Posted on 03/30/2005 3:01:07 AM PST by Melas
You Are What You Ride: Progressive Survey Finds Differences Between Harley and Sport Bike Riders Go Beyond Bike Type
Wednesday March 9, 1:33 pm ET
Both Dig Body Art But Harley Riders More Likely to Wear What They Ride, Says America's Top Motorcycle Insurer
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 9, 2005-- What can you tell about a person by the kind of motorcycle they ride? Plenty, according to a recent countrywide online survey conducted by The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, the number one seller of motorcycle insurance in the U.S. The survey finds interesting differences - and similarities - between Harley-Davidson riders and those who ride sport bikes.
For example, everyone knows that Harley riders wear their passion for biking on their sleeve... literally. The survey finds Harley riders are three times more likely than those who ride sport bikes to own clothing or artwork that displays the brand of motorcycle they ride (93 percent versus 30 percent, respectively). Harley riders are also more likely to have body art such as tattoos and piercings (52 percent versus 40 percent).
The survey also finds that Harley riders are more likely than those who ride sport bikes to plan rides around where they'll eat (32 percent versus 23 percent).
Sport bike riders are three times more likely to eat at fast-food restaurants (18 percent versus six percent), while riders of Harleys are nearly four times more likely to pick restaurants with the nicest looking waiters/waitresses (11 percent versus three percent).
The survey confirms that both rider groups have much in common, too. For example, both say "freedom" is the number one reason they ride. And though sport bikes are commonly known as "crotch-rockets" or "road-rippers," only six percent of those who ride them say they do so for "speed" while fewer than one percent of Harley riders say the same. Both groups listed the same top excuses for justifying a quick ride: running errands, testing the engine and visiting friends.
Progressive's survey also finds that ninety-five (95) percent of all riders acknowledge their fellow bikers while riding. Waving is the preferred method of acknowledgement (37 percent), although Harley riders are nearly twice as likely to acknowledge other riders by pointing two fingers down (29 percent versus 16 percent).
Harley riders are six times more likely to only acknowledge those riding the same style bike (18 percent versus three percent).
Additional survey results include:
An overwhelming majority of riders (88 percent) donate time or money to charities. Two-thirds of Harley riders (67 percent) and one-third of those who ride sport bikes (33 percent) participate in at least one charity ride each year.
Sixty-nine (69) percent of all riders daydream at work each day about riding their bike.
Eighteen (18) percent of all riders call in sick to work at least once a year to go riding.
Women prefer to ride with their significant other (58 percent), while men choose to ride with their friends (63 percent).
Adding custom parts that enhance the look of their bikes was the number one choice for Harley riders (73 percent), while adding performance equipment was the top choice for those who ride sport bikes (44 percent).
I've owned over 20 bikes since '48 and have had one or more in the garage since, except for years '58 to '64 when I was in my Corvette, Austin Healey LeMans, Lotus Super 7 sports car period. :)
I've had three Harley's and the rest were Japanese, English, German and Spanish street and dirt bikes. I hate riding or driving on the freeway, it's so damn dull, give me a two laner anytime. As for two up riding; that's what they make Ford F-150 SVT Lightnings for. :):)
Here's a pic of my first bike:
LOL...ain't that the truth...
Ain't no problem. There's quite an aftermarket for Italian bikes. Heck! I don't have any problems finding bits for my old Guzzi. Not that it ever needs any. ;-)
The only parts you might have trouble finding are those with skulls or nekkid wimmin etched onto 'em.
Hey brother! Long time no see!
Yeah, 'cuz it's awfully hard to tell the make of a bike from just the rear wheel and tail lights.....
“Choice” is why there are so many different makes and models.
I may do some "extractions" too!......looking for furiously for new pliers........
They have an open house here in Ventura, Ca. in a couple weeks. I will partake of same. They will be overpriced here because there is so much money around here, so if I want one, I will have to go to Arizona or Nevada to buy one.
Nice red X : )
What model is that, Blackie?
Martin,
Tell me that photo is photoshopped! Don't tell me that man is inked with little girly froo froo stuff!!
I love those old Brit Iron bikes, but I just don't think I could adjust to the shifter/brake switch.
Like you I'd be afraid I'd try to brake and hit the shifter instead. So I'm looking for either a new Bonnie or possibly a post-75 one at the moment.
I'm not a baby-boomer, "Harley" means nothing to me: All I remember is that it was a really crappy bike with a funny orange tank owned by a bowling ball company until Reagan bailed them out. Now I see they are ridden by baby-boomer accountants and dentists....
I grew up on dirt bikes in the 1980's: Honda XR80, XR250 and XL500R. Man those things were bulletproof!
'Cuz of my age and experiences, the name means nothing to me, and jap bikes have always been better since I've been alive, I just can't imagine owning a Harley and hanging around with old people.
It's not a 'bike' thing, I guess.... It's a generational thing.
There is an 81 CBX for sale in San Fran.
http://www.3bitgraphics.com/cbx/
Naah.
Like it says there in the bottom corner, it's a spoof photo.
< |:)~
If you're asking about the bike pictured, it's a a 1945 Harley 45 ~ the picture was taken in later '48. :)
I love to see bikes on the road.
I do,too. Doesn't matter much regarding brand,but those rice rockets are annoying as hell.Still, if it's what one prefers,that's one's business,generally speaking.
As for Harley riders...Your'e spot on.There are a small percent that are willing to overlook what brand your'e riding & ride with you,as I have discovered. I ride a Vulcan & hubby's got a Gold Wing.I'm proud to be seen on either one.As far as i'm concerned,all riders are kindred spirits at heart.We all love the free wind in our faces and the adventures waiting around the next bend.
And splattered bugs have no brand preference!! :-) Vrooom!!!!
Beautiful.They have a nice,throaty rumble,too.
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