In the "Biker Scene" How are old hondas treated? [Archive]

jmorgan

07-31-2008, 10:19 PM

So im new to riding street bikes, How are fellow bikers towards various brands of bikes? Obviously people in this forum tend to have a bias towards honda, so how are you treated at the local bike night in town?

I've never been to one, atleast not on a bike.. Is there any brands that are made fun of behind the owners back(or infront?).

I really thought my CX500 was one to be laughed at, but I have become shocked at how many people ask about it and really check it over even just bringing it to get inspected, and filling up with gas. I guess that V-twin isn't something you see everyday! I even looked at some new bikes and came back to liking the way mine looks, sure i'd prefer it to be lower and a bit more custom stance, but I defiantly like it alot more then wide saddle cruisers that really don't get my attention.

Anyone have stories?

Custom85VT

08-01-2008, 01:15 AM

Well I might not be a good example as my bike is about as un-Honda as a Honda can get, but I do get a lot of “Biker Scene” people coming up and looking my bike over with enthusiasm. Anyone who wrenches could appreciate many of the engineering marvels I have pulled off on a budget. :cool:

grappler

08-04-2008, 12:14 AM

Well the "older folks" tend to look at me as another one of those "rascally kids" on a crotch rocket. A not undeserved view as most of the crotch-rocket riders in So Cal ride like brain dead monkeys.

Not really what your asking but thats how it is for me.

Rocky

08-04-2008, 12:54 AM

The year was 1971. A friend of mine had triumph, I had a honda. We go to a biker bar. We leave. My bike is still sitting there---his isn't.

Things haven't changed.

SleazyRider

08-05-2008, 04:16 AM

Hahah thats great!

kitty kat

08-06-2008, 03:02 AM

So I'm new to riding street bikes, How are fellow bikers towards various brands of bikes? Obviously people in this forum tend to have a bias towards Honda, so how are you treated at the local bike night in town?

Over here in UK, we joke about about Hondas (except those who own one), but that is all it is, a joke. At the various bike meets I go to every type of bike is accepted, even mine which is desperately in need of some cosmetic work. :(
I was at a meet last Monday and a group of cruisers pulled into the meet area, but parked away from everyone else, they were all from some club or something. A friend of mine rode in with them and tried talking to them when they parked up but the back marker just turned round to him and told him that if he wanted to ride with them or talk to them it would cost him £50 a year :eek:
Talk about unsocial.
I am an associate member of our local Harley chapter (I ride a Japanese bike) and have been welcomed by most of the group, despite the fact I do not wish to own said make of bike.

Schneiderman

08-06-2008, 12:58 PM

My first streetbike was a 1982 Honda CB650 and everyone thought that was a way cool bike, myself included.

buellosaurusrex

08-10-2008, 02:46 AM

The tide is turning....if slowly...and the Japanese bikes of Yesteryear are suddenly becoming 1) desirable, and 2) valuable.
Reason? The kid that learned to ride on the CB350 is now earning in excess of 100k per year.....has just turned 50, and is re-discovering his inner child.
Think I'm full of it?
Read Motorcycle Classics.

92katana750

08-13-2008, 02:13 AM

I think if you drive a motorcycle your accepted. I ride a 84 xj650 and a 92 gsx750f, everyone loves 'em. My dad rides a 84 yamaha 1000 virago, 94 1100 honda saber(?), a 750 virago etc (he loves bikes!), and every where we go people with bikes just seem to walk up to us and start talking. hell i've had some people slow down on the high way to ride along. be proud of what you ride, it's yours and you chose it for a reason!

kitty kat

08-13-2008, 03:41 PM

I love the way other bikers come and talk to you.
The other week I went on a long ride for the day, on my way home I stopped at the side of the road in a rest area in order to relax in the evening sun and eat my tea. I am doing just that, when another biker pulls up behind me, gets out his flask, pours himself a coffee and stops there for half an hour chatting to me. You don't get the same camaraderie when driving a cage.

weezerfan84

08-13-2008, 04:01 PM

Never had anyone pull up next to me yet, but I also ride a lot on public streets. I do have some buddies that I ride with from time to time, which is pretty fun. Where I live you have your cruiser group and you have your crotch rocket group, and they rarely ever intermingle. I like cruisers, but they're just not a bike I would like to ride on a daily basis. I like to rush from going fast on occassion, which is why I'm gonna try and get an RR around this time next year. Been looking at the CBR 600RR, R6, GSXR600, ZXR6, ZZR-600, and Ninja 636. Most likely if I can I will try and end up with the CBR600 because it has that torque curve that I would like to have in city driving, but the 2005 636 is an awesome looking bike! We'll just see what happens between now and this time next year.

jrbooe

08-16-2008, 08:30 AM

My attitude has always been, it doesn't matter what you ride as long as you are riding. Yes, people like to joke about my metrics when I am on them. However, because I also ride a Sportster I get my share of joking comments about being on a skirtster as well. Anymore, because my CB is 30 years old, when I am on it I get a lot of comments from people who say they like seeing an old school piece of iron still on the road.

renbent

08-16-2008, 12:21 PM

Great bike, know exactly where your coming from bro

Maico Shark

08-17-2008, 01:20 AM

I can understand how young people want to be accepted....and respected. But for me the motorcycle has always been a symbol of solitude. I have my gregarious moments and have owned customized party vans, but when I ride a bike I am usually alone, going at my own speed, and following whatever whim that enters my thoughts. I am a solitary cruiser and a midnight rider who could not care less what some other person may think of my 1985 Honda. It was the best bike I could find for $500 and has went 2 years with just chain oil & tightening.

I guess it depends on why you ride and what you seek. To me it seems as close as I'll get to flight and the embodiment of freedom. All else is vanity.

Speedzter2000

08-19-2008, 12:41 AM

I go to a lot of car cruises and motorcycle shows. Never have I received a negative comment. I hear "WOW! I had that bike when I was learning how to ride..." I had a GS550, and now have the GPz. Like someone said previously, people remember these bikes from their youth, and it's a source of nostalgia for them. Many years ago I knew people who hated "Jap bikes" and spoke of parties where they burned them and what not, but those days are long gone. At least around here. I did have ONE instance where a smart donkeys rear-end was making snide comments about my bike. He was blabbing about how he was going to get this that and the other thing. How my bike was a piece of junk compared to this other bike. Meanwhile, he's in his 30's, lives at home with Mom and Dad, and rarely works. And doesn't even have a tricycle. Yeah, right...whatever....
I never wash the GPz, and don't give a hoot what others think, and neither should you. Ride your own ride. Getting caught up in the hype is just that. I know of other people who have re-mortgaged their homes to get a $20k or so motorcycle, and that is not the "American Dream" to me. Being up to your eyeballs in debt for 30+ years doesn't sound like a dream to me. More like a nightmare.
Anyway, get what you want, and ride the snot out it. At least you're out there riding!!
Good luck!:D

SleazyRider

08-19-2008, 03:06 AM

Ya i ride a 76 CB400... Shes a cutie that moves thats for sure.

Ive got a friend at work and we were talking about bikes...and he said "You should have gotten a harley man" and harley this and harley that... And i said...Well...wheres your harley? Wheres YOUR bike?

Although he LOVES his honda civic :) haha

MrBash

08-23-2008, 10:26 PM

These are very interesting thoughts. I had no idea that people had bad thoughts for Hondas. I've been riding for three weeks now and I purchased a 2004 honda Shadow Aero (first bike) and I love it. I do about 60 - 70 on the highway and I generally keep to myself. I can careless what other riders think. I DO wave at every bike though. I'm waving at the bike, not the rider.

My bike has 6700 miles on it and I paid $4,400 for it. Got my leather boot, leather jacket and leather gloves...I feel good on the freeway. Although I like crusing the streets more often. Sometimes the freeway can be way too windy especially afternoons. Along with the loud aftermarket pipes, I love my bike. I've parked my daily driver and I ride everywhere I go everyday. I throw on my jeans over my slacks and wear my boots to work. When I get to work I take the jeans off, hang the jacket and change into my work shoes.

I like the fact that my bike has a drive shaft and I get 54mpg.

So why do people not like Hondas?

Here's my Honda...
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii238/MrBashian/Bike.jpg
and here's my Jeep...B!tch hahahaha
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii238/MrBashian/JeepwSRCBumper.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii238/MrBashian/20b3ce67.jpg

buellosaurusrex

08-24-2008, 03:42 PM

It's not necessarily Hondas, rather, "other" makes besides HD. Some even look down on American icons such as Indian, and snub their noses at newcomers such as Buell, Victory, etc. This attitude dates back to the sixties when biker gangs rode Harleys almost exclusively and didn't care much for Mr. Clean on his Honda 50.
Times have changed. Ride what you want and be proud of it!

Nighttrain

08-28-2008, 09:53 AM

The old CB's are rapidly gaining in price and earning respect as vintage bikes. Not that I care what anyone else thinks, I like what I ride.

jrbooe

09-01-2008, 06:26 PM

I love my Harley but I have a very soft spot in my heart for my CB. Many people have asked me since I bought the Harley, why I am clinging on to the Honda. I have owned the bike for 30 years, it owes me absolutely nothing and I owe nothing on it. Plus she is pretty and very reliable.

gammaqueen

09-04-2008, 10:54 PM

I personally like all kinds of bikes. I don't give a flip what the name on the side says. As long as you are riding, you understand the feeling of freedom that I get every single time I ride. Last night on my way home from work I was riding the Ninja and I don't relly know what made that night different. It could have been the stars, or the cool breeze, but I never felt so alive, it was awesome. You all know what I am talking about, no matter what bike you ride.

buellosaurusrex

09-15-2008, 03:41 PM

We certainly do!

59caddy

09-15-2008, 04:43 PM

i always wanted a harley. most my friends all ride harleys.
when i bought my honda, i bought it because it was affordable and it had the look/style that i like. best part is it was only 3800. had it been a harley, you can immediatly add a minimum of 10k to that sticker price.
so when i brought my bike home, i was scared to show my friends, one i especially because he was the most die hard of them all. he wont ride anything but harley, has to be harley frame, harley motor. he even has a harley tattoo the entire size of his chest. nonetheless i expected the most crap out of him.
surprisingly he likes my bike, was very curious about the drive shaft and every other difference. he even asked to take it for a spin while i rode the harley.
sure he jokes with me about riding in the back (far enough to not be associated with him) he jokes that i cant park on the same side of the street etc etc.
bottom line, he was happy to see me on a bike.
he and i go on rides together all the time.
so like others have mentioned, you will get sh!t talked, you will be made fun of, but bottom line is your on a bike and others respect that.

on a side note. i recently had problems with my bike. NO harley guys would work on my honda. cant say im surprised, but thats the only 'discrimination' i have ever received

point

09-16-2008, 02:06 AM

It rarely matters what kind of bike you ride. It's just that you ride. Any time I go on a trip I always wind up chatting with some other biker at a cafe or gas station.
I did a 3 day ride last week around Vancouver Island and the Sunshine coast and at each ferry crossing I met other bikers and usually had lunch with them. Maby it's becaus I am on the high side of 50 but I have no trouble with other people. Everybody will make a polite comment on your bike regardless of what you ride.

benztechnc

10-05-2008, 07:25 PM

Awesome news people! I have been kind of worrying about something along this line of thought. I worry that when my brother and I park the bikes outside a store or such, someone will come up with a comment about a honda and a harley side by side. I feel much better, because i know that if there isn't another bike out front, then they didn't ride in and then they just don't understand. It's about the riding. Yeah, I love the sound of my sporty, and the lines and the looks. It's a beautiful bike. But my brothers Honda 919 (hornet) is also beautiful. It's just way too powerful for me at this time in my life. He also jokes that he'd rather park beside me, because he knows that if anyone wants to take one, it'll be mine. LOL

Bpatts

10-06-2008, 08:21 PM

I always thought it was always cool when I would be at a stop light or at a gas station and another biker enthusiast would come up and say "wow, I haven't seen a Nighthawk in years, how many miles? this that and the other thing"

I've never been discriminated by other bikers, and I to have gone up to vintage Harleys and new for 2009 BMW gs 1200's and everything in between and say "you bike is in immaculate condition, I can see you take care of it very well"

that simple sentence can spark a whole life story on the bike, and thats cool with me.

hillbillysurf

10-08-2008, 03:20 PM

I haven't experiences discrimination from any other bikers at all.

a1c_joker

10-21-2008, 03:40 PM

When I first started riding with the group back home that my parents ride in, I had an 82 Honda 700 Magna V45. It was the oldest bike there, and if memory serves, the only Honda. Everyone else was on either a Yamaha, Harley, or a Suzuki. To answer your question, jmorgan, I didn't experience any discrimination. I could hold my own on that old Honda and outrun half of 'em! The group we rode with seemed to care about the ride and the experience versus WHAT you're riding. IMO, that's the way it should be.

Sapper81

10-22-2008, 12:26 PM

I have an 07 Shadow 600 and I've had the Harley riders at work tell me how nice mine looks. Went to a "biker bar" this summer and left all my gear on it and no one messed with it. My buddy was on his Ninja 650 and no one gave him crap. The people around here figure as long as you ride you are cool, if someone gives you crap its because they only ride on the weekend. My one friend did get laughed at on his old Honda but he is also goofy looking :)

GI Jack

10-23-2008, 02:29 PM

I dunno, I parked my bike in town next to some customs guys in their 40s(been riding long time), and they where amazed to see some 20something on a bike older than him. So, this other guy in a full custom honda pulled up, stayed awhile and pulled off, and they started making fun of him. I guess cause it had a large v-twin, with an exhaust note that sounded similar to my half liter UJM.

A lot of older big-cruiser guys I've talked to started on a bike similar to mine, if not the exact same one.

bobby95m3

10-25-2008, 06:04 PM

Great Thread!

Frank_W

10-27-2008, 03:47 PM

Glad to hear that the Harlier-Than-Thou crowd is accepting. I ride an '02 Yamaha Road Star 1600cc, and all I ever hear is, "Man... Nice bike!!"

barkerdrmmr182

10-29-2008, 07:34 PM

barkerdrmmr182

10-29-2008, 07:37 PM

The thing I like is bikers are cool. Doesn't matter what you are ridin you still get a wave when you pass. you still get a looks good man when you show it off. you may get a little when you gonna buy a real bike but they are just messin around. everyone respects on another may give you some greif but thats all were doin we still respect what you have and want you to come ride with us.

gkim4107

11-01-2008, 12:29 PM

Around here, there is a group that meets up downtown, that is primarily made up of BMW's, they ride with anyone who wants to join for a quick ride up to the blue ridge park, to just puttin around town. The only ones who refuse to join is the sport bike croud. there are a few old hondas, a couple harleys, couple other japanese bikes, but like I said mainly bmw's. If an old UJM brakes down, all of them stop.

rengelke

11-02-2008, 10:22 PM

I ride a 89 1100 Shadow. I get looks from cars and other riders. I only occasionally pass another rider that won't wave but who cares it's my bike and I love it.

hemenlandm

11-06-2008, 10:27 AM

Last year at the Nebraska State ABATE show, our local VJMC club displayed about six of our restored '60s and '70s Hondas. There were many beautiful bikes at the show but our display got more visitors. These were the bikes most of us started with and it was with appreciation and admiration that people made about the bike their "neighbor, friend, brother, etc" had. I've got a 1971 CL 350 Scrambler that provides many memories for my fellow "seniors".

Archangel

11-06-2008, 09:09 PM

I went for a ride the other day and stopped for a burger and drink and a 2008 crotch rocket came rolling up.
lets see 1981 CB 650C and a new 2008 crotch rocket.
only thing in common both bikes,and both from japan.

Large blackman gets off and comes in to the store and ordered he turned around and took a long look around at the crowd and says to me that your bike yep! I replyed he said Cool Looking good. I replyed ya.. it's not bad for a 27 year old bike , I have rather enjoyed fixing it up and getting it running.
He replyed how long have you been working on bikes?
I replyed 3 months.
WHAT!!! was his reply.
Yep one of the perks of an older bike Great to learn on and you feel more connected to your bike that way.
It is like my right arm I don't leave home with out it.
Ok well as long as it is not raining or I have to take the family along.

wawadave

11-08-2008, 06:20 PM

I went to hells angels acres 96 (Vancouver island)on a 1981 cx500. got 3rd place in slow bike race and 3rd in street bike sand drags.

only honda at the thing!

But had a few jeers and heard the latest honda jokes but have to admit it was fun and most were a grate bunch yes they were.
can,t post pictures yet but soon.

but i still have two nortons.
the honda motor was used in a harbor skiff.Alternator died $350 for new one parked it in my dead bike pile.

But you can go any where on a honda. Just not as nice as many harleys.

CDImagician

11-12-2008, 03:52 PM

I ride my 78 CB400 with my friend that has a Fat boy. He likes my bike. When we ride he complains that he can't keep up with me around the windy turns. Fat boy doesn't lean enough. My 78 runs good, leaves a puddle of oil where I park it. The years have passed and the tables have turned I guess. I've had a few comments from people in the bars I go to. But its kind of like cival war reenactment. I'm getting comments from guys riding shovel heads and pan heads. Then we start arguing about stuff like veitnem and The carter administration. In general people like to see an old motorcycle still running. The paint on my gas tank is faded and sun bleached. My jacket is frayed in some spots and also faded. The bike is comfortable to ride and I can't bring myself to paint the tank. Maybe I'll grow a beard instead. Go on a long cruise.

goodies

11-13-2008, 02:33 PM

I have a Honda Shadow, and a cruiser chick. My BF just ordered a 09 Triumph Bonneville. He is a standard type of guy. I think we are going to be a cool and contrasting pair. LOL!

Archangel

11-13-2008, 06:19 PM

2 people at work have bikes one has a new honda
and one has a custom made bike both bikes make my bike look sick
but they ask to park next to my bike and I said no problem as long as we split the offspring then I told them I could use a younger
custom 850 ha ha
But not joking they keep telling me how good my bike looks for its age and milage.
the custom made bike is a looker if you are in to goth
It has vampire women and skulls and such all over it
some time I will have to take a pic of it and post it on here.

chaindad

11-15-2008, 02:27 AM

Old Hondas are revered on this site!!! We LOVE em'....
Just sayin'....

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d53/chaindad/FAITH/bikin356-1.jpg

Archangel

11-15-2008, 09:33 AM

I guess the older bikes are very sought after. but not for as is stock bikes.
every one I meet says somthing like.
when you gonna lower it?, chop it, or you should make it into a cafe racer

My favorite is

If you ever decide you want to sell it.

YOU HAVE TO SELL IT TO ME. I AM FIRST ON YOUR LIST.
my reply.
Ya.. RIGHT!! KEEP DREAMING!:)

terminaltsi

11-19-2008, 10:39 AM

imo, any true enthusiast appreciates all types of bikes, cars, trucks, whatever. i love everything with wheels. sure, i ahve some biases but i'll never talk down to anyone because of what they choose to own.

kschilk

11-19-2008, 11:27 AM

All kidding aside, ya' just gotta' respect Honda for all it's done for motorcycling in general. No other factory has or ever will come close to making the contributions to all facets of motorcycling, that Honda has...especially in the world of racing.

freeonthree

11-19-2008, 02:50 PM

Upinflames

11-19-2008, 03:24 PM

What I think is sad are the guys out there that are so narrow-minded as to look at other types of bikes besides their own with disdain. Very prevalent with Harley owners. What they don't realize is that without comparison, their bike would be commonplace and therefore fall towards boring. I have a chopper with a 100" RevTech and have people that will say "nice Harley". In reality, it may as well be classed with a metric as it only LOOKS like a harley. I dig Harleys. I dig all bikes small or large. It's what you get out of them that shows true biker mentality. Maybe they criticize that you don't have a Harley because they spent a buttload of money and figure that everyone should have to spend a large sum for a cool ride. I also ride a Yamaha Stratoliner S so I get to look from both sides of the bleachers.

freeonthree

11-19-2008, 03:55 PM

If some dude ever makes fun of my trike, im going to call him an appliance operator. I built my ride, so he won't have a comeback for that one. Dennis

mic214

11-25-2008, 06:33 PM

MrBash,

Your bike is a beauty! (And I like your Jeep too, I have a 93' YJ that keeps on trucking!). I just got my bike, a 2007 Yamaha V-Star Custom. When I was looking at bikes, it was a toss up between the Honda Shadow and the V-Star. I like the cruiser styling. The V-Star was close to home and I got a good deal on it. I plan to keep mine for a very long time!

Ride safe,

Mick

freeonthree

11-25-2008, 07:25 PM

The Jeep is long gone. Had it in the early 80's.
Cruisers are better for general riding, and your less likely to ride fast when your busy looking good going down the road. Thats my opinion. Dennis

hsartteacher

11-25-2008, 10:46 PM

freeonthree

11-25-2008, 11:09 PM

You look like a very fast high school art teacher. Zooooooooooooooooooom ! :) Dennis (Low and Slow)

raderistheman313

12-10-2008, 11:24 PM

im 14 and this is inspiring and yes the neighboorhood kids make fun of my 71 yamaha 125 emduro

freeonthree

12-10-2008, 11:49 PM

Don't let em get to ya, their just being immature. Dennis

wawadave

12-11-2008, 12:08 AM

im 14 and this is inspiring and yes the neighboorhood kids make fun of my 71 yamaha 125 emduro
ignore them thats a classic!!!

Archangel

12-11-2008, 05:34 PM

Ask them this, If your 1971 Yamaha 125 isn't cool then why does ever other biker that sees your bike stops and does a double take.

briang

12-11-2008, 07:57 PM

Cause if they just stared at it the coolness would burn their eyes out of their heads.

tiscut

12-23-2008, 03:06 AM

Hondas hold their value amazingly well, I wouldn't say I'm biased but they've never let me down.

Archangel

12-23-2008, 09:51 AM

Burn there eyes out.......maybe so or.

That or they just have never seen such a sexy bike like that.

Badlands-4-2

12-25-2008, 12:37 PM

I was at the 50th Sturgis rally many years ago. I remember seeing a large group of Goldwings on main street. This was dead center of the Harley only world. If there was ever to be a culture clash, this was it. On the contrary, there was great respect for the Honda's.

BillTheCat

12-25-2008, 02:04 PM

I have been in the bike community all my life and have gone through many personality changes as far as what I ride and who I ride with. The older I get the more I like talking to and associating with people that do not judge others
on appearance or what they ride. I find that more often than not people that love motorcycles all kinds of motorcycles are fun and people that are fixated on a particular brand or style ..... can be immature and narrow minded therefore not so much fun to talk to :p All I am saying is if they don't like what I ride tough darts bad boys.;)

rwhitesr

01-03-2009, 11:43 PM

i know around here as long you are riding it don't matter what you are on. as long as its two wheels

captainhowdy

01-04-2009, 03:20 AM

Poeple who make fun of certain brands of, or types of motorcycles need to grow up. Not everyone can afford a Harley, and not everyone wants one.
Some people are into the twisties, and some of us are into the scenery. If it has 2 or 3 wheels, it a motorcycle, or scooter, and they all get us in the wind, and thats all that matters. Dennis

If only I could persuade people that my beat old Toyota, with the windows down fit into this statement, if only, if only. Until then, I'll continue scheming about making it a really big ATV! :rolleyes: But I digress. In the 505, old hondas seem to fit in with the environment (except one, the rider is a total pedophile, but that's an other story.)

captainhowdy

01-04-2009, 03:28 AM

I love the way other bikers come and talk to you... You don't get the same camaraderie when driving a cage.

Only place I've seen it is in Miata owners. No matter the driver, if the top's down you can throw a hand up and get a wave. (Just saying there is hope. :o )