Interesting point of view from a Harley rider

[VeryMetal]

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.

[Bun-bun]

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.

[vwboomer]

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

[MadDuck]

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.

[mmakay]

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!   

[Adamm0621]

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.   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.

[bigiain]

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

[weemonster]

That's a beer cozy man!  Classy?  Maybe not.  Useful...hell yeah!!

Learn something everyday lol

never keep em long enough for them to get warm tho 

[s2r800]

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....

[myssrhl]

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

[Privateer]

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

[NUDO]

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.

[Privateer]

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?





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

[red baron]

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.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I throw high-signs to soccer-moms on Vespas too, btw.

Duc-Stew, pickin' up the MILFS....