Inappropriate times to ride

[kenb]

Most of us use our Nomads as daily transportation and most likely our family and friends know this as well. However, is there ever an "inappropriate" time or situation that you had second thoughts about taking a motorcycle? A funeral of a loved one for example. Since non-riders in attendance may have the stereotypical view and may consider showing up on a "recreational vehicle" disrespectful.

[phred]

I chose not to ride to a friends wedding yesterday. I didn't think it would be disrespectful, I just didn't want to ride while wearing a suit and tie.

[Idaho]

I have shown up at funerals and church services on a motorcycle. Suit, tie, clericals whatever was appropriate. It does not matter how you get there, just that you are there.

When I was serving as a parish priest the congregation loved it when I would show up on the bike. I did have clean leather, no patches and pins, that I would wear. For cold weather I have a very nice leather MC jacket. The ISP asked me to give a blessing for a small memorial garden, I'm a Chaplain, and I showed up in clericals with a double breasted suit on my MC. They took pictures.

You can't go through life worrying about what everyone else thinks. Know what is in your mind and be respectful.

[cactusjack]

As far as I'm concerned a motorcycle is a means of transportation, same as a car, truck, taxi, bus, etc. If I were going to a funeral, I wouldn't wear my patched vest, unless it was a biker funeral. I couldn't care less if somebody else thinks my choice of transportation is "appropriate" or not.

[rustyknight]

I opted not to take Nomad to funeral last summer tho it was one of the few beautiful days we got last year. Not many "motorcycle people" in wife's family (her uncle passed), and I didn't want to appear disrespectful. I have no problems though with riding bike to a church service or wedding tho...

[dantama]

If a person died on a bike, some family wants to see tons of bikes at the funeral, but some who weren't into bikes that much would perhaps not want the reminder of the 1-2 people who came on a bike. I'd play it by ear.

I don't ride to job interviews. You never know when the interviewer would shoot you down as a candidate as quick as you walk in holding a helmet.

All other events just depends on the weather.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Dan Lund

If a person died on a bike, some family wants to see tons of bikes at the funeral, but some who weren't into bikes that much would perhaps not want the reminder of the 1-2 people who came on a bike. I'd play it by ear.

I don't ride to job interviews. You never know when the interviewer would shoot you down as a candidate as quick as you walk in holding a helmet.

All other events just depends on the weather.

I never thought about riding to a job interview. Leave your gear on your bike.

[bj31702]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

As far as I'm concerned a motorcycle is a means of transportation, same as a car, truck, taxi, bus, etc. If I were going to a funeral, I wouldn't wear my patched vest, unless it was a biker funeral. I couldn't care less if somebody else thinks my choice of transportation is "appropriate" or not.

+1

[sonny]

I have a pair of cleaner starched Levis and a Levi denim jacket with a white bibb shirt and bolo tie, I put the Resistol in a seat pack, I wear chaps to keep the crease right, and tell folks it is a nice day to ride. Funerals I play by ear. I did find one inappropriate day to ride in S. La. about 2 years ago when it snowed. I was going to ride to work because I've never riden in snow. I hit the 1st patch of ice about a mile down the road, turned around and rode home dragging both feet and sucking the color out of the seat.
Other than that, I ride a classy bike and don't apologize or explain any more than I would for my pick up.
Thanks for your time

[rickyboy]

I've rode to a funeral before. One of my best friends, mother passed. I don't think anyone even knew I rode. Took my leathers off to attend and put them back on over dress clothes when it was over.

[hammer]

When you're naked!! Just sayin'.

[Cajunrider]

Rode to a funeral (wake service) of a co-workers relative. I don't think any of the family noticed I came on my bike. Caught rain on the way back home getting my (Sunday go to meeting) clothes pretty wet.

[audiogooroo]

Originally Posted by sonny

... and sucking the color out of the seat...

Bwahahahaha!

[ringadingh]

Ive gone almost everywhere on my bike, including funerals, lodge, parties, etc. I wouldn't show up in my vest and boots though, if you didn't see me pull up on the bike you would never have any idea of what I ride or drive.

[damark115]

I build custom furniture. I usually meet interior designers at the client's house. Twice I have had one particular designer get a little worried that I showed up on a bike. She thought it intimidated the home owner. I figure while it makes no difference what I drive, why start with possibly one strike against me. So I leave the bike home for this designer.