RIDING A BIKE IS RIDING A BIKE.

I am member #X02HN006, my rant is this why are people still worrying about what a guy is riding? I for one couldnt afford a Harley and don't ever see myself buying one.I bought a brand new hond vtx-1800r in 2002 and have put about two grand into it so total price fourteen grand. There isn't a cruiser out there that can touch me,my pipes are louder than the guys with harleys i ride with and it looks like a customized fat boy. I couldnt even get a harley dealer to talk to me about a bike for 14 grand unless i would take some stock sportster. Yeah i would love to buy just american products but until Harley quits letting their dealers put these outrageous mark-ups on there bikes the poor boys are gonna be looking somewhere else and like what they are finding.

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU NEXT....submitted by X63HN001.

Here I am minding my own buisness, riding along with my new back patch on and out of nowhere I see blues, of course I become scared as hell due to the lack of a license. At this point I have already put on a full face helmet and covered my tatoo's. I live in a small town and I am well known. So I gun it knowing my parole officer would sooner hang me, than listen that the love of the road is one that is compared to no other. After several miles the woman on the back of my bike convinces me to pull over. Of course I do with the plan of letting her off and then off I go. For the two moments I am there with the green light on my bike waiting and begging for first gear and gas .....the officer passes me!! One you thought you had a close call.

YOUR TOWN COULD BE NEXT....submitted by X-Entity.

Arizona is under the attack of the anti-bikers. The town of Carefree recently enacted a noise ordinance to fine ($175 1st offense) riders putting out 85 decibels or more. The State of AZ is passing a bill against two or more bikes riding in a 'procession'....they want you to secure a permit before riding together.....I might agree for a large organized event ride where road closures or other considerations may need to be coordinated but why crack down on casual group riders. Laughlin is banning ANY patches or logos at the River Run this year. That's ANY patch or logo on a jacket or t-shirt....including Harley, Nike, Reebok, HOG, V-Stars, Goldwingers, Ray's Auto Sales, Super Bowl XXX, NCAA 2003 Champions, Disney World, etc....not just outlaw club colors. They do want your money though. Time to start fighting back by boycotting all of this intusive government crap.

Sent in by X63HN001, New Hampshire chairman.

I have read most of what we all have to say and most of what is said is truth, after all how can what we feel be wrong? I love Harleys but can not afford one right now. However I have a 1963 and a 1965 Honda they run wonderfully. So I sport my patch which makes people look and and wonder. It feels good when the girls look, and it makes some nervous when the guys are looking and you know they want to ask question but don't. Why can't they ask questions instead of the being afraid? Ask yourself gentlemen, why are we at war in IRAQ, and can not get along in our own land? It has nothing to do with patches or botherhood, nothing to do with love or peace. But we will find the answer someday. If you never remember what I say remember this, WE WERE BORN TO DIE, It does'nt matter how or when but what we did before we got there.

TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING

Used to be when you looked into an old biker's saddlebags you found some bailing wire, assorted wrenches, a can of oil, fuel/oil hose, hose connectors, points & plugs, light bulbs, rags, old speeding tickets, maps, master link for the chain and flashlight. In these modern pop culture times you find a cigar trimmer, CDs for their player, skin cream rated SPF 80, bottles of Evian water, polishing cloth, extra nut & screw covers, old valet parking slips, billet wheel polish and a hairbrush.

REPLACE THE UNITED NATION WITH HARLEY-DAVIDSON, submitted by X72HD001

Many countries are international hot spots and trouble makers: North Korea, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, China, Russia, Somalia, Yemen. It's because they don't have a Harley-Davidson dealerships. If they did then their people would be happy and properous. The solution to world peace is owning and riding a Harley. I wonder if the United Nations is aware of this easy solution.

THE BIBLE STATES GOD WANTS YOU TO BE A BIKER, submitted by X72HD001

Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it...Job 30:22.

WHY HARLEY'S ARE BETTER THAN A MAN

A Harley can go for more than one ride in an hour.
Harleys never develop spare tires.
Harleys last longer.
Harleys don't get you pregnant.
A Harley doesn't care what time of month it is.
Harleys don't have parents.
Your Harley will let you know if something is wrong.
Your Harley won't judge your friends.
If your Harley is boisterous, you can buy a muffler.
You won't have to put your Harley through grad school.
If your Harley smokes you can do something about it.
Harleys don't care about how many other Harleys you have ridden.
When riding, you and your Harley both arrive at the same time.
One Harley will satisfy you every time.
Your Harley won't ogle other Harleys.
Your Harley won't care if you have a poster of your fantasy Harley.
If your Harley has high mileage, you can just get a new one.
Harleys don't care about breast size.
If your Harley is too soft you can get new shocks.
If your Harley is misaligned, you don't have to discuss politics to correct it.
You don't have to drink beer before your Harley looks appealing.
You can be proud of your Harley regardless of the model.
You don't have to go to Tiffany's to register your Harley.
Your Harley won't beat you or try to make you feel inferior.
You can ride a Harley as long as you want and it won't get limp.
Your parents won't keep in touch with your old Harley after you dump it.
Harleys always feel like going for a ride when you do.
Harleys don't insult you if you are a novice.
Your Harley never wants a night out alone with the other Harleys.
Harleys don't make you late.
You don't have to primp before riding your Harley.
Your Harley won't complain when you use protection.
If your Harley doesn't look good, you can paint it or get better parts.
You can't get a disease from a Harley.
Your Harley won't care if you fake it.
Harleys are always ready to stop when you are.
Your Harley has a built in vibrator.
Your Harley doesn't have to show off in front of other Harleys.
Your Harley won't lie to you.
Your Harley doesn't care how heavy you are.
In the morning, your Harley won't poke you in the back when it wants to go for a ride.
Your Harley won't shrink when it's cold.
If your Harley can't fire up, you can just replace the battery.
You don't have to cook for your Harley.
Your Harley can't ride around behind your back.
If your Harley is cold you can choke it.
Your Harley is always the right size because if it seems too small you can just get a new one.
You can keep photos of your old Harleys.
Your Harley would rather go for a ride than watch sports.
Your Harley can go for multiple rides.
Harleys don't need pick-up lines.
You only have to ride your Harley when you want to.
Your Harley won't go for rides by itself.
If baldness occurs, you can replace the tires.
Harleys don't snore.
Your Harley will never leave you or break your heart! You can get a sore butt from riding your Harley and your friends won't make fun of you.
If you take care of your Harley, it will never get to old for you to ride it.
Your Harley will never make you sleep in the wet spot.
You don't necessarily need a shower before and after you take your Harley for a ride.
You aren't expected to blow your Harleys tail pipe.
You can always get a newer model with no hassles.
A Harley is actually valuable.

WHY HARLEY'S ARE BETTER THAN A WOMAN

Harleys only need their fluids changed every 2,000 miles.
Harleys curves never sag.
Harleys last longer.
Harleys don't get pregnant.
You can ride a Harley any time of the month.
Harleys don't have parents.
Harleys don't whine unless something is really wrong.
You can kick your Harley to wake it up.
You can share your Harley with your friends.
If your Harley makes too much noise, you can buy a muffler.
You only need to get a new chain or belt for your Harley when the old one is really worn.
If your Harley smokes, you can do something about it.
Harleys don't care about how many other Harleys you have ridden.
When riding, you and your Harley both arrive at the same time.
Harleys don't care about how many other Harleys you have.
Harleys don't mind if you look at other Harleys, or if you buy Motorcycle magazines.
New Harleys must be asked for, and if you don't want to pay for them, you don't get them.
If your Harley goes flat, you can fix it.
If your Harley is too loose, you can tighten it.
If your Harley is too soft, you can get different shocks.
If your Harley is misaligned, you don't have to discuss politics to correct it.
You can have a beer while riding your Harley.
You don't have to be jealous of the guy that works on your Harley.
You don't have to deal with priests or blood-tests to register your Harley.
You don't have to convince your Harley that you're a cyclist and that you think that Harleys are equals.
If you say bad things to your Harley, you don't have to apologize before you can ride it again.
You can ride a Harley as long as you want and it won't get sore.
Your parents don't remain in touch with your old Harley after you dump it.
Harleys always feel like going for a ride.
Harleys don't insult you if you're a bad rider.
Your Harley never wants a night out alone with the other Harleys.
Harleys don't care if you are late.
You don't have to take a shower before riding your Harley.
It's always OK to use tie downs on your Harley.
If your Harley doesn't look good, you can paint it or get better parts.
You can't get diseases from a Harley you don't know very well.
If you get rid of your Harley it doesn't get to keep half of your stuff.
If you leave town you don't have to worry if your Harley is letting somebody else ride it.
You can trade your Harley in for a newer model without paying alimony.
Your Harley doesn't mind if you play with it in public.
Your Harley has an off switch.
You can totally ignore your Harley as long as you want.
Your Harley won't get offended if you suggest bigger, aftermarket headlights.
You know exactly how much your Harley is going to take out of your checking account each month.
Your Harley doesn't expect foreplay.
Your Harley doesn't want to snuggle after a ride.
People envy your Harley more the older it gets.
You can get your Harley hot and ready with 2 minutes of sitting on your butt.
Your Harley doesn't mind waiting outside while you go into a strip club.
If you don't want your Harley anymore, it's not illegal to sell it.
You can Bore & Stroke it in public & no one cares.
Harley's don't mind having two riders at the same time.
You can sit, sipping on a JD & stare at your Harley for hours and it won't ask you any stupid questions.
You can call yer Harley anything in the book and still get to ride it after its all fired up.
If you take care of your Harley, it will never get to old for you to ride it.
You can call your Harley a hog and it wont get pissed.
You don't have to give your Harley a ring in order to get a ride.

WHY BIKERS ARE MODERN DAY COWBOYS, submitted by X72HD001

Keeps his ride well maintained. Visits the blacksmith shop often.
Rides the open range on his trusted steed.
Names his steed. Talks to his steed.
Parked bikes in front of a bar looks alot like horses in front of an old west saloon.
Carries what he needs for his ride.
Independent in attitude.
Always ready to help ladies in distress.
Rides for the brand.
Just pass'in through (many saloons).
Rides solo much of the time.
Wears same clothes all the time.
Knows he'll hang if he messes with someone else's ride.
Always on the lookout for two-legged varmints.
Rides into a strange town knowing the perception the townfolk has of him.
Has a nickname.
Rides well heeled.
Finds pleasure in riding the back trails to places like Black Butte, Deadman's Mesa, Big Bug Creek and Rattlesnake Gulch.
Rides into town to raise some hell after a long drive.

CLUB PROTOCOL, submitted by X00HD002

Why is it club protocol to ASK if one can have a chapter in any given city/state? Isn't this America? The thought of asking another club if we can put a patch on our back or form a brotherhood, goes against the American way of life. Who gave them the right to decide our fate? I have known many a people who wished to form a Brotherhood, only to find that the other clubs in town say "NO". All clubs were forged from an idea of Brotherhood, and why is their Brotherhood allowed and not another? Non %'er clubs don't give a crap about drugs, territory or who owns what bar on what side of town. Most non %'er clubs don't want anything to do with people who support those vice's. I've seen certain clubs threaten to pull patch's and impose "knock down rules" for clubs not authorized by them. You see "Ride Free" on stickers, shirts and patches, yet some clubs continue to hold others down.

What is a solution for this? Well, I have seen clubs form that wear no patches on there backs, but have distinct markings that single them out from civilians. I applaud this and think this is smart; ya don't get hassled by Cops, other Clubs and blend in when things go bad. This "Secret Society" is ideal when you don't wanna support other clubs except your own and escape this protocol crap. Remember, not all cops wear uniforms to accomplish their goals...we could learn from that.

HARLEY V-ROD, submitted by X72HD001

Now that HD has broken tradition and makes a bike to meet future stricter emissions compliance, I am confused as to where are the Evian bottle holders, wireless internet hookups, DVD player for the passenger, seat heater and lighted make-up mirror...maybe they are custom options. How is one to work on this bike without selling your soul to the dealership shops. MY ADVICE....BUY RESTORED FLATHEADS, KNUCKLES, PANS TO KEEP YOUR FREEDOM OF CHOICES.

ENVIRONMENTALISTS and ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS, submitted by X72HD001

These folks have lost their common sense and are blind to the laws of nature. They interfere with nature, add to an expanding government, plus their actions raise taxes and costs of consumer goods. They are not even wise enough to be consistent. For example; they preach that we need to stop erosion from ruining the Grand Canyon...how do they think the canyon was formed in the first place. Another example; animal rights extremists preach vegetarianism, but that shows that they do not respect the rights of plants, (salad bars should send them screaming....oh the carnage, the suffering of these noble vegetables). Why do animals have more rights than plants or humans. Why are animals allowed to consume other animals. What a bunch of misguided people. Besides remember that P.E.T.A stands for People Eating Tasty Animals

BUY AMERICAN---HERE IS A GOOD REASON, submitted by X72HD001

I believe in buying American products to support American workers. Well after 9/11 folks should be rethinking their purchase of import products. For 9/11 relief efforts Chrysler donated 10 million, Ford and GM donated 1 million with matching employee donations, Harley donated 2 million and 30 bikes to NYPD, Hyandai and Volkswagen donated 2.3 million combined. Now lets look at what other import companies donated....Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Astin Martin, Audi, BMW, Fiat, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porshe all donated NOTHING...NADA...ZIP. So much for their support to the nation and citizens that keep buying their over-priced, tiny, under-powered products. Next time you are making a purchase think about it more.

Submitted by X92YA001....The Posting titled Buy American- here is a good reason submitted by x72hd001. It is true That Ford GM and Chrysler are built in America, the Fact still remains that they are buit with foreign parts. As my grandfather who had only owned Fords all his life found out. When he had to get an engine part he went to a specialty Ford Shop and got the part. He opened the box and on a small stick on the part the words said, " Made in China." Also just because it is made in America doen't mean it is keeping Americans working. All American products today are being manufactured more and more by immigrants who are not nor will ever become American citzens. and now Bush wants to pass legislation that will allow more illegal immigrants to come and work in this country. I am afraid that buy American does not have the same meaning anymore as it had back in the days of the original 13 states.

MEGAPLEX EVENT COMPLAINTS, submitted by X72HD001

Daytona, Sturgis, Love Ride, Laughlin...folks are complaining that these events are just too huge, too expensive, too hyped, too commercial, too everything. The mantra is let's return to the way they used to be. They can't. The beast is fed by too many people who like the events to keep growing. Let these events exist for the crowd that wants to be trendy, be seen, have more money than brains, etc. People looking for easier, less crowded, friendlier, cheaper entertainment need to just get more involved in your local clubs and their events. You will find it more rewarding than being treated like a cash-cow by the huge promotions. Find a back road, some riding companions and just let it ride.

PASTEL HARLEYS, submitted by X72HD001

What is with all of these wild neon pearl whatever colors I am seeing. Not only on fenders and tanks but frames and (say it ain't so Joe) cylinders. I will pray to the bike gods for your forgiveness. The Model T had it right, any color you want so long as it is black.

Submitted by X84HD001 .... congrats on figuring out all Harleys should be black. And is there a division of difference between rubs and bikers? Damn right there is. Some of us have to work for what we want, others just buy it to fit the culture need at the time. I'll ride with anyone as long as I don't have to put up with cycle hysteria ( I ride and own leather so I'm with the biker crowd), leave all that on the shelf and turn a wrench one time, just once. Then you'll feel the difference.