For almost 2 years now I have been enjoying countless threads on this forum, anything ranging from just shootin the breeze to serious threads regarding lifestyle changes (ex. family choices, business decisions, giving up riding, wrecks....)
And I'm asking the question, why here? Is it the community, the forum, the way this forum is managed? Let's hear it...there's a reason why everyone posts here, instead of other sportbike forums, or even vfrworld (no hate here).
I frequent a number of forums, but this one - for me - has the right mix of fun/serious, mature/immature, relevance/irrelevance. I think I've yet to see a flame war (even in the oil threads) and the knowledge and wisdom are unparalleled (and not just about motorcycles).
So, in short, it's just a great group of guys and gals who hang out here that are willing to help, support, or even make fun of, their fellow riders in a tasteful and (usually) classy way that you just don't find on a lot of forums. Even if I didn't have the VFR anymore for some reason I'd still stop by to see how everyone was doing. It's an awesome community and that's what a forum is supposed to be. HS got this one right - like no one else - so....
[image: View Post]97VFR750, on 05 November 2010 - 04:38 AM, said:
And I'm asking the question, why here?
Why? .... Why not?
I've never really been into these forum thingies - I used to post a little on a Ducati forum in about 2000 but most people were full of themselves and overstated the Ducati brand in general. Quite frankly, it got a bit boring.
From Nov last year I took 3.5 months of long service leave from work and one of the jobs I'd set myself was to give my 98 VFR some much needed TLC. With my busy work and the arrival of my son in the recent years I'd been neglecting my VFR for the last half-decade.
Anyway, I was researching some basic stuff - what new aftermarket pipe?, what new windscreen? etc and VFRD kept coming up in my google searches. I started reading the threads and realised that the info was not only really valuable but it was heaps of fun and the people seemed really cool too!
This is gunna sound strange but before this last x-mas I really had no idea that other people in the world felt the same way I do about VFRs in general and, of course, my dear old 5th Gen. It was almost a relief to know that I wasn't alone in the world :biggrin:
My VFRD profile:
- I check the site at least twice a day
- Except for the safety related threads - I refuse to take it too seriously (life's too short and a lot of my professional life is full-on serious stuff - I can't keep that up all day long!)
- I reckon there's nothing to lose and everything to gain by saying g'day to newbs - so I nearly always (if I've got time) say a quick hello
- I'd really love to do a VFRD meet in the States sometime - TexasMac 2015??? ( I occasionally visit the US with my work so I haven't given up hope)
- Favorite posters - Knife and Timmy (of course)
- I've got nothing but respect for His Lordship - Hispanic Slammer for developing such a great site (and I was proud to throw in a few bucks for his 7th Gen)
- I'm really looking forward to many more years of posting on this site :fing02:
I'm also a member of VFRWorld but I don't post or even visit the site. I occasionally post on OzVFR which is cool (with good people) but can be a little quiet.
I like this site because it allows me the opportunity to get to know cool people. I got to know one particular member really well because we spent some considerable time together in McCaysville, TN and then later in Dawsonville, GA. on the side of the road. :laughing6-hehe:
I have been a cyclist for close to 30 years. I have spun my butt up more mountains in and out of this country then most people have ridden their VFR's. On these rides I have rarely been alone. This is because I have made friendships (on sites just like this one) with other riders just like me and when I get near their home town I call on them. Even if we are not seeing life eye to eye we have one common thread and that is the love of cycling and the knowledge that there is only one person who got your butt up the side of the French Alps or the Rocky Mountains.... Eitherway you have now earned the respect of that same person you befriended.
I would hope that someday somewhere I will meet people like myself (who enjoy the ride and enjoy the machine we both ride) and we can ride together and find that same common thread. Even if we do not see life eye to eye we can still trade information about riding, information about the machine, and maybe some kind words.
I hope you all have a good weekend. If your even in St. Louis Missouri, USA, look me up.
I don't http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/goofy.gif http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/lobby.gif
After finding this site of like minded riders, and having met many at a couple of different get togethers (see signature) I try to post to help others and try to keep even karma :lobby: since I have gotten so much information from here...I have been helped numerous times with information, parts for sale....This is a very well managed site with a great bunch of members :fing02:
I came to motorcycles later in life and know that I don't know what I need to know about motorcycles in general, and the VFR in particular. This site calls it like it sees it and keeps the mythology down to a minimum. Its an intelligent site without being snobby. We appreciate the great bikes that we have and use them the way that suits us. I am particularly impressed with the way this community took care of its leader when he had the work of countless hours of blood, sweat, and tears destroyed by others stupidity.
I post because I seem to like everybody that shows up here. The first 10 years of riding my 90 VFR were pretty limited in terms of people riding VFRs...youo just didn't see that many.
Finding people that appreciate the qualities of this bike often leads to more similar affinities, as far as lifestyle, work ethic, general demeanor, outlook, etc. We seem to share more than just bike choices. I wish I had the time and resources to go to the meets! One day, after school, I will.
I think Timmy is one of my favorite posters, as well. Love his sense of humor, and until here (VFRD) I thought my smallish circle of friends were the only 3 that knew of/appreciated the movie "Johny Dangerously" ("did you know your name is an adverb?").
BaileyRock is also one of my favorites. When I grow up, I want to have a garage like his! It looks so moto-tastic! He has a lift...and VFRs...
I am glad HS has the site ( I think he resurrected it? I was a member maybe 5 years ago, but there was a crash? and change of hands?). Many thanks to all who post here, and I wish I could meet you- all.
Cheers!
I don't know what is it about this forum that has managed to bring some very special people in one place.
I hesitate to ascribe this to the bike, but see no other culprit here other than perhaps the way this forum is run.
Although I've met a great many folks from here I don't post often but have always been reading what's posted. Like I've told so many others I already modded my bike, picked my oil and tires so I don't have a whole lot else to say! :)
Are you telling me there are other websites availble???
:laughing6-hehe:
I came across VFRD by chance, never felt the need to look up other VFR sites.
Skuuter lured me into SEMF, but we got Olive here in return. NOT a bad trade eh?
I post to get and give info, to interact with my friends, occasionally buy and sell moto-related stuff - and sometimes just to give people "the business", but only in fun of course. :biggrin:
The members here make this my favorite riding forum on the web. I've made some great friends here, including several I've ridden and hung out with over the last few years. I wouldn't trade those friendships for anything. :fing02:
...Well, I might be persuaded to trade them for a new Duc Desmosedici RR. I mean, I can always make new friends, right? :laugh: (Just kidding, folks!)
Please once I got offended going to another website and reading on it about vfrd and how bad we were. I don't want to end up in the same situation in reverse. I appreciate the candor, the suggestions, and even the criticism but I don't want to offend members of other websites by bashing on them here. We are all motorcyclist after all we have that in common.
[image: View Post]Dutchy, on 05 November 2010 - 09:36 AM, said:
Are you telling me there are other websites availble???
:laughing6-hehe:
I came across VFRD by chance, never felt the need to look up other VFR sites.
Skuuter lured me into SEMF, but we got Olive here in return. NOT a bad trade eh?
.......... :laughing6-hehe: .........I'm still here because I have lotsa' Super Great Friends here, it's a Fantastic Motorcycle Website, and "so far" Management hasn't decided to pull the plug on me yet....... :laughing6-hehe: :fing02:
[image: View Post]97VFR750, on 05 November 2010 - 04:38 AM, said:
And I'm asking the question, why here? Is it the community, the forum, the way this forum is managed? Let's hear it...there's a reason why everyone posts here, instead of other sportbike forums, or even vfrworld (no hate here).
Discuss
Vince (97VFR750)
I guess it's because I'm a bit of a masochist. I enjoy the brain damage.
Enough people who like to tinker with their VFR's to make it interesting, people who treat each other with respect even if they don't share the same opinions, and a strict focus on relevant motorcycle topics only.
[image: View Post]HispanicSlammer, on 05 November 2010 - 09:58 AM, said:
Please once I got offended going to another website and reading on it about vfrd and how bad we were. I don't want to end up in the same situation in reverse. I appreciate the candor, the suggestions, and even the criticism but I don't want to offend members of other websites by bashing on them here. We are all motorcyclist after all we have that in common.
I believe that what Miguel said above is THE major reason this site works so well. Sure we all have a love for motorcycling and the VFR, but common interest does not produce kindness. This site is managed with a great balance of freedom and law. We are free to interact how we please...within the law. Without the law, aka the forum rules, this forum would be no different than the rest. But it is. It was well thought through from the beginning. I, for one, am thankful to belong to a site that is not littered with offensive speech, arrogance, and ignorance. Thank you to those who keep the site from slipping down that slope.
I like a lot of things about this site, most of which have already been expressed. One thing I did not see mentioned was the strict lack of tolerance for political diatribes. That's a good thing, because nothing ever good comes out of it. I know, because I made that mistake early on shortly after joining. Now that I've been around a while, I appreciate why it's the way it is.
[image: View Post]97VFR750, on 05 November 2010 - 04:38 AM, said:
For almost 2 years now I have been enjoying countless threads on this forum, anything ranging from just shootin the breeze to serious threads regarding lifestyle changes (ex. family choices, business decisions, giving up riding, wrecks....)
And I'm asking the question, why here? Is it the community, the forum, the way this forum is managed? Let's hear it...there's a reason why everyone posts here, instead of other sportbike forums, or even vfrworld (no hate here).
Discuss
Vince (97VFR750)
I used to post quite a bit on VFRworld, and early on say mbe 3 years ago, I considered it home. Just thought it was way laid back a most characters was pretty cool. Still though there really wasnt much depth on the technical side, and I’m just a creature of habit, I got to know some people over there and things were cool. With VFRD, I was kinda stranger to at the time. But over time VFRworld intelligence level went to about kindergarten and there were ridiculous flame wars. Also it just seems to attract trolls and sometimes I call it “the newbie channel”. (No offense to new riders here) Then also there are certain post ho individuals who get insulted if you ask how’s and why’s they did the mods on their bike a certain way, and sometimes they say they did mods and wont discuss what they were, (jeez what a sensitive ego) .. �.. I am just a curious geek and like to discuss stuff.
I just wanna talk intelligently about bike stuff with equally or more technically geeky bike fooles like myself. I don’t want to have a fricken flame war about a topic, just some tech competence. Then throw in some fun, some humor, a mbe just a bit of respect for fellow posters. --- Hey that sounds like VFRD.
(Yeah, I don’t go over to VFRworld anymore.)
First: HS doesn't put up with very much BS.! From my observation, most VFR owners are above average intelligence and continually strive to better themselves and their equipment. There is a great bunch of people on this forum. As has been stated, there is humor, sympathy, compassion, a proper amount of bs and harassment. I do believe that there is a high level of technical understanding and abilities on this forum. Most of the time when a request is made, there is info in short order. I don't know of any other forum that has as good of trip reports consistently. Plenty of pics, plenty of video, and good commentary by most everyone but me. :biggrin: :biggrin: PS. It's also worldwide. The members have posted trip reports from places that I will never get to see. Huge plus.
I was originally a little put off by the moderation but have really come to appreciate it, especially considering the 'other' site's level of moderation. It's the equivalent to having a local watering hole where everyone gets along peacefully, in no small part to the smiling, friendly barkeep who keeps a big bat under the counter vs. a wild west saloon where a shootout could erupt at any moment. HS sets the tone here and the one topic focus is obviously appreciated enough that he got a new bike. Can't state it any simpler than that, keep it up! :beer:
Because of the forum management (which at first put me off as well, coming from less restricted sites), the respectful environment, the absolute lack of political and religious threads/discussion, and the wealth of information and nice peeps on this forum. We are very fortunate to have such a great site dedicated to our motorcycle model. Viva VFRD!
[image: View Post]jaimev34, on 05 November 2010 - 09:11 PM, said:
Because of the forum management (which at first put me off as well, coming from less restricted sites),
This board is NOT as strict as one might think. 99 percent of forums with this many members is a drag because of the moderators. I know of a different board (not bike related) that is so draconian, every single post starts with a paragraph pleaing for mercy about the title, or the correct forum or the newsworthyness of the topic. Those places will get you banned if the mods dont like your content, not for breaking the rules. About half the posts end up with "NNT" No New Threads, or a ban or the mods editing your thread.
Here, its called "policing by consent", where the populous pretty much governs itself.
I keep expecting for people to shut me down when I post up stupid questions, and nobody does. They just keep give me solutions and offer help. How can you not keep posting when the website is so useful and people so nice? http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif Plus, I find quite a few threads are funny, so it does have entertainment value too, especially when work gets boring.... -ahem..cough ahem.....
In any case, I hope I can return the favor and help people out eventually in the future as much as they've helped me. http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif Thanks guys!!
[image: View Post]timmythecop, on 05 November 2010 - 10:39 PM, said:
[image: View Post]jaimev34, on 05 November 2010 - 09:11 PM, said:
Because of the forum management (which at first put me off as well, coming from less restricted sites),
This board is NOT as strict as one might think. 99 percent of forums with this many members is a drag because of the moderators. I know of a different board (not bike related) that is so draconian, every single post starts with a paragraph pleaing for mercy about the title, or the correct forum or the newsworthyness of the topic. Those places will get you banned if the mods dont like your content, not for breaking the rules. About half the posts end up with "NNT" No New Threads, or a ban or the mods editing your thread.
Here, its called "policing by consent", where the populous pretty much governs itself.
Compared to the two previous sites I was affiliated with, this site is stricter, but I like it. Most of the threads at the last site I frequented (for VFRs as well, although I'm not naming any names :biggrin: ) turned into hostile arguments with name calling and eventual thread closure. There may be many more strictly-moderated sites than this one, but I haven't frequented those, so I can't opine.
Like I stated earlier, I like the "policing" because this narrows the discussion to motorcycle-related topics only. No talking about the latest political scandal, which leads to arguments and attacks. Things are friendlier here because of this. Our love of bikes, among a sea of differences, is what we have in common.
[image: View Post]gll429, on 05 November 2010 - 09:33 AM, said:
because being deaf makes it a real pain in the butt when 15676 people stat talking to me.
this way i can keep the bad breath and funny accents to a minimum.. and a distance.. while still enjoying good chatts with good people. :goofy:
chu talkin' to me ese!?
You hit 2 of the 3 nails; This is an evolved way to gather info and not be out at some garage while 10 people shout and another 10 are too drunk to hear anything. This happened on the last Wedn. meeting we had of the local sportour club.
And the only sober guy kept going on about religion. Sheesh!, -and there's a 3 day ride to Manzanillo this weekend to plan on. Altho 2 members have houses at the beach, doubt that I'll go. And the other local club is worse. Compulsive fees, twitchy 22 year olds out to prove something on replica 600s. No thanks.
As to why this one, a fellow canuck posted;
[image: View Post]PolarBear, on 05 November 2010 - 10:47 PM, said:
Well, let's see.
I keep expecting for people to shut me down when I post up stupid questions, and nobody does. They just keep give me solutions and offer help. How can you not keep posting when the website is so useful and people so nice?
In any case, I hope I can return the favor and help people out eventually in the future as much as they've helped me. http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif Thanks guys!!
C
And I completely agree. ↑ This is why. ↑
-Hugo B.
PS; Miguel, I'd never think anyone at another board would be offended by anything posted here, and if they did, It'd only serve to identify someone who is not mature enough to use a forum. Just sayin'.
It's a good community here. Everyone is helpful and respectful of one another. I haven't posted w/ much frequency over the past year, but still enjoy reading the threads. Someday I hope to sign the Flaf. I understand its been lost, but hopefully its been found (or reincarnated).
HS does great work with keeping the site running, IP.Board updated, and keeping the site tastefully themed. The moderators are cool and make sure that things don't get out of hand. All in all, it's a great crowd. I couldn't imagine going anywhere else to read up on VFR activity.
Compared to the CBR site I visit, this place is a breath of fresh air. :fing02:
Good humour, good info... and no bashing, which may be funny once in a while, but gets sooo tiresome.
Like a few others here, this is one of a number of forums that I check on a daily basis (8 tabs pop up when I open Firefox, 7 forums and one is my school). When I pick up a hobby or have something I need to research I usually look for forums before anything else. This forum and my local one I will take the time to look for new posts everytime I open the browser, the others I usually will look at once a day or two. When I was researching the VFR before buying many of my searches ended up here, so I figured it was a good place to join. Honestly I suppose it could have just as easily been World that I fell upon (I am a lurker over there as I have only posted 11 times), but I didn't (and now yall are stuck with me) and can say that I've enjoyed being a part of this community. The meets are the best thing in my book. I used to go to events with the Nissan club I was a part of years ago and had missed that. HS, it was great meeting and talking with you at TMac this year, thanks for keeping this place running so smoothly (and thanks to the mods as well). I guess I should answer the original question........cause I have ADD and need something to occupy my mind. LOL.
although i don't post much on VFRD, It is by far the best motorcycle specific website out there. the fact that its supported by members contributions instead of advertisers speaks volumes of the type of forum and members it has. HS has done a great job!
[image: View Post]97VFR750, on 05 November 2010 - 04:38 AM, said:
For almost 2 years now I have been enjoying countless threads on this forum, anything ranging from just shootin the breeze to serious threads regarding lifestyle changes (ex. family choices, business decisions, giving up riding, wrecks....)
And I'm asking the question, why here? Is it the community, the forum, the way this forum is managed? Let's hear it...there's a reason why everyone posts here, instead of other sportbike forums, or even vfrworld (no hate here).
Discuss
Vince (97VFR750)
Hey Vince,
It looks like you might eclipse my 120+ responses to my "disappearance" during my epic ride. But that brings me to your question. I'm continually here because it is a group of people who are helpful, sensitive, knowledgeable, and helpful beyond expectation. Some have called it "the library" vs another site they call "the neighborhood bar" If it weren't for this site I wouldn't have met you and so many other with whom I have ridden. I wouldn't have found my present bike or its hard bags. I wouldn't have been saved from being stranded now twice. It's like home. Glad you asked
I post up because this is sort of like a FACEBOOK that I actually want to read. I'm tired of reading about neighborhood folks about to go to a movie or take a dump or ... Anyway it's actually fun to help folks or be helped by the folks on here.
Later, I have to take a dump. Will you guys all join my mafia?
[image: View Post]PolarBear, on 05 November 2010 - 10:47 PM, said:
Well, let's see.
I keep expecting for people to shut me down when I post up stupid questions, and nobody does. They just keep give me solutions and offer help. How can you not keep posting when the website is so useful and people so nice? http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif Plus, I find quite a few threads are funny, so it does have entertainment value too, especially when work gets boring.... -ahem..cough ahem.....
In any case, I hope I can return the favor and help people out eventually in the future as much as they've helped me. http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif Thanks guys!!
C
wait...you ask stupid questions??? :unsure:
i dont put you down because A) i like helping people, and B) I :laughing6-hehe: .. its good my my health to laugh that hard! :lobby:
[image: View Post]mello dude, on 05 November 2010 - 05:52 PM, said:
[image: View Post]97VFR750, on 05 November 2010 - 04:38 AM, said:
For almost 2 years now I have been enjoying countless threads on this forum, anything ranging from just shootin the breeze to serious threads regarding lifestyle changes (ex. family choices, business decisions, giving up riding, wrecks....)
And I'm asking the question, why here? Is it the community, the forum, the way this forum is managed? Let's hear it...there's a reason why everyone posts here, instead of other sportbike forums, or even vfrworld (no hate here).
Discuss
Vince (97VFR750)
I used to post quite a bit on VFRworld, and early on say mbe 3 years ago, I considered it home. Just thought it was way laid back a most characters was pretty cool. Still though there really wasnt much depth on the technical side, and I�m just a creature of habit, I got to know some people over there and things were cool. With VFRD, I was kinda stranger to at the time. But over time VFRworld intelligence level went to about kindergarten and there were ridiculous flame wars. Also it just seems to attract trolls and sometimes I call it �the newbie channel�. (No offense to new riders here) Then also there are certain post ho individuals who get insulted if you ask how�s and why�s they did the mods on their bike a certain way, and sometimes they say they did mods and wont discuss what they were, (jeez what a sensitive ego) .. �.. I am just a curious geek and like to discuss stuff.
I just wanna talk intelligently about bike stuff with equally or more technically geeky bike fooles like myself. I don�t want to have a fricken flame war about a topic, just some tech competence. Then throw in some fun, some humor, a mbe just a bit of respect for fellow posters. --- Hey that sounds like VFRD.
(Yeah, I don�t go over to VFRworld anymore.)
[image: View Post]gll429, on 06 November 2010 - 10:12 PM, said:
wait...you ask stupid questions??? :unsure:
i dont put you down because A) i like helping people, and B) I :laughing6-hehe: .. its good my my health to laugh that hard! :lobby:
Yeah, that b) reason is the "entertaining" I was referring to earlier.... I'm sure that the better mechanics on this site (nope, not me!!) shake their heads when someone like me asks something like "Where does this hose go"?!???! I did several months ago about hose that connect somewhere on another motorcycle (an old Kawa 550) and you told me they were useless, really, and I sure laughed for a while about this. So, I stopped worrying about it..... http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif But I'm glad I entertained you too!! http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif
In any case, let me go back to my shiraz here; it IS Saturday night after all.... http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/beer.gif It's all good.
Good, clean, (mostly) mature interaction over a common interest. The tech and ride reports are the best, and we don't argue too much about which tires are the best.
I forgot to add in my earlier post: I've never been lambasted for my stupid questions about wrenching on the bike. I'm not the most mechanically inclined person, but I'm trying to learn and if you can't find it through searching, the folks here are generally happy to help out. It's one of the reasons I'm a financial contributor to the forum - the knowledge-base here has saved me literally hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars performing my own maintenance and mods instead of shelling out $$ to have someone else do it...