BMW snobbery

[trolle]

I've always tried to avoid clubs and political parties. Never the less I am member of a local club of motorcyclists where the average age is well beyond 45 and the bikes range from a Honda from '78 to a K1300S, the one that took a tumble just in front of me last fall. We ride once a week and if you  feel like it, you can mingle with the other riders afterwards in our clubhouse. As I am rather introvert that suits me fine.

greetings from a grey and slightly wet north

[Julio A.]

I had a ride with the local BMW club. Suffice to say I wouldn't ride with them in the near future. The constant 140Km/h on the expressway was
not very comfortable.

And that was a "Slow" memorial ride!!!

*Ahem* *R100*
*Ahem* *GS*    

[wa1udg]

I live in a seaside town which has, long after I moved there, become quite "trendy".  Recently at the gas pumps a $15,000 + for the bike BMW rider asked if my R 65 was "part of my collection" and "did they appreciate".  He then told me what he had lined to ride on his latest trip to Europe.  Finally he told me when a local riders group I had never heard of meets for lunch on weekdays.  Too bad , I am still employed and can't turn up for lunch.  Guys used to "collect" the bikes for spares, now these swells collect them because they "appreciate."

[darrylri]

Well, we all appreciate them!

[msbuck]

Well, we all appreciate them!

 [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[darrylri]

On a slightly more serious note:

I have a "collection" of 8 BMWs (plus a pile of parts that is a project).  I've got a "modern" BMW that cost more than your gas pump acquaintance's bike.  I've also got bikes much older, including two pre war bikes.  I keep an R1100RS -- with 209k miles that I've put on it -- at a friend's place in Germany.  None is a garage queen, they all get ridden.  My 1961 R60/2 needs a new rear tire and the 1928 R52 needs an oil change.  

My R65 is not a restored beauty; it needs a dent taken out of the tank, a paint job and a lot more cosmetic work.  Still, I have been spending a lot of time on it because it's so much fun to ride!  

If people see me riding this beat up bike (the previous and original owner put 169,000 miles on it before giving it to me, and was none too fastidious about its appearance) with a smile on my face and pity me, they are completely misunderstanding the situation.  The people who buy new bikes, add a ton of "farkles" and then fuss and fume over some small problem deserve the pity, because they are not letting their bike give them the pleasure they should be getting out of it.

I don't think of it as snobbery.  It's what I can do for my hobby or passion.  

[Altritter]

++1, Darryl!

[NC Steve]

 Top Ten Reasons Why BMW Riders Don't Wave Back.

10. New Aerostich suit too stiff to raise arm.
9. Removing a hand from the bars is considered "bad form."
8. Shoulder too stiff from camping on the ground the night before.
7. Too sore from an 800-mile day on a stock "comfort" seat.
6. Too busy programming the GPS, monitoring radar, listening to ipod, XM, or talking on the cell phone.
5. He's an Iron Butt rider and you're not!.
4. Wires from Gerbings is too short.
3. You're not riding the "right kind" of BMW.
2. You haven't been properly introduced. And the number one reason...
1. Afraid it will be misinterpreted as a friendly gesture.

 ,  -0r-

[NC Steve]

10. Wasn't sure whether other rider was waving or making an obscene gesture.

9. Afraid might get frostbite if hand is removed from heated grip.

8. Has arthritis and the past 900 mile ride has made it difficult to raise
arm.

7. Reflection from $8000 worth of approaching bolt-on chrome momentarily
blinded him..

6. The espresso machine just finished brewing.

5. Was actually asleep when other rider waved.

4. Was in a three-way conference call with stock broker and BMW accessories
dealer to buy BMW chrome pegs.

3. Was distracted by odd shaped blip on radar screen.

2. Was simultaneously adjusting the windshield height, programmable CD
player, seat temperature and satellite navigation system.

1. Couldn't find the "auto wave back" button on dashboard.

 [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[Semper Gumby]

Nope.  I have the grudging respect of my local BMW group.  I have heard the older members who thought they were out of hearing say to one another "I love that sound of the old Airheads".

Have no fear you are carrying on a can do tradition that is to be admired.  The Britbike people look at my IBA plate and the Givi panniers and top case on the 1971 BSA Thunderbolt and are amazed.

If you continuously put on miles on an older bike they will come around.  

It may take a while though but the ride should be fun.   8-)

[rant alarm rant alarm rant alarm] Do not scroll down if you do not want to be exposed to a rant.





















I had an irreverent thought - are you an Airhead snob?  It's a nasty question I hate to put to the keys.  Because I don't like what it implies -- separation.  The reason I say this is because I, as an ambassador of all things two wheels, will stop and help any two wheeled rider (or three wheeled rider) of any make of bike no matter what group they "snobbishly" affiliated with without regard to race creed or color or how loud their pipes are.  Whether its a "Numbar One Stunner" from Swainsboro GA, one percenter from Daytona, a SQUID up on the Dragon or the rider of a brand new K1600GT with all the latest Aerostich gear.  My love of all things two wheels is unconditional.  I revel in the ride.  I revel in other people riding.

If we think, are willing to classify people (our people) as Snobs then perhaps we should be looking in the mirror.  Such thoughts are unbecoming of this web site which is known far and wide as an accepting welcoming group.

Perhaps they just don't understand you and perhaps you could be a bit friendlier?

[rant off]

[marcmax]

Thanks for the thoughtfulness of adding a <rant alarm> but it wasn't necessary. I don't take offense to anything said or expressed on this forum. It is without a doubt the most informative, friendly group of people I have come across. As to possibly being an airhead snob I don't think I am. Like you I have a deep love of all things two wheeled. My first vehicle when I got a drivers license was a bike and I have owned a steady stream of different makes and models ever since. I have gone a couple hours out of my way to go home and pick up my trailer and go back to help a rider I found stranded. Make, model, age or type of rider doesn't matter. I ride what I ride because I like it, not to impress others and not just because it is an airhead or a BMW. I have spoken to several others in the area that I ride with off and on. One is an independent BMW shop owner, factory trained in Bavaria, and the most knowledgeable BMW person I know. Without prompting all expressed almost the same feelings about this group. Coincidence? Maybe but I don't believe in coincidence.

[Semper Gumby]

Thanks for the thoughtfulness of adding a <rant alarm> but it wasn't necessary.  <snip>.

(phew)

My hand always shakes a bit before I press the <enter> key epecially when the other hand is holding the rolled up newspaper...

I need to drop in and buy you a beer next time I'm down in your neck of the woods.  There is a lovely road (A1A?) with Live oaks towering over it on the way to the ferry that crosses the St.John river by Mayport NAS.  That would be a cool ride.  8-)

Bill

[marcmax]

No worries Bill. I take criticism well. I know the road you are talking about and a few other nice ones as well. I live in St Marys but work in Jacksonville a few days a week and when I feel the urge I go 30 miles out of my way coming home just to take that route, Mayport ferry and up the length of Amelia Island. There are even two traffic circles (rotary, roundabout, whatever you want to call them) about half way up the island. If traffic is light or nonexistent I like to try and take them right at the edge of bouncing my valve covers off the pavement. Got to get your kicks somewhere. If you come down the first rounds on me!

[fishes]

Wow unlike almost everything I read  >:(I agree with almost all of this! I see the gouged paint, dented tank, leaky push rod seals as "urban camouflage" but I admire the people who restore the old bikes themselves. The worn footpegs, rusty battery holder, bent front turn signals show use value and "character" (misunderstood word) I mean look at the stains dents and rust on this bike photo my my is it bad?

[wa1udg]

I betcha Hucky has parts for it...