TMRA 2 .. DFW Chapter

I think Albert was referring to info I posted before in regards to
another Shadow engine, not about the one in your bike. Remember the
Shadow engine Honda redesigned to have the same unbalanced firing
order as a Harley for the "potato-potato" sound? I think that is what
he was referring to, not your bike. Honda purposely took a smooth
running engine and ruined it with an unbalanced firing order just to
get "that sound". It's one thing to style a bike visually after
something else but to go as far as redesign an already good engine
only to make it rougher is stupid.

The fins are added to make the engine look like it is air cooled,
therefore it is an attempt to make a water cooled bike "Harley like".
A water cooled engine does not need cooling fins. I think water
cooling is the best thing the Japanese manufacturers have done for the
cruiser market yet they go out of their way to hide it. I don't know
which year Shadows are like this but I know for a few years Honda made
them as separate little pieces that just bolt to the engine and are
there for nothing but to imitate an air cooled engine. Again, this
reference was in regards to Shadows in general being Harley like. It
wasn't about your bike. It wasn't till well in to this discussion
about Shadows being like Harleys did the year of your bike get
mentioned. Your bike is the last of the real Shadows and was made
before Honda got stupid and coupled more styling ques from Harleys.

Ruppster

 

Back in the early 80's there was a big difference in what cruisers
from one manufacturer looked like versus another (Honda versus Harley
for example) but now that is no longer true. It used to be a metric
cruiser was a metric cruiser while a Harley cruiser had its own
design. Now most (there are still a few metric cruisers that don't
copy a Harley) metric cruisers take most of their design ques from a
Harley in one shape or form. Just about every metric motorcycle
manufacturer has replaced the 4 cylinder engine with exhaust on both
sides of the bike with a v-twin in one shape or form with exhaust on
the right side. And that was just the start of it all. They have since
gone on to copy the hard-tail look of the Softail along with "air
cleaner" like chrome covers on the right side that don't need to be
there. Plus some companies have gone as far as to do away with shaft
drive on certain models in favor of the less reliable belt drive. A
lot of the features on the current cruiser bikes are not needed for
them to be in the cruiser category (they didn't have them back when
they first started) and they are only done for the sole purpose of
tricking people in to thinking it is a Harley. A cruiser is defined by
its features in general, not by its exact looks.

Like cruisers, touring bikes are also defined by their features. They
usually have a fairing, trunk, and hard saddlebags. That is the point
of that style. They come with all sorts of tank and frame designs.
They don't share a common engine platform as you can get them with
twins, in-line 4's, or V-4's. They each have their own visual
identity. The same can not be said for the current market of cruisers.
They don't have to have a big bore air cooled like V-twin with exhaust
on the ride side and belt drive yet most of them do anyhow and that is
for the sole purpose of copying the Harley look. There is nothing
wrong with it either. Harley created a popular visual style and the
Japanese decided to jump on the bandwagon and copy it in one form or
another. If it works why not. But to say there is nothing similar
between a current metric cruiser and a Harley is a bit of a stretch.

Ruppster

 

It is funny to see people doing that but that was not who I was
talking about. I was talking about riding with a full jacket and a
helmet versus riding with a vest that gives no protection in an
accident at all. It would be great to ride with comfortable clothes
and assume you will be able to avoid every thing that might come your
way but sooner or later something is going to happen like it or not. I
prefer to be ready for that day at the sacrifice of comfort then lose
more skin and blood then I already have to road rash.

Ruppster

 

On Mon, 15 Aug 2005 19:20:12 -0500, "Brian Walker"

Do you have something against rednecks? As a self proclaimed redneck I
like to think I'm not just some idiot just for being a redneck. <g>

Ruppster

 

Nope, it's a bald-faced lie.....please do quote the post where I "ran down"
the vets. Jesus, you're just as sleazy as Bill Walker is....birds of a
feather, huh?

As shown in another thread, you guys don't get much done....and what you do
get done is so backwards-assed that it defies description.

There's no "evidence" of any such thing. LOL

 

Actually I didn't grade those efforts as grandiose as you imply, not even
close to what we hoped.
As far as what we oppose and support, all our members were able to have
input to the areas we take stands on. If you feel we are wrong then come
down to the district advisors meeting or general membership meeting and give
your input.

As far as the bills above, they looked innocent enough, until the
legislators start adding to them and removing restrictions. I'm sure your
familar with the tactics the legislature uses to get some bills passed. Its
happened each time the bills have come up each session and we choose this
time not to allow the bills to even come up.
With the changes that the Supreme Court made as far as police stops and
searches we're not going to put ourselves in a bad situation until we can
get all the ramifications figured out.
Since we already have too many officers that don't understand the helmet law
we saw a real problem with motorcyclist being targeted during these road
blocks. The Supreme Court ruled that a person can be put in jail for these
minor infraction such as no seat belt, no inspection sticker, and broken
tail light. We see no evidence to believe that reasonable people will be at
these checkpoints and we're not willing to give up our rights spending time
in jail, getting our vehicles impounded illegally in the hope that some
drunk maybe caught. After all it was Texas that threw the woman in jail for
not wearing seat belts that the supreme court ruled on.
When there's a greater chance of violation of rights than there is in the
good of a bill, I will oppose the bill.

Actually you are painting yourself as a master lobbyist. You've even stated
how screwed up we are so you must have a grand plan that your following to
know the differences. You've done nothing but slam others for the work
they've tried to accomplish. So please let us know your accomplishments.
Or are you just one of those that sits around and whines about everyone
else?

At least they are trying, what are you doing.?

 

Bill Walker wrote about a upcoming meeting where they were going to support
the VA hospital in Dallas.

Your Response.

"No one gives a shit Billy-boy. "

Evidence has been presented in both cases. As I stated I believe you meant
it only to be a slam against Bill, but you didn't present it that way.

 

Nah, the cruiser label dates back to at least the very early 80's when
the "cruiser" was a general style, not a set look. It wasn't till the
late 80's that they started to add more and more Harley like features
to the bikes. So the guy that said the cruiser name came out just to
cover the name for Harley copies was wrong but that is what most bikes
in the cruiser arena have eventually turned in to. There are still a
few cruisers out there that follow the style of the early 80's
cruisers but they are few and far between. Not all cruisers are copies
of a Harley but they are the most popular.

Yeah, but as I've said before it is not a sin to own a Harley copy. I
consider myself a diehard Honda fan and if I had the money to buy a
new Honda it would probably be a Shadow. It would not be because of
the look but due to the comfort. I don't want a bagger and a crotch
rocket is far from comfortable on my back. Since the Harley look has
been deemed a success by Japanese manufacturers they don't leave a
person wanted a generic cruiser much of a choice when it comes to
buying one. You are almost stuck with a Harley like bike if you don't
want a crotch rocket or a bagger thanks to them. Long gone are the
days of the early 80's V-4 Magnas and inline 4 cruisers. As I keep
saying having a newer cruisers doe not imply the owner is a Harley
wannabee.

Ruppster

 

Nah, just optimistic. I was that way when I first started riding bikes
but have learned that it pays to be safe then sorry. Growing up in
Florida it was just too easy to hop on a bike with no jacket or gloves
and the only bit of protection was a helmet (it was a law at the
time).

Ruppster
sportster at dodge-semis dot com

 

No, actually, I'm not making myself out to be any such thing. Yeah, I
stated how screwed up you were....but it doesn't take a "grand plan" to
figure that out....just common sense.

You've done nothing but slam others for the work

Oh, stop it, Elmer. You actually think you're going to goad me into that?
Spare me, you're not that bright. Suffice it to say, I spend my time on
things that are important to me and my friends.....charities and a couple of
PACs.....but I don't go bragging about it on USENet, calling people "Welfare
________(insert name here)" because they don't participate in those groups,
or make an ass of myself when representing those groups in public (or in a
public forum). Bill has done all that and more.

"Trying"? That's your excuse for these two wack-jobs? LOL So, they (and
you) are "trying" to keep drunk drivers from being caught at DUI checkpoints
instead of waiting until they hit someone or something.....and maybe killing
one of your own? All that with the full backing of the TMRA2, no less.

It matters not what I'm doing, Elmer. Like I said, I'm not the one
portraying myself in the manner Billy-boy does. He sits there flexing his
keyboard, calling people "welfare rider" just because they choose to use
their time in other ways than to lobby for motorcyclist rights. That's
called freedom of choice....one of the things that your group allegedly
supports, according to your "war creed", right?

So, if he doesn't like the criticism for his actions on this group and
others, he can shut the **** up.

 

Well I can see why you don't want to mention the groups you are a part of.
No use in embarassing them. You complain about Bill and all the antics he
does, but yet at the same time you do it all the same things too.
The term welfare riders although used too much here, tends to point out
those that use the benefits of the organization, but don't bother to
participate in any form. Sometimes it applies, sometimes its just used for
attacking people just like other terms used around here like wannabe,
leftwing, and a group of other terms.

Actually I wasn't trying to goad you into anything. You weren't answering
the question and I was just going to find out if you participated with
anything.

No excuse needed, they tend to respond in like to the attacks that come
their way. Sometimes they over react, other times they just respond in kind.
Some people tend to use multiple ids here to attack them. Plus its hard to
condemn their tactics when I see people like you doing the very same thing.
Snipe attacks for no reason than just to attack.
No, not trying to keep drunk drivers from being caught, trying to keep the
power hungry from using any excuse to put bikers in jail. If their drunk
they deserve to be in jail, but not for legally not wearing a helmet.

Yes I agree with Freedom of choice.
This group is called Tx.motorcycle and since TMRA2, ABATE, Gulf Coast
Motorcycle, COC and a few others are part of that community then this is the
forum for them to put information in.
As far as name calling if you can get everyone to get away from coined
phrases that negatively reflect a group such as wannabes, leftwing, and
welfare rider then lets do so. Otherwise I feel that as long as one group
know that the name bothers another group and they just want to do name
calling its going to continue.

Well Bill aint going to shut up and he didn't respond to this post, I did,
since apparently he had you kill filed. Rather unusual for Bill since he
usually responds to everyone. Bill has a few people here he actually detests
and some others he just plays with, but I never seen him kill file anyone.
Bill can handle himself and needs no help from me. I thought I would try to
bring this conversation up a bit and find out if why you complain about the
tactics that Bill uses while using them yourself.

 

Ouch. That's gotta hurt.

 

Riiiight. So, you turn that into an attack on vets? You're as dishonest
and disingenuous as the Walkers. Again, birds of a feather......

What you "believe" and it's actual intent are two different things.....but
you already know that, don't you?

 

‘‘Like cruisers, touring bikes are also defined by their features.
They usually have a fairing, trunk, and hard saddlebags. That is the
point of that style. They come with all sorts of tank and frame
designs.’ (Ruppster)


‘‘another point of view, kinda opposite of this discussion
about metrics resembling Harleys is’’: When I see a really, sure
nuff Harley Dresser, with all the touring plastic stuff, it reminds me
of a GoldWing’’ So you see, Harley has tried to compete with one of
the best touring bikes ever,, the Wing’’ We have got a Harley rider
friend, that I love to kid him and call his bike a Harley Goldwing’’
He takes it well, cause we out number him 3 to one!
(smile) BJAY

 

(Elmer Mc wrote)

‘‘Actually you (iggy) are painting yourself as a master lobbyist.
You've even stated how screwed up we are so you must have a grand plan
that your following to know the differences. You've done nothing but
slam others for the work they've tried to accomplish. So please let us
know your accomplishments. Or are you just one of those that sits around
and whines about everyone else?’’ ELMER Mc.


‘‘Elmer, you hit the nail squarely on the head’’, about
(iggy). I don't think the boy, ever post anything that others can
discuss. He is the type that only wants to sit back and comment on
others post. I will give him one thing , down this thread, atleast he's
stating an opinion, of sorts.
It's a shame he can only see things in a negative manner. But, he
always has to say **** this and **** that. I think that comes when he
becomes somewhat frustated, when his bluff is called’’
BTW, does anyone know where (iggy) is from? He is discussing stuff on
this thread, and seems quite interested in Texas legislation, like he
might be from Texas? rectum?’’ I am like you Elmer, I wished he
would share with us some of his outstanding efforts toward any good
cause.
(BJAY)

 

‘‘So, if he doesn't like the criticism for his actions on
this group and others, he can shut the **** up.’’ (iggy)


‘‘Well Bill aint going to shut up and he didn't respond to
this post, I did, since apparently he had you kill filed. Rather unusual
for Bill since he usually responds to everyone. Bill has a few people
here he actually detests and some others he just plays with, but I never
seen him kill file anyone. Bill can handle himself and needs no help
from me. I thought I would try to bring this conversation up a bit and
find out if why you complain about the tactics that Bill uses while
using them yourself.

(Elmer McKeegan)

‘‘Elmer, above is phrased like a true Texas Gentlemen’’.
I love it, when you calmly state your opinion’’. Stay calm, and
they don't know quite how to handle it. It usually, causes folks to
become more irate, and type that much louder, the big important words,
of their distinct vocabulary! (frustation takes over)!
You are making me, think about disqualifying myself as a welfare biker,
hmmmm? (wink) BJAY

 

As Brian pointed out the GW was Hondas competition against Harley for
a big bore big for long distance riding. The fairing thing started off
with the aftermarket and it wasn't till the GW was out for several
years before Honda decided to eliminate the middleman and put the
fairings on from the factory. As far as who came out with a factory
fairing first, Honda or Harley, I could not tell you. Since I don't
know I can't say who copied who. The point about the touring bikes is
that while the Harley bagger may be similar to a Honda GW as far as
having a fairing, saddlebags, and a trunk that is where the similarity
ends. Harley did not do like Honda did and go as far as to restyle the
engine to look or sound like its competitor or copy styling ques to
mimic the exact look of the bike. Visually there is no mistaking a
Harley dresser for a GW as they are two distinct looking bikes. The
same can not be said for a majority of the current crop of cruiser out
there. The current cruiser are visually styled to duplicate a Harley
in one shape or another and are very easy to confuse for the real
thing if you don't pay full attention to all the little details that
are not the same. Especially if the owner of the metric cruiser
removes the manufacturers name from the fuel tank and put something
like "Hardly-Drivensome" in its place.

Ruppster

 

Here we go with that redneck thing of yours again. What do you have
against rednecks and what do they have to do with being a republican
or a nut job?

Ruppster
sportster at dodge-semis dot com

 

(iggy to elmer)
‘‘It matters not what I'm doing, Elmer. Like I said, I'm not
the one portraying myself in the manner Billy-boy does. He sits there
flexing his keyboard, calling people "welfare rider" just because they
choose to use their time in other ways than to lobby for motorcyclist
rights. That's called freedom of choice....one of the things that your
group allegedly supports, according to your "war creed", right?
So, if he doesn't like the criticism for his actions on this group and
others, he can shut the **** up.’’ IGGY


‘‘Iggy, theres a couple of us, that know we're welfare riders
if, not participating in Tx. MC Law legislation, is the main
requirement.
When Bill or Elmer post anything about Texas, most on this group
appreciates it.’’
(Cuz we live in Tejas)
It seems you (iggy) are so inflamed (minded) with Bill, that you can't
see the forest for the pine trees.’’ I imagine that Elmer does not
agree totally, with everyone about everything, every day, including Bill
Walker. (Iggy), I believe you only enjoy, joining in, on the flaming
the ''Walker gang bang thang''. I believe that is your only reason for
coming into TxMoto. I say that, because there are some MC related
post/topics (onGoing), and I've not seen where you respond, with all
your unique wisdom!! Otherwise, I bet you don't give a shit about no
Texas MC Legislational stuff. Right? cheers little fella. BJAY

 

I'd appreciate a little more respect for the rednecks amongst us.. I've been
a redneck for most of my 71 years.. LOL hmmm.. maybe all of them..

Bill Walker