My first group ride of the year was last night. I went with a friend to dare I say it…. a Harley dealer opening Bike Night…..Now to be different I left my cruiser to home, a fake Harley you could say a Yamaha Road Star Midnight. I rode my trusty KLR650 all blacked out doing its best Mad Max with the farkles that have been done. The 10 Harley Girls were on display and voting was taking place for the head Harley Girl, free beer and more doctors, lawyers and guys with dreams of being young again than I had seen in quite some time. I lasted about 40 minutes before I left to ride some more. It just has never clicked for me as far as finding enjoyment standing around watching girls you cant touch or don’t want to and giving old HD all the free advertising by seeing just how much Harley apparel one can put on at one time. The ride home was great however. Some days I wish I could get into that scene but I don’t think its going to happen.

I too am thinking that it might be nice to spread my wings and try something different. I have a CX500 which I want to convert into something called a desert sled/flat tracker style machine....bare bones, a seat,wheels, bars and an engine.

They look killer imho and it flows with my KISS mentality with the KLR.

Now the big question is.....which stupid smiley do I add to this post....augh!!!!!

Had a similar experience with my Gixxer 1000. Sooooo out of place at a "bike night".
I do take some exception to your inclusion of lawyers as a group. If you GAVE me a Harley, I'd sell it and buy TWO Kawasakis!

...and numerous farkles, too!

My wife is doing a craft booth at the local annual HD-based ride (riders gather and leave from the local HD dealership) that raises money for scholarships in the name of a young guy who was killed in a motorcycle crash a few years back. She told me since she'd signed up for booth space, I could participate in the ride for free.

Not my thing, but I was seriously contemplating doing it just for something new until I spoke to a few riders who had participated in the ride in the past and they let me know a lot of the riders drink throughout the course of the ride and start doing stupid shit. Too bad, because I researched it and it seems like a good cause that raises quite a bit of money.

I decided to pass. I'm obligated to go with the wife, but will avoid the ride and just sit back and hopefully be entertained by foolish drunkards. Hell, I guess since I won't be riding and the wife can drive, I'll most likely be one of them.

I'm 53 i guess maybe I'm guy that is old but doesnt think it... I have been riding since I'm 10. I am thankful that i am fortunate enough to have four Motorcycles. I rode dirt bikes for the first 6 years then the next 3 both dirt and street. Been riding ever since. I love motorcycles. I love different things about each one of them some I just dont care for at all. Its like women, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Ive owned 14 new H-Ds, new Yamahas Hondas Kawasakis and Suzukis. I currently have a 2012 Goldwing for Touring, a 2010 Harley Crossbones becuse I like the classic style and the Springer front end. a 2012 SUZUKI DR650 and a 2011 Kawasaki KLR 650 for doing whatever strikes me. I like all the bikes. and hoping my sons start riding them soon. I don't dress ether way other than maybe a few t shirts . I use both half and full helmets. I hope that my health holds up and I can ride for some time to come. I intend to ride until I cant get my leg over the seat! I think you'll find a few "Hard-Core" people but I think most of those people at the bike nights are just like you and me . They like motorcyles and it doesn't matter what you ride. we all share the love of motorcyles. The Therapy of riding them. I've owned Roadstars, Intruders XS1100's, Low Riders, Tour Glides, Electra Glides Road Kings and Softails. i like each bike in its own right. I think the bike night gatherings are just something for most to do on a weeknight. The young guys on the Sport Bikes are dressed a little different than us older guys. I didnt think my Dad dressed cool either.lol.. You might be surprised how receptive people can be. Objects in the mirror can be something different thatn they appear to be. if people feel better about themselves dressing in a Harley clothes all the power too them. Whatever floats your boat. We all have a common passion. That's the passion for motorcycles. No matter who made it!

Well said Sir!

We also all have a common enemy and they're on 4 wheels!

honestly harley die hards are a bit of a joke to me. it's all a look which has been price jacked through the roof due to the yuppie population trying to look like badasses, i know the real badasses are the ones like us who sit on the 650 thumper and drive it across country to just hang out ride and see friends, not trailer it to a gathering of other like minded monkies to get drunk and as you said stare at things we can't even touch. imo if the wind isnt in your face you arent riding. idk not a big fan of harley's or the additude that comes along with them.