If I am stopped somewhere I usually start with a friendly wave or nod and then watch their reaction to see if they may want to pursue any farther conversation or just leave things be at that .. The only time recall just having to engage some talk was this gal riding a Vespa here in FL with a California tag and had traveling gear on her and the Scooter both and Yes she had rode it from there .. Was very friendly and glad took the time to say hello ..

 

Mornin Joe! Makes me remember to get another cup of coffee (lol). "Joe"

I get the conversation part of your thoughts. I'm wondering about the bike though. What are you looking at, first thing (on the bike, that is.......lol). What do YOU check out, first?

-Soupy

 

That was simple .. If had been a Guy on a Vespa riding from California would still have started up a conversation .. The fact that is a Gal riding alone for close to 4,000 miles was just more interesting .. Hope that doesn't get the Gals stirred up at me ..

 

I generally don't pay much attention to the other person's bike unless it's a vintage or something else unusual that really catches my eye.

 

I read the first post here, then started scrolling down to add my reply. It was going to be the same as yours, almost word for word. Goldwing? Street Glide? Full faired sport bike? Seen a million of them just like them in the last week.

Vintage Brit or Jap bike? Pre-war Harley? Original Indian? Now we're talking!

 

Bikes are bikes. Isn't that simple? I am always interested in someone else's bike so I start out by asking about it. It depends on the answer I get where I go from there. If there is some mutual curiosity it can get very interesting but if the idea that comes through from their response is that their bike is the ultimate, what more is there to say.

 

If the rider is on the bike at the time I would say I usually look at how they are positioned on the bike to see if it looks comfortable in relation to myself. But generally I don't look for one thing in particular. I've found that it depends on the bike itself on what I draw my attention to. Any accessories they have and how they are installed on the bike. Just yesterday I was driving home from work (in my car) and I noticed the tires on a bike that was coming at me in the opposite lane. They were noticeably thick, threaded and fat. Looked like even the the biggest nail wouldn't puncture them. Last night while I was riding home on my bike, I passed another bike that had lights on and under the frame.

 

I always look to see what type of bike it is, the brand, then any accessories they may have. I always like to look at the engines as well.

I have to admit, a chromed out bike catches my eye, but I like to look at all bikes I see to be honest.

Probably a NOOB thing. LOL!

 

Soupy...I'm not sure you really want to get "in my head", it's really scary in there!
Now on to the question....I don't think I actually pay any attention to the bike at all, it's more about another rider. If or when a conversation ensues I might look over the bike, but don't really pay attention to anything in particular. Though I do admit to seeing some bikes and think "how can you be comfortable on that?" Usually super custom rides with little tiny seats and long rakes.

 

If they have luggage that I can see I will check the license plate to see if they are from another state. If we start a conversation great, I'd like to hear about their trip.

If it's a female rider I will usually check to see the size of their bike and normally will strike up a conversation. But I live in a rural area and we like to be "friendly".

 

Some great starting content here.......thanks ya'll

-Soupy

 

I do a quick guesstimate on the bike's weight, and wonder if I could handle it going on into my advanced years. If the rider is there I'll probably wander over and ask what she's like to ride. Every rider likes to talk about their bike!

If it's a Harley and the rider is with it, I'll usually go over and ask what model it is - there's just so many Harley models that it can be confusing for us non-Harley riders. I'll admit that I'm not familiar with all the bikes in the Harley range and I usually find the rider will be very outgoing and get into talking bikes in general.

 

there's just so many Harley models that it can be confusing for us non-Harley riders.

People don't buy Harleys. They join the Harley "culture" and that means being able to immediately (visually) identify a panhead or shovelhead, and knowing every model in the current line.

I'm pretty sure prospective buyers have to pass a test down at the dealership before they're allowed to buy one. The computer quiz puts up pictures of panheads, shovelheads, Sporties, they even through in a Honda knock-off now and then.

Then there are the fashion do's and don'ts, HD apparently gives the Mid-Life crisis buyers a guide on leather vests, appropriate pins and patches, etc.

 

With all the threads you've started are you writing a book? I'm with Eye... If it's not vintage, car or bike, I'm not that interested....

 

Actually, I was considering that, yes. However that's not my motive in here. I just love motorcycle's and those who ride them, and enjoy starting a conversation.

-Soupy

 

Usually start with just a nod, or hello, if they would like to converse we can. I don't really care what anyone rides, just like to see where they have been, what type of riding.
We all have one thing in common, we like to ride.

 

I usually take first notice if its a male or female riding. Then brand, and how many cc, guesstimation of course. Then the casual nod, or wave. Typically I take more notice to sportbikes cause that's just what I'm into. I also like to see what type of tires they have. Tires can give you a good idea how they ride or use their bike.. Mainly sportbikes but that's just me. Same with how they have pegs oriented, and bends, or scratches will tell you if they like to stunt the bike out.

-iortiz

 

I don't think I've ever started a conversation.
Usually, while gassing up or suiting up after returning from the store, someone will invariably ask me what kind of bike it is. The only identifying marks are on the side covers (Honda), which are blacked out, so you can't really tell.
The Mack bulldogs on the sides of the tank often prompt something like, "I didn't know Mack made motorcycles.".

I'm generally out to ride, not to talk.

 

My first thing is always the sound... Iv always loved the sound of a strong loud motor but that's for car or bike. A roar or a rumble and it puts a big stupid grin on my face. Lol next I like to look at the bike then the rider and see if the rider and the bike match... Like a 300lb dude on a 250 ... That always makes me chuckle... Then question the physics of it...... I beleave you can tell a lot about some one by what and how they ride.

 

I'm instantly sizing them up to try and decide if they're serious riders or posers. (a bigger poser than ME, that is...) I look for out of state plates, sneak a peek at the odometer if its not electronic, rock chips up front, bugs, stock or replacement seat, farkles, size of the bike, road rash on the Tupperware.... I see someone young on a brand new Sportster or Middle Age Crisis buyer on an all chromed out but obviously never ridden big Harley, I instantly feel good about myself. Then I see some guy on a BMW with the ten thousand mile stare, an inch of bugs on everything, clearly worn out riding boots, and ...time to get back on MY bike, humbled. I know, I know, Bible sez do not judge, but....I'm being honest. Don't want to add TO my sins by lying!

 

Don't sweat it Wade. You're not judging. You're just following stereotypes that have been given to you. :biggrin:

 

I think what I'm doing is openly admitting to what a LOT of us do...but don't want to admit to.

 

Wow Wade, have you read many of Eye's posts? I'm kind of thinking not. I've never owned a HD, but I know a lot of folks who do and I think if you knew most of them you would laugh at your last sentence.

I know, there are a few that fit that stereotype, but if you really look around you'll find most are so far from it.

 

Wow Wade... you would laugh

Umm, I hope they're laughing.

Satire/humor needs to include a grain of truth to make it funny.

Unfortunately for comedians like myself the folks who mistakenly take you seriously sometimes want to kill you.

I ride frequently with a guy who lives, breathes, and sleeps in Orange and Black. He can't buy a pair of gloves unless they have a HD logo on it, According to him HD is the finest bike ever made in the history of the Universe, their warranty is so outstanding they'd send a rocketship to Mars to bring him in if he breaks down, (and pay for his hotel stay at the ISS) and they'll never ever charge him more than $50 for ANY warranty-covered repair, including a complete new engine at 86,000 miles. (Didn't happen...)

The reality is every single time I've gone to the HD dealership with him on something repair related, he's walked out pissed off, complains about being overcharged, and is way more out of pocket than $50. Then a day later he's extolling the virtues of HD again, finest bike in the galaxy, and "Hey, look at that panhead!!!"

I'm staring at the ground looking for a bolt.

He's clearly not the 'typical' HD rider. He's the zealot. (Although there seem to be a LOT of HD Zealots, imho...)

And the Zealot is the one you make fun of, not the casual owner. But you only make fun of the people you like. The ones you dislike you simply ignore, right?

 

Apparently this Harley "culture" has it's biggest impact on those that don't own them.

 

Hey Wade, I almost asked you if your friend was one of our friends. He even bought his girlfriend HD undies. LOL!!! Thank you, you've given me 2 good laughs in 2 days.

 

I look at the type of bike they ride.

 

He even bought his girlfriend HD undies. LOL!!! Thank you, you've given me 2 good laughs in 2 days.

Pics or it didn't happen? :icon_cool:

 

Umm, Soupy, I apologize for hijacking your thread.

*bows head*

 

engine

I look at the size of their engine. power man power, thats what its all about

 

I'm more inclined to start a conversation if the bike is one that I am not familiar with, like a vintage model, or a rare Italian sport bike like a Bimota, and of course, if it were an electric bike (then I would ask why he was in a gas station with me).

But in truth, usually it is the other guy who comes over to me to look at my bike and talk to me. I never had that happen routinely when I owned a Honda, Kawasaki or Yamaha, but since I have been into Triumphs it happens all the time. It often is an older gentleman who is surprised to see a new bike with the name Triumph on it, and he wants to talk about his old Triumph from the '60's or '70's, and I am always open to such conversations.

 

... an older gentleman who is surprised to see a new bike with the name Triumph on it, and he wants to talk about his old Triumph from the '60's or '70's .

The first bike I remember everd SEEING was a Triumph Daytona? 500 in a neighbor's garage, not counting minibikes, Trail 70's, etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Tiger_Daytona

His wife had a smaller bike, a Bonneville maybe? but even as a pre-teen I wasn't going to lust after the smaller one, oh no!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Bonneville