“It Doesn’t Matter What You Ride…” Yea Right!
Folks always say that! When asked about riding a particular type of motorcycle, most cyclist politely repeat the mantra; “It doesn’t matter what you ride, but that you ride!“ AMEN! True enough. It’s my opinion, that being kind and compassionate human beings, we almost believe what we are saying when we repeat that line, after all, it is a testament to our humanness, our inclusiveness, and our tolerance. When the true fact is, that deep inside our little glob of gray matter, the real conversation is more like this; “I would not be caught dead on that!” I realize none of us want to admit it, that would some how mean we are selfish, arrogant pricks. And after all, who wants to own up to that! 
There are a lot of bikes I wouldn’t ride but I still don’t look down on someone else that does ride them. If they like them or it’s all they have access to… that’s awesome for them. It really doesn’t matter what they ride to me… I still find a kinship with any fellow motorcyclist.
Agree with Swag.
I wouldn’t be caught dead on a BMW but I don’t dislike or look down on someone because that’s their choice of rides. Maybe because of financial problems, all someone can afford is a used 20 year old Suzuki. Who am I to judge them because of that?
I think that we feel a certain kinship to people who ride the same type of bike as ourselves because I believe that different bikes attract different personality types. I feel a closeness to other Harley riders because they are the most like me. You might feel a kinship to other BMW riders because they have a personality that more closely matches your own.
So yes, to me, I don’t really care what you ride. I’ve waved to Harley riders, Honda riders and even scooter riders. Just get out there and enjoy!
As a BMW rider, mounting the zenith of the two-wheeled black arts, I’m glad that everyone who rides gets to share in the thrill and mysticism of the road. Of course, there are very few options left in life once you do ride a BMW, but that’s what we are smiling about when we pass each other.
I thought the last couple of lines in your post today were especially appropriate.
Fondest regards,
Jack
Twisted Roads
I can find something I like in almost any bike I look at, old or new. The luxury of the BMW, the paint jobs on those Cafe rockets, the awesome size of the big Harley Baggers. I can go on and on. I ride Harley Sportster and love the agility and quickness of the bike. There are those in the Harley Community talk down about them call them a chick bike. I don’t care, I can out run all but a few, get better gas mileage, plus it’s paid for. If you ride, safely that is your OK in my book.
I have always said I don’t care what someone rides it’s that you ride. That statement is more about the ride than what the person is riding.
As a scooter(s) and a Honda DN-01 owner I ride bikes most would loathe. But I have never had a “real” rider refuse to ride with me.
Even I would not be caught dead on any Harley or Gold Wing.
But there is no one I don’t wave to.
I used to be a bit self conscious as a 30yr old riding around town on a 1998 Honda Pacific Coast… Then I realized most cocky Atlanta riders are kickstand riders who’s riding experience is between their place and the Vortex on Thursday nights. You won’t find any chicken strips on any of my motorcycles!