I left this thread till today to read it. Quite interesting indeed. Original gser has some very valid points. I, as a 5year gser will probably considered by some as a relative newcomer to the gs scene,35 years biking though, whilst I look upon newer converts, especially since the lwr programme, to be jumping on the bandwagon. Cant help it, its just wot my wee brain tells me to think.
Unfortunately this opinion is unavoidable when there is a strong social element involved around a particular pastime and it gets too big to be cosy.
Whilst we all fall into the trap of wearing clothing and fitting accessories which are praised and endorsed by fellow members, some are "more enthusiastic" than others and tend to make a mockery of what is supposed to be an individualistic and somewhat rebelious mode of transport. Outsiders might think we look kinda funny when a group of fully loaded gsers go past on their 50 mile ride out, with enough gear on to go twice round the world. Fortunately there is enough of us who do use the bikes for their intended purpose to validate the image. And yes, I consider myself to be in the lower end of this group.
The problem for me, and presumably, Mr original gs, is when you do see a brand new shiny gs with all the trappings, with the rider decked out in all the matching bmw gear on, right down to the gs gloves and shiney plastic boots, it does sometimes smack of "lifestyle choice"..... doesnt it ? 6 months down the line, some will maybe move on to golf, some will stay. Some will always have been here, but have upgraded.
As for forums. This is a tricky one to comment on without offending some folk.
Ask yourself, if someone gave you this choice. Its either the forum or the bike. Some of you would choose the forum. You would!, dont kid yourself. You know who you are.
Im sure there is a sizeable amount of members for whom this forum is their chief means of social intercourse. Many of you have not had so many "friends" since before the children came along. ( not me, ive always been popular). A lot of you dont have a GS, or indeed any other form of bike. Nowt wrong with that, just a little bizzare. Tell me why someone?
A lot of "real gsers", who go to far flung places and in all sort of weather, real bikers, spend an awful lot of their spare time glued to the screen, waiting for someone to say something. For me its like having someone visit the house to have a chat about bikes and things, but you dont have to give them biscuits and coffee. Nowt wrong with that either.
I think Mr original gser is a bit like most of us. Protective of what he feels is his domain and resents people joining it and diluting his wee bit of individualism. Or maybe he is just trying to stir things up a bit, which he has, judging by the knee jerk defensive insults which were hurled at him. Shame on you all, I thought that we were better than that.
Finally, can ANY biker resist looking at their reflection in the shop windows .... of course you cant .... and yer a liar if you say you dont !!
Does any of that make any sense ?
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That's just the body not the mind. 
and 10% your kind 
.... 
