I'm sick of hearing that and of course its usually people who know nothing about motorcycles. They are just stating someone elses opinion or basically repeating the phrase of the band-wagon jumpers. I tell them ...your right, its better. It's styled better, it's more reliable, it has a bigger production motor and cost about half as much! Why should I buy into the hype like everybody else. I'm a leader not a follower and what the HELL to you know about bikes anyway? I usually get next to nothing for a response. Then I will continue on about how my Harley friends like my bike and how other Harley owners I know have switched to the Road*. I was asked by some people why I removed the Road* emblems. They asked if I was embarrassed to be riding a Yamaha. I said no, I'm sick of everybody judging the bike before even looking at it. They see Yamaha and assume its crap because its not a Harley. Now people &quot;see&quot; the bike and then I ask them...like it? It's a Yamaha! The reactions are more fun that way! Just felt like bitch'in a little bit.<br><br>Post edited by: Yamahawg, at: 2007/04/02 12:48

I also stripped my emblems from mine just because it looked cleaner. I like it when the &quot;I buy american&quot; folks chime in. I just tell them to go and look at who manufactured their DVD, TV, VCR, COMPUTER, REFRIGERATOR (should I continue). They're usually pretty reluctant to give up those things for some reason. <br><br>Post edited by: Tbone21, at: 2007/04/02 13:15

Heck Yeah, I'll chime in on this one. I like Harleys - they're sweet. But, so are Road Stars -- and some of the other metric cruisers out there for that matter. It's not like I'm all that old, but I am old enough to remember when bikers waved at each other no matter what you were riding. It seemed to me that Harley and crotch-rocket riders changed that - on my Star I now notice that many more riders will wave, and I wave to 'em all. Let's bring the camaraderie of riding back no matter what's between yer legs. And, point for point, I'll put my Star up against any cruiser out there. I just wish we had as many accessories available as H-D.

galban wrote:
I just wish we had as many accessories available as H-D.
Dig alittle deeper, as everybody seems to make something for our bikes.

I was never one to get or buy something to fit in and I think that there are many folks who think just because they've bought a Harley it makes them cool or one of the group. Personally I like the value of the RS and look forward to having it for many years and will no doubt have many journeys on it. Mostly I enjoy the time it gives me for myself... just me, the bike and the road.


PS

I now have the engine guard and rear luggage rack on. Looks great.

Why let these people get to you? Are they or their opinions at all important to you? By replying to them you are just inviting them to speak again.
Ignore them and just go about what you were doing. It's better to do that than ruin your ride by getting into a pissing match with them.

And besides it really bugs the hell out of them when you ingore them and walk away

If they ask me if it's a Harley I just simle and say NO it bigger and better than a Harley it's Yamaha RoadStar. Just as the Harley guy that I let ride it.

If you guys think the &quot;shadow&quot; of Harley thing is bad, try riding a Ski-Doo in Polaris and Cat territory. Whatever.

It's always been my experience with sleds, cars, bikes or what have you that it's the wannabes and posers who are the worst. The people who actually ride and twist a wrench can appreciate something for what it is and are usually pretty cool.

The way I look at it is that I came by it honestly and I like it. That's my business. You don't like it. That's your business. Now if you choose to give me crap about it then you are going to get what you give. That, my friends, is what a real biker has always been to me.

After all. Isn't it kind of un-american to not respect someone else's freedom of choice?

Of course being able to lay down a big old smokey burnout to back up one's choice is always nice...

<br><br>Post edited by: jso2267, at: 2007/04/02 19:45

jso2267 wrote:

After all. Isn't it kind of un-american to not respect someone else's freedom of choice?


To the many folks here who are not citizens of the United States of America I apologize for my narrow minded-statement.

It was not my intent to imply that respect of others is belief exclusive to citizens of the USA alone.

However I do not apologize for the sentiment. If I weren't so doggone old I'd be right there doing my part trying to make sure others can have the chance to be an a-hole too. Right along side all the good people from the other countries I inadvertently disrespected.

jso2267 wrote:
jso2267 wrote:

After all. Isn't it kind of un-american to not respect someone else's freedom of choice?


To the many folks here who are not citizens of the United States of America I apologize for my narrow minded-statement.

It was not my intent to imply that respect of others is belief exclusive to citizens of the USA alone.

Hmmm .... missed something again.

I don't think you need to apologize. We all know you reside in the US and what you meant.

The internet brings together people from all over. On the other hand, when we're talking with each other we often forget we're not talking with our neighbour and that people have their local dialects. Look at erizo .... who in the hell understands what he is saying.

Doc