I am getting my motorcycle license this week, and I am still trying to figure out what to get. My dad drove a Harley, as does my cousin, who wants me to get one. However, another close friend of mine has a "crotch rocket" and makes the point that the only people who drive Harleys are men in a mid-life crisis or overweighted bearded white guys who don't get laid. I do notice younger guys and younger girls on the crotch rockets. Your thoughts?
2007-06-26 14:27:36 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Yeah, I totally agree that generally people in their 20's will ride sport bikes instead of cruisers, I know I did. When I was younger I wouldn't have taken a cruiser if you gave it too me, and now I feel the exact same way about sport bikes although I still race motocross. It's not that I can't, or don't want to go fast anymore, I had just rather cruise and be comfortable on my road bike and get my speed fix on the track where it is safer. Also most folks in their 20's can't afford a $20,000 bike. Also Firecracker's suggestion about just getting a starter bike to get your feet wet and determine what type of riding you prefer is a great idea.
Byron...you look different. Did you loose some weight or something??
2007-06-27 02:21:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean "typecast"?
I've been riding Harleys since I was 16 and that is personal preference. I was not overweight, bearded, in midlife crises and had no problem getting laid and still suffer neither of these afflictions at 53.I just happen to like Harleys and I find that most of their detractors lose their gusto for criticism after they actually put their narrow minded, jealous little butts on one and experience what they're all about! I also do not fault anyone for whatever bike he chooses to ride; only the way some people ride them. I do notice more crotch rocket advocates and japper hog riders criticizing HD citing age old, inaccurate idiosyncratic wives' tales; none of which hold true today. They do not leak and are as dependable or more so than any bike on the market be it cruiser or sportbike; American or otherwise.
I notice many more crotch rocket riders at fault in accidents between cars and motorcycles due to their propensity for excessive speed and lack of good judgment or consideration of others on the road while the majority of accidents involving Harleys are usually the fault of the driver of the car.
As far as what your Cousin your Dad or your friends ride, that has nothing to do with what you should ride or IF you should ride. From your question, you don't seem as if you're even into riding for yourself so I won't make any suggestions other than that should you decide that you want to ride, your decision should come solely based upon what YOU want and not from the flawed and subjective opinions of others.
It's also good that you're a Social Studies teacher rather than an English teacher.
2007-06-27 00:39:25 · answer #2 · answered by Third account already! 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
don't know that i have an answer to your question, but what i can say in my opinion, is that buying a motorcycle is not only a statement about your style, but also says a lot about your wallet! the youngsters buy those crotch rockets because they are invincible and have a need for speed. they are show offs and play with danger. a Harley buyer is a motor cycle lover. he has a group of friends that drive Harley's either with their partners or without. they are stereotyped by the image of a large white man with a beard, moustache, and a skinny "crack-head " girl barely hanging on the back-only there to get the benefits from the louder than her vibrations. truth is that is not the norm today. i don't really like the loudness that goes with a harley, but i do enjoy bikes so i believe the noise could take the place of the cd player on 50 while i'm trucking down the road.
it's an individual choice and a big investment now-a-days, so think for a bit before you buy! oh, and yeah, HAVE FUN!
2007-06-27 03:25:09 · answer #3 · answered by dacook 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to pick what fits you, instead of going by biased advice. Misconceptions abound.
No mid-life crisis here, not overweight, and no beard. Sex life is more than satisfactory as well. Still ride an HD. My choice of ride has nothing to do with all that. And all that has nothing to do with what I ride.
Personally, I think you should get an old beater, of any brand. Then learn to ride it. Having a new license only means you passed a test, or took a class. After you really learn to ride something, you will have a much better idea what you really want under you.
2007-06-26 15:11:15 · answer #4 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My answer is the same as most of the others, it all depends on your riding style and tastes. I have riden both and enjoy both. Most of my riding is adventure and I enjoy taking trips in excess of 300-500 miles. I have found that a crotch rocket plays hell on my wrists due to the riding position and a stiff suspension common with most of these bikes. Friends who ride crotch rockets complain of the same thing. On the flip side friends who ride cruisers and touring bikes complain of sore butts and low back pain. I've had back surgery and I have had no experience concerning back pain.
I will go a bit further to say that if you choose a sportbike or "crotch rocket" that you strive to obey the traffic laws of your area. Many young people who get this type of bike are interested in speed, chics, and stunts. Our public roads are not an arena for these activities. Stoppies, wheelies, and knee dragging on the city streets and roads are unacceptable riding practices. Buy participating in these stunts, riders are not only putting their safety and life in jeapordy but also that of other riders and drivers that use these roads.
Many motorcycle organizations around the US lobby our House and Senate. They work very hard to create a positive image of the American Mototcyclist and work to get the same rights and priviledges for them that cagers enjoy. Help them to be able to present the positive statistics that are necessary to sway the publics opinion of a biker.
Riders who feel it necessary to stunt and race should find a track or an abandoned parking lot somewhere. Sure these activities are fun and people enjoy watching and performing these feats and skills, but only as long as no one gets hurt and is not placed in fear of their life and safety.
The general rule is to ride within your limitations and should be amended to say "the laws and your limitations". This is true without regard to whatever bike you decide to purchase.
2007-06-27 05:50:49 · answer #5 · answered by John S 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You ride what you're comfortable on. Try going 400 miles on a crotch rocket. Something about doing 70 or 80 mph headfirst that I don't agree with.
My son is 19 and rides a 1100 V-Star classic. It's what you like.
2007-06-27 15:35:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your family needs to just buzz off. Let the old man have his motorcycle, he's not dead yet. He's getting older and just let him enjoy what he loves for the decade or so the man has left. Besides everyone is going to die someday, whether it be on a motorcycle or from old age its going to happen either way. I hate kids that try and control their parents when they get old just because they think being old means they have become dumb and treat them like little children that are helpless. If your mother wants to say something to him then so be it, but you should let him make his own decisions and I dont think the whole family ganging up on him is going to help anything. I know you dont really want to say anything, I would just say keep your thinking and do not get involved in the issue As long as he is not a danger to other drivers I dont see the problem with letting him drive it.
2016-05-21 04:14:58 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The type of bike you buy/ride is totally dependant on your riding style and type of riding you like.
I know old timers on sportbikes and young dudes on cruisers, so that is an old preconception that has gone the way of the dinosaur.
If you like going fast or carving corners, then get a sportbike.
If you like cruising and taking in the scenery with no time schedules or worries, then get a cruiser.
It all depends on you. So don't get caught up in what peole tell you to do, do what's right for you.
Ride Safe!
2007-06-26 14:36:42 · answer #8 · answered by JustAnotherJoe 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you want to put serious miles on your bike....go with a cruiser. A crotch rocket with 30k hard miles is worn out.
The sport bike guys can have the girls.....I prefer women.
2007-06-27 10:23:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
It's your call...
In general, sport bikes aren't very comfortable on long rides...
Many of the baggers can be quickly and easily stripped down when you don't need the bags, windshield, etc... And the newer tc96 engines have plenty of power...
Triumph has some nice bikes that are kind of inbetween.
I'm 5'11 165lbs no beard, and get laid plenty...
Best advice I can give is go to some motorcycle dealers after you get your endorsement, and ride both... Then decide.
2007-06-26 14:39:17 · answer #10 · answered by ScooterTrash 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋