that keeps me from tearing it down further is the desire to ride it instead. I'm gonna keep my wrenching philosophy similar to my rule on buying tools. In general, I only buy a tool when I need it and then I buy quality. Simple exceptions are having a pretty basic toolset in the first place. Anyway, I'll tackle it when it needs to be done and learn it then. Oh yeah, I keep my hair quite short but that's an ease of maintenance thing with me. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by sluggo on 03/24/05 at 11:11:17 Savage_Rob wrote:
for me i was able to chop it and still ride it over the winter. most of my time was spent sitting there just staring at it figguring out what to do next. once i knew it was just a matter scrounging the parts and putting them on. frankly their hasn't been a day that i haven't went out and either rode it, or stared at it. ;) |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by PerrydaSavage on 03/24/05 at 12:58:00 Don't know if I consider myself a "true Biker" or not to be be honest ... my Bike's fairly new, so I haven't modded it ... it cost me a chunk of discretionary income that I'm sure my wife could've used elsewhere, so I really don't feel like modifying it (yet) ... but I am in awe of those who choose to do so with their own Bikes! I'm a 40-something semi-professional desk pusher (with no hair ;)) ... and I've only been Ridin' for a few years ... plus I'm no wrench-head (I've changed my own oil & spark plug and I changed a front wheel on my old Rebel & adjusted the chain; that's it so far) ... I mightn't be a "Biker", but I like motorcycles and those who Ride 'em! :) Oh yeah ... and I do go out to the shed to stare at my Bike from time-to-time! |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by sluggo on 03/24/05 at 14:29:24 PerrydaSavage wrote:
dude your a biker, anybody who rides/stares at machine certainly fits that catogery. also you chose something different. you were not trying to buy an image, you have style. thats the difference. just so you know my wife wasnt that happy about the chop job on a brand new machine, but now she has seen the outcome and is pleased with the results. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by gitarzan on 03/24/05 at 14:40:53 WD wrote:
See No Evo, Hear No Evo, Ride No Evo. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by Paladin on 03/24/05 at 15:17:04 sluggo wrote:
You have changed how I look at motorcycles. I have the Savage in part because I could not picture myself on a sportbike such as the GSX-R600 which meets my weight restriction. Walked past a similar bike in the parking lot today and realized that (1) what I don't like about it's looks is that stupid tail poking 'way out the back and up in the air. And (2) it would look wicked bobbed: http://savage.andruschak.net/FTP/GSXR600.jpg |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by gitarzan on 03/24/05 at 15:24:46 I think that kind of styling appeals to the transformers toys generation. Don't they look like they could be folded up into a robot? |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by sluggo on 03/24/05 at 15:32:35 gitarzan wrote:
i've read that the mini cooper is really the brain unit behind a large robot. check out the construction, it's built way to strong for everday use. i got the story somewhere, i'll dig it out. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by sunny on 03/25/05 at 12:19:50 gitarzan wrote:
YESSSS!!!!!! must put that on a shirt. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by Greg_650 on 03/25/05 at 12:38:58 Paladin wrote:
And most of the riders are young guys that like to put their girlfriends high up on the pillon seat 8) http://home.comcast.net/~gmdinusa/splat1.gif |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by sluggo on 03/25/05 at 13:37:22 ROFLMFAO i see the to much time on our hands effects several of us. :o |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by gitarzan on 03/25/05 at 18:23:19 sunny wrote:
It already is, and I have one... ;D http://www.ricepaddymotorcycles.com/ This is on the front: http://www.ricepaddymotorcycles.com/images/NoEvoF1.jpg This is on the back: http://www.ricepaddymotorcycles.com/images/NoEvoR1.jpg |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by Ed_L. on 03/25/05 at 18:37:34 Now if I could only find some Harley Davidson toilet paper my life would be complete ;D |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by gitarzan on 03/25/05 at 18:43:08 How about an H-D toilet seat? http://www.chopperscycle.com/page/VTS/PROD/72-99/23919 http://www.chopperscycle.com/full/2003/37-235.jpg |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by WD on 03/25/05 at 18:49:07 You can get HD toilet paper. Spencer's Gifts, Hot Topic, some outlaw type bike shops. It is pricey, but cheap (sawdust chunks, splinters...) ;D -WD |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by gitarzan on 03/25/05 at 18:54:46 Still, it's better than the H-D corn cobs. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by savagethumper on 03/25/05 at 18:57:51 ;D I am the Transformers generation, and I like cruisers. I'll say that the bobbed sportbike, looked a hell of a lot like a Buell Lightning. Back to the "biker" issue. A vet assistant friend of mine got on the biker bandwagon and bought an Ironhorse bike. His work buddy decided he should have a Sportster as well. Of course they purchased a trailer to take them 150 miles to a bike show in Austin (instead of riding there in the perfect weather). What's worse is, the Sportster sported a flat tire, and the Ironhorse ($20,000) bucked the starter and they just packed up and came home. Needless to say, both bikes are long gone now. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by gitarzan on 03/25/05 at 19:04:47 I ride 150 miles to get fried chicken. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by Jazzdude on 03/26/05 at 00:23:09 PerrydaSavage wrote:
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by WD on 03/26/05 at 00:31:39 150 miles for fried chicken? Wimp. Look on a map of Washington State. Find Puyallup, on the west side below Seattle. Then locate Pullman, on the Idaho border. I rode from Pullman to Puyallup one year for the food at the fair...rode home the same night. Couldn't sit down for 2 days. Good burgers though... ;D Oh, if the highway patrol isn't around, it's an easy 3.5-4 hours each way by car. Something like 400 miles or so, one way...Sluggo probably knows, I'm not welcome in most counties east of the Columbia River... -WD |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by bobo383 on 03/26/05 at 05:49:18 savagethumper wrote:
I'm the transformer generation too. My problem is I see something to like in just about everything, and I pick stuff up cheap when the non-wrenchers get tired of taking their bikes (cars, trucks, guns, etc.) to the shop. I have a sportbike, a Yamaha YZF600, in addition to the Savage and a (now lowered) XR500. Not too crazy about the look or ergonomics of the YZF, but good Lord is it fun to ride. 65 mph in first gear is a fast trip. I gave up on the idea that one bike can be everything. But the Savage is the most comfortable by a long way. Having a very bad idea - the XR500 would make a good minimalist chopper. I don't mean a raked out long bike, I mean a low, light, ratty rider. It looks mean lowered already. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by Diane on 03/26/05 at 07:29:30 Hey! I may trailer but let me assure you that when I get there I ride it till my butt begs for mercy and then I ride some more. And I ride to work any day that weather permits. Next weekend we are headed for Big Bend. The hundreds of miles we will have to travel on I10 to get there are not pleasant or scenic in any way. I am not into torture, I want FUN. Once we get there we will park the truck and trailer and let them collect dust while we ride the national forest then the state forest and hwy 170 where it follows the path of the Rio Grande. Is anybody drooling yet? ::) On the trip back we will stop in Ft. Davis and spend a couple of days riding state park and mountain range there. 8) I read back over this it sounds like I am p*ssed off about the trailer comments but I'm not. ;) Wish you could all be there 'caus I know it's gonna be great! |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by bobo383 on 03/26/05 at 07:53:22 I have 5 kids. If I want to take the kids and the bike on vacation, a trailer's the only way to go. Wife would kill me for not helping her drive if I rode a bike and sent her by herself in the Suburban with 5 kids (ages 2 to 11). You do what you gotta do. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by sluggo on 03/26/05 at 09:36:07 there are legitimate reasons to trailer a bike, i believe what we are talking about are the guys who trailer it, then go and leave the bikes parked so people can see them, and it's the only time they take them out.. ya know, showing off their jewlery. :( |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by bobo383 on 03/26/05 at 10:45:39 Yup. Understand. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by Ed_L. on 03/27/05 at 08:33:35 I got tired of going out to the garage to stare at the bike, instead I've set a picture of it up as the background on my computer. ;D |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by sluggo on 03/27/05 at 19:14:43 Ed_L. wrote:
not the same for me, it's kinda like looking at a picture of piece of pie. just not good enough ;D but then again i do have it on the desktop, and visit it at midnite. that's when i get the best ideas, and do the work |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by Susan on 03/28/05 at 12:35:51 PerrydaSavage wrote:
But do you talk to him/her? Everyone knows they like to be talked to/ cooed over. Just like plants... ;D |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by PerrydaSavage on 03/28/05 at 14:28:25 8)Yeah Susan ... I give "her" seat a pat and whisper, (wouldn't want my wife to hear me, lest she think I'm totally nuts ... that, or having an affair ;)) "Not long 'til Spring now old girl!" |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by Toadie on 03/28/05 at 16:24:28 Sprog and the Blast get talked to at least once a day if not more. They all have their own personalities and quirks you know. The Blast gets down right nasty if it is ignored. Sprog on the other hand just sits there happily glistening in the sun waiting for his turn to go. Toadie |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by Ed_L. on 03/28/05 at 17:36:50 I slip out in the garage making sure the bike is still there, sitting on it, just checking it out. I even like the smell of it ;D. The picture of my savage as background is just so I don't spend all day in the garage. I don't consiter myself a "biker", still too new at riding to claim that title, when asked I just say I enjoy riding. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by sluggo on 03/28/05 at 17:48:25 Ed_L. wrote:
i ask you this ed, When giving the choice, would you choose your bike over your cage? does it bum you out that it's raining and you have to drive? do you talk more about your bike than your car? if you answered yes to two out of three, then you are a "biker", maybe a newbee but a biker none the less. ;D |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by Ed_L. on 03/28/05 at 18:22:06 Well if given a choice I would have to say yes to all three of the questions. Thanks for the vote of confidence. Second time out I rode twenty miles with three busted ribs after a crash because I didn't want to leave the bike by the side of the road. Maybe a fourth question should be asked, "Are you willing to do whatever is needed to ride the bike home?". Still feel that I need more time in the saddle before I'll carry the "biker" tag but that will come. Ride Safe, Ed L. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by Susan on 03/28/05 at 18:46:59 Leave my bike by the side of the road?? Are you kidding?! Not if I can help it. When I took a spill far from home last summer, I was riding alone and I didn't even think about calling my husband. I was pretty beat up (busted a few things on the bike too) but I rode home and THEN called my husband... Badge of honor to get home if you can. Felt good! |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by Paladin on 03/28/05 at 20:12:54 sluggo wrote:
Needless to say, the rain cleared by noon and it was a lovely afternoon for a ride home. If I had a bike. |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by sluggo on 03/28/05 at 20:16:36 Paladin wrote:
"BIKER" |
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Title: Re: The modern "biker"... Post by Red_Wine on 03/29/05 at 11:00:01 Ed_L. wrote:
You're a biker no matter how many hours of riding time your clock has, it's not the hours, but the attitude. It's like fighter pilots, they are pilots since they get their first solo flight, after that, it's just the type of aircraft they fly... Myself flies a 400cc, chain drive Savage ;D KTRSD, RW |
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