Snobbery

[corndog67]

Just recently, I went to a local Ducati Club meeting, who shall remain nameless, at a fairly expensive Italian restaraunt,  on the advise of one of their members, since I now have a Duc.   So I show up on my funky little S4. in my leather bomber jacket ( a real one), and some logger boots, my Grey Arai, and some motocross gloves (it was a hot day).  Now as I ride up, I notice they are sitting around wearing their little Italian bicycle hats, most every one of them has a full set of leathers, they are all wearing red Ducati shirts, and pretty much matching helmets.  Being a pretty outgoing, friendly type, I walk up, introduce myself to a few of them, and procede to wander around and look at bikes.   Out of about 14 or 15 people, 2 actually took the time to come and talk to me, we talked for a bit about the various Italian bikes that were there, i asked about the others that were sitting in their little cliques, and both of my new friends said, "Oh don't worry about those guys, that's just the way they are.".   They way they are?  What, too snooty to come and talk to another motorcycle freak about motorcycles?   I asked if there was a group ride going to happen after lunch, and I got the distinct impression that they didn't want me to know where they were going.  Maybe I'm mistaken, and they all wanted to talk motorcycles and were just waiting for a good chance, but I don't think  so. 


Have you guys ever run into this sort of attitude on your Ducs?  The only other times I have run into sh_tty motorcycle types with crappy attitudes was the bada_s Harley types, and a few BMW types, even though I used to own a K100. 

I got the distinct impression that they own Ducatis just to show that they own Ducatis, not actually because they like to ride them. 

[Scotzman]

It's those kind of riders/wanna be's that make the general population believe if you ride a Ducati you think your poop don't stink and you're better than everyone else(however true this might be).

[Vindingo]

welcome to the club...

There are TONS of snobby Ducati riders.  They are douchebags and you don't want to talk to them anyway.  They are just as bad as any other group.  

You also own a monster, low end on the Duc totem pole... granted an S4 has a SBK motor, try rolling up in a 620!  

On the other hand, there are also some really make the beast with two backsing cool Ducati owners.  At the end of the day it is just a motorcycle and if a person likes motorcycles, it doesnt matter what kind it is.

Find new people to ride with and don't let them turn you off of Ducs

[MAXdB]

Have you guys ever run into this sort of attitude on your Ducs?  The only other times I have run into sh_tty motorcycle types with crappy attitudes was the bada_s Harley types, and a few BMW types, even though I used to own a K100. 

I got the distinct impression that they own Ducatis just to show that they own Ducatis, not actually because they like to ride them. 

Actually, as sad as it is that you had to experience that you should know this type of behavior is not restricted only to ducati riders.. every group of riders--ducatistis, harley riders, stunters, racers, super safety-conscious riders, etc--consist of those who are "snobby", as you put it, to those who don't fit their mold. Actually as a whole, motorcyclists are more of a closed group than others and understandably within the motorcyclist group there will be many more smaller sub-cliques. You shouldn't let this experience make you think all, or even most, ducati riders are that way. Just like anything, there are good people as well as idiots out there. If you're the type of rider that likes to ride with others/clubs, I'd keep looking.. I'm sure you'll find a better group of riders. Good luck 

[Big Troubled Bear]

I feel your pain

[ArguZ]

Yes, i know the feeling...
They are standing around, hoping people would come and ask them about their old stuff from the 70s and 916s where they dumped 10.000 into carbon.
When I came there with my stock 695 I felt like the kid with the ugly wood marbles.
But now after the tail chop and all the other mods they warm up it seems...
You wanna be on the field, you need to play the game...

[stopintime]

To me, it sounds like the majority of this group was the quiet (shy?) type - some guys like that will form a close group, wearing the same shirts and only talking amongst themselves. I see them all the time and I can tell by their body language that they are scared of outgoing friendly types. It's hard to admit being shy, so these guys choose snobbery as protection. (enough with the sociology?)

I experience a few envy/ignoring reactions, but most of the time it's like when we were kids - "hey, you like toys and candy too!? We can be friends"

You just found 14-15 guys (posers?) whom you won't be hanging out with. I know that I would feel a little hurt by the cold reception, when all I wanted was to make some new friends. Then again, I would forget about it fast, go for a ride and meet other cool riders. Plenty out there!

[TiNi]

sorry to hear about your unfriendly new friends 

there are plenty of other, really nice, ducati riding people out there, i've met some 

where are you located, anyway?

[Langanobob]

I don't know what happens to people when they get in a group, but something definitely does.  Maybe they really are jerks but probably if you met them one at a time individually they'd be OK.  Wouldn't give up on them yet, give them another chance and also, wait 'til they find out yer a machinist, bet they get real friendly real fast.

[yotogi]

Really sorry to hear about you experience with what I hope is only one of your local groups. Considering the last couple of days on the forum, it doesn't surprise me at all unfortunately.

[fastwin]

Sure there are plenty of snotty types in any activity... caused by being human. I am proud to say that (in my opinion) the local DFWM group isn't that way at all. We've had some grumblings but it was never about bikes. Just personality crap and mistaken posts. The usual stuff, no big deal, move along nothing to see here. As far as bikes go that snotty thing has never ever come up. We have folks on our rides and get to gethers on GS Bemmers, ZX10 Kawis, 675 Daytonas and I love to personally test this group by constantly showing up on Jap SBKs instead of my Ducs!! I do try and park it across the street when we stop for lunch!

Sorry for the BS. That kind of attitude just doesn't belong in the bike riding community. Sure, we've had folks show up for rides in jeans and tennis shoes plenty of times but I never say anything to them. That's their deal, I am sure they can see that we all wear riding boots, leather or textile jackets and pants. Better to lead by example than ostracize someone who may not be able to afford all the gear at the moment.

Find the friendly people in that group, hang out with them and start your own friendly, non-snotty clique!

[Statler]

asshats in every group of people.   

maybe they were wondering who the snobby monster rider was who didn't come say hello to them        everyone waiting for the other person to come and talk bikes.


also sometimes easy to confuse comfort for snobishness.   I'm pretty happy with my life and don't feel the need to chat with lots of people I don't know. (oh the DMF forum irony in that statement)   doesn't mean anything about how I feel about them or what they do or own etc...just doesn't rise to any level of my concern.   That may be unfriendly to strangers, but it's not snobbery. 

[sally101]

To me, it sounds like the majority of this group was the quiet (shy?) type - some guys like that will form a close group, wearing the same shirts and only talking amongst themselves. I see them all the time and I can tell by their body language that they are scared of outgoing friendly types. It's hard to admit being shy, so these guys choose snobbery as protection. (enough with the sociology?)

Good point! It's very easy to confuse shyness for snobbiness.. Remember that next time you see a hot chick who seems snobby..

That said. I am pleasantly surprised by the local duc owners.. They don't seem to be the rich snobs expected but more just motorcycle enthusiasts of all income ranges. A good way to judge them is their tires.. Huge chicken strips on a 1098s/r or S4rs = d-bag! 

[Statler]

hahahaha.   wait...we're talking about being snobby as bad and you just posted to judge someone by their chicken strips?   

[MsTek]

I'll be your friend. =)