intimidated by bigger bikes today

[Sound Wave]

i went riding today to do an errand. before heading home, i stopped by jamba juice. when i got into the parking lot, there was a bike club there. they were riding hayabusas, zx-14s, and r1's. it was cool to see their bikes, but also kind of intimidating. they didn't seem the friendly type and they were watching me as i pulled in on my 250 wearing my full gear. they were all in t-shirts and jeans... oh and their club vest. some had helmets and gloves. i almost made a u-turn out of there, but that would have been too obvious.

anyways, i was sitting outside and drinking my juice. as they were leaving, a few stopped in front of me, revved a few times while looking at me, and gunned it after they left the parking lot. not sure what they were trying to prove. yeah, i know your bike is faster than mine.

i hate this feeling. it is not that i can't afford to buy a bike like their's. it is just that i would probably kill myself trying to ride it.

not sure what my point is. i just feel cruddy and i wanted to vent. thanks.

[BlueRaven]

yeah just a bunch of show offs but you should feel good about yourself cause you were wearing the gear and they werent. even the most experienced riders can have an accident and then some of them wont be able to ride again well maybe a wheelchair. you'll be in one piece and be able to ride and they would be jealous then.

[noche_caliente]

Ah, the standard mine is bigger than yours machismo. Gary - your brain is bigger than theirs! Do I hate looking like a power ranger when I ride up somewhere in full gear on my baby ninja? Absolutely! But would I hate looking like Brittany Morrow - the girl who lost most of her skin when she fell off of the back of her boyfriend's bike? Unquestionably. To me, I'd rather look over-cautious temporarily than wear the scars for the rest of my life. I've chosen a bike that does what I need it to do, and at this point in my riding, more than I need it to do. I've chosen to purchase a bike that is fun to ride and that I can use to the upper limits of her abilities. And I do it all safely.

So fine, if they want to play mine is bigger than yours, just remember, it's how you use it that counts And our brains are much bigger than theirs

[CC Cowboy]

Funny but they were actually intimidated by you and all your gear. They really want to be able to wear protection but then they would look weak(or smart) in front of their buddies. If you would have pulled in and just waved and said hi they all would have felt that you were just another rider.

People always try to think what others are thinking. Most of the time they are wrong.

Just be friendly to everyone. Then if they blow you off it's on them and later they will think , that guy on the trick 250 was just trying to be nice, and their ole lady will kick their ass when they get home.

[OldGuy]

I'd be willing to bet that the Ninja 250 rider that wears ATGATT will also wear pink to support breast cancer research, yellow for Lance and his fight for cancer, etc.

Stick to your guns - you are doing it the right way.

[BlueTyke]

All I think is... I love the skin I am in.

Of course I am around bigger bikes most of the time.

I guess the key is to be secure in yourself. Knowing your limits is part of that. You said yourself that you knew if you got one of the bigger bikes bad things would happen. That is knowing your limits.

I am proud of you for wearing your gear.

And so jealous... There aren't Jamba Jucies out here...

[Daeldren]

They probably only ride in sunny weather and the weekends too, mostly a bunch of posers I bet.

Watch, when it rains you will only see maybe 1 or two riders around in my area including me. Bad weather really weeds out the true riders.

Don't get intimidated by other "bikers", I personally have had more fun on the 250 than I ever had on a bigger bike and thats all that matters.

[Kurosaki]

Just keep doing what you do, mang. You don't wanna get caught up in the compensating big bike no gear croud.

Originally Posted by Daeldren

They probably only ride in sunny weather and the weekends too, mostly a bunch of posers I bet.

Watch, when it rains you will only see maybe 1 or two riders around in my area including me. Bad weather really weeds out the hardcore.

What's wrong with preferring weekend fair weather riding?

[Daeldren]

lol nothing wrong with it whatever you prefer. Im just generalizing that most of these guys with ZX14's and Busa's around here barely rack up any mileage on their bikes, they like to spend more time looking cool next to their bikes or showing off to underage girls by pulling wheelies.

[Daeldren]

And I do prefer good weather, but I used to ride just about everyday regardless of weather conditions (except in extreme cold)

[Apex]

Those are what I call EGO riders. Their ego is so big, they can't get a helmet on their head.

[Techno250]

And apparently something else is very small, if the feel threatened enough that they need to rev up in front of you.

[capt_bugaloo]

Originally Posted by Sound Wave

they didn't seem the friendly type and they were watching me as i pulled in on my 250 wearing my full gear. they were all in t-shirts and jeans...

You should have waved and said hi as you walked in. Maybe they looked at you funny as they were leaving because they thought you were unfriendly..?

I would have waved or nodded at them and said 'Hi'. If they give you a negative response it's their bad karma, not yours, to deal with. Life is too short to worry much about what others think of you.

Ride the bike you like.

The one big beef I have with motorcycling these days is that the manufacturers only market liter+ bikes; they act as if a 600cc is a beginner's bike, which is really shameful of them. I'd really like to see a lot more bikes in the 250 to 400cc range.

[Sound Wave]

thanks everyone!!! i feel better. i thought i might get flamed by some people. yeah, i guess i should have said hi, but they were a scary bunch. i will try that next time. they won't be able to see my fear behind my tinted visor.

[kazam58]

The only time I felt a little outdone was when I greeted a dude riding a Ducati 1098 the other day. He was in full gear and greeted me as well, though, which was nice.
And I have no idea what's so bad about gear. Yeah, it may be hot sometimes, but I honestly think some of us look a whole lot more badass in armored jackets, helmets and boots and what not. But maybe that's just my opinion.
But I really wouldn't worry about it if I were you. We have motorcycles in the first place, that's what counts. We're all having fun riding them and we're in one piece.

[zartan]

Soundwave it had nothing to do with your bike. There are a few men and some women who are lacking the humanity gene. People intimadate me all the time just because they are there.
I am really not fond of the general public.

It had nothing to do with you or what size bike you ride. They were just idiots, maybe they had pe.. i mean Ninjette envy. or seen to many Billy Jack movies.


One of my bad days was when I told my good friend I hated 99% of the population and he smiled and said wow that is like 7 million people you do like haha .. Rat bastard. That was years ago and I still raz him for that.

They probably only ride in sunny weather and the weekends too, mostly a bunch of posers I bet.

Uh I ride in the sunny weather on weekends.
not a poser--- just warm and dry.

You don't have to be miserable or uncomfortable on the bike you ride or ride in elements you are not comfortable with to be a true rider.

Everone rides their own ride....

[Flashmonkey]

That's messed up. I guess one of the good things about being in a place where you only have "good weather" for 5 months or so is that anyone and everyone riding a motorcycle is pretty friendly. We're all just happy to be out riding. I get all kinds of people waving and saying hi....honking to get my attention...everyone from harley riders to the people riding the big gun supersports.

Don't sweat the idiots....there's too many of them out there, and if you let them affect your actions you'll never have fun. Just keep on riding

[ninjabrewer]

don't worry about it Gary, there are people like that all over, When I used to ride a bicycle a lot, I got that all the time. So just blow it off like everyone has suggested. The first time you and I rode, the road went down before we hit snake, 3 fast movers passed me like I was going the opposite way. I didn't even try to keep up.

nb

[Angel-be-Good]

Full gear is pretty in vogue 'round here, and no one seems to mind a 250. Hell, even 50cc scooters don't get hassled.

[dyeclan]

You're worried about what a bunch of squids thinks? Dude, they ain't the brightest bulbs in the ballpark, they were probably wondering how that robot dude could take his head off and look like a human. Don't worry about them, besides, if you ever got those ding dongs in the twisties you'd own them; they are only good in straight lines.

[Sound Wave]

thanks again all. i feel kind of silly now for posting this thread. i really appreciate the support.

usually that sort of stuff doesn't affect me as much, i just think to myself, "idiots" and go about my business. today (yesterday) for some reason it hit a nerve.

[sm0kediver]

What I get is big bikes wanting to race. I don't think your average biker has any idea that the newgen is a 250.

The other day I had a 1000cc+ cruiser jump on my tail and try to push me into opening it up. There were plenty of chances to pass (it was a straight road and lord knows cruisers love straight roads). I just laughed and held the throttle at 60. He probably had a bad experience on a curvy road with a sport bike somewhere, and wanted to exact revenge.

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by Daeldren

They probably only ride in sunny weather .

Hey, I only ride in sunny weather. Luckily it's sunny here everyday.

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by Sound Wave

thanks again all. i feel kind of silly now for posting this thread. i really appreciate the support.

usually that sort of stuff doesn't affect me as much, i just think to myself, "idiots" and go about my business. today (yesterday) for some reason it hit a nerve.

Just think Gary, I bunch of Harley riders would have never acted that way. Yesterday on my way home from a 5 hour ride a Harley guy pulled up behind me and we rode together for about 50 miles. I even let him lead the last 3 miles.

There are assholes in every walk of life, just don't be one of them.

[Buffalony]

Originally Posted by kazam58

The only time I felt a little outdone was when I greeted a dude riding a Ducati 1098 the other day. He was in full gear and greeted me as well, though, which was nice.
And I have no idea what's so bad about gear. Yeah, it may be hot sometimes, but I honestly think some of us look a whole lot more badass in armored jackets, helmets and boots and what not. But maybe that's just my opinion.
But I really wouldn't worry about it if I were you. We have motorcycles in the first place, that's what counts. We're all having fun riding them and we're in one piece.

You couldnt have said it better

BTW: The guy on the ducati. His other bike is a 2fiddy
IMO it seems you don't see to many idiots on ducatis or 2fiddys, especially 1098's!

Those guys were just organ doners, never mind them, they come and go quickly.

Gear IS cool and good looking. A geared rider appears intelligent, as they have taken the time to look forward and prepare themself for what ever may lie ahead.
People on bikes with out gear look STUPID. The bigger + louder the bike, the dumber they look. That Gary, was just a group of organ doning stupids with small pricks.


On the topic of bike sizes:
Heres a link to a good article about bike sizes past to present.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/good_first_motorcycles.htm

Here my favorite quote from that page. It kinda explains why I choose not to buy a sport demon.
"Recommending 600cc and larger bikes to beginners is like sending children out to play on the freeway, and the results are both predictable and (often) tragic"

[Techno250]

Originally Posted by kazam58

i honestly think some of us look a whole lot more badass in armored jackets, helmets and boots and what not.

qft.

Originally Posted by dyeclan

You're worried about what a bunch of squids thinks? Dude, they ain't the brightest bulbs in the ballpark, they were probably wondering how that robot dude could take his head off and look like a human.

[nmd003]

hey i love my gear and my bike. i doubt a lot of bikers even know that the 1st gen is a 250. plus mine is plenty loud with the muzzy exhaust

I've only put about 250 miles or so on mine since i bought it, but i'm just all about having a good time cruisin'. i'm not quite sure why i need to be able to do 0-60 in 3.x seconds and have a top speed of 100bazillion mph. 0-60 in 5.x seconds is plenty for me

[SF-Dug]

Originally Posted by R.Sallee

Full gear is pretty in vogue 'round here, and no one seems to mind a 250. Hell, even 50cc scooters don't get hassled.

+1

[Lurkable]

This thread is comedy! Lots of good advice here.

Any time I realize someone is trying to make me feel uncomfortable on purpose, I can't help but laugh to myself. In the end Gary, it would seem that those guys you described were in fact intimidated more by you than the other way around.

When I see guys like that on their big bikes looking too cool for school, I have to wonder if they really know how to use that machine.

[Cali619]

Never cared what other people are thinking when they are staring on or off the bike. For all you know soundwave they wanted you in their club :thumb:

[sharky nrk]

the first thing i look for with another rider is their gear. the type of bike they are on doesn't matter to me, but if they are responsible enough to gear up, then they get my respect

[Apex]

Originally Posted by Flashmonkey

That's messed up. I guess one of the good things about being in a place where you only have "good weather" for 5 months or so is that anyone and everyone riding a motorcycle is pretty friendly. We're all just happy to be out riding. I get all kinds of people waving and saying hi....honking to get my attention...everyone from harley riders to the people riding the big gun supersports.

Don't sweat the idiots....there's too many of them out there, and if you let them affect your actions you'll never have fun. Just keep on riding

Reminds me of my old Honda Civic I had. I got it for a fuel friendly commuter, and I decided I wanted to hear what the car is doing a bit more. So I went out of my way to get exhaust for it. One day I'm just minding my own business and this moron in a Camaro SS starts to rev at me. I just ignored him. Once the light turned green, he gunned it, leaving part of his tread on the pavement and taking off like a bullet. For some reason he had to justify his spending 40k for an anniversary Camaro by revving at me in my 17k Honda Civic. Whatever makes you feel better man!

There are tons of people like that out there. Just ride YOUR ride, that is all that matters.

[capt_bugaloo]

Originally Posted by nmd003

0-60 in 5.x seconds is plenty for me

And faster than almost every car on the road.

I've been riding street bikes since '92, and I've always preferred smaller, lighter bikes over heavier bikes. Ever drop a motorcycle in 8-inch deep mud? I have... and it's a lot easy to pick up a 400-lb motorcycle than a 600+ pound bike!

[Purspeed]

No one can intimidate you. You can only intimidate yourself.

Don't worry about anyone else, just enjoy the ride, bud.

[Beast]

Don't sweat it Gary These riders sound like they fall in the same category as these idiots:

I see them around town occasionally
http://www.myspace.com/xxxcockyridazxxx

[Sound Wave]

Originally Posted by Beast

Don't sweat it Gary These riders sound like they fall in the same category as these idiots:

I see them around town occasionally
http://www.myspace.com/xxxcockyridazxxx

yeah, that is basically what the guys i saw looked like. bunch of mostly black guys with jeans and t-shirts with a club vest. at least a couple of the hayabusas were custom painted.

[Visus]

Just a bunch o' punks.

[gizmogamez]

Originally Posted by capt_bugaloo

I'd really like to see a lot more bikes in the 250 to 400cc range.

+1 I'd luv to see a nice 400cc bike here, something like the sexy VFR400's

[SpyderGirl]

All I have to say is that I agree with what everyone has said here. They are posers with small brains and small genitals. Think of them riding their 1 litre bikes with no gear as population control... cuz they won't last very long. Natural selection baby! Keep on rockin' that 250 and that gear cuz you're the one who's cool.

The day picked my baby up a big burly young black guy was buying a Busa and I just thought in my head "this guy will either die riding that thing or never ride it and just stand next to it trying to look cool".

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by SpyderGirl

All I have to say is that I agree with what everyone has said here. They are posers with small brains and small genitals. Think of them riding their 1 litre bikes with no gear as population control... cuz they won't last very long. Natural selection baby! Keep on rockin' that 250 and that gear cuz you're the one who's cool.

The day picked my baby up a big burly young black guy was buying a Busa and I just thought in my head "this guy will either die riding that thing or never ride it and just stand next to it trying to look cool".

Did you ask him if he had small genitals?