Since I have had the Ducati now for 9 months or so now, I hane noticed an Interesting effect from Jap bike owners (R1's/R6's, Gixxers, CBR's and Ninja's)
As soon as they spot a Ducati, they line up like they want to race, or they scream past you at double the speed limit.
I had a Guy today pull up beside me on a CBR Fireblade Thou, He was looking the bike up and down, The lights changed and He took off with the front wheel in the air.
I had a guy weave through traffic on his R1 just to get to where I waiting, just to have him tell me "Ducati, Crappy french Shit!!" And he left the lights with the front wheel pointing skywards
I could go on and on with many story's
I like the Jap bikes, I rode there 250's for 10 years before getting the Duc.
I prefer the Ducati any day of the week.
So why the Hostility towards the Ducati's?
Just curious really, I really could not care about it, Most of the time I get a chuckle out of the silliness they carry on with.
What have you found?
Jealousy...
Ah....the feeling of having a supreme bike...i like it [thumbsup]
Quote from: NAKID on June 19, 2008, 11:42:32 PM
Jealousy...
yes. intense jealousy stemming from the fact that they're less likely to hone analytical and mechanical skills to a fine edge, from tracking down numerous goofy problems. ;)
(seriously though, i had minimal issues with my 900. it was mostly solid.)
i dunno... i never really got any shit from the folks on oriental iron. in general, they were curious about the duc, and filled with the usual brand misconceptions.
(now cruiser guys... some of them were occasionally derisive. but on the balance, still an okay lot.)
Jealous that you can spend the same or less money on something that attract 10 times more attention.
i have had 1 out of every hundred riders act that way towards me.
most give a thumbs up. or act in a reasonable manner. maybe it's just you.
and people that react negatively towards the Ducati brand , typically are magazine riders or are basing their bias off of preconceived notions.
the one i've heard most often regarding Ducati sport bikes is that Ducati riders can't ride and only buy them as showpieces. kinda like many Ducati riders label Harley riders as an inferior breed of rider due to their personal taste (or lack there of) of Motorcycle and respective gear choices.
the easiest thing to do is ignore the idiots. ride what you want. and not propagate the stereotype by giving it the time of day.
I am not a Ducati snob, I have owned all kinds of bikes, Japanese, Harley, BMW, I draw the line at British bikes (just kidding) and I appreciated all of them for what they are. That being said, I have noticed this kind of adversarial behavior from quite a few Japanese SBK owners.
It happens on the track and on the street. They see the Duc and they feel they have to challenge me.
Just the other day I was riding though Coronado in a 25 mph zone. I was on the 1098, Jake was following on his M900, and some unknown squid was following on a CBR. We all turned onto 4th street to head over the bridge and the CBR passes us doing around 80 in the 25, right next to the CHP station (really bright). We held back and as we got toward the end of the bridge we caught up to him. I could see his back tire was so squared off it looked like a car tire. The bridge makes a 90 degree left hander as it merges onto the freeway. As the squid panicked at the sight of the turn, Jake and I nailed the throttle and passed him on the inside at over 100 mph.
Sometimes it is not as fun. I was on the track when some squid on a Yamaha tried to challenge me. He couldn't corner for shit so he tried to pass me at the very end of a straight and ran me off the track in the process. I never found him when I got back to the pits which is probably a good thing.
Good thing for him...
I normally don't have too much trouble with them. Most of the guys I ride with are on jap bikes, and it sucks having the least powered bike in the group.
I have not had any problems with sports/japanese bikes.
We basically wave to each other and thats it ;D
I love to embarass some of the more squidly ones in the mountains......nothing puts them in their place like an ST2 with bags and a measley 83 hp passing them. It's like, "Dude.......not only were you passed by a Ducati, but it has BAGS on it!!!!" ;D
What is it with Jap Bike Riders?.....here it is in black and white
These people owned the 2 Fast 2 Furious Hondas/Integras/Supras ....whatever. Now that bikes are the new "cool" thing, they ride their rice rockets.
Its just like the Supra owners with the huge turbos.... I heard one talking to a Ferrari F430 owner saying his Supra could beat the sh1t out of his Ferrari. The Ferrari owner said I am sure you could, but at the end of the day, I drive a Ferrari and you drive a Toyota.
Let these guys be pricks, the people who know about bikes appreciate the Ducati. Who cares about what some retard on a Jap bike thinks, if they keep busting wheelies at intersections, it won't be too long before a semi runs a light and splatters them.
Quote from: silentbob on June 20, 2008, 12:26:58 AM
As the squid panicked at the sight of the turn, Jake and I nailed the throttle and passed him on the inside at over 100 mph.
Seems to be what separates the men from the boys, isn't it??
-Any schlub can whack the throttle wide open in a straight line, all you need is a right wrist that works. That's why I can't help but laugh at these guys w/the extended swingarms + 240 rear tires. They look like a pain in the a$$ to ride more than anything...
I haven't noticed anything different. In fact, I'm kind of sick of the whole brand vs. brand motorcycle thing. Much of it stems from people creating drama where there really isn't any. I doubt that guy stays awake at night thinking about how much he hates Ducatis.
That said, maybe he takes pride in the fact that he probably paid thousands less for a bike with far more horsepower than your Monster. And, if that's the case, let him be proud!
Quote from: Brett on June 20, 2008, 06:32:51 AM
Let these guys be pricks, the people who know about bikes appreciate the Ducati.
Well, unforunately squids aren't limited to just Jap bikes...
-I recently posted about how this guy on 1098 Tricolore parked next to me wearing shorts, a tank-top + one of those little brain-bucket helmets. Trying to be a nice guy, I said "Wow, beautiful bike man!! You don't see a Tri like that every day".
-To which he replied, with a tough-guy look on his face, "No ya don't", and proceeded to walk past me without even acknowledging that I was on a Duc as well... [roll]
For better or worse there's all types out there. I've never experienced any of the 'your Duc is crap stuff', nor the impromptu rice rocket drag race. Well save for some coffee can muffler civics... They never learn
Mostly I've had good experiences, compliments, thumbs ups etc.
Sure I've encountered the roaming squid shoals - but at least around these parts they will do their stupid things regardless of if you're there, on a bike, in a cage, or hovering on your fart gas...
I have had a few looks of shock and horror in the parking when I've come blasting into a local HD shop to visit a friend and bust a 25mph U turn.
Quote from: Johnster on June 20, 2008, 06:42:22 AM
Well, unforunately squids aren't limited to just Jap bikes...
-I recently posted about how this guy on 1098 Tricolore parked next to me wearing shorts, a tank-top + one of those little brain-bucket helmets. Trying to be a nice guy, I said "Wow, beautiful bike man!! You don't see a Tri like that every day".
-To which he replied, with a tough-guy look on his face, "No ya don't", and proceeded to walk past me without even acknowledging that I was on a Duc as well... [roll]
Well there are douchebags wherever you go, such is life.
I got the nod from a guy on a 'Zook this morning with we were both waiting for a light to change. Shot him a thumbs-up in response. Just two guys trying to get to work, manufacturer couldn't have mattered less.
Honestly, I get more flack from HD riders than anything else. I had three greybeards on baggers make their pipes bark for about a minute when they were sitting next to me at a light. I also had a younger guy on a Sporty sit next to me at a light and give me the old "wanna go?" rev'n'lurch action... I should have taken his pink slip, now that I think about it.
I have no idea except for a couple of jap riders I know I usually have no problems with jap riders. But every once and a while I get a reaction like this biker to these two in the car from jap riders. Usually it only happens when jap riders are in packs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIQQt_mX4EQ
-panthro
H8RS
I came up on a t-shirt wearing CBR rider yesterday morning sitting at a light. Had one hand on the throttle and the other on his hip looking all around him. I think he was scoping out for chicks at 7:30 a.m. Light turned green and he continued his one-handed-scoping-for-chicks maneuvering. He should know that there are no chicks out at 7:30 looking to get laid, and that there are no chicks in Merced period. We came up to a right turn and the dumb ass actually turned his front tire in the direction of the turn. I couldn't believe it. Not an ounce of leaning involved in that turn. I decided to swing wide and pass, at which point he revved up and wheelied down the street. I caught up and he was riding on the sidewalk past a couple of businesses before he turned into where he apparently worked, or lived. It was a motel. He then honked at me, presumably some sort of squidish communication of a "see you later". I ignored him and just went to work, both wheels on the ground, and leaning into my turns.
were I live you don't see to many sport bikes tho they are growing but the seen is more freestyle or squid and these guys pay little attention to me but I get the occasional eyeball and wheelstand maneuver. but the hardly guys their is just no end to the silliness and unfortunately their here by the millions. but my favorite one was at the gp race 06 when this guy with his pink plastic mohawk pull up right next to me on his r1 at a red light and stared at me and then started to smoked his rear tire and he thought he was working me...I guess he showed me! me I like my tires but does anybody remember the mustang 5.0 years? them guys had to go every time would pull up next to me at a light [roll]
All my buddies, minus one (who rides a 1098), ride Jap. Actually, I still ride Jap bikes. My beater is a '92 VFR750 and my girlfriend's Ninja 250 that sits collecting dust gets a little spin around the block on occasion from me to keep it running. To be honest, most squids don't know what a Ducati is. The friend that got me into riding is actually pretty pissed that I got a monster and not a sport bike. But he can offer nothing except to say that it looks ugly, which is obviously subjective. Atop that he just thinks it's some sort of a cruiser.
The way I see it is the way Kat Williams sees it, "If you got a buncha n*ggas hatin' on you then you must be doin' somethin right."
Around here.... you get people who like to ride. We don't care what. Some times, the occassional Harley rider will try to keep up with us in the corners... but eventually a part will drag... and they have to back way off. ;D I ride my 848, but I track an SV650... knowing that my SV cost the same as the full termi exhaust on the 848... well, that is why I am tracking that and not my 848. (I won't cry if I drop my SV.) I think that there is a time and a place for almost every type of cycle out there. No hating... just fun. If they don't like what I ride... they can buy something else. At least we are out riding, eh?
Wow. I feel kinda left out. I've never had anyone on any other type of bike give me any attitude when I've been on the Monster or the 999. In turn, I don't give anyone any attitude either regardless of their ride or riding attire. Then again, both of my bikes are badass. ;D [laugh] [laugh]
Look I got no grip with jap bikes or jap bike riders I might even purchase on for my next ride. Just got no patients for idiots or people that dont respect others.
-panthero
Quote from: mac900 on June 20, 2008, 09:47:41 AM
Wow. I feel kinda left out. I've never had anyone on any other type of bike give me any attitude when I've been on the Monster or the 999.
Well at least in my area the percentage of people on Japanese bikes who have something to prove when they see the Ducati is fairly small. Most are just motorcyclists like us.
your trying to understand the people that like that vinyl sticker of calvin peeing on ford, chevy, ducati, etc and have replica testicles hanging from the back of their vehicle?
Goodluck.
Don't start nothin...won't BE nothin.
I think most of the people around here think my monster IS a Japanese bike. As usual real riders don't care and the asshats have to do their thing...you know ...being dick's. I have a Harley (RoadKing) and me S4RS. The Road King is great for a long distance touring. The Duke is for everything else.
I did have a douchebag in a Corvette do the rev it "let's race" move at a stoplight to try and impress his girlfriend. Blew his doors off !!! ;D
About an hour after posing this Topic, I had a classic encounter on the way home, I damn near crashed the bike I was laughing so hard, Didn't involve me in anyway.
Sitting at the lights on the Highway, in front of me is a Hardcore Harley from one of the local Performance Harley shops, Now I'll be honest, I don't mind some Harleys, but my Knowledge is very limited of the models and designs, But when I spied the Ohlins rear shocks, and the over all look of the rest of the bike, He was not one of the usual Accountant posers often seen on a Harley, He had built this thing to go, stop and turn
And it down sound awesome rumbling away in front of me.
I'm sitting just off to one side and behind checking out this bike, when I notice a Gixxer 750 has rolled up beside him, all sparkly clean, they give each other the big look over, engines start being revved, racing positions assumed. And I thought the Harley was a goner
Lights Turn Green. HOLY SHIT!! This Harley took off like nothing else I've seen!! The Gixxer was hosed!!
Loud as all hell, he was a spec in the distance in a matter of seconds, Gixxer boy was trying, but no chance!
Even the traffic seemed to stop for a few seconds, I think we all got a shock when this thing took off.
Gixxer boy gave up the fight pretty quickly and I rolled past him laughing my ass off.
I thought the Harley was going to be quick, just not that quick!! Still a damn good show for Friday Afternoon traffic ;D
First off I personally like all types of bikes, even vintage vespas. I almost bought a r6 and my bro has a hd that's super comfy to ride.
I usually get two types of ricer encounters. They either race by at over 100 or I get a thumbs up for the wonder that is Ducati. I don't mind either.
But I do have to ask, what is up with the mohawks? I heard that it's mandatory to get one with the purchase of any new japanese bike.
and yes I did say "comfy" [cheeky]
I haven't had any real negative encounters with the japanese or harley crowd. I live next to Cook's corner so I see about a thousand cruiser bikes on any given weekend if I ride by there. The cruiser guys that I know think my bike is uncomfortable, the rice rocket crowd thinks its slow (it is with me on it). They both agree that it's a beautiful bike.
Seeing that I'm not a brand snob, I'll salute anyone on two wheels including scooters. I also don't do the standard low wave, I do a 1 finger point with thumb up (like a gun) [thumbsup]
Quote from: Pakhan on June 20, 2008, 01:49:43 PM
your trying to understand the people that like that vinyl sticker of calvin peeing on ford, chevy, ducati, etc and have replica testicles hanging from the back of their vehicle?
Goodluck.
Wait...... that stuff isn't cool? [note to self: remove truck balls, and calvin sticky]
I have a good friend with an R6 and he always wants to say shit about my M696. Hes such a ricer rider too with his black headlights, and yelllow gas tank and missing fearings. Must just be jealous of how pretty the duc is and how much it sucks when you go for that "rat look" or whatever the make the beast with two backs.
I think it is the fact that they know their bike is quick, but they have no idea what you have? There are two guys that I work with that just purchased new bikes. CBR 1000 and a Busa. Both bikes would run my lil S2R in the ground if they knew how to ride them. But I always seem to keep them in check with my Termi's. There bikes whimper while mine makes a good bit of noise. In this case, noise must be the intimidating factor because they continue to ask what size is the motor and how fast it is. I just smile and say, "fast enough". I make it a point to leave in a very loud manner. Funny though, they will never pull out with me. They will probably figure it out one day, but I ain't gonna tell!
On a side note, that Busa is one ugly bike!
Quote from: psycledelic on June 21, 2008, 07:55:16 AM
On a side note, that Busa is one ugly bike!
^amen to that!
i have not had any negative encounters as of yet, i actually usually always get a wave out of every biker i pass.
and i def do enjoy riding my friends jap bikes on occasion and feeling some sick hp under me hahaha but id never trade my monster for one :)
I usually get a wave from a Japanese bike .............but if I encounter one going in the same direction I usually make it or should I say made it a point to try and pass that bike . In other words a race generally ensued. I would savor the chance to get in a road race with any bike on my S4Rs. Not all encounters going in the same direction led to a race when I would attemp to pass. some just let me go. If the opposite were the case and a bike came up on me I was not going to let them pass with out out racing me. Let's face it , I loved to race and go fast ! I have to now change my whole approach to riding since my accident because I want to live.I know that onec I have my 1098 R broken in it will take all of my will power not to want to be King of the Road ! Kind of like Anger management I'd guess.
I think owners of Japanese bikes feel very proud of thier bikes .....until they see a Ducati Monster !
so what you are saying is that it's not just riders of Japanese motorcycles...that even a Ducati rider is capable of riding shenanigans ala boy racer/fast a furious? *gasp*
say it ain't sooooo!!!! Next thing you know there will be Ducati riders with those dorky Mohawks!!!
how ever will people make broad generalizations of other makes and their riders if people who ride Ducati do the SAME THING?
/world
Quote from: onederer on June 21, 2008, 11:47:37 AM
so what you are saying is that it's not just riders of Japanese motorcycles...that even a Ducati rider is capable of riding shenanigans ala boy racer/fast a furious? *gasp*
say it ain't sooooo!!!! Next thing you know there will be Ducati riders with those dorky Mohawks!!!
how ever will people make broad generalizations of other makes and their riders if people who ride Ducati do the SAME THING?
/world
One exception does not make the rule. Maybe a Mohawk under the helmet ....but never on top of the helmet !
Quote from: onederer on June 21, 2008, 11:47:37 AM
say it ain't sooooo!!!! Next thing you know there will be Ducati riders with those dorky Mohawks!!!
:-[
i've been wanting to make a pair of leetle suction-cup cat ears. nothing big or obtrusive, just flat-back IZ_-black.. yeah.
i've got family down in SoCal and my uncles friends are harley guys; t-shirts with leather vests, big beards, big hands, twinkling eyes. it always comes up, "how's the bike?" (side convo's start, there's always someone i don't know) "she rides?" "yeah, whatsit, Ducati" and at the first sign of a brand discussion coming up i grin my face off and say "Man, i love to ride. i could never give this shit up." and - poof - we share a lifestyle choice and i get free cider.
oh, yeah, i forgot - i came off a Kawasaki after 17 years, so most of my honing of this defensive tactic was heading off THAT criticism. i still see my former EX at the local BART station, new rider's been on it for 5+ years - for $500 he got his money worth, yo.
Quote from: Wonked on June 20, 2008, 06:40:09 AM
I haven't noticed anything different. In fact, I'm kind of sick of the whole brand vs. brand motorcycle thing. Much of it stems from people creating drama where there really isn't any.
amen. Most of the guys I ride with ride japanese I-4s and pretty much talk crap to anyone not riding the same as them. For us it's all in good fun, but it gets old. yamaha's get crap a lot because of that $99/month thing they've had going on. I get it a lot too and they talk crap about how slow it is. I have to remind them it's a slow rider, not a slow bike. I just remind them of the time we were on a group ride, stuck in traffic, and some guy came off the sidewalk to compliment me on my bike. In a crowd of gsxr's, r6's, and cbr's.
let em talk crap. doesn't impact you. If it makes them feel better about themself because momma didn't nurse them long enough, that's their problem.
Andy
Quote from: onederer on June 21, 2008, 11:47:37 AM
!!! Next thing you know there will be Ducati riders with those dorky Mohawks!!
Cancelling my order now :'(
A few people have mentioned that they don't notice the whole brand vs Brand thing that much, The only reason I think it has been noticeable up here where I live is because Ducati has been very poorly represented for about 5 or 6 years, the local Ducati dealer up until last year sold Triumphs, Suzuki and Harley, The Duc's were just shoved up the back of the shop and not shown much love (I tried to buy a 695 of them and they kept trying to get me to buy a Harley!!)
After many complaints to the national Ducati Distributors they finally got off there hands and did something...
July 07 the Ducati Dealership was handed to a small 3 man operation, who are fanatical, love the bikes, and are selling up a storm!!
I think it is just that Ducati had a big year last year with MotoGP, the launch of the 1098 to replace the much unloved 999, To suddenly go from rare glimpse of a Ducati on the road up here to now they are a very regular appearance, Maybe some riders don't like it.
I just thought it was interesting if I was going to get minor hostility (I can't think of a better word for it) It seemed to be mainly the Jap bike riders handing it out.
Just an observation :)
Have not had a problem with ricers yet. To the contrary... I was pulling out of a cyclegear store and about 5 ricers pulled right in.. only one of them looked my way and at the bike... the others were sort of ignoring the cool presence and sound of my monster... well.. The only guy who dared to look.,..couldn't help to say,, you have a nice bike man!!! and I smiled looked at my bike down,, and nodded thinking to myself,,, I know.. grinned to a spaz and then took off being noisy, happy and looking COOL!!!!!!!!! I love you my monster.. [moto]
In my short time riding my ducati, the only thing that has happened to me was a friend of mine that rides a cbr 1000rr with a Yosi pipe told me, in a sarcastic tone that "he likes that he can hear my bike over his when I am 20 feet behind him." I told him I like that too... Got to love a v twin...
i think, at least in my experience, its the squids that take issue with the ducs. I am "challenged" all the
time here (bay area). However there are a ton of extremely talented riders here...most of which ride japanese bikes and
its all good with them.
My last squid challenge...was a young guy that had to prove what i already knew...his trick r1 is faster than
my 999 in a straight line. long story short he passed me (i was going the speed limit) illegally on a shoulder for some reason at 130ish crashed and died instantly all beacuse he had some chip on his shoulder.....real shame.
I dont get 'challenged' alot either. The couple times it has happened, I let em go. I just hope they keep it upright so I dont have to bear witness to a crash. BTDT, dont ever wanna do it again.
I found this quite humorous + just thought I'd share [laugh]
-Take a look at the 5th thing down that's included w/the bike. I didn't realize they made those for Hayabusas! ;D
http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/mcy/729034925.html (http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/mcy/729034925.html)
Quote from: johnster on June 23, 2008, 06:50:50 AM
I found this quite humorous + just thought I'd share [laugh]
-Take a look at the 5th thing down that's included w/the bike. I didn't realize they made those for Hayabusas! ;D
http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/mcy/729034925.html (http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/mcy/729034925.html)
QuoteI am selling my 2006 black and silver busa with only 1100 miles. I bought the bike off the showroom floor in the spring of 2007 with no miles on it.
comes with,
retard eliminator. $ 250.00
I thought that a busa WAS a retard eliminator.
Quote from: silentbob on June 23, 2008, 07:48:23 AM
I thought that a busa WAS a retard eliminator.
ahhhh, good point. My thinking was that retards + busas were generally inseperable, thus rendering an eliminator useless, but your theory is more fitting. [coffee]
I had a good encounter with a Jap bike rider this past weekend.
I was filling up and this woman came up and complimented me on my bike, saying her friend had a Monster 750 and she always loved these bikes. She started talking about her CBR600RR, but not bragging or anything. We talked for a few mins and then I took off. It was a pleasant experience.
I get mostly encounters like yours Brett. I get alot of good natured ribbing from my fellow motorcycle refs at bike races becuase of the loud pipes and dry clutch. I'm the only Duc guy. The rest ride VFR's, GS's and RT's and a V-Strom (He has Remus pipes on his!). For the most part, Its a motorcycle mutal admirations society when we meet up. I do get a boat load of compliment from other racers about the bike. Lots of bike races ride too. More than a few have Ducs.
I love two wheels. I think the Japanese are extremely good at what they do. I've met idiots on every type of vehicle made/designed in different parts of the world - the only constant is the idiot operating the vehicle. Granted there are more Japanese bikes than anything else out there so you notice a 'type' of behavior more. We all have a tendency to favor items we own and show solidarity with others that do (look at this and other forums) sometimes it comes out in a negative manner. Look at the bigger picture - we all ride!
Frankly - this thread has a tone here and there of bashing 'other' brands that are not Ducati - so I guess we are back to square one eh?
Quote from: ducaki on June 23, 2008, 09:43:29 AM
I love two wheels. I think the Japanese are extremely good at what they do. I've met idiots on every type of vehicle made/designed in different parts of the world - the only constant is the idiot operating the vehicle. Granted there are more Japanese bikes than anything else out there so you notice a 'type' of behavior more. We all have a tendency to favor items we own and show solidarity with others that do (look at this and other forums) sometimes it comes out in a negative manner. Look at the bigger picture - we all ride!
Frankly - this thread has a tone here and there of bashing 'other' brands that are not Ducati - so I guess we are back to square one eh?
We are not "bashing" any other brands, but more so the riders ..err...squids, that just show no respect for themselves or other riders and for some reason need to prove something. There are Ducati riders who do the same thing, like you said the only constant is the idiot operating the vehicle.
I definately do my fair share of riding with all types of bikes. I dont judge peoples personal opinions or bank accounts, they share a hobby wth me and thats all that matters. I would definately consider myself an enthusiest, I mean considering the amount of time I spend on here reading articles and chiming in.
The people I do lose a littel respect for are the guys that have to much $$$ and just buy whatever someone tells them is the best. I had a guy walk up to me when I was warming my bike up ask me why is sounds like it is going to blow up, blah blah blah... I explained the dry clutch.... Then he tells me he would never by a ducati with a dry clutch because it sounds like ass. He then walks over to is 1098 (with a closed clutch cover) starts it up and tells me to buy a real bike as he stalls it.
[roll] Whatever man [roll] was the only thing that came to mind.
Quote from: Pancake81 on June 23, 2008, 10:19:32 AM
The people I do lose a littel respect for are the guys that have to much $$$ and just buy whatever someone tells them is the best. I had a guy walk up to me when I was warming my bike up ask me why is sounds like it is going to blow up, blah blah blah... I explained the dry clutch.... Then he tells me he would never by a ducati with a dry clutch because it sounds like ass. He then walks over to is 1098 (with a closed clutch cover) starts it up and tells me to buy a real bike as he stalls it.
[roll] Whatever man [roll] was the only thing that came to mind.
That is classic
To a degree, I guess it's healthy to really think that what you own is better than what other people own. [/psycho-analysis]
Having owned dozens of motorcycles, including a bunch of Ducatis, I've seen the good and bad points of a wide array of bikes.
I have never had a guy on a Japanese bike do anything but compliment my Ducatis. Although it has never happened, I would also consider their trying to challenge me as a compliment. How some of you can see it any other way is sort of a mystery to me. I suppose you'd like it better if everyone always ignored you. :P
I have seen squids on most bikes. A month or so ago I stopped in to a gas station late at night to use the ATM machine and fill up. A yellow S2R8 pulled in right behind me. It was completely stock and he just bought the bike second hand as a first bike. He didn't know anything about it other than it was "the sh*t". You could tell he had a few drinks in him, or he could have just been retarded. Anyway he didn't have a helmet or any gear. I politely informed him that he should invest in some gear and he went on telling me how he didn't need it because he was some UFC fighter or something. He then went on to tell me how he just opened it up to 160 mph in 5th gear in 2 seconds. It takes all types. In my neck of the woods, most of the Jap riders will wave, as will most of the harely riders. The BMW and goldwing guys are the ones who seem to be too good to wave.
I've had it go either way from both HD and I4 riders. The funniest was a gixxer 750 with something to prove at a light. He rolled up beside me and I gave him a nod. he nodded as well.
Me - nice day for a ride
Him - even better on this
Me - what?
Him - Must suck paying that much money for a slow ass bike
Me - Sorry, I can't hear you, I think my clutch is falling apart and there seems to be something wrong with my exhaust!
Him - Exactly (now yelling), your bike is a waste!
Me - Sorry, now I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome you are!!
He fires off barely able to keep it straight because his take off was terrible. I roll up to the next light and a harley pulls up beside me. He was behind me at the last light and saw the guy beaking off and his awesome take off.
Him - how's it going?
Me - good man, how are you?
Him - Not bad, What the hell was that?
Me - not sure
Him - I guess I'd be an ass too if I woke up one day without any class
Me - laughing
Him - Have a good one
Then he rolled off the light with me and turned off. Nice guy.
Another thing I find funny is that when I'm in a parking lot with a mix of bikes and some I4 riders will actually walk by just so they can pretend they don't see it. Like I care. I'm out for the good ride and some ice cream. :)
Quote from: porschaholic on June 23, 2008, 10:44:57 AM
The BMW and goldwing guys are the ones who seem to be too good to wave.
The BMW guys are too busy calibrating their GPS, and the Goldwing guys are on the CB radio asking truckers where the nearest Hardees is. ;D
Had a fun international encounter yesterday morning at the Skull Valley Diner here in central AZ -- pulled up for breakfast with my partner on our (OK, by now it's HER) Monster, me on the ST2 and another couple on a Suzuki cruiser. Parked out front next to the Goldwing, CBR & a nicely modded Gixxer, and a showroom new BMW GS. The CBR & Goldwing riders came out the door together ready to ride off (kind of a cool pairing in and of itself). All six of us started ooohing & aaahing over the two bikes on the other side of the Ducs -- two Harleys, one from the late 1940s and the other from the early 1950s, both with the patina that only comes with decades of high mileage and loving care. When we finally tore ourselves away, we went inside, said Hi and complimented the Harley couple who'd clearly put a lot of the miles on those bikes.
And on the way out, an old guy steadying himself with a walker asked me lots of questions about the Ducatis, and we got to talking about the Norton Commando 850 he used to ride, just like the one in my neighbor's garage that I keep bugging him to get started with the restoration -- and let me help!
Pretty much a perfect morning, with clear skies and twisty roads on either side of breakfast.
Quote from: Buford on June 23, 2008, 10:49:09 AM
The BMW guys are too busy calibrating their GPS, and the Goldwing guys are on the CB radio asking truckers where the nearest Hardees is. ;D
Thats the funniest sh!t I have heard in a LONG time [laugh]
I was a "Jap" bike rider before I bought the Duck. No hard feelings here from any bikers but then again I don't subscribe to the brand vs. brand bs - I ride a Duck because I like the way it look, sounds and steers.
Next time you see them, give them a thumbs up and move on [thumbsup]
Took my new monster out for a spin the other day in the twisties and along the pch for the first time. Jap bike riders all waved, even cruiser guys waved. Also, I was on highland ave in hollywood for a little cruise. A guy on a zx6 passed by and gave me a nod. We stopped at a light next to each other, he flipped up his visor and said "nice bike". I replied, "ditto, I love the zx6 and 10s". Then we rode off onto the freeway.
Maybe I've just had a little better luck on a duc than others? Seems like people are nicer to me on the duc than when i'm on my vfr.
There are definately some jerks out there. But I think for the most part people are just happy to see other riders [beer]
look closely
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/spaynenator/SGFudzZT0gI/AAAAAAAAAH8/Tks5DX2lxeA/wannabe.JPG)
Someone posted that up in NYMMC after the NYC international motorcycle show on TOB, possibly industrialgrrrl. I'm sorry I can't give credit where credit is due.
Here it is in a nutshell:
Jap bike owner doesn't like Ducati owner because:
1.) He's a pompous ass that puts himself above other fellow motorcyclists, especially the Jap bike owners.
2.) He's a poser that can't ride his 1098S very well...at all.
3.) He couldn't change the oil or adjust the chain on his bike if his life depended on it.
4.) He probably makes more dinero than he does and is generally more successful.
Ducati owner doesn't like Jap bike owner because:
1.) He gives other motorcyclists a bad name by riding recklessly, not wearing proper gear and generally being a squid.
2.) Duc owner secretly wishes he had the same skills and feels inadequate riding his $20K bike.
3.) Kinda feels a bit ripped off for buying a bike that doesn't have the performance of a Jap bike at half the cost.
4.) Duc owner wishes he was still in his 20's with a 31" waist and no responsibilty.
Well said Randy. Definately Stereotypes, but funny as hell. A friend of mine always says, "there is always some truth behind every stereotype". [cheeky]
Quote from: Brett on June 20, 2008, 06:32:51 AM
Its just like the Supra owners with the huge turbos.... I heard one talking to a Ferrari F430 owner saying his Supra could beat the sh1t out of his Ferrari. The Ferrari owner said I am sure you could, but at the end of the day, I drive a Ferrari and you drive a Toyota.
;D ;D [thumbsup]
I had an encounter last friday night with a couple of squids. I was cruising the strip but nobody was out at all cause the weatherman thought it might rain. Seen a couple of really young guys on Kawi middleweights sitting in a parking lot. As I rode by I nodded and they nodded back so on the way back up the street I pulled in to say hi. First ting they asked when they seen it said ducati was "where's all the fairings at ?" I said it's a naked bike, it don't have them. Then they hit me - "is it fast?"
All I could do was laugh and tell them it does good to get out of its own way. Being young and inquisitive they asked all kinds of questions about my bike, they were genuinely interested it which is a nice change.
I agree with the goldwing quotes, everybody waves but them. Here though it's all OLD guys that ride them, like well into retirement old. At least they ride though so I wave anyway even if they don't. I haven't really at all had any negative interaction with any sportbike riders at all. Most bikers around here ahve heard of ducati, but bever really seen one. Once I tell them I got the bastard stepchild of the lineup then we're all good.
The goldwing riders are just too scared to let go of the handlebars [laugh]coz their bike is too damn huge it might fall.
Except this GW rider....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo
First signe of fear and intimidation is to show aggression [evil] you know like the little dog syndrome could be also little dick.
I think they are just trying tp say "hey mate you spent twice as much as me and i can go faster" [clap]
Quote from: arai_speed on June 24, 2008, 10:31:57 AM
Next time you see them, give them a thumbs up and move on [thumbsup]
+1 just do you're best to be the better person. If another rider acts like an a-hole because of the brand you ride just remember, it's a comment on their character, not yours. And ride on my friend. [moto]
Quote from: duc996 on June 24, 2008, 10:56:34 PM
The goldwing riders are just too scared to let go of the handlebars [laugh]coz their bike is too damn huge it might fall.
or afraid of spilling their latte.
My pops had one of those for a while.. that thing was nicer than my car.
andy
Just remember that if everyone else rode Ducatis then we wouldn't be such an exclusive group.
Quote from: porschaholic on June 25, 2008, 08:35:26 AM
Just remember that if everyone else rode Ducatis then we wouldn't be such an exclusive group.
I'm not sure if you were joking w/the above post, but that last part of your sentence is what kills me and probably fill the stereotype for the other "Jap" riders. What makes it "exclusive" to own a Duc? I don't feel I'm part of some "exclusive group" because I own a Ducati. [roll]
I own a motorcycle, period. I didn't buy a Ducati because I wanted a place to belong to, I bought it because I liked the way it looked and wanted an more upright bike then my previous one.
Quote from: arai_speed on June 25, 2008, 10:29:41 AM
I'm not sure if you were joking w/the above post, but that last part of your sentence is what kills me and probably fill the stereotype for the other "Jap" riders. What makes it "exclusive" to own a Duc? I don't feel I'm part of some "exclusive group" because I own a Ducati. [roll]
I own a motorcycle, period. I didn't buy a Ducati because I wanted a place to belong to, I bought it because I liked the way it looked and wanted an more upright bike then my previous one.
I bought one cause when i first heard of them and then saw one my mouth dropped at the age of 13 and i knew that was the bike for me. :)
Quote from: arai_speed on June 25, 2008, 10:29:41 AM
I'm not sure if you were joking w/the above post, but that last part of your sentence is what kills me and probably fill the stereotype for the other "Jap" riders. What makes it "exclusive" to own a Duc? I don't feel I'm part of some "exclusive group" because I own a Ducati. [roll]
I own a motorcycle, period. I didn't buy a Ducati because I wanted a place to belong to, I bought it because I liked the way it looked and wanted an more upright bike then my previous one.
Exclusive because you don't see them as often as other bikes. I didn't mean to sound like we are different or better than the rest of the riders out there. It is a very rare occasion in my neck of the woods to see another Duc unless I go looking for them. Maybe exclusive was the wrong word to use.
Quote from: GLantern695 on June 25, 2008, 10:33:19 AM
I bought one cause when i first heard of them and then saw one my mouth dropped at the age of 13 and i knew that was the bike for me. :)
I'll agree with that one, Saw the the Photo's of the first Monster when they released the Prototype back in 92/93 been wanting one ever since!!
I do like that they are a bit more exclusive than a lot of other bikes, but I'm not a snob about it, at the end of the day it's just a motorbike.
Love the sound, Love the look and I love the way it does things. [thumbsup]
Quote from: porschaholic on June 25, 2008, 12:43:05 PM
Exclusive Elusive because you don't see them as often as other bikes.
Fixed
I used to ride ducatis, but now im a "Jap" bike rider, and quite proud of it... [moto] i prefer reliability
^ Oh snap! ^
Quote from: Beattie_Yoo on June 26, 2008, 10:27:47 AM
I used to ride ducatis, but now im a "Jap" bike rider, and quite proud of it... [moto] i prefer reliability
Why does your profile say you ride a broken rc51?
Quote from: silentbob on June 26, 2008, 11:05:26 AM
Why does your profile say you ride a broken rc51?
got hit by a car :P
Quote from: Beattie_Yoo on June 26, 2008, 11:22:17 AM
got hit by a car :P
Must be a manufacturing defect. Never would have happened on a Ducati. :P
Who cares what someone else rides if i were buying a new bike right now it would either be a Triumph Sprint or a BMW GS, I think there are douche bags that ride all brands not just "jap" bikes.
I think it depends on the culture of where you are at. I live in the Washington DC area and I see many ducatis (still not nearly as many as jap bikes). In DC metro area I see a lot of squids who view my bike with very little respect. A lot of the riders are spoiled kids who don't know shit about bikes.
I travel to the pittsburgh area a lot and very very very rarely see a ducati. Most other riders are harley riders and either couldn't give two shits what the hell i'm riding or are very interested in the bike because it is italian, sounds mean and looks awesome.
let us all just go to Starbucks, get a dbl mochiabravalatte, polish our Dainese's and look down our noses to those who aren't worthy...commoners, peasants, filthy Japanese motorcycle riding trash. We are all so above the fray because we all own doo cah tayzz. We appreciate the finer things in life, and quite frankly can afford them ah hah hah....ah hah ha haaahhh..!!! Oh how does the other half live? Pffft.... [roll]
Quote from: Rotten Randy on June 26, 2008, 02:13:53 PM
let us all just go to Starbucks, get a dbl mochiabravalatte, polish our Dainese's and look down our noses to those who aren't worthy...commoners, peasants, filthy Japanese motorcycle riding trash. We are all so above the fray because we all own doo cah tayzz. We appreciate the finer things in life, and quite frankly can afford them ah hah hah....ah hah ha haaahhh..!!! Oh how does the other half live? Pffft.... [roll]
hahaha!! That's right [clap]
i have to admit, living in NW portland there are alot of snobs. Before i got my own monster, i saw a guy pull up on one and i was really interested in what kind of exaust he had on it. So i walked up to him and asked him, he actually put his nose up in the air and chuckled to himself and said "the expensive kind" meanwhile looking right through me for his friend he was waiting for. i could have kicked him in the balls for that. I almost didnt get one for that reason alone, i didnt want to belong to the snob pack. But....now that i got one, i havent met one snob....all the local guys on this board are cool. not one snob in the bunch.....maybe that means im now the snob.... [wine]
Quote from: SaltLick on June 26, 2008, 09:17:24 PM
i have to admit, living in NW portland there are alot of snobs. Before i got my own monster, i saw a guy pull up on one and i was really interested in what kind of exaust he had on it. So i walked up to him and asked him, he actually put his nose up in the air and chuckled to himself and said "the expensive kind" meanwhile looking right through me for his friend he was waiting for. i could have kicked him in the balls for that. I almost didnt get one for that reason alone, i didnt want to belong to the snob pack. But....now that i got one, i havent met one snob....all the local guys on this board are cool. not one snob in the bunch.....maybe that means im now the snob.... [wine]
you should have said something back at him for being an asshole... but the fact that he had a friend wouldn't have been particularly beneficial to you..and that's exactly why he was an ass.. because he had a buddy to back him up in case you beat him up for being an asshole.. I hope I never come across one...
Quote from: SaltLick on June 26, 2008, 09:17:24 PM
i have to admit, living in NW portland there are alot of snobs. Before i got my own monster, i saw a guy pull up on one and i was really interested in what kind of exaust he had on it. So i walked up to him and asked him, he actually put his nose up in the air and chuckled to himself and said "the expensive kind" meanwhile looking right through me for his friend he was waiting for. i could have kicked him in the balls for that. I almost didnt get one for that reason alone, i didnt want to belong to the snob pack. But....now that i got one, i havent met one snob....all the local guys on this board are cool. not one snob in the bunch.....maybe that means im now the snob.... [wine]
Should have told him he would have been better off leaving the exhaust stock and using the money to buy a personality.
Quote from: arai_speed on June 25, 2008, 10:29:41 AM
What makes it "exclusive" to own a Duc? I don't feel I'm part of some "exclusive group" because I own a Ducati. [roll]
What makes them exclusive is that they don't make that many in comparison to, say, any of the Japanese Big 4. That makes them "exclusive". It's the same thing that makes OCC, Big Dog, etc. exclusive. It's not that the bikes or their owners are better than anyone else, they just happen to own a bike that is produced in smaller numbers than the others...
i look at a ducati the same way i look at owning my old 1974 honda 550. It was unique and there wasnt many around. Ive always hated having the cookie cutter anything really. i play drums so i made my own drumset.
There was this guy at work that owned a susuzki gsxr 1000, the first day i parked my monster in the bike parking area he freaked out and parked his bike so close to mine that when i came out to get on it i almost couldnt. The next day, i saw someone walking through the halls with a helmet and i asked if that was him that parked next to me. His face got all red and he said yeah, he admitted to doing it on purpose. Instead of getting mad i laughed, he laughed too he knew it was stupid. So wed meet in the halls once in a while and talk about bikes, cornering, hell anything bike related. He apologized many times for parking like that. Once we were outside mounting up, and he said "Man your bike is really sweet looking, i wish i could have afforded a bike like that" Right then and there i saw where his anger was coming from.
Quote from: NAKID on June 26, 2008, 11:37:51 PM
What makes them exclusive is that they don't make that many in comparison to, say, any of the Japanese Big 4. That makes them "exclusive". It's the same thing that makes OCC, Big Dog, etc. exclusive. It's not that the bikes or their owners are better than anyone else, they just happen to own a bike that is produced in smaller numbers than the others...
I would disagree, something produced in small quantities would make it rare, not exclusive. A Ferrari is a rare car, and it's exclusive because of the price tag it carries. It excludes the general population from buying one because of it's cost.
The general definition of exclusive is the following "admitting only members of a socially restricted or very carefully selected group"
A Ducati might be rare in your neck of the woods, but it's certainly not exclusive. I can go today and buy a 696 from any Duc dealer around town. How is that "exclusive"?
Form looking online, a new 696 cost less then a new 600 "Jap" bike!
I think in short I've met more a-holes riding Ducati's then I've ever met on Jap bikes. Maybe I should start a thread called "What's up with 'Ducati' Bike Riders?" [laugh]
I live in a really shitty area of Atlanta so most of the time I open carry my Springfield EMP in a leg drop. That pretty much stops anyone from talking or looking at me.