"She" or "Her"

[wildknits]

MichaelSydney - I just think of my R65 as "my R65". Not male or female. No gender or name assigned to any of my vehicles (cars, bikes or boats). Maybe I lack creativity? Or maybe it is a guy thing to assign gender for the aforementioned reasons? I certainly don't consider it "just a simple, utilitarian machine" though. I have been known to visit it for a pat or two in the depths of the winter (it is fortunate to share hangar space with a R75/6, a J5 Cub and several other airplanes).

I realize that many of you may have felt that the statements should be taken with a grain of salt, but someone did ask for a woman's perspective on the discussion so far.

I was what was(is) referred to as a tomboy as a child and continue to have recreational interests that mean I am often one of few women involved. This means that I have learned to ignore a lot of what guys say that could be perceived as denigrating to women if taken too seriously. On occasion though I have chosen to provide some gentle education on how a person's words/actions could be perceived as this can often explain  why so few women choose to participate in that particular sport/activity.  

Lucky Lou - the movie Fargo was a great spoof on the Minnesotan accent and some unique cultural traits. The Coen brothers are Minnesota natives and I have a lot of respect for their work.  I have never seen the television series (didn't know it existed until now) so can't speak to the reality of it. Fargo is 5 hours west of Duluth and smack dab in the prairie. Duluth on the other hand is surrounded by forest and perched along the hillside above Lake Superior.

[Lucky_Lou]

Lucky Lou - the movie Fargo was a great spoof on the Minnesotan accent and some unique cultural traits. The Coen brothers are Minnesota natives and I have a lot of respect for their work.  I have never seen the television series (didn't know it existed until now) so can't speak to the reality of it. Fargo is 5 hours west of Duluth and smack dab in the prairie. Duluth on the other hand is surrounded by forest and perched along the hillside above Lake Superior.

I saw the Coen brothers film very entertaining but the Series with Billy Bob Thornton is on another level he is superbly menacing in it. they have a 2nd series out anytime soon and I cannot wait.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fargo_(TV_series)
Lou

[Barry]

- I just think of my R65 as "my R65". Not male or female. No gender or name assigned to any of my vehicles (cars, bikes or boats). Maybe I lack creativity? Or maybe it is a guy thing to assign gender for the aforementioned reasons? I certainly don't consider it "just a simple, utilitarian machine" though. I have been known to visit it for a pat or two in the depths of the winter (it is fortunate to share hangar space with a R75/6, a J5 Cub and several other airplanes).  

I also have never assigned names to any of my vehicles even though I tend to keep them long term. It was wrench to let my car go recently that I owned for 21 years and my last bike I had for 14 years. What long term ownership does do is create a respect for the engineering integrity of the thing and it doesn't need a name for that to mean something to me.

So not necessarily a guy thing although I might own up to lacking creativity.

[k_enn]

Like others here, I have not named a vehicle.  That is not to say I don't get attached to them - I tend to keep them until they die.  

However, I do get a little chuckle out of the Liberty Mutual insurance commercial about the lady with the car named Brad.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxd49IRu02E
In a way it is kind of funny taking about the number of jobs and boyfriends you have been through with "Brad," and then in a somewhat unsympathetic tone says "and then you totaled him."

k_enn

[Ed Miller]

I know Sue in Canada calls LRB "he."  Both my bikes are "it."  Poor things.

[Bob_Roller]

It's a machine comprised of metal, rubber, plastic, glass, nothing more or less .

It's not a living thing .

It couldn't care less whether you take care of it, or let it rust away outside in the elements .

Don't give it credit for more than what it is, a machine .

[Semper Gumby]

Mine is just "the BMW".   [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]

[marcmax]

I guess my vehicles (cars, trucks, bikes) would have to be "he" although I have never named them. The few times they have left me stranded (my fault for neglecting something) I always called them a rotten son-of-a-*****. If they were a "she" I would have to change the expletive.  

[mrbuck]

Good responses one and alll.  I thing Wildknit and Barry closely expressed my feelings....I tend to keep anything , bikes, cars, clothes , etc until there is absolutely no life left in them but do not name them.  I have been known to pat the tank after a long enjoyable ride and occassionally utter a few harsh words when the last of 4 bolts takes an hour to remove when the other 3 only took 15 sec. each.

Whatever our personal connection with our bikes, we all have one thing in common....they are airhead BMWs and as such occupy a  special place in our lives.  Thanks again for all responses.