I went to the ICU the other evening to do a consult. Since I was finished in the office and would be riding home next, I was already wearing my boots and carried my gloves in my helmet along with my jacket.
As often happens, this started a conversation along the lines of "oh, you have a motorcycle" with one of the nurses who wanted to know what a Ducati was. After I said a little about my bike, another nurse piped up with "if Ducatis are any good, why aren't you wearing the gear?"
This confused me. After all, there was all my gear right there to be seen. She went on to say "Harley riders only wear Harley stuff," which made her first question more clear. I tried explaining that Ducati made pretty good motorcycles but that I didn't think that meant they made good socks. That didn't seem to get me anywhere so I tried clarifying that while there was some very good gear sold by Ducati, they didn't actually make any of it themselves, and that I figured I might as well buy the gear that was best for me irrespective of the label. I also pointed out that while there was probably tons of Harley gear that would fit me, hardly any Ducati-branded stuff would (I'm NOT built like an Italian teenager).
This is why my heart sinks a tiny bit every time I see a Ducati-branded Tumi backpack (as incredibly good as Tumi is) or Sandisk memory card, or whatever; for many people, Harley is about branding more than anything else. Motorcycles these days just happen to be one of the things that carries the brand. Ducati is still (for now) about motorcycles and all the other stuff bearing the name or logo is secondary. For now.
You are correct sir. That is an interesting point of view. People are suckers for marketing and brands. We all are to a degree. And I do have plenty of Ducati branded gear ;D But I try not to look like a billboard when I head out. Oddly enough it was a Harley rider that drove this point home for me on a recent trip. I was at the airport in Nashville waiting to board and the guy walked up to get in line. He looked like a Harley threw up on him [roll] Bandana, glasses, shirt, vest, belt, pants, boots, watch, etc. All were Harley branded. The impression it left on me has caused me to pick only a single Ducati branded piece (if any) when I open the closet before a ride.
Ducati is certainly working on the brand. And I'm perfectly fine with that. If it gives them the resources to continue to kick butt in Moto GP and develop new and improved moto's every year; more power to them [thumbsup]
I'm with ya mstevens,
My gear is a mix of Shoei, joe rocket & a-stars. Whatever i could find that would fit me.
The only thing i own that says Ducati on it is the bike. And the helmet is the only thing with a "large" logo.
at least most of the ducati merchandise is useful or classy.
I havent seen a ducati whatever you call those thing you put yer beer bottle in so yer hand doesnt make it warm.
Quote from: weemonster on June 28, 2008, 03:38:53 PM
at least most of the ducati merchandise is useful or classy.
I havent seen a ducati whatever you call those thing you put yer beer bottle in so yer hand doesnt make it warm.
That's a beer cozy man! Classy? Maybe not. Useful...hell yeah!!
;D ;D
Personally, I think it's funny seeing a guy decked out in branded gear. For instance, I was at a car show last month with my girlfriend and I saw a nice 1098 parked. We were browsing the cars and I saw this guy in his mid 40s wearing a ducati backpack, ducati t-shirt and ducati leathers. I was thinking to myself, "wow...really?" I went up and asked him if that was his 1098 parked outside (obviously it was). And he just scoffed and was like "Yeah, heh" and walked off.
Same thing with Harley logo whores. In my msf class there were at least 2 guys that wore Harley beanies, t-shirts and jackets when they either didn't even own one yet or didn't know shit about their bikes. I know this because I asked one of the guys what model he has. He simply said "a '98". Wow...okay, because a '98 HD is totally a model.
I personally like supporting companies or brands I like. I bought a shirt from my jiujitsu gym and wear it all the time. And I don't think there's anything wrong with wearing branded gear. Just don't try too hard or wear it just to be cool. And definitely don't wear it if it isn't comfortable or doesn't fit.
you should try working with six of those die hard harley branders. we have technicians that wear harley work boots. it's a little over the top for me but whatever makes them fell special go right on ahead. i ran into a guy who was decked out in harley gear once but was riding a honda.......go figure. there are guys at bike night around here wearing nothing but (insert prefered bike here) gear.
remember that harley davidson is probably one of the best branded and marketed companies ever, so the fact that its a great branded item is saying the obvious almost no other product is as world known except maybe coca cola and maybe nike... that's it.
that being said i think personally that ducati has never tried very hard or done a good job at selling the brand of ducati when it comes to clothing, they dont' have the "hook" of harley with the "harley attitude" and the sixties "harley biker gang" thing going on.. that is how harley gets most of their branding right there. then if you notice harley also puts out pretty subdued clothing all basiclly very classic designs they don't change much.
honestly a lot of the ducati stuff is ugly, though the whole borgnale line has heritage unelss you like the italian colors all over everything its frankly ugly. i think if ducati made a bit more subtle things then maybe they could sell their gear better, but they will never have the same brand recognition of the harley davidson.
me i like the bmw gear, fits well and not a lot of bmw stuff on the outside.
Judas Priest like there Harley gear too....... [puke] [puke] [puke]
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2618953289_a81b433671_o.jpg)
[roll] [roll]
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
Quote from: hyphen on June 28, 2008, 04:17:23 PM
Personally, I think it's funny seeing a guy decked out in branded gear. For instance, I was at a car show last month with my girlfriend and I saw a nice 1098 parked. We were browsing the cars and I saw this guy in his mid 40s wearing a ducati backpack, ducati t-shirt and ducati leathers. I was thinking to myself, "wow...really?" I went up and asked him if that was his 1098 parked outside (obviously it was). And he just scoffed and was like "Yeah, heh" and walked off.
At times like that (which has never happened to me because Ducs are rare here; nor do I act like that to others) is when I wish I had a desmosedicci. In which case, i would park it next to the 1098, find the guy in the car show, complement him on his bike (knowing that he will respond like an ass) and cock slap him in the face before he walks off by pointing out you parked your bike next to his.
so insecure to respond like that. If people are going to complement you, atleast take it with some grace and find a way to return the complement. Something like, "Oh, thank you for noticing" with a smile and a friendly tone of voice.
Quote from: OwnyTony on June 28, 2008, 05:25:11 PM
At times like that (which has never happened to me because Ducs are rare here; nor do I act like that to others) is when I wish I had a desmosedicci. In which case, i would park it next to the 1098, find the guy in the car show, complement him on his bike (knowing that he will respond like an ass) and cock slap him in the face before he walks off by pointing out you parked your bike next to his.
so insecure to respond like that. If people are going to complement you, atleast take it with some grace and find a way to return the complement. Something like, "Oh, thank you for noticing" with a smile and a friendly tone of voice.
if only I made that kind of money :/
Quote from: calscrazy on June 28, 2008, 04:26:48 PM
you should try working with six of those die hard harley branders.
Try working with about 30. Most of which come pull in looking like Hell's Angel's and magically convert to IT personel, purchasing reps, and/or payroll when they enter the building. I am talking head to toe Harley representatives. The really funny thing is, they will also deck completely out and drive then drive their truck to work. I guess that is acceptable because of the HD tag on the front and the Bright Orange HD decal that takes up the entire back window.
What's it say about their view of themselves? Trying to cover themselves in something so they can pretend they're something they're not? I try to stay away from those decked out in labels.
wear what you like. who cares what anyone else thinks? you don't like matching head to toe. don't buy it. /shrug
I ride a Harley & a Ducati while wearing the same jacket..... A retro Ducati jacket I got on clearance from MotoWheels. Why? Because I don't give a damn about the name on the gear. I'm a motorcyclist not a brand-snob.
I throw high-signs to soccer-moms on Vespas too, btw.
Harley riders get a lot of stick. Possibly appropriately (at least in Southern CA) because they seem to give a lot of it too. I don't get a sense of unity or solidarity from them. It can be that way with some of the young sport riders too, but they're mostly pretty cool (until you get a group of them). I'm young too (25) and I can see past the bullshit. I like riding motorcycles. I've had four, just about one of every type, I show that by going out and riding them and trying to involve myself actively in the motorcycling community, not with my clothes/ attitude.
I'm sure a convincing argument could be put forward either way, maybe I'm a biased self righteous prick(?) but I just don't buy it. The whole labels thing, supporting a brand etc. I like cool t shirt logos and I know which jeans fit me, other than that, I'm going to wear what's best for me, on and off my bike. It's not like I'm sponsored. I have equal respect for everybody regardless of their brand support, somebody doesn't have to be wearing a Ducati t-shirt for me to want to talk to them. It urks me when people behave that way.
Just thought I'd put my thoughts out there.
This almost matches this topic:
I'm a carpenter, and for years I've always seen the Carhartt brand of clothing, and got the impression that it was good, rugged work wear, so when I was in the store buying new work clothes, I picked up a pair of their jeans.
The first time I wore 'em to work, RRRIP! One nail, and the damn things are useless. That does it, back to Levis for me. Cheaper, and they hold up. I don't have to look good, I have to have clothes that can take some abuse.
Same with my riding gear. The only piece that says Ducati is the bike.
Lets see. I have a Ducati Milwaukee sweatshirt that my wife bought me. and a DML sweatshirt. that's my only Ducati stuff. Unless you count my rear stand.
I'm in the camp of buy whatever is best at the cheapest price. and I've never seen any Ducati branded gear in that category. I spose a Tshirt or hat wouldn't kill me, but I'd hate to look like the guy who just wants to tell everyone he's got a Duc. Harley people have no qualms about that, whether they have one or not :)
I don't know about some of you all. Isn't it more about the people inside the outfits and not so much the outfits that define the people? Sure you've got some negative stereotypes with any brand, be it snobby Ducati/tough, closed minded to oh, so newbie Harley/and squidly Japanese bikes. There are jerks everywhere and surprise, surprise they show up under all lables and part labels. Likewise they're are some pretty cool people decked out head to toe. Maybe fewer and more far between but that's human nature.
Quote from: mac900 on June 28, 2008, 11:54:51 PM
Isn't it more about the people inside the outfits and not so much the outfits that define the people?
Nope. Takes to long to
get to know somebody. I judge books by the cover! [evil]
I plan on buying the matte black helmet when I get my dark 696, and possibly the leather high tech leather jacket, but that's only because I think they look really nice and I don't have a set of leathers yet. I have a regular set of textiles, but I think the leather jacket is really spiffy. ;D If on the other hand, I don't like the fit, or it's uncomfortable, then I won't buy either, but if all is well, there is no reason why I can't coordinate my clothes with my bike.
Quote from: vwboomer on June 28, 2008, 11:24:06 PM
I'm in the camp of buy whatever is best at the cheapest price. and I've never seen any Ducati branded gear in that category.
Including, some would argue, their motorcycles...
devils-advocate-big
Quote from: Triple J on June 28, 2008, 04:03:31 PM
That's a beer cozy man! Classy? Maybe not. Useful...hell yeah!!
;D ;D
Learn something everyday lol
never keep em long enough for them to get warm tho [drink]
sometimes i feel like a walking billboard.....i have an arai ducati helmet...then - the best ft i could find in a jacket happened to be a ducati 80's logo jacket....sometimes i want to go out and buy a plain black helmet so i don't fee like an italian harley guy....
I was putting on my Ducati thong and a metal clip flew up and hit me in the eye.
(sounds like something that just happened to Victoria's Secrets)
Think I will sue ...... ahh ... settle out of court.... one 1098R
Quote from: VeryMetal on June 28, 2008, 10:18:58 PM
Harley riders get a lot of stick. Possibly appropriately (at least in Southern CA) because they seem to give a lot of it too.
very true. The whole 'get a real bike-ride american' bullshit is just insane coming from guys who ride 1 day a week to cooks corner, get there at 9am, park their bike all day, and leave before the sun goes down. Same with Hell's Kitchen on Ortega.
Considering most HD riders (that I come across) in SoCal are either doctors, lawyers, dentists, or cops, it's hard for me to take their tough guy schtick seriously.
Andy
What is amazing to me is that Harley started off as a rebel brand. One that an individual that was anti establishment and anti commercial would ride and now it is totally comersilized and pro establishment.
All the bike look the same minus some chrome almost everybody riding them looks the same all the meets are loaded with ads ect, ect. Not saying this is across the board I know some guys that are pretty hard core the funny thing is they ride Harley but have no Harley logos on anything but the bikes, little chrome and hells angels on there backs.
Oh, i forgot to mention.. went to the Rock Store last weekend for the first time. Yeah $9 hamburger? no thanks.
Anyway, when I get there, trying find a place to park I see this couple arrive when we do. both all decked out in leathers, vest, pants, biker boots, etc etc. She's pretty hot. He looks like a tool. What do they dismount from?
(http://images.4wheeloffroad.com/roadtests/p63164_large+2002_Jeep_Liberty+Front_Driver_Side.jpg)
If that's market penetration, then no thanks. I have one ducati sweater and a shirt from the dealer in San Diego (GP, represent!). I'm all for ducati making money anyway they can, and making ducati less of a niche brand, but at the expense of the riding/racing heritage? no thanks.
andy
Quote from: Duck-Stew on June 28, 2008, 10:17:34 PM
I throw high-signs to soccer-moms on Vespas too, btw.
Now on the HOG, you've got the time.
It's like being in slow motion. ;D
Quote from: Duck-Stew on June 28, 2008, 10:17:34 PM
I throw high-signs to soccer-moms on Vespas too, btw.
Duc-Stew, pickin' up the MILFS....
I had this same conversation with my hubby who used to ride HD's (now has a BMW K1200LT). I told him I would not buy any Ducati gear because I didn't want to look like a Harley "poser", even though I own a Ducati.
I teach MSF classes, and we have SOOOO many students come to class all decked out in HD S@#$#T, and they've never sat on a bike. We had a guy today in all the HD gear from head to toe, and proceeded to t-bone another rider, damaging two bikes and injuring the other rider. What a tard....And they call metric bikes (starter bikes). It really gets me pissed off. >:(
I have two Ducati t-shirts, a jacket (that's part of a suit; texport with the Cagiva Elephant on back), and one hat that I have no idea where the heck it went. I can't fit into womens Ducati gear unless they remove 1/2 of me. :(
Anyway, did you ever hear about the Harley Davidson Tampons that they've got for sale now??? They all leak. ;D
Quote from: mcgalinmd on June 29, 2008, 06:08:44 PM
Anyway, did you ever hear about the Harley Davidson Tampons that they've got for sale now??? They all leak. ;D
LOL!
I wasn't trying to criticize anyone in starting the thread. The main point was the belief that some people have that if the bikes are good, the gear must be good. That just doesn't make sense to me on the face of it. The secondary point was the belief that there's some point in "supporting" a bike manufacturer by wearing branded gear.
I've driven BMW cars for nearly a quarter-century. My dad keeps giving me BMW belt buckles, T-shirts, hats, books, etc. In all this time he's never figured out that I'm just interested in the actual cars and not the other stuff. He'd be a GREAT Harley customer, since he's the kind of guy that needs to have one of everything and they certainly do seem to have nearly everything (the tampons must be new, and maybe he would skip those. If BMW sold tampons, I'm certain he'd buy my wife some).
Ehh, I don't see much difference between people wearing HD gear with logos all over than people wearing GAP, A&F, or AE shirts. A lot of people wear clothing that has a brand logo all over it. Each brand it trying to portray some image. Whatever makes them happy. It doesn't really impact me. They'd probably have the same attitude regardless of what brand clothing they wore.
Personally I don't care what another riders gear has plastered on it as long as it is GOOD gear. ( nike tennis shoes, cut-off levis, A&F t-shirt, and oakley sunglasses don't cut it in my book [bang] )
A couple things H D has done right; their jeans are actually good jeans if you can catch em on sale, their less gaudy belts are good quality, and every H D dealership I've been in sells t-shirts unique to that dealership.
The comments on carrharts is right on, they aren't what they where 15- 20 years ago.
I was a Harley rider long before I knew anything about Ducatis. I still have 5 Harley Jackets including alot of the 100th Anniversary swag . Jacket, Vest , Gloves, Chaps, and everything still looks pretty much as new.
When I fell in love with Ducatis , the Harley gear stayed in the closet and there it remains unless I sell it. I love Dainese leather and collect it now. Since they make Ducatis's leather I have bought several Ducati leather Jackets as well.
Since I never wore a helmet when I rode my Harley's , when I bought a couple of BMWs ,especially the one I still have and then the Ducatis , I went on a Helmet collecting binge. I've got more Arais and Shoeis than fingers on both hands . I love variety and wearing something different each time I ride. My brother says I should have been a woman the way I buy clothing.
I feel like I am part and parcel to the brand and I definitly go for function over style when it comes to motorcycle gear. It just so happens that I think Dainese looks good too.I see nothing wrong w/ wearing the brand of Bike's leather Jacket but I generally wear 3 or 4 different brands (Helmet ) ( Safety Jacket + Jacket) ( Pants ) (Gloves + Boots ) .I wouldn't wear every piece of the same brand gear if it had the name in large letters unless someone was paying me like a pro racer on the track.
Quote from: someguy on June 29, 2008, 03:19:48 PM
Quote from: Duck-Stew
I throw high-signs to soccer-moms on Vespas too, btw.
Duc-Stew, pickin' up the MILFS....
I'm glad _somebody_ posted this... (I'm far to dignified to _post_ it, I just _thought_ it and laughed out loud!)
big
If you are getting to fat to fit in the nice Ducati leather its time to buy a Harley [popcorn]
At least they have the XXXL gear on display.
I have problems closing my Dainese , but it will last one more year [thumbsup]
Quote from: Tangerine Dream on June 28, 2008, 12:11:38 PM
But I try not to look like a billboard when I head out.
Even though you have a Ducati helmet, jacket, t-shirt, belt and pants. I'm sure you have more too :P
I have a Ducati watch though. Bet you ain't got one of those.
Quote from: Hank on June 30, 2008, 03:54:02 AM
I have a Ducati watch though. Bet you ain't got one of those.
Yep. I watch my Ducati in my shed when I'm having a beer. ;)
At least Harley treats lady riders right with providing a nice selection of gear that fits REAL women. Another thing I found out lately is I prefer my local Hog dealership over my local Ducati. It might not mean anything to all you guys, but at my age I will not tolerate anymore sexism or lack of concern in making my Duc riding experience enjoyable. Before you jump in and say I'm too sensitive, my hubby also felt the same negative vibes independent from me saying anything to him.
My bottom line, Harely welcomes women riders/customers and Ducati not so much.
Quote from: Taz Duc on June 30, 2008, 05:36:53 AM
My bottom line, Harely welcomes women riders/customers and Ducati not so much.
This thread is choke full of generalisms. I'm also guilty of what you're doing here. Taking one experience and labeling everything else based on it. I was actually thinking about this to myself today regarding some overseas travel.
My Ducati Dealer seems to be very gender neutral, and open to anyone who walks in the door. My experience with a local HD dealer was less than good. First of all it seemed more like a department store, with all of the branded gear. The store was 85% non motorcycle stuff. We were in the 15% bikes and gear area and while I wasn't about to buy a bike, no one said anything to us. Didn't seem very warm.
Quote from: hyphen on June 28, 2008, 04:17:23 PM
For instance, I was at a car show last month with my girlfriend and I saw a nice 1098 parked. We were browsing the cars and I saw this guy in his mid 40s wearing a ducati backpack, ducati t-shirt and ducati leathers.
was it bobspapa? [laugh] [laugh]
mitt
Quote from: Taz Duc on June 30, 2008, 05:36:53 AM
My bottom line, Harely welcomes women riders/customers and Ducati not so much.
It could be a lot of things besides the brand. Could be demographics, age, type of shop, etc. It could also be that HD has had more sales training to be more inclusive.
I think that HD intentionally includes women more, cause a lot of cruiser riders take their spouses along, and they have to get spousal permission to buy that $20k chrome horse. Ducs don't really fall into that category. I imagine a lot of riders here (me included) have spouses that really don't care about the monster, or moto shop or duc clothes, and will probably never go on another pillion ride with me while I own a monster.
mitt
Quote from: Taz Duc on June 30, 2008, 05:36:53 AM
My bottom line, Harely welcomes women riders/customers and Ducati not so much.
You need to find another dealer. My wife has never not felt welcome at our local dealer.
I think a lot of you folk spend entirely too much time being concerned about what others are wearing/riding/doing/saying/thinking.
Life is much more relaxing when you don't give a make the beast with two backs about the other guy and try to live your own life to the fullest.
I am a woman rider, and I wouldn't say that HD is all that welcoming. Yeah they do have gear (that's a loose term) for women - boots with the CFM heels on 'em (can't shift with those), leather with tassles that whip the you know what out of you in the wind, and let's not forget - a HD bra. I need that to ride. ;D
The only reason HD welcomes you is because they NEED your $$ to keep selling overpriced baby bibs, t-shirts that all look the same, and a tiny piece of chrome for $150.00. Ever wonder how they pay for that big huge dealership?? On your dime, buying technologically DE-clined motorcyles, gear (for the most part; their rain gear is the bomb!) that is designed for riding, not driving, and way overpriced stickers, helmets, etc. And most all of it is not american made - as the folks that buy it would think. Look in almost ALL the helmets, they are AGV, Fulmer, or other italian or japanese brands. Lots of the bikes/parts are "american assembled" from foreign pieces.
Hey, to each their own...i'm just "brand neutral" - i'll ride the Ducati, wear what works. You wouldn't and couldn't catch me looking like a poser any day. Guess I get my anger about this from all the wanna be's in motorcycle classes I teach. >:(
And BTW, my Duc dealer loves me... :-* Donnie, Julia, Jason, and Nathan at Duc Pond - you've got my business ALWAYS!! You guys ROCK! [clap]
When people ask me dumb questions about Ducati .....I just say its the Ferrari of motorcycles ...then they get it!
Quote from: jerryz on June 30, 2008, 08:35:13 AM
When people ask me dumb questions about Ducati .....I just say its the Ferrari of motorcycles ...then they get it!
As much as I hate to do it, I end up using the same metaphor. Seeing all the Harley gear reminds me of Ford or Chevy nuts at a NASCAR race. Of course the Ferrari fans at Formula 1 races I've heard can be a bit like that too.
George Carlin's take on the Harley culture:
[Man, I love Carlin. It's a damn shame that he's gone now :'(]
NSFW
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHNRgg3mQqA
Speaking of branded merchandise, I wanted to get my girlfriend a Ducati bikini, but when I saw that it was $65 for the set, I figured we'd just go skinny dipping a little while longer.
I'm surprised nobody's mentioned al the Suzuki branded merchandise.
Quote from: taun on June 30, 2008, 02:16:31 PMSpeaking of branded merchandise, I wanted to get my girlfriend a Ducati bikini, but when I saw that it was $65 for the set
I hear there are dealers where they'll offer a very significant discount for pictures of the parts installed, or especially during the installation process.
Quote from: taun on June 30, 2008, 02:16:31 PM
Speaking of branded merchandise, I wanted to get my girlfriend a Ducati bikini, but when I saw that it was $65 for the set, I figured we'd just go skinny dipping a little while longer.
i instinctively read this as "bikini fairing" and thought damn... where are you getting a ducati fairing for 65, and why are you complaining.
oh, that kind of bikini
--
i bought a ducati "80s" riding jacket with the bike. needed a new jacket, looks nice, got "good guy" pricing on it. no shame in a bit of branded merch, but that's as far as it goes....maybe a tshirt too... or a hat
I just get whatever fits me best. Usually thinking of how will save my hide should it need to as appose to looking in hte mirror to make sure my ducati pants are on right [roll] . That being said, I am guilty of wearing a ducati hat or T-shirt the odd day; not together obviously. But hey, why not.
3 Ducati shirts
1 Ducati cap
To much, I don`t think so [thumbsup]
i wear shirts, why not?
I could care less about what others think. I have a few from dealerships I've gotten stuff from and I had a good experience with (NPR in Athens)
My lady has always been treated very well at all these dealerships - must have just been that one.
One thing H D does have going for it - Free Hamburgers on Saturdays for all. That's the way it is in TN at least - they don't care what you ride (or didn't ride) there, you get a free hamburger or cheeseburger. One even does breakfasts with pancakes if you like to get out and ride before traffic picks up.
Quote from: mstevens on June 30, 2008, 09:21:03 PM
I hear there are dealers where they'll offer a very significant discount for pictures of the parts installed, or especially during the installation process.
Yeah, I heard that too. I wish i had the part to actually complete the install. For the time being, it's off to modding with cheap chinese parts (i.e. Victoria's Secret bikinis) ;D
Dress for the crash, not the ride. I buy the best quality and fit that I can afford.
I'm constantly amused on Saturdays by the hardly riders with their bandanas (DOT / SNELL approved I'm sure). I always wonder where are they on the cold morning commute as my duc moves through trucks with HD stickers on the back glass...
Judas Priest also look like they're big bears that belong on Oxford Street, Sydney. Not that there's anything wrong with that... :-*
...the Australian guys know what i'm talking about...
Interesting thread, one of the few that I actually read all the post. Best example I can give is Sony. One thing they absolutely do well is make a television. Any other electronic device they are average. Although, their TX- series is the best sub-compact notebook on the market.
Yes, Ducati makes an exceptional bike that is why we are all here. As for apparel, actually Dainese makes the bulk of their leathers, and they are not to shabby. However, what they are is over priced. The reason I suspect HD banded stuff is so prevalent has more to do with affordability, an HD t-shirt $20-40, a Ducati t-shirt $40-80. I went to an HD location and they had sunglasses starting price $24.99 and up, At a Ducati dealer their sunglasses (made by Oakley) $200.
Duacti wishes they had the brand recognition HD gets. I too have used that Ferrari of motorcycles line. But then I realized that it sounded kind of snobbish. Now I tend to say its the HD of Europe. Lets be honest, who mods a Ferrari? I have never seen someone change the mirrors or switch out the seat or put carbon fiber on a Ferrari if it wasn't already done by the manufacturer. We Ducatista’s are more like Harley people than we care to admit with only two differences, cost of apparel, and HD is uniquely American as Ducati is Italia...
“To thine own self be true.†Harley people are self righteous cause they are practically riding the American flag... :-\
(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m245/whalerboy/posters/motivator4658680.jpg)
I like branded stuff, it's something special.
It's like routing for your favorite pro team.
Used to own a MB, bought an MB F1 shirt and a hat. Stop wearing it after I got rid of the car.
I drive an M3, bought a shirt, hat and a keychain.
With my Duc, bought two riding jackets and a hat.
When I was in the Army, I like wearing Army t-shirts.
It's all good [thumbsup]
I confuse people with some GSXR gear I have. I didn't wear it when I had one, but now I do.
For a while I also had a GSXR keyring on my bike. I figure that way some dumb thief might ignore the stylised D on the key head and try to start a different bike with my key should I lose it :)
I wont buy anything with a name on it. I hate to advertise, and that is what all of the branding stuff is. cheesy adverising crap. i look for gear with as little name reconigtion as possible. all these dudes with their joe rocket matching leathers or harley boots and glasses are just sheep that want to advertise" look at me i ride a harley" or what ever. I actually asked a dude in a movie theater about his moto jacket recently. i was asking him how it worked and if it was comfortable, etc, and what he said blew me away. He didn't even know,why ? well, he didn't even have a bike! he spent 400 bucks on a riding jacket and he doesn't even know how to ride. F- that gear advertising is for suckers........ imho.
the ron [evil]