RESPCT????

[MinnesotaCafe]

I stumbled upon my GS at a game of cards. Having just gotten my license, I was without a bike, and a stranger at the table said he had one for sale. I heard '92, and thought it was going to be a piece ... but it wasn't. Now I realize it was the greatest chance occurence that could've happened to me. I spent two years riding it as I bought it (ignition advanced, fenderectomy, Cobra F-1 Exhaust, Re-jet), and now I'm pumping it up a bit more with a GSXR rear wheel, new paint, and maybe some new dual headlights.
To reply to the actual thread: I get respect because I give it; only squids and hog-hounds who are so wrapped up in their own image to realize that there's another two-wheeled vehicle nearby give me trouble. Moral of the story, as long as you respect yourself and your choices ... who really cares?

[mach1]

When I'm out riding, I wave at other riders... And most of 'em wave back.  I call that respect, at least on some level...

i agree when im riding the other people wave to me first mostly cause i dont see them until i hear them. so i wave back respect shown and respect given back. does everyone do it whn i go by no, harley riders and cruiser riders usually dont buts most sport bikers do(im guessing since my bike has the fairings still on they think its a real sport bike and not just a lil 500). when i pull into the and bike store to get something no one ever gives me crap the sales person asks me what i ride and i tell him they never say anything bad abotu the bike. you get some more mature riders who give you the respect and some newbs and squids who dont give a flying f*&^ as long as their bike is faster than your.

[reminor]

I agree - it ain't matter what they say. As long as YOU like your ride (style, color, power, etc) you are fine.


BTW, only a trained biker's eye (and ear) can tell the difference between a GS500E and say a naked Honda 566 and 919. Put them all in yellow side by side, you'll see my point. Two years ago I personally wouldn't know any difference.

My point is that to most "regular" people I am "a guy on a BIKE", and depends on how they percieve bikers in general it can be negative, neutral or extremely positive opinion. To them it ain't matter that it is "just" a 500-cc. If a motorcycle is neat, clean, looks well taken care of -- it's going to impress or at least amuse (think shiny pink Vespa  ). On the other hand a mighty 1200-cc sportbike covered with cracks, dust, scratches, looking neglected and abused will not impress anybody on the street. Look at the little kids eyes, they don't know much about CC-s or resale value, they just see a two-wheeled wonder they'd die to ride on right now. That's what they dream of.

So to me GS500 is somewhat a dream came true, a great looking bike I enjoy riding. All the rest is irrelevant. It's my own "proof of concept". Proof to myself I can ride, seeing I can enjoy it (to my surprise, all of my life I was sure the bikes are just a death trap and I will NEVER ride). GS500 is my first venture into the seas of motorcycling experience and I am glad I did it. And I will always respect and remember my GS500 no matter what I ride in the years coming. It is thanks to GS I was able to get into this sheer excitement of biking, it is my learning tool. I like how it looks and how it rides after all upgrades I wrenched with my own hands. That built a strong bond between us. It is a dear friend which will take me home through a cold night and won't put me down when I need him..


If you like everything about your ride but still feel you need to boost your ego with a bigger bike (manhood/house/SUV/etc) you've got problems. It is fine to look for an upgrade when YOU outgrow your bike, or it is getting old and tired, or for other legit reasons, but not because SOMEBODY thinks it is small/no-good/whimpy/ugly/etc. or THEY ride a better bike. Advice them to look for a duck-o-meter elsewhere. And you may earn some of that RESPECT.