Starbucks, Hacks, Older Fogies, Etc.

jpalamar · 06-13-2011, 05:38 AM

I and a few buddies were solving world problems at Starbucks Sunday morning. One is a HD owner/rider, the others non-motorcycle guys. The subject of my hack came up, where the hell is it being the main question, and then the whole concept of 'why the hell would anyone want one?' This has come up multiple times and suspect it really wasn't a true question seeking knowledge but some thinly veiled indictment of my decsion to get one.

I really didn't come up with any really good answer. The HD friend asserted that if he ever got to the point where he couldn't handle a motorcycle (HD, he's 65 years old and 6' 5" tall) he'd definitely consider a hack BUT never a trike nor a CAN-AM Spyder. Somehow in the whole conversation the lore and glamor of the hack, plus the pure fun of it all escaped everyone. But then again, I think the group would have been just as cool on motorcycles as they were on a hack.

Wish I could've done better representing the 'hack world'! So, the mature person I am I rationalized the whole thing with a simple, 'Screw 'em!'

Tarka · 06-13-2011, 05:52 AM

There`s always the ultimate repost of "If you have to ask,you wouldn`t understand".

As for the comment from the HD guy about if he ever got to the point where he couldn`t handle his bike,etc etc....is he sure he CAN handle his bike ?
Because I ain`t ever seen a HD rider who appears capable of handling their bike on anything other than a flat,smooth,straight road.

It`s hard to get across to those who`ve never experienced a combo the amount of fun,satisfaction,thrills and adventure that a good combo brings.
Likewise getting the message across to those who poo-poo things like decent bike conversion trikes or Spyders.

They`ll simply fail to accept that they are DIFFERENT and something else entirely apart from solo bikes.
I don`t know if it`s some kind of threat to their self perceived machismo but they likely will struggle with the simple concept of FUN for fun`s sake.
Yet there`s all kinds of practical advantages too.

After all,there`s no reasoning with a closed mind.

jpalamar · 06-13-2011, 06:01 AM

Looking at the bike inventory on my signature line says it all. I have had many motorcycles, coexisting, for a number of years. I am now down to ONE, and I repeat (1) motorcycle. (The hack is on its way back from DMC, but if it were in my garage I am still down to one cycle). Point being, that IMO the hack is not a motorcycle. Whether it's a contrivance, contraption, aberration, or what, it represents a whole new and exciting world. Why the hell would I have done what I've done to a perfectly good GS Adventure (or ClearwaterBMW's 2011 conversion)? Perhaps you said it all with the famous (infamous) Jeep quote (not sure if Jeep started it)..."If you have to ask..."

Like Greg, I am indeed 'champing at the bit' awaiting the arrival of my DMC hack!

Hogan's Hero · 06-13-2011, 06:18 AM

I don't think you have to represent...you wanted a hack, so you got one. There is a certain amount of "I can't explain it even if I tried" mentality to the entire arguement. Sounds like your buddies have learned all they need to. For me, it is a new experience...every day.

The Harley guy needs to read a ride report here. If he still thinks riding a rig is one step before the grave, then you may never convince him anyway. If however, he sees something that sparks some emotional place inside him, you may very well have another riding buddy. You and the Doc might teach him a thing or too.

I think when it comes right down to it.."They aren't for everybody" sums it up for me. No one can argue it, and it leaves room for everyone to validate their own point of view.

ClearwaterBMW · 06-13-2011, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpalamar

Like Greg, I am indeed 'champing at the bit' awaiting the arrival of my DMC hack!

who... me?
well, i forgot that mine was even on it's way

..

jpalamar · 06-13-2011, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClearwaterBMW

who... me?
well, i forgot that mine was even on its way

..

Besides, before we can ride in FL because of the fires and smoke, (northeast at least), we'll have to equip ourselves with yet another hack accoutrement. . .

ClearwaterBMW · 06-13-2011, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpalamar

Besides, before we can ride in FL because of the fires and smoke, (northeast at least), we'll have to equip ourselves with yet another hack accoutrement. . .

we need rainy, johnny...
badly

06-13-2011, 05:38 AM	#1
jpalamar ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2005 Location: Jacksonville, FL (Northeast FL, USA) Oddometer: 2,914	Starbucks, Hacks, Older Fogies, Etc. I and a few buddies were solving world problems at Starbucks Sunday morning. One is a HD owner/rider, the others non-motorcycle guys. The subject of my hack came up, where the hell is it being the main question, and then the whole concept of 'why the hell would anyone want one?' This has come up multiple times and suspect it really wasn't a true question seeking knowledge but some thinly veiled indictment of my decsion to get one. I really didn't come up with any really good answer. The HD friend asserted that if he ever got to the point where he couldn't handle a motorcycle (HD, he's 65 years old and 6' 5" tall) he'd definitely consider a hack BUT never a trike nor a CAN-AM Spyder. Somehow in the whole conversation the lore and glamor of the hack, plus the pure fun of it all escaped everyone. But then again, I think the group would have been just as cool on motorcycles as they were on a hack. Wish I could've done better representing the 'hack world'! So, the mature person I am I rationalized the whole thing with a simple, 'Screw 'em!' __________________ '07 R1200GSA Adv 2011 DMC Hack '06 R1150 GSA Adventure (new 09/2011) '11 HD Road King/Police '12 K1600GT The Red Faster One 2013 Nissan GT-R

06-13-2011, 05:52 AM	#2
Tarka Confirmed Urallist Joined: May 2007 Location: Across the pond......in England. Oddometer: 1,614	There`s always the ultimate repost of "If you have to ask,you wouldn`t understand". As for the comment from the HD guy about if he ever got to the point where he couldn`t handle his bike,etc etc....is he sure he CAN handle his bike ? Because I ain`t ever seen a HD rider who appears capable of handling their bike on anything other than a flat,smooth,straight road. It`s hard to get across to those who`ve never experienced a combo the amount of fun,satisfaction,thrills and adventure that a good combo brings. Likewise getting the message across to those who poo-poo things like decent bike conversion trikes or Spyders. They`ll simply fail to accept that they are DIFFERENT and something else entirely apart from solo bikes. I don`t know if it`s some kind of threat to their self perceived machismo but they likely will struggle with the simple concept of FUN for fun`s sake. Yet there`s all kinds of practical advantages too. After all,there`s no reasoning with a closed mind. __________________ . I'd only waste my money if I didn`t spend it on all my bikes......

06-13-2011, 06:01 AM	#3
jpalamar ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2005 Location: Jacksonville, FL (Northeast FL, USA) Oddometer: 2,914	Some Additional Thoughts... Looking at the bike inventory on my signature line says it all. I have had many motorcycles, coexisting, for a number of years. I am now down to ONE, and I repeat (1) motorcycle. (The hack is on its way back from DMC, but if it were in my garage I am still down to one cycle). Point being, that IMO the hack is not a motorcycle. Whether it's a contrivance, contraption, aberration, or what, it represents a whole new and exciting world. Why the hell would I have done what I've done to a perfectly good GS Adventure (or ClearwaterBMW's 2011 conversion)? Perhaps you said it all with the famous (infamous) Jeep quote (not sure if Jeep started it)..."If you have to ask..." Like Greg, I am indeed 'champing at the bit' awaiting the arrival of my DMC hack! __________________ '07 R1200GSA Adv 2011 DMC Hack '06 R1150 GSA Adventure (new 09/2011) '11 HD Road King/Police '12 K1600GT The Red Faster One 2013 Nissan GT-R

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06-13-2011, 06:18 AM	#4
Hogan's Hero Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2007 Location: The Original Oil Fields Oddometer: 327	I don't think you have to represent...you wanted a hack, so you got one. There is a certain amount of "I can't explain it even if I tried" mentality to the entire arguement. Sounds like your buddies have learned all they need to. For me, it is a new experience...every day. The Harley guy needs to read a ride report here. If he still thinks riding a rig is one step before the grave, then you may never convince him anyway. If however, he sees something that sparks some emotional place inside him, you may very well have another riding buddy. You and the Doc might teach him a thing or too. I think when it comes right down to it.."They aren't for everybody" sums it up for me. No one can argue it, and it leaves room for everyone to validate their own point of view.