Questions/Comments

[RebeccaV]

Yeah, yeah, I stole this from another board/list. It was good there, but I thought that the subject had even more potential here.

In my short riding career I have had some interesting looks, comments and questions about my bike and my riding gear. What about you? I know that there are some good stories out there. Do tell.

Here are some of the things that have been yelled at me while riding:

“Rice Burner!” :huh
“Get a Goldwing!” :dunno
“Too bad about your bike!” :confused:

Also, when walking into a store in Alberta, Canada with two other riders in full gear, we were asked if we were pilots. I guess that we are, kind of. One of my riding buddies was even asked if her Camelback was a parachute! Your turn....

[username]

today after breakfast i got the usual 'nice bike' routine from a guy. that's fairly common. ive had several people ask if it is *really* a BMW, and i tell them yes, and they comment that they did not know that BMW made motorcycles. weird. i was tempted to buy the one person a soda and spend some time trying to figure out what *else* they didnt know, but got scared. i also have received the 'i like how quiet it is' comment from a number of people.

i think my experiences are very standard for someone with an '02 r1150r. it's an eye-catching bike. that or middle-aged men are trying to pick me up, and i dont realize it. :D

[BradfordBenn]

Some how riding with ears and tails on the helmet I get lots of comments...

"How cute!" comes from most women I meet.
"Tigger" from some people
Lots of waves from kids - the best part even though I do not like kids.

"Don't you get hot in that?" while wearing the gear
answer "It is cooler than a coffin."

"You are a nut"
answer "It took you this long to figure out?!"

More to come....

[MarkF]

When my godchild saw me in my one piece red vinal rainsuit and solid red helmet a few years ago she asked her mother if I was a Power Ranger. I wish! That Kimberly was a hotty.

MarKF

[iRene]

Hi, Boxergrrrrrlie!

My old boss (two Aerostiches ago, the red roadcrafter) used to call me Power Ranger, too!

I also get "Kinda late in the season for snowboarding/snowmobiling, isn't it"
when at home here in Maine.

I STILL bristle at the "Your husband lets you..." when I'm out solo.
No one ever says the converse to HIM...

My favorite act-out is when I'm with my touring partner and someone comments how nice
that I ride my own bike instead of behind my husband- I smile sweetly and say "I am married,
but not to HIM." Shuts them up every time. Especially in the Bible belt.

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by iRene
My favorite act-out is when I'm with my touring partner and someone comments how nice
that I ride my own bike instead of behind my husband- I smile sweetly and say "I am married,
but not to HIM." Shuts them up every time. Especially in the Bible belt.


Yup, we know that one well. Something about a trip to Spokane with two women. Neither of which are my wife.:D

[BradfordBenn]

Another personal favorite...

You are out of Michigan, you don't have to wear a helmet."

[username]

this board is a den of sin! this character with ears and a tail (and a pitchfork?!) cavorting around the country with other people's wives?! my stars! i do believe that's the fourth-and-a-half horse of the apocalypse...

[kbasa]

When people comment on my Aerostich, I tell them I'm dressed exactly right for sliding down the road on my ass. That usually gets a laugh and a glimmer of understanding.

Now, the HD question. I've only had to address that while riding in the midwest for some reason. I tell people that while Harleys are beautiful, they're not especially well suited for ripping off big mile days. Mostly, though, I only get those kind of comments from nonriders.

Here's something fun to amuse yourself. When you see someone sporting an HD shirt, ask them what kind of HD they have. You'll find that about 2 out of 3 times, they don't really own a bike, but are "saving for one".

:rolleyes

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by username
this board is a den of sin! this character with ears and a tail (and a pitchfork?!) cavorting around the country with other people's wives?! my stars! i do believe that's the fourth-and-a-half horse of the apocalypse...

Did I mention that my favorite sports team is the New Jersey Devils?

Seriously check it out at Marty's Devil Den (http://home.att.net/~martybenn/). I really need to get out and ride.

[RebeccaV]

Originally posted by KBasa
Here's something fun to amuse yourself. When you see someone sporting an HD shirt, ask them what kind of HD they have. You'll find that about 2 out of 3 times, they don't really own a bike, but are "saving for one".


Here in the midwest, if you ride a non-HD bike people assume that it is some sort of 'starter bike' and that you are saving for an HD.

Re: Aerostitches: I often get asked "Is it THAT cold out???"

:wave
Hi to you too iRene!!!

BMWRTGIRL, you've gotta jump in here or I'm going to tell all of your stories for you!!!!

[LECFlagger]

it's a bit morbid but......

when asked why I wear all the gear in the dead of summer I respond with .....

"..for an open casket funeral.."

[BradfordBenn]

From my HR department's Health and Safety person...

"Smart. Do you need any earplugs?":clap

[Chacifer]

Worst comments I've gotten in terms of my gender, both instances were out in front of my apartment in Washington, DC:

1. Taking the bike off of my centerstand on a slight incline and I sort of dropped it. There were people nearby, a man and a woman. The guy kindly helps me lift it up again and the woman says, "Are you sure you know how to ride that thing?"

2. Lubing my chain or something, again on the street, a guy walks past and stops to stare at my bike/gawk at whatever I'm doing. I look at him and say, "Hello", and he finally says, "Well, that's a big bike for a little girl," to which I should have responded, "Then it's a good thing I'm not a little girl," but I was too slow. BLAST!


As far as riding gear... "aren't you hot in all that stuff?" and "sweet helmet!"

[GeoffMiller]

ouch! what more can I say!

[YB in IN]

My favorite came after doing some menial tasks on my friends car after which she refered to me in my Aerostich as her "knight in shining spaceman blue armor."

[Cliffy777]

When I mention to people, especially non-riders, that I ride most of them ask, "Do you have a Harley?". They seem disappointed when I tell them what I have.
The guy at my banks drive-in window finally quit asking, "Kinda cold to be riding today?" after the umpteenth time I showed up to make my deposit on something other than a 70 degree, sunny day. I think he started asking in late September and quit in early December.

[rocketman]

Sometimes I've had someone in a BMW car notice the roundel and say " I didn't know BMW made bikes!" to which I usually reply, after a hard stare at the roundel on the cars wheel, "I didn’t know BMW made CARS!!"
my most favorite comment was by an elderly lady while on a trip along the Blue Ridge, I had my bike (a '78 R100/7 with a windjammer) parked out front of the motel in Cherokee in NC and as when she saw me sitting on the front porch she asked me if that beautiful “Windjammer” out front was mine! For a moment I thought of letting her know the Bike was BMW and just the fairing was a Windjammer, but I figured she’d prob. forget soon enough and what the hey! If it was a Jammer to her, just as well, the fact she complimented it was enough in itself, right? She wound up sitting down and we had a nice chat for the next half hour or so. No doubt she later told all her friends about the nice man she met who rode a Windjammer motorcycle! :bliss

RM “windjammer” rider and proud of it
:bliss

[MCMXCIVRS]

I've heard this one a few times, "Gee, I'll bet you wish you didn't ride your motorcycle today".

My standard reply is "No, I'm glad I'm on my motorcycle, I just wish it wasn't raining".

And of course, "You must be wet"

"Just on the outside"

[calnalu]

Originally posted by iRene

I STILL bristle at the "Your husband lets you..." when I'm out solo.
No one ever says the converse to HIM...



Every now and then, I'll get "Your wife lets you...". More often, I get "You left your wife home with the kids?!?!" Depending on the person, sometimes I get a thumbs up with this comment, other times a Big Stink-Eye!

:eek

[iRene]

Calnalu- "You left your wife home with the kids??"

Har har, I fixed THAT one- I didn't HAVE any!!!
I'd rather have the R1150R and all the touring I can afford.

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by iRene
Calnalu- "You left your wife home with the kids??"

Har har, I fixed THAT one- I didn't HAVE any!!!


Husband or Kids?:p

[kbasa]

Originally posted by BradfordBenn
Husband or Kids?:p

I know her husband. Tina says he's dreamy.

[Gizmo]

When wearing my Hi-viz Aerostich I constantly get asked if I am a fireman. On several other occassions I was asked if I was a pilot and have also been told I look like a spaceman. To a tee shirt & skort wearing Harley Rider who asked, "Isn't that suit too hot?" I replied it would be a lot hotter sliding on asphalt and the idea of skin grafts did not thrill me. I am still not sure he got the gist of what I was saying.

[The_Veg]

Gee, I feel so deprived now! I've ridden about 3 1/2 years and I can't recall any funny comments or questions. What I do recall is that aforementioned disappointment that shows on people's faces when I tell them I ride a non-Harley, the occasional suprise when I tell a fellow Beemerphile that it's a 1995 model, the odd "nice bike," lots of admiring stares from kids in cars, and of course the one incident that makes me feel like I've graduated from being a BMW beginner, the Old Geezer Story. At a rural gas station here in TexSux, a leathery, sunfried old agricultural type approached me and asked in a drawling baritone, "Izzat'chur Bee-Em-Dubya?" It was the opening of a long and pleasant conversation that included stories of his long-ago army buddy over in Germany after the war who rode a surplus R75 and turned by leaning it enough to dig in with the valve-cover bolts.

And then there's the girl I recently went on a couple of dates with who despite a preference for Harleys asked me to pick her up on the bike then nearly threw a fit when I made her wear a helmet. To her credit she DID give me a really cool BMW shirt she spotted on eBay several weeks later, but I don't see anything happening between us despite my convincing her that BMW ain't so bad.

[RebeccaV]

OK - Tracy/BMWRTGIRL is absent, so here is my favorite of her stories:

She was out riding and stopped at a big discount retailer for an errand. She was standing behind the bike, taking off her helmet and putzing with stuff in her top case when a man walked by and asked "Your husband makes you wait out here by the bike???"

Crazy, huh?

[username]

guys like that are why nature made the kick in the nuts such an effective measure. they have caused all of us to go through life with that vulnerability.

i hope she had a handy rejoinder like:

- no, the bitch is home doing my laundry. i needed beer.
- i see *your* husband sent *you* to the store too.
- they sell viagara here?
- they sell rogaine here?
- wanna race, you putz?
- whatsa matter, your wife won't let you have a bike?
- [woomph!] (kick in the nuts.)

for anyone interested, the all time best rejoinder that i have begun using with great effect is...

"is this your first time being stupid?"

:D

[RebeccaV]

Originally posted by username
- whatsa matter, your wife won't let you have a bike?


:rofl That's a good one! I'll try to remember that. Unfortunately, T. is WAY too nice to ever say anything remotely like that.

[PeoriaMac]

The most frequent comment I hear is "When you gonna buy a new bike?".

Come to think of it, that's from my dealer.

Worse "comment". Some years back SHMBO and I are riding our bikes headed to California. Somewhere along the Interstate, we pull over for a cigarette break under an overpass.
Eventually, we notice a car with the hood up about an eighth of a mile ahead. So, we walk up to see if we can do anything.
We get there, find a guy poking around under the hood...trying to figure out why his car stopped. Understand, I'm just your average looking person, and my wife is a pretty good looking person. We're in jeans. No obscene t-shirts, tattoos, scars or gang vests.
Suddenly, I hear the guy whispering to his wife...who's behind wheel.."Roll up the windows, lock the door".
Somehow, we have become rapacious Huns about to swoop down on innocent villagers.
We take the hint and leave.

Mac

[rocketman]

Originally posted by MCMXCIV-RS
I've heard this one a few times, "Gee, I'll bet you wish you didn't ride your motorcycle today".

My standard reply is "No, I'm glad I'm on my motorcycle, I just wish it wasn't raining".

And of course, "You must be wet"

"Just on the outside"

Yeah, I get alot of those along with "You rode in TODAY!!??" during the colder months.
Then there are folks who feel compelled to tell you about someone they know who died riding a bike, as though it a given that you WILL be killed, it's just a matter of time.:dunno

RM

[username]

Originally posted by rocketman
Yeah, I get alot of those along with "You rode in TODAY!!??" during the colder months.
Then there are folks who feel compelled to tell you about someone they know who died riding a bike, as though it a given that you WILL be killed, it's just a matter of time.:dunno

RM

this happened to me just this weekend. i tell a relative ive got a bike, and the relative says, without even inhaling, 'we know this guy, he was really rich. he bought a bike and was riding it home one night and he died. went off the road into a chain link fence!'

so when im feeling mellow, i'll say, 'mmm hmmm, very interesting. pass the potatoes.' but i was feeling ornery, so i said, 'how long had he been riding?' answer: not long, maybe a week. 'was he wearing a helmet?' answer: no. 'did he take a motorcycle safety course?' answer: dont know, but doubtful.

so i splained to them that that guy was the perfect candidate for a wreck, an injury, and possibly a death. if he had a few drinks in him, then i would have put him at better than 50-50 odds to at least drop the thing. then i talked to them about the Hurt report, and my personal theories on how when i ride i have a mental picture of a probaility function of my likelihood of havng to take evasive action and the likelihood of being hit/going down. and i adjust my speed, my hand and foot positions, and my overall mental awareness according to my risk assessment of any situation. i also talked about the usefullness of proper attire, and how power rangers dont get skin grafts, and how a borken collarbone is a hell of a lot less annoying if your body hasnt been rubbed raw by our chip-N-seal raods here in central texas.

and after all that, they said, 'well be careful.'

i love that. after everything i just got done talking about, that's the response. like i just indicated that i spend my spare time practicing stoppies on the interstate wearing flip-flops and a ron-jon surf shop tank top or something. keee-rist.

ive got one other tack i use too...

'oh so you know someone who died? me too. i know a guy who spent his whole life never riding a motorcycle because it is dangerous. and he died too. he died realizing that he hadnt lived.'

[kbasa]

tina and I call those "Uncle Fred" stories.

They usually go something like this: "My Uncle Fred got [killed/maimed/hurt/broke his big toe] on a motorcycle one time."

I usually roll my eyes and try to change the conversational topic.

[Hodag]

heres one.....
A few years ago I was at my BMW/Harley dealership(odd mix I only go on rainy days to avoid the solar powerred Harleys), and was talking to a guy. He had just purchased a new Harley, and was excited to finally be a "Biker". He asks me "why don't you ride a Harley?" I point to his car which is a 7 series BMW and ask why he drives a BMW. His reply is "well they make the best most advanced cars in the world". My response with a huge grin "To bad they don't make bikes, just think how great those would be"
Mark

[Cliffy777]

(depending on the mood I am in) to the "I know a guy who died on a bike" is "Well, do you know anyone who died in a car? I had a brother who died in a car accident and I still drive a car. Do you drive a car?"
That shuts 'em up PDQ.
Mark - Love the story about the meeting at the Harley/BMW dealership. What a hoot.

[BradfordBenn]

So I was asked today, "Why did I ride today, weather report is forecasting rain?"

My answer "Well the weatherman is wrong more than he is right. Plus this way Ican wash the suit ('Stich) and the bike at the same time."

Their answer, "Aren't you afraid of getting the bike or you wet?"

Mine "Not really, it gets wet lots of times like when I clean it. And the 'Stich is water resistant. Plus I am headed home after work so what is the big deal if I get wet? I am not going to melt."

They walked away dumbfounded that I would risk getting wet!?:eek

[bmwrtgirl]

Originally posted by boxergrrlie

BMWRTGIRL, you've gotta jump in here or I'm going to tell all of your stories for you!!!!

Okay, last year while attending the Dells Rally I was fiddling with my bike in the Walmart parking lot when a man walked by and asked "so your husband makes you stay out here and watch the bike for him?" :jawdrop Ouch!! I quickly set him straight.

Once while gearing up to get on my bike at the local grocery store, two elderly women walked by giving me the thumbs up and a "you go girl!" That was so very cool.

[Cliffy777]

"Okay, last year while attending the Dells Rally I was fiddling with my bike in the Walmart parking lot when a man walked by and asked "so your husband makes you stay out here and watch the bike for him?"'

Just one more reason to stay the hell out of Wal-Mart and their parking lots.

[JetDoc]

A couple of years ago I had a close encounter with a Buick that resulted in me receiving a steel knee joint and spending most of the winter on crutches. In the spring, I was back on the bike with my cane strapped to the luggage rack.

When people comment about my still riding the motorcycle, I ask "if you were injured in a car accident would you stop driving a car?"

[BubbaZanetti]

generally:

"man, your friend's ducati sure is sweet"

and

"what are those two things sticking out of the side of the engine" which after an explanation is followed by "oh, so that IS the engine"


usually, its rough looking older guys that give the bike a good going over and are suprised someone my age would be riding a bike like and old air cooled twin. i just tell them that style is everything and dime a dozen crotchrockets or harley's don't do anything for me..............

[rocketman]

Originally posted by BubbaZanetti
generally:

"man, your friend's ducati sure is sweet"

and

"what are those two things sticking out of the side of the engine" which after an explanation is followed by "oh, so that IS the engine"




My favorite response to that is something along the lines of " crash protectors" or " I don't know, but if I remove them the bikes runs like crap!" :bliss

By the by, I noticed that above your avitar it says "two valves are all I need" so my question is, what happened to your other cylinder? :dunno

RM

[MCMXCIVRS]

By the by, I noticed that above your avitar it says "two valves are all I need" so my question is, what happened to your other cylinder?


Perhaps he removed it and now the bike runs like crap :D

[BubbaZanetti]

maybe i should amend that with a /cyl or something, hahaha

[Braddog]

A co-worker walks by me as I'm pulling my briefcase and laptop out of my sidecases, and putting my helmet into the now-empty sidecase.

He says, "Wow, you rode that into work?"

I wanted to be a smartass and say something like, "No, I just pushed it, it's too scary to actually ride it."

Instead, my real answer was, "I ride almost every day, I really enjoy it."

Then he asked, "What kind of motorcycle is that, anyway? I don't think I've ever seen one like that. Wait, that's a BMW insignia on the tank! BMW makes motorcycles too? How long they been doing that?"

Yes, folks, people really do say that. Again, I was polite and responded, "Well, they've been making motorcycles longer than they've been making cars."

[jgr451]

Originally posted by MCMXCIV-RS
Perhaps he removed it and now the bike runs like crap :D

yes but,as an older(ahem careful who you're calling old!) airhead,
it still runs!!

[CustomSarge]

As so often stated/paraphrased "no one ever lost money underestimating the knowledge/intelligence of the average citizen". I am as Puck, 'Surprized by (at least) 3 impossible things before breakfast". Too bad they're stupidly impossible: i.e. facial makeup & sandwich + cell phone conversation all at 60+mph. I live rural in their' regard... Bst 2 All <<<)))

[ScottM]

Followed a rice burner into work the other day. I parked next to him in the garage. I went about my business putting everything away in the cases and locking the helmet to the bike. He watched intently and as we walked towards the door he just said "Nice bike, wish I could store all this stuff on mine!"

[ian408]

Best question has to go to my mom. It was "How fast will that
thing go?". My reply "It will exceed the speed limit in all six gears".

I've been asked if I was with the "fire service" while wearing my
'stich and more often that not, if I was hot in it. But the best
comment came from a riding co-worker (so maybe it's not too
fair for this thread) who said the 'stich was "cool" because I
could walk in the office and be ready for a meeting in less than
five minutes.

Ian

[BradfordBenn]

Rode the RT to a meeting. Parked in a visitor spot, got off took off the 'stich. Laid the 'stich on the ground, sat on it and changed out of the boots to work shoes. Took laptop bag off of rear seat. Put 'stich in top case. Walked into the lobby with helmet and bag.

Receptionist said, "I am sorry sir, but we may manufacture the radios here, but we do not service them." (Harman International, the parent company of my employeer, manufactures the "infotainment" systems for Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Lexus and Porsche vehicles among others)

:dunno Okay, so I was scratching my head. "No, you don't understand, I am here to meet with Tom.... "

"Oh in that case you want to park around back at the entrance to the testing chamber."

:dunno still puzzled "No, I have a meeting with Tom and he told me to meet him here at 8:30."

"Sir, I am sorry but all deliveries are at the back."

:dunno I am in a dress shirt and dress pants. So I pull out the cell phone and call Tom. He comes down to the lobby to get me

The receptionist then explained that she had never seen any business guests come in on a motorcycle.

"So why did I need to go to the testing chamber?":dunno

"I thought you were bringing a prototype for us to use in testing, cause I have never seen a motorcycle like that before. Also the fact that you had coils hanging from the helmet and the suit I thought that it was a new type of testing gear."

We all start laughing.

Came out later in the day, different receptionist and I noticed that there were cones around my bike. So I ask why?

"Well, sir, (why always sir?) I can not tell you about that, I am assuming that if you were allowed to know about the project, you would know why the bike is here."

:dunno "Uh, that is my personal motorcycle and there is no project."

"Oh that is embarassing, Security had never seen a BMW motorcycle before so they figured it was a new project and ..."

What is even funnier about the whole thing is that in the employee parking lot, there is motorcycle only parking lot complete with a metal plate for the kickstands.

Next time I think I am going to tell the receptionist it is a test project and see if I can park inside:D

[username]

that is hilarious! i say leave it there for a few days and see if they install anything!

[YB in IN]

Brad, you've got to remmeber that you were in Martinsville. A town that isn't exactly known for its intelligent lifeforms. :D But hey at least you got to come down to ride with me for the "Wow! You Really Do Exist Tour." :D

[BradfordBenn]

Yup, I can prove you do exist and can find better roads than Lorezapam.

[YB in IN]

Originally posted by BradfordBenn
Yup, I can prove you do exist and can find better roads than Lorezapam.

:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

[jgr451]

That is the funniest story I have heard in a while,Ben!! Good one!!

[LRider]

Three weeks ago I was on my way from Ottawa Canada to Salt Lake, and stopped for a coffee in Laramie Wyoming at a little spot called Granny's, attached to a service station.

I was proudly wearing my new Savanna II gear. Granny (must be 80), looked me up and down, then asked, "you goin' fishin'??".

A small reminder to keep my vanities in check!!

[Beemer01]

and a RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) in a car was very carefully inspecting my 1150 GS by the pumps.

Pointing to the cylinders he asked if those were aftermarket add ons.

(I'm thinking they don't see too many Boxers up there.)

[mark from maine]

Whenever someone gives me a smart mouth comment I reply with "Don't get smart... stay just the way you are.

The trouble I have because of my Maine accent is getting people to understand what I am saying. I was with some friends at a rest stop in Tennesee years ago and we were talking amoung ourselves when someone came over and asked if we where from Maine? We said "Ayuh" and he asked us to stay right there for a minute so he could go across the parking area and get his inlaws who were visiting from Germany to "hear us talk." They came back over and we poured on the accent kinda thick. After listening a bit they said that they had traveled all over and folks from Maine were the only ones they couldn't uderstand! Ha!

Mark from Maine

[iRene]

Whenever someone gives me a smart mouth comment I reply with "Don't get smart... stay just the way you are...

...After listening a bit they said that they had traveled all over and folks from Maine were the only ones they couldn't uderstand! Ha!

Mark from Maine

Sounds like one of those classic Snappy Maine Answers, yessir!! :ha

[beckgr]

had acutally a good one today. I was in a small store parked out front and after paying for my stuff the clerk asked about my "bright jacket" with the stink eye. I told at least he noticed it. He actually then changed his face, smiled and said, "oh, I get it." I had to smile.

[SIBUD]

My favorite response to that is something along the lines of " crash protectors" or " I don't know, but if I remove them the bikes runs like crap!" :bliss

By the by, I noticed that above your avitar it says "two valves are all I need" so my question is, what happened to your other cylinder? :dunno

RM

Troublemaker :stick :wave

[Sit]

When it is hot out, folks at work always ask if I get hot wearing all of my gear. I tell them that asphalt does not care if it is hot or not.

When it is raining or forecast to rain and people aske why I rode or express concern, I tell them not to worry, I paid extra to get the waterproof model of my bike. I dont think many of them get it.

[Crow18]

I was in an urgent-care clinic in Amarillo last May. I had a lingering leg injury from a hockey game the week before, and the 1500 miles from North Carolina seemed to be making it worse. We had another 2500 miles to go, so I decided I should have it looked at. So I get an x-ray (here the Olympia pants with the zippers on the legs came in really handy), and the doctor comes into the room where I'm sitting in my dirty yellow 'Stich, armored pants and big black touring boots, and my wife in her gray Olympia jacket, pants and boots. We might have even brought our helmets in with us, but I'm not sure.

The doctor looks at us, refers to the x-ray, and says "Well, I'm reasonably sure it's not a stress fracture, but you've definitely got some tearing on these tendons here. It's probably a repetitive-stress injury from pedaling your bike too long."

Pedaling?

[rab1957]

My boss rides a HD. He is always cracking on me about my LT at the staff meetings, asking me where the Expresso maker is stored on the bike. Well one day last winter when is was about 35 out, he starts up about the Espresso maker during the staff meeting . I looked at him and ask how often, in the last few months, have you seen a HD in the parking lot. I haven't heard anything about the Expresso maker since. :lol

[pmdave]

So, I took a "goof off" day and drove the airhead sidecar rig over to Port Townsend, where the Kenetic Skulpture parade was about to start. The weather was still a little coolish, so I kept my blue Darien on.
I walked over to a nearby shop and bought a cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin, then came back and sat on the outfit doing coffee and waiting for some Skulpture action. A couple is walking across the street toward me. Suddenly the woman spies my coffee and says,
"WOW! a milkshake. Where did you get that? I'd really love a milkshake. We're from out of town. I'm a Mormon."
"Actually, it's a breve coffee, not a milkshake."
"Where do you get coffee around here?"
"There's a little coffee shop just down that side street. But if you want a milkshake there's a vintage soda fountain just down in the next block."
"Oh WOW! I'd like a milkshake. I'm a Morman, you know."
"Or, if you like really good ice cream, there's the Elevated Ice Cream Company down about four blocks."
"Oh, thank you, officer."

[pmdave]

Last fall I augured the GS into the desert, and had to take a little detour to the closest ER for a checkout--about 80 air miles by helicopter. With my remaining workable arm I had removed my Helmet, gloves, Darien jacket and pants, and offloaded a giant-sized bag full of clothing and whatnot.

There was room in the helicopter baggage compartment for all this, so when we got to the hospital they wheeled me in plus the whole pile of gear which they dumped in a corner of the ER.

So, here I am with what would turn out to be nothing more than a cracked rib and a buggered shoulder, wearing leather boots, and my clothing covered with desert dust and particles of brittle bush; and that very obvious pile of gear in the corner crowned with a bright yellow motorcycle helmet.

"What happened", the ER doc asked.
I had to tell him the truth. No sense hiding anything.
"golfing accident, doc.."

[ragtoplvr]

Bought the Hi Vis Olympia, first day at work our Harley rider says "I would not be caught dead in that!" My reply, "Exactly!" Turn and walk off.

At service station, a Liposuctioned, Bo toxed, silicon enhanced woman way past her youth, in 7 series BMW, with accusing tone asks why I put BMW emblems on "that thing". I explain, I did not not, they did it at the factory. She says BMW would never let them do that. I explained It was a BMW factory. She said BMW wouldn't make that. I explain again, BMW has made bikes longer than cars. Her response, almost a snear, Whatever.

I thought of asking why she put silicone in those things, since the original manufacturer never made them that way but for once, I held my tongue.

rod

[ladyBmer]

I ride on to Ft Hood a lot.. They have civilian gate guards that check ID, post sticker and your motorcycle safety card(completion of a MSF course).. Every now and then there is some guy that makes a comment.. I normally just ignore them.. but one day I just felt like responding to the "does your husband approve of you riding a motorcycle"? I didn't say the first thing that popped into my head, but I did reply with, "does your wife know you ask total strangers/women stupid questions"? :doh
The expression on his face and his coworker's, was priceless :D

[dpryan]

Man, there are some great stories in here! :thumb

One of my pieces of gear is a yellow Roadcrafter so I, too, have gotten the "hello officer", "are you a fireman?", "boy they'll see you coming in THAT thing" type of comments. I've also been commuting to work long enough so that most folks around here have gotten used to it.

A couple of years ago, I was telling my wife about a funny comment someone made while I was walking across the street from the parking garage to the office. She got a puzzled look on her face which quickly turned to something close to mortification....... she said, "You mean you've been wearing that thing INTO THE BUILDING all this time??!!?" :laugh

Bike story: A new bike appeared in the garage at work this summer; sort of a stripped down, custom, chopper looking thing with Ohio plates (must admit, it looked pretty cool). All frame and engine, with just a minimal little seat, flat bars and wide, balloon type whitewall tires (almost looked like car tires?). Not sure if the guy rode it out here or had it shipped.

Anyway, I'm leaving work at the same time as the owner one day, and he has a buddy with him. I'm in the 'stich, putting my earplugs in and starting up the bike with that fierce K-bike sewing machine clatter :nyah. He's in jeans, sneakers, t-shirt and little half lid helmet. His buddy laughs and says, "Hey man, why don't you two race?", as the guy's bike roars to life. I said, "Sure, why don't we race back to Ohio and see who gets there first?".

[jpberens43639]

I ALWAYS dress like this, see below. Yup, it's all been said here.

The most dreaded for me is the " WOW!! That's dangerous! Why do you ride?"

Shoot, you can slip in the shower & die. You could roll out of bed & break your neck & die.

But.... this happened to me about 5 years ago....I had an epiphany and realized that I've lost more family loved ones, and peole known & loved to cancer than I ever did to MC accidents. True fact of life.

Me...
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm6/jpberens1993K1100RS/DSCN1594.jpg

[BumbleBee]

I have had several women who appear to be past 70 years old tell me that they used to ride 50 years ago and everyone then thought they were bad girls. It took way more guts to ride back then than it does now in my opinion because the 'role of women' was so much more clearly defined by society.

Don't you find that our BMW bikes are much less threatening to the general populace than some noisy cruiser type? Many more people will atop and start up a conversation.

As for the crazy comments. A woman I barely knew once asked me: 'So your husband lets you ride a motorcycle?':blah

My standard response is to look somewhat sorrowful and say, " My husband doesn't let me do ANYTHING" and heave a big sigh. Of course what I really mean is "My husband doesn't LET me do anything." Most of them never figure it out. Thank goodness my dear husband is over the moon happy that I ride my own.:clap

[41077]

In East Texas "What kinda HONDER is that?
Took a sec. to figure out Honder is like Coke generic for Motorcycle as Coke is generic for any carbonated drink.

[deilenberger]

At service station, a Liposuctioned, Bo toxed, silicon enhanced woman way past her youth, in 7 series BMW, with accusing tone asks why I put BMW emblems on "that thing". I explain, I did not not, they did it at the factory. She says BMW would never let them do that. I explained It was a BMW factory. She said BMW wouldn't make that. I explain again, BMW has made bikes longer than cars. Her response, almost a snear, Whatever.I usually start REALLY looking at the car - and ask them "When did BMW start making cars?"..

Of course they don't get it, but nevermind, I enjoy it. :clap

[98098]

question:

Are you a biker???


Answer:

No, I ride motercycles.....


Responce:

Dumb look on thier face...

:bikes:bikes:bikes

[henzilla]

Rode every day my last year of city employment, only had to bring my truck when I took all my stuff home on the last day...Rain or shine walking in with helmet still on my head and unlocking my door, sometimes with water still dripping off onto the floor..."Did you ride TODAY?" Such a classic question..."No, I just like wearing this every day". And a few days when I was plugged in and the cord was hanging out of my liners..." Is that a radio?" When I explained what it was,they were wondering if they could use that huntin'. Same guys ask why I spent so much money on gear & bikes, I usually asked them how much deer hunting & fishing cost them yearly to do only a few months out of a year:brow they changed the subject or walked away.

Helen has been asked "where's the driver?" more than once at gas stops as she was filling her bike at a different island than I was or out by herself. If they said "where's your husband?", she would point over in my direction ...they usually just walked off. When asked if I LET her ride, I say she got me riding Beemers...bye-bye... She has gotten the thumbs up from a lot of older ladies,especially out in rural areas...pretty cool

[iRene]

Last fall I augured the GS into the desert, and had to take a little detour to the closest ER for a checkout..

I just blew a grande skinny latte out my nose! :bow
Outstanding choice of verb!

[Sit]

Anyone who has ridden mass transit in a large city will understand.

As I get on the elevator to leave my building, full gear, carrying helmet, someone always remarks, you ride a bike? I tell them no, I ride Tri-Met (our bus system).

[dpryan]

My tankbag has a shiny silver rain fly. This summer, after a rainy ride, I was entering a parking garage. As I pull up to the attendant he says, "hey, I like your airbag!". I thought he was kidding so I just sort of chuckled.

As I pull up the fly and open the bag to get at my wallet he does a big double-take..... "oh, so it's NOT an airbag?". :D

[rfisher]

While fueling my Ducati 900 Monster,

"I hear those German bikes are really good."

Me - "Yes, they are. I have a couple of BMWs at home. This one is Italian."

"Oh....where was it made?"

Roy F

[fastdogs2]

Two of my friends and I had parked our bikes at an overlook on the Skyline Drive in Virginia, enjoying the scenery, when a woman and her husband pulled up in a car. The woman looks at our license plates and says, "Oh, you're from North Carolina, did you actually ride those motorcycles up here?"

I wanted to say, "No, we walked and had the bikes airlifted by helicopter and dropped off right here on this spot."

Instead I said, "Yes ma'am, we left North Carolina at 7:00 this morning and rode all the way up here to enjoy the view."

I rode a R1200C before I bought my R1200RT. I don't know how many people have looked at the "C" and asked me, "What kind of Harley is that? I've never seen one like that before."

[rinty]

While fueling up, a guy walks over and says something like this:

"Ah, BMW, nice bike; they make that in a diesel too, don't they?"

[cjack]

Ok. Two bikes, my wife and I.

"Nice motorcycle, What is the gas mileage?"
"...about 45 MPG."
"Cheap traveling."
"There's two of us, each on one..."
"Uh.........oh."

[kgadley01]

Ok. Two bikes, my wife and I.

"Nice motorcycle, What is the gas mileage?"
"...about 45 MPG."
"Cheap traveling."
"There's two of us, each on one..."
"Uh.........oh."

Good point, I can drive my truck for the same money it takes to ride two bikes. but the bikes are more fun...

[535is]

My tankbag has a shiny silver rain fly. This summer, after a rainy ride, I was entering a parking garage. As I pull up to the attendant he says, "hey, I like your airbag!". I thought he was kidding so I just sort of chuckled.

As I pull up the fly and open the bag to get at my wallet he does a big double-take..... "oh, so it's NOT an airbag?". :D
Uh ... Hondas have 'em:

http://www.diseno-art.com/images/GoldWing_airbag_rider.jpg

Who revived a five year old thread!?

[iRene]

Who revived a five year old thread!?

Um... did you miss the sticky? Welcome to "Best of the Forum" :brow

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=40074

[35634]

At a rest stop, fellow looks over my K75S, points to the rub marks on the tail rack (the top box was off) and says with a straight face "how many time you flip her over?"

[dpryan]

At a rest stop, fellow looks over my K75S, points to the rub marks on the tail rack (the top box was off) and says with a straight face "how many time you flip her over?"

Now THAT'S a good one! :D

Along the same lines, I was talking to a buddy right after completing the MSF course a few years ago. He said, "oh cool.... did they teach you how to lay it down??".

[crazydrummerdude]

After getting out of class one day, my friend walked by and pointed at my cylinders.
"What are those for; sliding around corners?" as he made a swooshing gesture.
"Uh. They hold my pistons."
"REALLY?!"
"Yeah, and these are my carburetors."
"Woah."

:stick

..and he actually owns a motorcycle.

[iRene]

Now THAT'S a good one! :D

Along the same lines, I was talking to a buddy right after completing the MSF course a few years ago. He said, "oh cool.... did they teach you how to lay it down??".


:banghead

[womanridge]

On my recent trip around the country, some of the comments I heard:
1. You mean you rode that all the way from Wisconsin? :rolleyes
2. You mean you traveled all this way by yourself?:banghead
3. Isn't it odd that someone from Milwaukee(home of HD) would ride a BMW.

[pmdave]

I was taking a stretch at a rest area, when this older dude walks up, makes a lap around the motorcycle, and says:
"I always wanted to ride a bike, but they are just too dangerous."
My response:
"So, are you married?"

pmdave

[iRene]

1. You mean you rode that all the way from Wisconsin? :rolleyes ...


Naw, I teleported it here with my mad conjuring skillz. :stick

[gened12]

Once at a gas stop, this guy comes up to me and says (while pointing at my RT engine) 'this is not a regular v-twin isn't it?' to which I replied : Nope this is a new flat opposed V-twin. Then he said ahhh Harley has come up with a new engine....


No comment...

Once at a rest stop 2 HD guys walk over and started looking at my RT. One of the guys asked me about this gel cushion on my seat, and asked if he could give it a try on his HD saddle. I said sure. He comes back and tells me how impressed he is with the cushion then turns around and tells his buddy, that it is only for beemers because they really ride a lot!

No comment.

Cheers

Denis R1200Rt

[From MARS]

I'm sitting on my mud covered '93 PD, waiting for the rest of the group to load up after our lunch stop Sunday, when this guy walks up and ask what year is the bike. When I say "a '93", he goes, "Hump, thought it was older than that." I replied, "That's what people usually say about me; not the bike." We both had a good laugh.:D

Tom

[nytrashman]

when I'm with my touring partner and someone comments how nice
that I ride my own bike instead of behind my husband- I smile sweetly and say "I am married,
but not to HIM."

although i am married my riding/touring partner is a woman who happens to have the same bike as me. we get comments all the time about how nice it is that "my wife" rides. the look on there faces when i tell them my wife does not ride and she is home is priceless.

the other day someone said to me they would never ride a bike because they knew someone who had been killed while riding. i told them i know someone who died at home in bed and then asked them where they sleep? i don't think they got it.

[gawga_boy]

They came back over and we poured on the accent kinda thick.


I do the same thang with my Southern accent at times to entertain all the yankees we have here in Jawja. :laugh

[Oznay]

Snowmobiles were invented so drunks would have a reason to go outsde in the winter...

also

The snowmobile freed more people up north,than Lincoln ever did,in the south.:thumb

[Bullett]

After I bought my RT, my neighbor informed me motorcycling is dangerous.

During the course of our conversation, she told me about her friend who died when a Semi trailer blew over and killed him while he was riding his bike.

:scratch

[timay]

In general, my favorite is when kids look at me like I'm riding around on a fire truck.

Kid story: I'm in a Whole Foods parking lot. As I turn a corner, there's a kid walking with his mom. He sees me, stops dead in his tracks to watch me ride by, and has this huge look of "waaaaaaaow" surprise. As I rode by I revved it up really high (KGT, "loudish"). He nearly jumped out of his skin! I think I made his day!

I also like explaining to BMW car owners what the origin of the BMW roundel is. ;o)

[535is]

I also like explaining to BMW car owners what the origin of the BMW roundel is. ;o)
OK (and yes, this is a setup), and that would be ...

[148105]

I live in the midwest, where, "If it ain't a Harley, it ain't s#%&." Hence I loved the reply, "I'm saving for a Harley."

I find a difference in the response I get at fast-food outlets and stop-and-robs depending on which jacket I'm wearing.

In a black jacket...not much response. In a hi-vis yellow jacket, people smile and little old ladies can't seem to wait to talk to me. I guess it is all in their perception of what you are doing and who you might be!

[535is]

I live in the midwest, where, "If it ain't a Harley, it ain't s#%&."
So then, the corollary is, "If it is a Harley, it is s#%&."? :whistle

[timay]

OK (and yes, this is a setup), and that would be ...

"oh no-no"... I saw the roundel thread earlier today. ;) I had previously subscribed to the "blue sky through propeller," but now I've resigned myself to a lifetime of doubt!

Are there no clear answers in the world anymore? :brad

[tourunigo]

This little story might fit: 1998 and I rode solo on a '73 75/5 from Nova Scotia to San Francisco and then back across 50 to Independence Pass etc. Small problem with the bike made me loose a day of travel to arrive in NYC on a Sunday for the Art and the Motorcycle display. Denver to NYC as fast as I could to make up time. Arrived to circle the Manhatten block a few times, passing all types of very shiny bikes parked into the curbs. Found a spot wedged between two well polished HDs. Folks strolled the sidewalks admiring all the bikes except mine. I looked at myself and the bike. Filthy.... bugs, dirt and whatever. Owner of the bike to my right approached with all the 'right look' happening. He looked at me and then at the bike and back to me. I joked that I must look a bit out of place with all this shiny stuff around. He tosses me a bottle of water and says: " that's ok man, cause, man, like, you're out there man you're out there" That was the best compliment that I've ever had in my riding history. - Bob

[535is]

"oh no-no"... I saw the roundel thread earlier today. ;) I had previously subscribed to the "blue sky through propeller," but now I've resigned myself to a lifetime of doubt!

Are there no clear answers in the world anymore? :brad

:thumb

[criminaldesign]

A guy on a really nice 70's Kaw with a Harley jacket was grilling me on the beemer at a stop light the other day. He kept saying "that's just awesome". he wanted to carry on a conversation in the road, and I'm like change to green stupid light.

[rebake]

Not really a comment,but an observation.When you walk down a sidewalk with 2000miles of dirt and bugs on your savanna2,people move out of your way.

[Paul_F]

At a rest stop one cold April a few years ago, while waiting my turn in the washroom, a gentleman looked at my riding gear with the black vest and the neon green stripes and asked what I did. Told him I was riding a motorcycle. He thought that I was working construction.:doh

[Anyname]

I always like the dim bulbs who will go out of their way to talk to you, only to say "My brother/cousin/neighbor/friend rides a Harley". Then they stand there grinning like somehow the aura of HD ownership has rubbed off on them. The real aficionados will follow it up with "It's a chopper". I could never figure out what I was supposed to say to them, like maybe "Gee, I guess that means you are only one step away from being cool yourself" or "Yeah, I wanted a chopper but I failed the cool test so I gotta ride this Beemer".

The only consolation is that they would probably say the same thing if Apollo pulled up in golden chariot pulled by winged horses.

Actual HD owners are more discerning. I once had a small mob of Electra Glide owners utterly captivated with my 85 K100. We were in a rest area on Rt 89 in NH and they spotted the side stand retracting when I pulled the clutch lever. I had to show it to them four or five times. That may be the only time any HD owner was seen to be impressed with a K bike.

I once got a variation of the dead uncle story while drinking a Coke outside a country store in Vermont. An old guy with the classic bib overalls walks up and says "Nice bike". "Thanks" says I. "My uncle used to ride an Indian Chief". "Cool" I respond. The old fellow follows it up with "He's dead". "That's terrible. Was it a bike accident?" says I. The old fellow responds "Nope, old age", then he turned and left. I couldn't say a word since I had just snorted a mouthful of Coke out my nose.

[PGlaves]

Back a few years when I was riding my venerable K75T, Old Smokey, with about 300,000 miles on it I was riding to the Nebraska Rally. I stopped at a convenience store for fuel and to grab a slice of pizza. A 250 or so pound guy on a Goldwing, with his 300 or so pound wife as passenger, pulling a trailer painted to color match the bike and their helmets pulled in. While his wife hurried to the bathroom he wandered over to look at my bike. After he perused it a bit, looked twice at the odometer, and shook his head, he looked at me and asked, "How did you put so many miles on such a little bike." Being nice about the weight thing going on here I just smiled and said, "I don't need to pull a trailer."

[henzilla]

Might have been listed ...overheard my Bro in Law use this one...I spit my water out thru my nose and quickly walked away...

"Did you ride that thing all the way here?"

"No, I pushed it some of the way":laugh

[rebake]

Mid forties here today.I had to visit the local verizon store atgatt of course.3 women behind the counter and of course one says "are you on a motorcycle today?" me "no i am getting shot out of a cannon in about an hour".The two dark haired ladies laughed the girl who asked says "really?" Ed

[bmwrebel]

I've been riding BMW's since 1975 and I have many dumb questions and smart come backs. This is a favorite of mine. After a national in the late 70's Cherpy, Fay (some of you old timers remember her as Stick) & I were camping at Leach Bay doing some fishing. We has our three tents set up and the bikes, 2 R75/5's with Windjammers and a Honda Silverwing. Next to us was a family with a large motor home, boat on a trailer and a Honda 750 4 on the back of the motor home. The father of the rather large mob came over and we were talking. Then he gives this look and asks which one of us was sleeping alone. I looked him in the eye with a straight face and said "Neather one of us, our other two wives are at home. One is working and the other is pregnant". :lolHe stood and did not say anything for a a moment and then whet back to his camp site. He did not let the kids look our way and was gone when we awoke the next morning. You stick your nose in my business and I will fill it up. You will not like what I fill it up with.

[Rod Sheridan]

Some comments stick in your memory, a couple from our trip to the RA Rally at Biltmore while we on the Blue Ridge parkway.

- one was at the motel about 8PM when we pulled up in front of our rooms, me on my r90/6 and Diann on her R60/7. Both bikes have camping gear and a small Canadian flag flying on the back.

A couple of guys riding Goldwings come over to say hi and ask where we're going, so we tell them that we're going to Asheville tomorrow. The guy replies that you can't ride that far in a day, that it's 200 miles to Asheville.

Diann replies, "Oh, then we should be there by lunch since we left Toronto early this morning"

The guys reply was "you mean that's not your truck and trailer over there? We always trailer ours a while and then ride".

- next day on the Blue Ridge, we pull into a rest stop and of course my R90 decides it's time to piss fuel on the pavement from the float bowl.

3 guys riding Harley's run over to tell me this, I tap the float bowl with my boot and it stops leaking. This results in much discussion about taking it to the dealer (I don't think it's been to one since 1978), when a rider on a new BMW pulls up, walks over and says "Oh yeah, like we've never seen an airhead leaking gas before".

I start laughing, the Harley guys want to know why I'm not upset, so I'm trying to explain how funny that just was..............Oh well, some things don't do well in translation.

Of course there are the really nice moments, such as on the above trip when we stopped at a roadside park in Pennsylvania to rest and have a drink of water. As we're getting ready to go, this gentleman in his seventies comes over and I can tell he wants to talk. I take a deep breath, remove my helmet and jacket and sit back down on the bench, even though I want to get going and make some distance.

He joins us, then asks us to wait a minute and goes back to his motor home and brings us each a bottle of cold water, while I'm sitting there wishing to be elsewhere.

30 minutes later, we leave having learned of his motorcycling as far north as Canada in the 40's and 50's, and the loss of his wife a year ago.

The Canadian flags on the back of the bikes prompted his desire to say hi to us, and share some stories of good times spent in our country. I almost missed out on that one shot opportunity by being in a hurry, or curt with a stranger.

Now if the old airhead would just attract women instead of old men:laugh

Regards, Rod.

[535is]

I tap the float bowl with my boot and it stops leaking. This results in much discussion about taking it to the dealer (I don't think it's been to one since 1978), when a rider on a new BMW pulls up, walks over and says "Oh yeah, like we've never seen an airhead leaking gas before".

I start laughing, the Harley guys want to know why I'm not upset, so I'm trying to explain how funny that just was..............Oh well, some things don't do well in translation.
I laugh my butt off every time I hear that ... and it's usually my airhead leaking gas.

[The_Veg]

Now if the old airhead would just attract women instead of old men:laugh

I hear ya! When I rode an airhead I remember one time in TexSux when a leathery-skinned old farmer walked up at a gas station and asked (in deep drawl), "Izzat'chur Bee-Emm-Dubya?"

I was then regaled with his story of when he was stationed in Germany in the 1950's and his best buddy rode a war-surplus BMW and, according to the old coot, liked to corner it on the cylinder heads.

Stuff like that makes me glad that I chose this brand.

[brewmeister]

:laughMy most common coment is "Ha nice brittish motor works motorcycle!:laugh:laugh:laugh:whistle

[cjack]

Viki's ex mother in law introduced us to all the assisted living folks in Beverton, OR as "rode their Harleys here from Illinois". I took 3 minutes to explain to her about BMWs and they are not Harleys. The next folks she introduced us as " they rode their Harleys all the way from Illinois".

[53133]

A few years ago, my wife and I rode our LT from Santa Cruz, CA to Ocean City, Maryland across the entire length of US Hwy 50. A great trip crossing in 7 fun days and stepping back to the small town America of the 60's.

The further east we got, the more times we heard "you rode that ALL THE WAY FROM CALIFORNIA?"

While unpacking at a nice hotel about 50 miles east of D.C., one couple asked (after the obligatory 'you rode all the way ...) "That's a long way. How do you pack everything you need?"

I replied, "Well we're from California. We save space 'cause we don't need to pack underwear!" They laughed uncomfortably, then backed away, fearing we might be telling the truth!

We've since used that line many times when we get the question about packing space, and it never fails to get interesting responses from the questioners ... from ribald laughter and comments, to furtive glances and immediate withdrawal from the scene.

Stan
Lake Tahoe, CA

[MPMARTY]

I always use this stock answer to the question: "Why don't you get a Harley?" I explain that I already know how to work on motorcycles and now just want to ride one.

[DARRYL CAINEY]

So... I'm out for my 50 - 100 mile ride for coffee when I pull up to the Tim Horton"s Coffee Shop beside a bunch of Harley Riders.
One of the lot is looking at my bike (1977 R100RS) like a goat staring at a new fence!

He says " What are those things stickin out the side?"
I say "Foot Warmers"

He says " How the hell do ya go around corners?"

I say "who wants to follow me?"

No takers!

[bunkyone]

Hey all: Two year ago this coming October, I rode the R90 down to Nashville (and then to Barber Motorsports)to spend some time with my son. Stopped just outside of Nashville to confirm my directiions and ending up talking to a Harley rider. Says he;"What year is that things anyway?" Says I:"It's a '76." He seems blown away by the fact that I'd dare to ride a 32 year old "mocycle" THAT far! Says he:"ya'll didn't trailer it or nothing?" Says I: "I wanted to, but you darn Harley riders have every trailer rented within 700 miles of here." He just stood there for a minute, and then started to laugh. Bought me a coke and we shared some great road lies together. Saw him last January while down there for my son's wedding. He wanted to know if I rode there! Vaya con Dios, Dutch

[brewmeister]

This summer when I was heading over to Roys house for the tec session/party I was riding through waukeshas winding hills near the hospital on the hill. When a car pulls right across my path in the road. He was pulling into his driveway. I was only going maybe 20-25 mph. Right behind this gut was a policecar and on with the lights!! yes good timming. I asked the cop if I needed to stick around. Nope,so I went on my way still a little shaken but what timing!

[DARRYL CAINEY]

One Sunday Morning on the way home from the 4 Winds Rally in PA we stopped in for breakfast at a small town restaurant not far from the Rally.

The place was filled with little gray haired ladies out for Sunday Social and my wife & I were surrounded by them. We had on all our gear as usual as well as the Bright Rally Wristbands. One of the ladies asked me “what’s the Wristband was for”

I said that we were out on a day pass from the Mental Institution up the road a bit.

I still laugh when I think of the expression on her face and the looks we got all through breakfast!

[crazydrummerdude]

"So, what do you do?"
"What?"
"With all that gear. Where do you work?"
"Uh, this is for riding a motorcycle." (as I'm holding my helmet)
"Oh, a motorcycle. A guy was in here not long ago dressed like that.. he directs planes."
"Oh."

:ha

[Ken F]

One nice summer evening not long ago, I pulled up behind a shiney new BMW Z-8 at a stoplight being driven by a blonde 16 yr. old cutie. Next to her in a primered honda accord sporting a fart can were 4 young boys about her age, shouting out the window trying to get her attention. Her resposnse was to stare straight ahead as if nothing were gong on. After what seemed an eterninty, the boys didn't seem to be running out of breath, so I pulled up on the left side of her car and said "Dont worry about it, they are yelling at me." She looked at me rather startled, and said "REally?"
No, I'm pullling your leg. She lit up like a Christmas tree, then noticed the roundel on my fairing and said "nice bike"! I replied "nice car" and the light changed.

460

[rebake]

Okay,so it was pouring rain with 40mph wind and small hail.I have the bike parked in front of a drug store.As i stand under the overhang in full gear and rainsuit,a woman comes out,points at the gs and says"is that your motorcycle?" I say"Yeah,do you need a ride somewhere?" She gave me a look and left. Ed

[Ted]

My two gems...

1 - In traffic in DC a guy in a 7-series pulls up, puts his window down and tells me that putting BMW badges on a motorcycle looks stupid and if I really wanted a BMW I should just buy one.

2 - Ferry boat in Maine. Had just boarded alongside my great friend Larry Fears when a guy walks over and says, "you guys aren't going to cause any trouble are you?"

[JDOCKERY132445]

I live on an island. I was going to the Savannah Low Country Boil two weeks ago and had just boarded the ferry. The weather had turned from summer to winter that night and there was some ice on the boarding ramp. I noticed the men working were all watching me as I got off the bike. One walked up and said, "Nice piece of ice riding; come upstairs and I will get you a cup of coffee from the crews quarters."

As I sat in the lounge, several came over and told me that seeing someone who knew how to ride a motorcycle instead of posing on one was unusual. They said that usually the only people on two wheels were the drunks on the "liquor-cycles".

My wife and I rode the R100RT to the RA in Asheville, fully loaded for camping. We stopped at a grocery store and bought a case of beer to put in the collapsible cooler. Of course the R100 did not like that I had put the cooler on the back; it upset the balance and I immediately got the dreaded "wobble". I stopped and was repositioning it to the front handlebars when a man walked over and asked if he could help. I told him we were headed to the Biltmore House for a rally and he offered to take the cooler and follow us in. When we got to the camping area, he gave us our cooler and told us of his many days of riding before he started having health issues. You could see the longing and hurt. I hope I never get to the point where I can't ride.

[osbornk]

Around here, Harley is King (there are 4 BMW riders in the county). People ask me why I ride a BMW. I tell them that while some people like to look good but some of us like to get to where we are going.

[rebake]

Not long ago at a gas station.Woman in a big bmw car sees my hat and says Which bmw do you have?I say 1200gs. she says i don't know which number goes with which car.I say my bmw only has two wheels on it.She says well i hope you get it fixed soon.:doh

[wecm31]

I have picked up some new comebacks from the thread I will be sure to use in future!!

The one I get coming into work is, "did you ride your bike in today?"

To which I reply,"No, the damned heat is busted in the car"

[radan2]

this board is a den of sin! this character with ears and a tail (and a pitchfork?!) cavorting around the country with other people's wives?! my stars! i do believe that's the fourth-and-a-half horse of the apocalypse...

BMW = Beelzebub Motor Works

[radan2]

Uh ... Hondas have 'em:

http://www.diseno-art.com/images/GoldWing_airbag_rider.jpg

Who revived a five year old thread!?

I'm sorry, but the color of that thing makes me think of a huge buttock.

[pmdave]

I just can't see the resemblance.

pmdave

[MPMARTY]

Stopped at a light and a HD rider coasts up next to me. He looks over and grins and tells me "you need to get one of these" I smile and tell him "I already know how to work on bikes, now I just want to ride them".

[bubbagazoo]

Back when I owned my R1100RT, I had stopped for gas and put the bike up on its centre stand (because I could). Guy comes out of the store after paying for his fuel and looks at my bike. He walks over and tells me that he's a rider. I ask what he has and he tells me with pride that he owns a Harley. He continues to look at my bike for a few more seconds then asks, "What's that thing?" I look are around and ask back, "What thing?" "That think under you bike. I've never seen anything like that." So, I had to explain the purpose and operation of a centre stand.

[drew3714]

Bought a nice bright yellow BMW Airshell Jacket in June, was leaving work and heard "what's Drew wearing?" and one of the girls I work with said "oh I think he's been assigned community service."

:thumb Really??

[David Whittle]

I was getting ready to leave work when a a guy (who also rides) joked, "if you learned how to ride, you wouldn't have to wear all that gear." I replied, If people would learn how to drive cars, I wouldn't have to wear all this gear"
Of course I get, "Aren't you hot in all that gear?" my reply is, "it's cooler than bandages!"

After being asked what kind of bike I ride and replying "A BMW", A guy says, "That's one of those real quiet ones!" I said, "Depends how high I turn up the volume on the Stereo"

After riding down to a small tourist town with my wife and kids, (Two bikes, two kids) setting on a bench watching motorcycles roll in and out of town, I had to mention to some guys, "You can tell the guys who rode in and trailered in by the amount of bugs on front" I watched as they all started squinting when the bikes rolled past.

Same trip, the four of us were checking into the hotel holding everything we had in two compression bags under my arms, they lady asks If we are going to need help with our luggage.

[David Whittle]

Oh yeah, I for got the New one I got this morning in the parking lot at work. It just finished raining not even heavy and it was about 58 as I was taking off some gear. A guy I know but have only worked with about 6 months says "That proves it, your INSANE"