# When mods go bad - mr. Norman, do check in **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 2, 2001, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482 "2001-04-02T13:06:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2001, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/61 "2001-06-09T16:24:00Z")
> [@](#): > > I asked a girlfriend once why she liked Harley’s so much, she said it’s like riding a 70 horsepower vibrator! Like I said, wanna keep the girls on the back? Get a niiiiiiiiiiice comfy seat. She’ll ride there for hours. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2001, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/62 "2001-06-10T23:02:04Z")
Hey, I’m not buying a bike to pick up _girls_! Do you think I would be THAT shallow? Well, OK, if it turns out to be a chick magnet, I’ll consider it a nice bonus. 😉 No Harley for me, Diane. I like a bike with a turn radius slightly _under_ three hundred yards, thankyouverymuch. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![TheLoadedDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@TheLoadedDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLoadedDog)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2001, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/63 "2001-06-11T00:12:01Z")
**Coldy** , you simply _can’t_ ride a powerful bike. You’re a **mod** , remember? Vespa it is for you! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![The\_Mermaid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a183cd/32.png) [@The\_Mermaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Mermaid)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2001, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/64 "2001-06-11T00:55:01Z")
Damn damn damn Now I’ve got visions of Coldfire in leather, S.Norman in leather and 70 horsepower vibrators all running through my filthly filthy mind. :joins Arden and Falcon in the drooling section: 😃 ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2001, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/65 "2001-06-11T04:44:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Diane \* > \*\*WTF is up with all these wimpy **foreigner** bikes, get a HARLEY! 😉 > > As someone who rode on the back of her exhusband’s for more than a few years, get a nice padded seat if you wanna keep the chickies on the back. \*\* To him, a harley is a foreigner bike. I would have to disagree with the last part of your post, as I used to run a thin little P-Pad on the back of my bike, and the chickies loved it…especially second gear. On at least one occasion I had one climax on the back of the bike. I have friend who had a P-Pad made with half a golf ball in the middle of it(this same guy recently went to Mexico, and the only phrase he learned before he went was “What is the girl doing after she is finished with the donkey?”) Now on a long trip, I could see your point… ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2001, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/66 "2001-06-11T04:46:47Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Coldfire \* > \*\* > No Harley for me, Diane. I like a bike with a turn radius slightly _under_ three hundred yards, thankyouverymuch. 😃 \*\* I’ll have you know, my Shovelhead will turn under 300 yards…course the running boards scrape a little… ---
**Author:** ![fnord1966](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ad7895/32.png) [@fnord1966](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fnord1966)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2001, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/67 "2001-06-11T05:24:53Z")
I want a bike too. I have been looking at a Ducati 996R. sweet looking bike and fast too. Only problem is no second seat, and they are rather expensive. There is a 1989 Ducati 750 Desmio in my city for $5800 U.S. only 5900 miles on it. One of only 200 in the United States. I would buy it just to have it, but it isnt my style. One of Aprilia’s superbikes would be nice too. ---
**Author:** ![Monster104](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Monster104](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monster104)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2001, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/68 "2001-06-11T05:42:36Z")
My friend got 74 stitches on his arm when his motorcycle slipped on a bunch of gravel and broken glass. My advice to you? Don’t fall. ---
**Author:** ![JillGat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9fc29f/32.png) [@JillGat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JillGat)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2001, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/69 "2001-06-11T06:41:28Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Arden Ranger \* > \*\*Ya know, giggling like a schoolgirl really detracts from that bad boy image you’re looking for, **Coldfire**. \*\* So does taking a class in how to ride. Though I support this idea - don’t get me wrong. What I think is cute is how the bikers here in the US, the real rebel-types, ride in groups with matching outfits. I saw a bunch of Harley riders in the Jemez mountains here in New Mexico today. They had matching vests with Harley logos on them. I pictured them calling each other that morning saying, “What are you gonna wear? What color bandana?” Talk about school girls. ---
**Author:** ![UncleBeer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/977dab/32.png) [@UncleBeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBeer)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2001, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/70 "2001-06-11T11:45:29Z")
Harley? Coldy don’t want no damn Harley. Those are for _old_ men, aren’t they? They must be; my father, who is 70 years old, bought a Harley last fall. ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2001, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/71 "2001-06-11T13:04:20Z")
> [@](#): > > To him, a harley is a foreigner bike. Yeah, I kind of figured that when I met him in his quaint little village of Amsterdam last March. 😛 Oh, the cute accent kinda gave it away too. ---
**Author:** ![lawoot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/35a633/32.png) [@lawoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lawoot)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2001, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/72 "2001-06-11T13:30:18Z")
Check THIS thing out: [http://www.marineturbine.com/y2kinnov.htm](http://www.marineturbine.com/y2kinnov.htm) the engine in basically a turbine off a helicopter. It SOUNDS like a helicopter. It runs on DIESEL Performance : Estimated Top Speed: 250 mph 1/4 Mile: 9.80 @ 160 mph 0-200 mph in 15.0 sec. All this for only 150,000 US$ ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2001, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/73 "2001-06-11T15:41:48Z")
WOO HOOOOOOO!! Way To Go, **Clogboy**!! Who are you kidding? You are SO gonna be a chick magnet on wheels. Vrooom Vrooooom is right! Congrats, hon!! * * * Jeg elsker dig, Thomas ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2001, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/74 "2001-06-11T20:54:23Z")
Thanks for the support, guys. I’ll try not to fall off, Monster104. And if I do, I promise to be properly shielded. With leather. Yes, ladies. Leather. No Harley for me: I’ve already agreed to purchase a friends Yamaha Diversion 600 when I get my license. It’s known as the Seca II in the US. Johnny LA has one, and he speaks highly of it. It’s not a racer, just a comfy tourer with not too much power - 61 BHP IIRC. Enough to outrun most cars, and that’s what it’s all about. 😉 (I’ll probably curse it for being slow whenever I go cruising with Mr. Norman. Yikes… a 748 it ain’t!) A slight bummer: it’s very busy at the CBR (the Dutch DMV), which means I can’t take my practical exam anywhere before late September. :eek: I’m getting a final date in about ten days. I’ll keep you posted! _Vrrrrrrroooooommmmmm…_ 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![manhattan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manhattan/32/7_2.png) [@manhattan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manhattan)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2001, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/75 "2001-06-11T21:18:15Z")
Heh. The NY DMV is telling me the same crap. I’ll have completed my lessons (despite _five_, count’em, _five_ rain-outs) tomorrow, so I’ve hired an expeditor to get me an earlier date. My dealership wants to shoot me, since I’m supposed to have taken delivery by now. But they’ll live. ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2001, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/76 "2001-06-11T23:53:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Coldfire \*\*\* > It’s known as the Seca II in the US. Johnny LA has one, and he speaks highly of it. > _Vrrrrrrroooooommmmmm…_ 🙂 \*\* The seca is a good bike, I did a carb rebuild on one one time…The guy died on it about a week later, but the thing ran great. ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2001, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/77 "2001-06-12T09:27:10Z")
Gee, thanks bdgr! I know I’m buying an absolute winner now! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Monster104](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Monster104](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monster104)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2001, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/78 "2001-06-12T09:58:10Z")
I want to get a motorcycle now. ---
**Author:** ![kabbes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e99b99/32.png) [@kabbes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kabbes)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2001, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/79 "2001-06-12T10:22:17Z")
God, me too. I’ve always been 100% dead-set against bikes. My Dad’s cousin and closest friend was killed on one when he was just 18 (and it wasn’t his fault either) and his consequent attitude totally rubbed off on me. But one bike thread and I’m suddenly imagining being on that… that… _thing_ **mannie** linked to, riding in the open countryside. Whew! ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_Doris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5ac83/32.png) [@Sir\_Doris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_Doris)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2001, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482/80 "2001-06-12T12:34:20Z")
My boss has gone from a Moto Guzzi to a Diversion, and does he ever feel the need to justify himself … I mentioned this thread to him just now over a beer, and he is very positive about the Diversion being reliable, easy to handle etc. And importantly, he can upright it by himself if necessary. It just doesn’t pull as many biker-chicks as the Guzzi … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-go-bad-mr-norman-do-check-in/60482.md?page=5)