H-D Ride Atlas

[Burnszilla]

http://wfrv.com/topstories/local_story_120130956.html

They chose 25 scenic rides throughout all of North America. That doesn't seem like a lot?? Thats not even 1 per state. Sounds lame.

[riderR1150GSAdv]

It' a start. They have to begin somewhere with getting their riders from bar-hopping to 'real' riding :stick :D :D

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

plus ya have to stay within cell range to call for help no?...lol

[Mika]

We get into all or nothing mentality. This is incremental marketing. Sounds like they are putting an H-D stamp, on the same selected ride idea that Rider Magazine uses to sell magazines.

You get the Rubs taking their short trips. They will need service and accessories. Dealers are happy. Their partner in Rand McNally gets to sell multiple editions of scenic ride atlases. Rand McNally is happy. All the time H-D is brand bonding their customers and teaching them to ride a little.

[dancogan]

Hey guys! Listen to yourselves. You're really sounding like a bunch of bigots who like to pick on minorities, with all these generalizations about Harley folk. Haven't we got better things to do? My local HOG chapter regular does multi day tours, varying from a couple of hundred miles in a weekend to 2000 miles in 4 or 5 days. I just wonder, why do we have to pick on Harleys so often? Are we jealous of their network of dealers, their brand loyalty, their ability to live a lifestyle? Sorry, I'll get off my soap box now. :hide

[James.A]

No need to apologize Dan. Your point is well taken and entirely valid.

[Mika]

Hey guys! Listen to yourselves. You're really sounding like a bunch of bigots who like to pick on minorities, with all these generalizations about Harley folk.

Not really what I ment but on re read I can see how you could take it that way.

My target was all the people that wonder how to get BMW to do what H-D has done. I believe one of the keys is the incramental marketing they do to their base. They do it in bite sizes, they do it often and have built themselves back from the brink to selling over 300,000 bikes last year. The proverbial win-win-win.

Haven't we got better things to do?
Tonight not really.

My local HOG chapter regular does multi day tours, varying from a couple of hundred miles in a weekend to 2000 miles in 4 or 5 days.

Great! My point again is they did not start there they have built it incramentally I would guess.

I just wonder, why do we have to pick on Harleys so often? Are we jealous of their network of dealers, their brand loyalty, their ability to live a lifestyle?

So often...I don't know about that, but it is easy humor sometimes...maybe sterotypical and not that good but on a Thursday evening easy.

Sorry, I'll get off my soap box now. :hide

No need to appologize and hide. You are just standing up for a group you are part of. I assume you standup for those damn yuppie BMW rides when you hear them dissed in the other group. Thanks.

[Burnszilla]

Aren't we the minority here?
Anyways I wasn't picking on HD riders I was picking on the atlas having only a few scenic rides when we know there are a lot more than that. :bolt

[Hodag]

hey I watch that station.....


can you show me a BMW atlas with suggested rides?

[kreinke]

I think H-D is really trying....not just incrementaly...to get people out and riding. Their gear (not the poser clothes but the "on the road" line) is top notch and I'd probably have some in my closet except for the logo embossed in the leather. They also have great rainsuits, gloves, etc.

There seems to be a couple of different Harley camps.
1. the ones that buy a stock rig and take trips on it
2. the ones that buy a bike to customize and bring out on weekends (the bar hoppers)
3. The Buell crowd

I think groups 1 and 3 have more in common with BMW riders than we sometimes care to admit and should probably embrace. The bought their bike to ride. They may do it at a slower pace but didn't spend nearly $20K for something to sit in the shed 'cept for weekends. In Wisconsin there seems to be more and more Harley riders going ATGATT which is also a good thing.

Group #2 has more in common with the squid with the customized crotch rocket than he'd probably admit. Neither the customized Softail or Gixxer is that comfortable for lond rides, neither guy wears gear and usually rides around with a female passenger also sans gear.

[dancogan]

No need to appologize and hide. You are just standing up for a group you are part of. I assume you standup for those damn yuppie BMW rides when you hear them dissed in the other group. Thanks.

Does anyone ever pick on BMW riders? Even when I've taken mine on a HOG outing, I got a lot of compliments, and more than once they'll ask me how I can tell if it's running! ;)

[Mika]

:bikes

[riderR1150GSAdv]

My dad rides a Harley and sold his LT as he has no time to ride much. The Harley provides him with two wheels for his sunday morning ride to a local hang out. I am with Burnszilla as the ride atlas is somewhat anemic in sharing some scenic rides.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

I just wonder, why do we have to pick on Harleys so often? Are we jealous of their network of dealers, their brand loyalty, their ability to live a lifestyle? Sorry, I'll get off my soap box now. :hide


I think you are onto something Dan, I am going to get some fringes for the GS this weekend and go and try to hang with some HD guys as an emissary or so...lol. Just kidding. You know Dan this is mostly humour, I have been the sore point of many jokes from HD guys for riding Japanese machines and German....it is not picking on them, it is helping to keep their "lifestyle" alive ...lol.

[tessler]

Each to his/her own. I don't think anyone was/is being bigoted; Opinionated, yes, but not predjudiced. And who isn't opinionated in a forum? ;)

Kreinke hit it right on the head with his breakdown of the H-D audience. I've met some of the nicest fellow riders at scenic overlooks and rest stops on their stock rigs (and they always ask about my beemer), and I've got a buncha friends who swear by Buell (they sometimes swear at Buell, but they love their rides).

As for group #2, well... I live here in the big city. When the windows open--as it often is--I'm immersed in sound and sensory input. Trucks, buses, minis, scooters, yapping drunks, crazy people, you name it. The only thing that frazzles my nerves is the sound of straight loud pipes. And I know it ain't coming from an imported bike. But a bike's a bike and if my man wants to do the town in a beenie cap stretched-out in a tank top and chaps, on a Saturn V woofer, hey, no problem; thats his prerogative.

As for the H-D Road Atlas; it's kinda cute, like all their branded stuff. I may not buy one, but if it gets their intended audience touring and exploring, then all the best to 'em.

[Belquar]

My neighbor across the street sold his custom job from wild west cycles when he first moved in. He just spent 15k on a night bob. Road it home. As soon as he got home he started taking it apart and making it forward controls. They seem to like that GYNO riding position.

Nice looking bike though. Chrome bits as usual. But the tank and fenders and what not are black powder coat. Looks cool. Haven't heard it yet. His custom crapper was loud. He hated it. I hated it when he started it up early in the morning. HE said that custom crapper was a huge mistake. So uncomfortable to ride.

I haven't ever gotten any crap from the HOG crowds around here. Lots of them. They are all fair weather riders and don't talk a lot a smack to the crazy guy on the beemer riding in sub-freezing temps. They usually just throw me a thumbs up.

Now they are all out. Got their warm weather that permits them to roll. There are a few that ride in the cold but not many.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

hey I watch that station.....


can you show me a BMW atlas with suggested rides?

It is called the World Atlas Mark, there is no need to limit a beemer rider to simple excursions on pristine black top as we can pretty much go anywhere and everywhere...getting the super-cape stuck in the rear wheel is a little dangerous but hey....lol. Although the Uly riders will be wanting a copy of the world atlas too now...cool.

[SheRidesABeemer]

Hey guys! Listen to yourselves. You're really sounding like a bunch of bigots who like to pick on minorities, with all these generalizations about Harley folk. Haven't we got better things to do? My local HOG chapter regular does multi day tours, varying from a couple of hundred miles in a weekend to 2000 miles in 4 or 5 days. I just wonder, why do we have to pick on Harleys so often? Are we jealous of their network of dealers, their brand loyalty, their ability to live a lifestyle? Sorry, I'll get off my soap box now. :hide

I'm with you Dan. Guess there will always be people who lift themselves up by putting others down. My Harley guy logged as many miles as I did last season, and last I checked, that's a lot! :bikes

[kbasa]

When you're way out in the middle of nowhere, standing at some scenic overlook, there are only a few kinds of bikes that show up - BMWs, Wings and HDs. Every once in a great while you'll see an FJ or an ST or something, but these first three are the big ones.

I think the perception that they don't get ridden is fueled by the quantity of around town posers we see. The real HD riders are out riding.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

Most folks I work with ride HDs, and most customers have HDs, they all have some comments about my "Euro-Trash" machine, and the fact that the espresso machine does not work right etc...I laugh because we have fun with the jibeing because it is exactly that...fun. Then we all go riding and pick it up again at the next stop (to let them tighten loose bolts and refill the oil etc...another joke folks)

There is nothing wrong with having a good laugh and poking fun as long as it is just fun. We don't have to live in the sterile bubble of political correctness just yet do we?

[Hodag]

3 things I hate

Intolerance, stereotyping, and them poser harley guys

[eddie]

and more than once they'll ask me how I can tell if it's running! ;)

Dan,When they ask me how I can tell it's running,I tell them, I can see you disappearing in my mirror.

[Belquar]

Dan,When they ask me how I can tell it's running,I tell them, I can see you disappearing in my mirror.

:ha

[dancogan]

Dan,When they ask me how I can tell it's running,I tell them, I can see you disappearing in my mirror.

Love it! :stick

Actually, I used language in my earlier post that really didn't belong and wasn't needed, and I didn't intend to accuse or offend anyone. Could have said what I wanted to without the use of the word bigot. Sorry.

[SheRidesABeemer]

Hey....... I run an expresso machine off one of my BMW Plug ins..........we have the technology.

I resemble that remark. (the power was off in the house...so I made coffee off the bikes 12V power) :D

http://home.comcast.net/~sheridesabeemer/12vcoffee.jpg

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

I resemble that remark. (the power was off in the house...so I made coffee off the bikes 12V power) :D

http://home.comcast.net/~sheridesabeemer/12vcoffee.jpg


Very cool...I need to get one of those for camping me thinks...lol

[sfarson]

My local HOG chapter regular does multi day tours, varying from a couple of hundred miles in a weekend to 2000 miles in 4 or 5 days. I just wonder, why do we have to pick on Harleys so often? Are we jealous of their network of dealers, their brand loyalty, their ability to live a lifestyle? Sorry, I'll get off my soap box now. :hide

:thumb :nod

[tessler]

I resemble that remark. (the power was off in the house...so I made coffee off the bikes 12V power) :DGail,
As I sip my morning coffee, made with our 'standard' coffee machine, I can't help but think that your BMW coffee must've been WAY cooler! :thumb

[SheRidesABeemer]

Gail,
As I sip my morning coffee, made with our 'standard' coffee machine, I can't help but think that your BMW coffee must've been WAY cooler! :thumb

You are literally correct. The little 12V coffee maker does not have a warming surface, and the cup is not insulated. The garage was close to freezing, so by the time the 10 minute brewing was done, the coffee was tepid. :doh I'll have to test it again at temps in the 50's. I bought it as a Xmas present in hopes to use it camping this year, but for all its bulk, I'm not so sure it’s worth it. Although it looks cool to have. :coffee

[BradfordBenn]

OKay, I will chime in here, my personal opinion is that people make too much of a deal what people ride. I just got a second bike, a non BMW. Some BMW riders are questioning why I did not get another BMW, the other riders I know think it is cool that I am riding different brands and types of bikes.

Me, I like the bike and am enjoying it, I don't care the logo on it. If I like the bike I like the bike. If you like the bike, you like your bike. Ain't it great.

The ones I dislike are the squids, they give us all a bad name. Doesn't matter the brand.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

OKay, I will chime in here, my personal opinion is that people make too much of a deal what people ride. I just got a second bike, a non BMW. Some BMW riders are questioning why I did not get another BMW, the other riders I know think it is cool that I am riding different brands and types of bikes.

Me, I like the bike and am enjoying it, I don't care the logo on it. If I like the bike I like the bike. If you like the bike, you like your bike. Ain't it great.

The ones I dislike are the squids, they give us all a bad name. Doesn't matter the brand.


So Brad what did you buy?

[riderR1150GSAdv]

A squid bike :stick :laugh :laugh

[BradfordBenn]

So Brad what did you buy?

1995 Honda VFR750F with 32K miles on it.
;)

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/images/VFR001.jpg
:clap

[James.A]

As a 3 bike owner, I must say that if I were to buy yet another bike, It would be one of those Jap dual sports.

[Hodag]

1995 Honda VFR750F with 32K miles on it.
;)

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/images/VFR001.jpg
:clap


you should let me ride that

[BradfordBenn]

you should let me ride that

Okay, where and when?

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

1995 Honda VFR750F with 32K miles on it.
;)


:clap

That is one schweet bike Brad!!!! You will not be disappointed with that machine, excellent reputation too for reliability etc. Good luck with it,

[Hodag]

Okay, where and when?

on the way to soldsatice?

[riderR1150GSAdv]

Nice bike Brad!! :thumb

[eddie]

Brad,Nice bike.The VFR is my favorite Honda,wouldn't mind owning one myself.

[tessler]

Nice bike Brad (note to admin: suggested, revised title of thread ;))
Wishing you many happy miles!

[Mika]

Rice Burnner! (this has become to politically correct :brad ) Had one and loved it.

[The_Veg]

I'll add to the chorus: Nice bike Brad! And I don't care what you ride- you're a cool dude!

[Hodag]

http://wfrv.com/topstories/local_story_120130956.html

They chose 25 scenic rides throughout all of North America. That doesn't seem like a lot?? Thats not even 1 per state. Sounds lame.


I just found this while putting away my registration stuff,

In 1999 BMWNA and National Geographic teamed up to produce a map showing "US Scenic Rides". It was distributed by dealers.

It only had 20,

so the question is if they have 25 and we have 20 who is lame?

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

I just found this while putting away my registration stuff,

In 1999 BMWNA and National Geographic teamed up to produce a map showing "US Scenic Rides". It was distributed by dealers.

It only had 20,

so the question is if they have 25 and we have 20 who is lame?


Yes but that 20 was just in the state of Wisconsin...lol

[Hodag]

MarK11LT, how is the National Geographic version ? I want to look at the pictures ? You know like those old Africian pictures ?????????????


its a fold out map

[BubbaZanetti]

list of bikes i'd like to own, if i had a garage and more cash:

current bike
Vespa SS 180
Vellocette Thruxton
/5 with sidecar or Ural

and for some strange reason i've really been wanting a japanese sport bike lately


point is, all motorcycles are pretty cool, and even the motorcycles i dislike the most are better than cars..........

[Hodag]

list of bikes i'd like to own, if i had a garage and more cash:

current bike
Vespa SS 180
Vellocette Thruxton
/5 with sidecar or Ural

and for some strange reason i've really been wanting a japanese sport bike lately


point is, all motorcycles are pretty cool, and even the motorcycles i dislike the most are better than cars..........

I'm thinking about an airhead gs or v-rod lately

[DougGrosjean]

I'm thinking about an airhead gs or v-rod lately

Bought a 1992 R100gs about one year ago.

I've owned about a dozen bikes, including a 1978 Airhead, and a 1994 Oilhead, a Concours and a Kawa GPz-550...

Over the past year, the Airhead has been:

Reliable.
Extremely fun to ride.
Ended up in a 3-way tie for my fav bike (GPz-550 and R11rs are the other 2).

It has the most boring spec sheet of any bike I've ever owned, but I just enjoy riding it.

Doug Grosjean

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

I'm thinking about an airhead gs or v-rod lately


Those Street Rod V-Rods are very cool with the mid mount footpegs, I am not sure how tall you are Mark, I know that I look like a shriner in a clown car sitting on one though.

[The_Veg]

Derek, you should come down to Dallas and hang out at The Dubliner some sunny Sunday afternoon. The old-scooter crowd hang out there, then the 59 Club shows up dressed like rockers/cafe racers on a mixture of Airheads and old British bikes, and one guy often shows up with an R69S with sidecar that has a dog as passenger. We all have fun sneering at the loud-ass Harleys (and their penilely-challenged owners) that hang out across the street at Blue Goose. I went on a ride with the scooter guys once, and I had a real blast despite never getting beyond third gear.

[lorazepam]

Now that I have the Ulysses, I have to say that there arent many twin BMW's that will leave it in the dust, if any.
I hear and see more brand bashing here on this forum than any other I frequent.
I find that HD and Buell are way way more responsive than BMW when you have a problem, and they try to get the new owners to participate in rides, and have tons of activities for owners.
They have a 4 day course called riders advantage, that is similar to the MSF course to help those who are new to riding get a handle on the basics, and help them to pass the endorsement test.

I am guessing they have copied all this from the fabulous job that BMW does to attract new riders and encourage them to ride.

I got an atlas with my bike that lists all the dealers in all 50 states. No senic ride are listed, but if I need assistance, I have the location and phone number of dealers in the US for help.

There is a Buell based website that is visited rfrequently by Buell engineers, and they absolutely pay attention to what the riders have to say, and make changes to production to correct problems that come out when the bike is finally released and used by the public.

Bash all you want guys, but I have found a bike that makes the RRS feel like an overweight pig, and a manufacturer that actually gives a crap what you think once they have your money.

[BubbaZanetti]

Now that I have the Ulysses, I have to say that there arent many twin BMW's that will leave it in the dust, if any.


i bet the new R1200S would show your Uly a thing or two :D


except off road

[Oznay]

If I'm not mistaken,the highest miles ever recorded in a year,in the Iron Butt Association, were put on by a guy ridin'a Harley...
It's my belief that the people puttin'down Harley's,have never ridden one. :bikes

[tessler]

Bash all you want guys, but I have found a bike that makes the RRS feel like an overweight pig, and a manufacturer that actually gives a crap what you think once they have your money.
So I'm guessing you like H-D/Buell and could care less for BMW?

.

[Mika]

So I'm guessing you like H-D/Buell and could care less for BMW?

.

Why do we so often cast the arguments as zero sum gains? I will admit I am not above brand bashing at some level; however, I can not understand the if you aren't with us your against us approach.

[jdmetzger]

If I'm not mistaken,the highest miles ever recorded in a year,in the Iron Butt Association, were put on by a guy ridin'a Harley...
It's my belief that the people puttin'down Harley's,have never ridden one. :bikes

I tried riding one, but my local dealership gave me such poor treatement, I refuse to go back. I need a new visor for my helmet, but decided to mail order one, although I could pick one up, locally.

I went in there during a "test ride" event. It was a little chilly out, and I was wearing all my textile riding gear. I tried to get people to help me, but they would walk past and go help the people who JUST walked in, wearing their black and orange stuff (while arriving in a car). When I finally got some help (and she was pretty nice), I was told they wouldn't let me ride; although I have an endorsement, and came on a bike.

I've been in another harley shop, as well. If you're not in your HD brand clothing, they treat you like a leper. Maybe it's just dealers I've been in to. Still, I'm unimpressed. I have nothing against the riders, but the stores sure suck.

Compare that to the rally I was just at. The BMW dealer who showed up gave me the keys to a brand new $20000 R1200RT and told me to return in about 20 minutes so others would have a chance. MUCH better treatment, there. Anyhow, I sat on the Harelys in the store. Not comfortable for me. I'll stick with the airhead until I can afford new. When I CAN, I'll be going to that same BMW dealer, even if they are a few hours away. Good customer service is worth a lot.

:thumb

[tessler]

Why do we so often cast the arguments as zero sum gains? I will admit I am not above brand bashing at some level; however, I can not understand the if you aren't with us your against us approach.I disagree that a Zero-Sum situation exists in any of the preceding comments, but am curious to know if what we are discussing is brand-vs-"perceived lifestyle".

Perhaps I'm mistaken, but it seems to me that both brands merit extreme customer loyalty and almost cult-like devotion, and that there is oversimplification and stereotyping of "others". Maybe ALL brands merit what I mention above. And maybe we're all just the same; whatever we ride; our perceptions shaded by individual experience.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

My experience with dealers was that it really is not the brands but the people who staff them...I have been to HD dealers that were more professional than some Beemer dealers and vice-versa. As usual it is a matter of hunting around to find someone that has an approach that one likes and can envision doing some business with, regardless of brand or type of product...just my opinion anyway.

[barryg]

How does the BMW atlas compare to H-D atlas? :brow

[Mika]

The internet is an imperfect resonator of arguments. It can not give the nuance of tone that helps define the intent of speaker in a given post.

We come at these arguments from a duality that gets confusing, i.e. brand loyalty and lifestyle.

In the brand loyalty the argument is often based in zero sum terms. If you aren’t with us you are against us. We have statistics to arm ourselves with in the discussions. The underlying belief seems to be with the right combination of these numbers we can prove the superiority of our brand selection. We are defending ourselves and our judgment, as much as we are defending brand.

Lifestyle discussions get fuzzy. We share so many things in our passion for the sport that are just dressed in different forms. Therefore, it is difficult to really call out the differences in the mainstream of either group. We find comradeship at most levels up to the extreme.

What the original post by Burnszilla brought to mind for me was the difference in corporate approach to this discussion. To simplify the BMW basis seems to be rooted in the former statistical model. They have put together a line of motorcycles that meet certain statistical criteria that defines quality and a motorcycling for them. H-D, my mind finds its roots in the former lifestyle category. It markets to the lifestyle and comes up with many variations to meet the needs (real or perceived) of their riderships lifestyle.
There are aberrant anecdotes told of individual dealers crossing the line I suggest but they are not the norm and do not define the corporate mentality I am suggesting.

Let me mention the other 500 pound gorilla in the room, Honda. To my mind they have managed to straddle both the technical numbers approach to be a motorcycle manufacturer and the lifestyle camp. They have used numbers at times to define classes of motorcycles and the rest of the industry has reacted to them. They have done the lifestyle thing over the years. “You meet the nicest people on a Honda” in the 60’s, to the marketing of their line now to lifestyle niches as much as or more than the technical prowess of the individual bike.

[tessler]

Great post, M1ka. :clap

[soffiler]

...Bash all you want guys, but I have found a bike that makes the RRS feel like an overweight pig, and a manufacturer that actually gives a crap what you think once they have your money.

loraz...

Surely you've heard the expression "It ain't the bike, it's the rider" ?

If you consider this bashing, so be it: H-D the marque is an unfortunate poster-child for every negative perception of motorcycling held by the general public. The loud pipes, the helmetless/gearless riders, the rows of bikes parked outside bars (what are they drinking in there, Coca-Cola?), the whole "biker" image. It's the people, not the bikes themselves, that are creating and perpetuating these images. While I have no evidence to prove it, I strongly suspect that H-D management is supportive of the H-D owners responsible for these images. Personally, I have no interest in associating myself with these images even if the bikes were the greatest things on the face of the earth. I am a professional, and like it or not, the image I project matters to the people I come in contact with professionally. I've seen plenty of grimaces from non-riders when they discover I am a motorcyclist, who invariably brighten up when they learn I ride BMW. I'd think "strange but true" however, it isn't strange at all. "Motorcycle" = H-D = "biker image" to many non-riders and I give them all a lot of credit for at least moving back to neutral when they hear "BMW".

[menemsha43]

My brother just accepted a job at Harley Davidson. He's excited about the new R12GS I bought but joked that I wouldn't be able to ride it onto the lot to visit the plant. Its just a matter of time before he tries to get me to buy one.

[lorazepam]

loraz...

Surely you've heard the expression "It ain't the bike, it's the rider" ?

If you consider this bashing, so be it: H-D the marque is an unfortunate poster-child for every negative perception of motorcycling held by the general public. The loud pipes, the helmetless/gearless riders, the rows of bikes parked outside bars (what are they drinking in there, Coca-Cola?), the whole "biker" image. It's the people, not the bikes themselves, that are creating and perpetuating these images. While I have no evidence to prove it, I strongly suspect that H-D management is supportive of the H-D owners responsible for these images. Personally, I have no interest in associating myself with these images even if the bikes were the greatest things on the face of the earth. I am a professional, and like it or not, the image I project matters to the people I come in contact with professionally. I've seen plenty of grimaces from non-riders when they discover I am a motorcyclist, who invariably brighten up when they learn I ride BMW. I'd think "strange but true" however, it isn't strange at all. "Motorcycle" = H-D = "biker image" to many non-riders and I give them all a lot of credit for at least moving back to neutral when they hear "BMW".

I understand your point. The problem is, when other motorcyclists will push the image to non riders. If I as a Buell rider told everyone that BMW riders were eletist jerkoffs that feel that all other motorcycles are junk, I would be speaking about a small percentage of the ridership. I think the same could be said about HD riders.
I am an ATGATT person, and would be even if I rode a vespa. I find it strange that educated professional people will ride without a helmet to have the "biker fantasy" when they are out for their weekend rides.

I dont worry about how folks view me because I happen to ride motorcycles. I spend a lot of time in medical labs and hospitals, and most folks that dont ride are interested in what kind of riding I do, and generally dont mind it. Those that do, I group with those that have problems with folks because of race, or religion. Uneducated people who dont bother to see the truth.

I would probably still have a BMW if they made a bike I thought was worth the money, and I was able to do all the maintenance myself.
I wouldnt buy a Harley for the same reasons (value for price) but the Buell was a great buy, and a total blast to ride.
If someone doesnt want to associate with me because of what I ride, then I probably wouldnt find them interesting anyway.

[BeemoKat]

It ain't the brand of your iron, but the quality of your character!
Now I've gotten my $.02 in.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

I find it strange that educated professional people will ride without a helmet to have the "biker fantasy" when they are out for their weekend rides.




Hi Gale how are you?

I am just returning from Dallas and managed to witness a GS rider without a lid and two 1200C riders also without lids.. Also in Clearwater, FL a GS Adv rider w/o a lid....just goes to show it is just the individuals' choices and nothing to do with brand per-se.

[tessler]

Ed, that was a good post (you'll pardon me for not quoting, what with the big ol paragraph). Thanks for sharing.

Gale, I totally dig the fact that you're not only on a Buell, but on the latest: the Uly. My best friend has owned 3 of Mr. Buell's bikes over the course of the last 7 years, and tho he's bike-less now (don't ask) claims that it seems Buell's finally produced the bike he wished they did when he was in the game. Now if my inseam was just a tad longer, I'd consider...

I am just returning from Dallas and managed to witness a GS rider without a lid and two 1200C riders also without lids.. Also in Clearwater, FL a GS Adv rider w/o a lid....just goes to show it is just the individuals' choices and nothing to do with brand per-se.
PPG, I was coming offa the top deck of the 59th Street Bridge (the road bed of which is a gnarly web of early 20th C. Grid-work that makes your motorcycle tires go "Hey!What the!!?") in a car last week. Guy on a pretty yellow R1200C comes from behind, lane-splits and sidles up to the front near the light. Almost ATGATT... Beemer Club Jacket. An actual branded Beemer Helmet. Jeans... and on his dogs?

Birkenstock Open-toed sandles. I kid you not. A sight to behold.

[lorazepam]

I dont plan on making any easy rider rallies, or doing any bar hopping on the Ulysses. I have 3500 miles on it since the end of Feb, and plan on a lot more once it gets warm.
I am sorry that you were in the bar hopping crowd eddie. The HD riders I happen to be exposed to when I was young were very bad people who rode motorcycles only. It was a real lifestyle to them, and most didnt have cars. These guys had loud pipes because it pissed people off.
I chose not to ride HD because of those guys, and what kind of people they were. I saw nothing romantic about that lifestyle.

The Buell is a great motorcycle. Amazing handling, huge side and topcases, and does 2 up touring effortlessly. The seat and riding position are almost perfect for me, and I dont see a need for seat or bar changes. It is a very quiet motorcycle, and has less chrome than any BMW.

For 300.00 I can get software that will allowe me to remap the ECM. It is the same as re jetting, so I can control how the bike runs at any rpm.

As far as how it made the R1150RS feel, being 100 pounds lighter and add 8 hp with all that torque, and it really does handle light years better.
No servo assist to fail, a belt drive with no service interval, no valve adjust.

[lorazepam]

Hey Andy, I am doing just fine. You need to get down to the casa next time you are in town.

[The_Veg]

PUDGYPAINTGUY sed:
I am just returning from Dallas
And you didn't look me up??? Shame on you! Next time you're here lemme know and we'll have some truly tasty pints.

[dancogan]

The Buell is a great motorcycle. Amazing handling, huge side and topcases, and does 2 up touring effortlessly. The seat and riding position are almost perfect for me, and I dont see a need for seat or bar changes. It is a very quiet motorcycle, and has less chrome than any BMW.

For 300.00 I can get software that will allowe me to remap the ECM. It is the same as re jetting, so I can control how the bike runs at any rpm.

As far as how it made the R1150RS feel, being 100 pounds lighter and add 8 hp with all that torque, and it really does handle light years better.
No servo assist to fail, a belt drive with no service interval, no valve adjust.
And those are some of the reasons I got a Uly. I was considering an F650 but was told that wouldn't really do too well 2-up. I was considering a GS, but that's pretty heavy. The Uly needs minimal maintenance, is very comfortable, and really doesn't need expensive upgrades to be usable. And as far as less chrome than any BMW, I don't think my Uly has any chrome. It's butt ugly in a pretty kind of way, which means I won't fret about the dirt and mud.

[James.A]

I would probably still have a BMW if they made a bike I thought was worth the money, and I was able to do all the maintenance myself.

The airhead is gone? It breaks my heart.

[ian408]

Aren't we the minority here?
Anyways I wasn't picking on HD riders I was picking on the atlas having only a few scenic rides when we know there are a lot more than that. :bolt

Yeah but. You can get the same on a Mad Maps map for less than $10.

I tried to look at it today but it was covered in cellophane. Looked like
your average map put out by Rand McNally with all the goodies. Nice map
but prolly not worth the price.

[PacWestGS]

Freakin' BMW rider's

http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/43116856-L.jpg

What's up with dat?

Has it got two wheels, a throttle, and something warm between your legs and sitting behind you? (It's my Niece, I'm not a pedophile)

I’m glad they are doing what they are doing, I’ll bet $$$ H-D is renting more MCs than BMW is selling, and H-D is marketing to my generation better than BMW is marketing to a new ‘younger’ generation. Although I did like the K1200GT I saw today….


Doc

[Burnszilla]

Mang I'm Glad I Stay'd Out of This one!

Doc

Looks like you're in it now. :laugh

This thread was about a mapbook and it turned into a HD debate. :dunno

[PacWestGS]

Doesn't it always? :laugh

:bikes

[Cliffy777]

How about this.
Who cares how many rides are in their map book - At least they got a map book.
I feel a distinct lack of brand loyalty. Don't get me wrong - I love my Rockster and for me it is the best bike I have ever owned. But I probably would have said the same thing about my Honda's and my Kaw when I owned them.
I have met a lot of cool people who ride Beemers, but I have met some a$$hats too.
I have met some cool people who ride _________, but I have met some a$$hats too. (Fill blank with any brand you choose.)
FWIW - I was fortunate enough to take Lorazos Buelly for a spin. I liked it a lot and I could see where he got an awful lot of bang for the buck. However, I still like the Rockster more better for me and the riding I am doing these days.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

PUDGYPAINTGUY sed:

And you didn't look me up??? Shame on you! Next time you're here lemme know and we'll have some truly tasty pints.


Okay Veg I will be back in a few weeks, I will definitely look you up. Are you in Dallas or a burb? I can PM you with details etc, I can't wait to see the Batbike.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

Hey Andy, I am doing just fine. You need to get down to the casa next time you are in town.


Thanks Gail and that is a certainty, will PM you very soon as I am expecting one of those really interesting corp mtgs soon...lol

[BradfordBenn]

It is interesting now that I own a second bike and am more experienced and aware for the brand issues. What I will say from my past few days of riding is that BMW riders are the only ones who ask me why I did not get a second BMW. Honda riders don't ask me why I don't have two Hondas. HD Riders don't ask why I didn't get a HD or why I have two different brands.

Me, I really don't care if I like the motorcycle I like the motorcycle. If you like the motorcycle and it is good for you, it is good for you.

So how about instead of bashing HD for how "few" rides they have in their book, why don't we think about doing something like it for the MOA Members? :dunno

[bubbagazoo]

I have owned a Honda. I have owned a Yamaha. As of today, the total number of Kawasakis I have owned now totals 2. And I own a BMW. I have not taken delivery of the second Kawasaki yet. I bought it for my wife (she said something about the back of my head being boring and a few other things). I bought my RT because it was the style and make of bike that I have wanted for a long time. Of the motorcycles I have ridden, it is by far my favourite.

The Vulcan 500 I bought today, as stated, is for my wife. She has a total of 220 miles under her bum as a passenger. But she has decided that she wants to be more involved in the motorcycle experience. This bike won out over a couple of others based on weight, performance, price, looks and size of fuel tank. Had there been a BMW that met our criteria, we probably would have purchased one. However, there isn't. Brand loyalty had nothing to do with the choice. The important thing is that it has a decent motor, is relatively light and is a motorcycle.

My wife has never had a driver's license or even a learner's permit - until now. I love her for giving something new a try. If she decides she hates riding, then I have two bikes to ride instead of one. It's a win-win for me. I either double my personal bike inventory or I get to share a passion with the woman I love. :heart

[tessler]

So how about instead of bashing HD for how "few" rides they have in their book, why don't we think about doing something like it for the MOA Members? :dunno
Great idea, Brad. How about we start a new thread with that one?

[vincewinkel]

Nice timing on all this. In recent months we've been discussing a member-generated BMW MOA Routes and Rides Book - something that would be quite in-depth - since we have so many members who have already written up rides in the forum and the magazine. Stay Tuned...

Vince
BMW MOA

[PacWestGS]

I'm 'IN' :thumb

There's already a book printed on the best places to ride in Washington State, but that would be 'copywrite infringment' to use 'their' book. :nono

So Vince, how soon do want 'The Best Motorcycle Roads in Western Washington?' :bliss

I've got a bunch, of off the beaten path places to ride. :nod


Doc

[The_Veg]

Dunno if it's still available, but TexSux used to have a nice little 'best rides' book that came in a convenient, tank-bag size and spiral binding (hint hint).

[JCBR1150R]

I don't have time this morning to look though the posts and see if this has been mentioned before so please pardon my interuption, but are any of you in the AMA? I joined this year and got a nifty ride guide complete with tips, suggested rides and even gear recommendations.

I joined the MOA and didn't even get a lousy T-Shirt....LOL but the magazine is cool and I like the forum so I'll be quiet now. :)

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

I don't have time this morning to look though the posts and see if this has been mentioned before so please pardon my interuption, but are any of you in the AMA? I joined this year and got a nifty ride guide complete with tips, suggested rides and even gear recommendations.

I joined the MOA and didn't even get a lousy T-Shirt....LOL but the magazine is cool and I like the forum so I'll be quiet now. :)


Don't feel bad, I recently joined the AMA and got neither a t-shirt or a ride guide, although the magazine makes for good reading.

[tessler]

Don't feel bad, I recently joined the AMA and got neither a t-shirt or a ride guide, although the magazine makes for good reading.Yeah, I didn't get a ride guide either! I've used their online 'members only' Great Riding feature, but find it could be more interactive with the inclusion of links to Google maps, for instance, and/or more in-depth ride reports or comments.

[Mika]

AMA Ride Guide??? Been a member for a long time and did not even know they did one...coffee where is my morning coffee?

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

I truthfully believe that the ride guides are simply a means to encourage some folks to go out and explore, who would not normally venture out without some prompting in the form of someone doinf some pre-planning for them and that is not bad either. Any AAA map has the scenic highways designated on them and the state maps have some good detail to show where the twisties may be located...the rest of it is marketing and hooray for free market economies...lol

[JCBR1150R]

AMA Ride Guide??? Been a member for a long time and did not even know they did one...coffee where is my morning coffee?

http://www.aerostich.com/files/images/5846_1sa.jpg

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/AMA-Ride-Guide-to-America-p-17581.html

[Scootertrash]

I just got my latest H-D Ride Atlas, after I got one of these:

[Scootertrash]

And for a little less money, I coulda bought 'nother beemer...

[JCBR1150R]

I just got my latest H-D Ride Atlas, after I got one of these:

Is that a Screaming Eagle V-Rod?

[Scootertrash]

2006 vrscd - night rod

The bike was bought in Milwaukee at the middle of April. I had the dealership add a sundowner saddle and heated grips. I drove it back to KC in the wind and rain, for its 580 mile shake-down cruise. This thing is scary fast and so far gets lousy gas mileage (34 mpg)…I still have the 2001 BMW R1200C – Phoenix. I find myself making comparisons between those bikes…

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

Based upon all of the sensitivities surrounding "other brands", this website may need to be changed from the BMW MOA, and be changed to the Generic Motorcycle Owners Association of the politically correct and very sensitive, who hold no malice toward others and embrace out 2 wheeled bretheren in case they be offended by the mention of their brand, lest we should have to hug them to console them group of generic riders....hehehehehe

Try typing a web search on that one....lol

[eddie]

Yet another sticking up for Beemers?This could be three today!!!!! I can't beleive it. :love