"Poser" venting

[SkullCrusher]

Originally Posted by GPSchmidt

Making such broad, sweeping comments don't you mirror part of the HD hoarde attitude you speak of?

It's an old, tired argument and just doesn't ring true anymore.

9/10 HD owners today came from owning metric bikes. I can attest to 100% of the HD owners on this forum either have owned, or still own metric. Because there are so many aftermarket parts for HD, most owners are familiar with their bikes and readily acknowledge that there are metric/asian parts in them. I'm just fine with that, as are most. Perhaps the old guard toss and turn at night over it, but not the current average joe.

Some drink the HD coolaide, and on the topic of posers, then there ya go.

The fact that they started out on metric bikes only adds evidence to my case.

Maybe it has something to do with geography, but a lot of Harley guys around here won't even wave to a sport bike. I even had one guy (we were crossing an intersection right after the light changed) point to the hd on his tank and shake his head when I waved

Maybe hd guys in the greater Akron/canton area are just chock full of douche. Seen plenty of 'id rather push a Harley than ride a honda' stickers.

[GPSchmidt]

Maybe it has something to do with geography, but a lot of Harley guys around here won't even wave to a sport bike.

I can testify that the reverse is true too. Many a sport bike rider hasn't waved back at me. Maybe their in shock?

Truth be told, some Harley guys don't wave to Harley guys. That's more of a personality thing. To those that don't, heck, whatever. It doesn't ruin my day out on the road. You will never get away from those who garner their machismo through what they associate with and own. Could be a Harley, could be a Porsche. Insert consumer good here. All that does is give you a glimpse of who they are, and I generally don't hang around the type.

[Aced It]

On the point of waving: Not everyone waves, nor is required to. I don't take it personally when somebody doesn't give the low-wave back ... maybe they just don't want to take their hand off the bar. Maybe they didn't see me. Maybe they choose not to. Maybe they're just arrogant. Maybe it IS a metric hater. But then, maybe they're jealous? Whatever ... it's my choice to wave/wave back, as it it theirs. Ride on.

[squidchief]

I have to side with the OP on this one. I do a couple of toy runs each holiday season, as a matter of fact there's one scheduled this coming Saturday with a local MC. The temps are projected to be below freezing and precipitation is also forecasted yet I am confident there will be at least fifty or more bikes in attendance. Yes, the run... this one anyway... is about the kids and the presents, but is also about the run and braving the elements to do it. When it's all over, the riders will be treated to some warm beverages and camaraderie and a group picture will be taken. As is the norm, I'll probably opt out of the photo op, but in the same vein, if you didn't participate in the ride on the back of a bike you didn't earn your right to be in the picture so you shouldn't be in it.
It's the same participating in a Tough Mudder or Spartan race. Sure, the intent is they are fund raisers for the Wounded Warrior Project, but if you didn't actually participate in the organization, set-up or complete the event, you are little more than a wanna-be, poser or whatever if you are hanging around trying to look and act like a participant.
In the original post, Officer Friendly stated how this guy got out of his vehicle... doesn't matter if it was a Crown Vic. BMW or Pinto... and tried to appear as if he had participated in the event, or so it was perceived. Didn't sound to me that Officer Friendly was rude to the guy about it, he just called out the obvious.
It's funny how this thread got sidetracked down the HD hatin'... or is it jealousy(?)... track. As many thousands of miles of road that I've traveled throughout the US, I've never been able to ascertain what particular brand a bike was coming up on it head on at any type of speed. Plenty of folks of all brands don’t nod or wave to other riders. Who cares? Sure, there are some guys who ride HD's that turn their noses up at any bike not manufactured in the US just as there are some folks right here on this forum ... and on this thread... that can’t refrain from hatin' on the HD folks.
My .02 anyway

[GPSchmidt]

It's funny how this thread got sidetracked down the HD hatin'...

You are right, sorry about getting off topic.

[Aced It]

Yeah! Stupid Harley ...






















... haters!
.
.
.

[GPSchmidt]

Yeah! Stupid Harley ...

Stupid is as stupid does!!

...couldn't resist.

[jgarib]

I fall in with the live and let live crowd. People like that are really only harming themselves by not enjoying a wonderful ride for a good cause (even if in cold weather).

I will say that throwing the word "poser" around is very high school. It's very cliquey/judgmental which is the definition of high school.

I do find it very odd that a random dude would show up at a toy drive like that, but he isn't doing anyone any direct harm. I would ask him to step away from my bike had I been OfficerFriendly but not due to his choice of attire or transportation. It would be because I invest considerable time, money and energy into my motorcycle and I'd be upset if anyone got up close to my bike for any reason other than admiration without my permission (and even admiration would make me uncomfortable if someone didn't first make eye contact or acknowledge my presence).

[C.W.]

Since all I've done to this point is throw out some food for thought and some cheap commentary, it's time for me to weigh in on this subject on a broader note.

I believe in general we like to see integrity, genuine principled actions with a purpose and a cause from the people we encounter, including ourselves. We develop a sense of dignity and purpose while putting in some work for a cause that, in return, instills spiritual fulfillment, a paradox that by giving we receive something more powerful.

What we don't like to see is cheats, frauds, phonies, imposters, fakes, and/or posers, as we like name them. Then, all of the above SEEMS to go to the way side.

Now, most of their actions can be harmless to us, and in the long run, they are harming themselves. Trust becomes an issue in interactions with others, and there are some things a person just can't fake their way through before the karma catches up with them, like school or jobs. But, we have no control over others and they do what they do. The desire to be a part of, sometimes, is all they need, but may be fueled by self-centeredness. Another attribute we don't like to see.

It's a whole different story, though, with intent to harm through fraud, or if harm may be caused by the fakers who don't see it.

I think in this case no harm done. We can see it for what it is and let it go, after all, it's his sh!t, not ours. Keep your own values, beliefs, and principles in tact and reap the spiritual rewards. The kids get what they need and everyone wins. As for the poser, he'll have to deal with his own karma one day.

[Lakota]

C.W., well said.


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