BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

I despair, I really do...


:-\ :-\

Bertie's comment regarding the variety of responses he received has prompted me to think about what we say on these forums. Might I offer the following observation.


If we were a group of friends having a discussion then some might throw in comments of a slightly derogatory nature, purely as humour but also on the basis that the friends would understand that it was meant as witty banter and not rude criticism.


Do those of us on the forum think that because we share the kindred spirit of motorcycling and enjoy a certain bond because of our ownership of this particular model of BMW then we are 'friends' of sorts? Does this lead us into saying things that we might not normally say to a total stranger, which is what most of us really are to each other?


Just a thought ....

Taz wrote: Bertie's comment regarding the variety of responses he received has prompted me to think about what we say on these forums. Might I offer the following observation.
If we were a group of friends having a discussion then some might throw in comments of a slightly derogatory nature, purely as humour but also on the basis that the friends would understand that it was meant as witty banter and not rude criticism.
Do those of us on the forum think that because we share the kindred spirit of motorcycling and enjoy a certain bond because of our ownership of this particular model of BMW then we are 'friends' of sorts? Does this lead us into saying things that we might not normally say to a total stranger, which is what most of us really are to each other?
Just a thought ....

Thank you Taz


Regards
STeinar

Taz wrote: Do those of us on the forum think that because we share the kindred spirit of motorcycling and enjoy a certain bond because of our ownership of this particular model of BMW then we are 'friends' of sorts? Does this lead us into saying things that we might not normally say to a total stranger, which is what most of us really are to each other?

Just a thought ....

You are quite right, I wouldn't dream of saying to someone face to face "That's looks awful" or something to that effect unless possibly it was a best friend and I knew I could get away with it. It's someone's pride and joy and they are happy with what they have and that should be respected.

Unfortunately for some reason there are certain topics on this forum that some certain members seem overly opinionated on. Like top boxes and engine bars! 

Again, reading back nobody made any comments criticising where anybody wants to keep their locks or whatever, or criticising what bike anybody rides. If you keep to purely factual comments, you will kill the forum. This is evident after Steiner comments, where the number of subjects and posts have fallen. It seems to me that your correct people seem to think everyone has a kindred spirit and a sense of humour. But it is obvious some are more sensitive than others, but to have to sit and contemplate a response in case you upset someone is madness. This will probably get me banned now, so if so, its been a gas, but will frequent other forums where you don't have to walk on egg shells ever time you post.

Just to add "I'm not a number, I'm a free man" That is from a UK TV series called the Prisoner - 1967. And was a humours comment for those that don't understand  8)

Casbar wrote: Again, reading back nobody made any comments criticising where anybody wants to keep their locks or whatever, or criticising what bike anybody rides. If you keep to purely factual comments, you will kill the forum. This is evident after Steiner comments, where the number of subjects and posts have fallen. It seems to me that your correct people seem to think everyone has a kindred spirit and a sense of humour. But it is obvious some are more sensitive than others, but to have to sit and contemplate a response in case you upset someone is madness. This will probably get me banned now, so if so, its been a gas, but will frequent other forums where you don't have to walk on egg shells ever time you post.

I agree, I think most of us on this forum are of a certain age & grew up pre PC.
We worked in places where 'banter' was part & parcel of the job, rightly or wrongly. 25 years down t'pit for me & if you didn't quickly develop a thick skin you were soon out. So most of the stuff that gets posted on here that some find offensive doesn't even  register on my compass. I frequent other forums where off topic posts & 'banter' are what makes them enjoyable. One in particular that I have been a contributer for many years would make some on here squirm with the posts & comments. But I can honestly say that the majority of members are great guys & I would say good friends. Even tho we may only meet up once or twice a year I know that if I need help someone would be there for me.
Don't make this great, informative site so sterile that it becomes too hard to post anything & no longer enjoyable.

smileymiley wrote: I agree, I think most of us on this forum are of a certain age & grew up pre PC.
We worked in places where 'banter' was part & parcel of the job, rightly or wrongly. 25 years down t'pit for me & if you didn't quickly develop a thick skin you were soon out. So most of the stuff that gets posted on here that some find offensive doesn't even  register on my compass. I frequent other forums where off topic posts & 'banter' are what makes them enjoyable. One in particular that I have been a contributer for many years would make some on here squirm with the posts & comments. But I can honestly say that the majority of members are great guys & I would say good friends. Even tho we may only meet up once or twice a year I know that if I need help someone would be there for me.
Don't make this great, informative site so sterile that it becomes too hard to post anything & no longer enjoyable.

I also agree.  It is probably is the case that the odd comment goes OTT - that's just life, online and off.  As Casbar has pointed out, the vibrancy of the forum is definitely declining and that is a real shame because there is great value and lots of helpful input to be had from it.  If it becomes just a list of questions and answers to vanilla subjects like where to keep my loose change, I fear it will fade away, which would be a pity...

And is it not the case that the OP got his "factual" answer in the first post from RTman10 - there isn't any useful lock you can store under the seat of the RT LC. What follows is what I would call alternative suggestions ......
Perhaps if the OP does his own research and finds something suitable he would be good enough to let everyone on the forum know.

gogs01 wrote: And is it not the case that the OP got his "factual" answer in the first post from RTman10 - there isn't any useful lock you can store under the seat of the RT LC. What follows is what I would call alternative suggestions ......
Perhaps if the OP does his own research and finds something suitable he would be good enough to let everyone on the forum know.

Ok, here is a factual answer - don't know! But some keep their disc lock in the compartment where some people put their sat nav, but others don't because they keep their sat nav in their pocket or panniers, sometimes in the top box, bearing in mind that some people think the top box is ugly  :whistle:  Now I keep a leatherman in my right hand compartment. I personally think the top box is useful when touring as it gives my wife confidence that she will not fall off the back. Normally I don't have the top box on the bike. But also bear in mind, many do not like scaffolding on the bike, autocom is the only answer to intercom, not that new fangled BT stuff and finally - Only wear BMW kit as its the best and has a nice BMW badge on it.


Think this just about sums up the key views on this forum  8)  Again for clarity - this is a light hearted summary, not a dig, not trying to upset anyone  :alas:

I can tell you've been paying attention.

RTman10 wrote: I can tell you've been paying attention.

Not really, missed off tyre pressures  :alas:

Casbar wrote:
Not really, missed off tyre pressures  :alas:

You also forgot Blackpool illuminations, aftermarket filters, brake pads, screens, luggage, footpegs, seats, bars,mirrors..................

RTman10 wrote:
You also forgot Blackpool illuminations, aftermarket filters, brake pads, screens, luggage, footpegs, seats, bars,mirrors..................

and what about the fastest colour(s)?  You forgot that too...

richardbd wrote:
and what about the fastest colour(s)?  You forgot that too...

Not really, everyone knows its Quartz Blue.