Why no Harley squids?

[Homeslice]

Problem with MSF is, no experience in traffic. It's quite ludicrous that people are allowed to ride on the street after that little instruction.

[racedoll]

Originally Posted by Gas Man

Why they aren't called squids?

Honestly, it's a decent question. I think as a whole it's a traditional thing. Understand, that these guys have been riding for far longer than the high tech gear has been around. Many of the HD riders are older (this is changing slowly) and in typical fashion of age, don't feel the need for added protection. The mentality that "they've made it this long without", reigns prevalent. Good bad or indifferent, you can't convince many of these old dudes.

This will be a different tone in the next 10 years. There is a different breed coming up. My breed. If you want to see this... come to the next rally in sep.

Finally, an answer to the original question that makes sense, not that the others didn't. I have enjoyed the way this thread has come and gone down different avenues.

Originally Posted by Trip

You should show up on the bike you are going to ride. If the guy can't navigate his 9 ton piece of shit, tough shit, get a bike you can ride.

Amen!

[Gas Man]

Originally Posted by OneSickPsycho

In all fairness though, a full up HD touring rig is not the best thing to be taking your test on... and frankly, those tests are bullshit anyway. All lowspeed manuvering... I'm a competent rider and I SUCK at the low speed stuff.

I agree with your points here and after.

And on the point that most HDs are more well maintained. True again. 2 reasons, price paid for bike. Also, most that can afford a HD can afford to take care of it, further, are usually more "grown up".

Originally Posted by racedoll

Finally, an answer to the original question that makes sense, not that the others didn't. I have enjoyed the way this thread has come and gone down different avenues.

Amen!

Thank you.

[Trip]

Originally Posted by Gas Man

I agree with your points here and after.

And on the point that most HDs are more well maintained. True again. 2 reasons, price paid for bike. Also, most that can afford a HD can afford to take care of it, further, are usually more "grown up".

Again, if you ride a big bike, you better damn sure be able to manhandle it. If you can't pass a simple test on that big bike, you shouldn't be riding it.

I completely disagree with the more grown up comment. If anything they are just as fucking retarded or more so, just in a different way. They may not go around doing triple digits, but a lot of them are more than willing to ride around after a few beers. I would label that extremely less "grown up" than speeding.

[Tmall]

Originally Posted by Gas Man

I agree with your points here and after.

And on the point that most HDs are more well maintained. True again. 2 reasons, price paid for bike. Also, most that can afford a HD can afford to take care of it, further, are usually more "grown up".



Thank you.

Ease of maintenance definitely helps.

Honestly Gas, how long would it take you to change both sumps on your bike if you didn't keep such detailed records? 15 minutes?

[Gas Man]

Originally Posted by Trip

Again, if you ride a big bike, you better damn sure be able to manhandle it. If you can't pass a simple test on that big bike, you shouldn't be riding it.

I completely disagree with the more grown up comment. If anything they are just as fucking retarded or more so, just in a different way. They may not go around doing triple digits, but a lot of them are more than willing to ride around after a few beers. I would label that extremely less "grown up" than speeding.

I'm referring to money and respect for the machine... not riding style.

Originally Posted by Tmall

Ease of maintenance definitely helps.

Honestly Gas, how long would it take you to change both sumps on your bike if you didn't keep such detailed records? 15 minutes?

2 sumps?

An HD has 3 oil holes.

And changing the oil is never the complete amount of service.

[Trip]

Originally Posted by Gas Man

I'm referring to money and respect for the machine... not riding style.

I agree with that, most sportbike guys beat the ever living shit out of their bikes. Cost and youth plays a big part of that as you said.