Uncomfrotable encounters w/ the bike.

Im not used to the kind of attention owning a panigale brings. The bike gets compliments nearly everywhere it goes. Thats great and I love that other people can appreciate and recognize the same things I do. I welcome the compliments. But i've owned the bike for all of a week and ive had at least two uncomfortable encounters in that short time. I don't really know how to deal with these people.

Tonight, I watched some guy ive never met before fly into a parking spot next to the bike, hop out of his truck, circle my bike, and once he recognized I owned it, started running his mouth. "The bikes alright", "Lets race for pinks" "I have a 1098 I topped out at 225" blah blah blah. The same 1098, that according to him, came factory with a slipper clutch but was later updated to a dry for "increased power" (mind this is a full grown adult male)

I truly wish I had this on video for you guys.

Anyway, things get especially uncomfortable when he asks me how heavy the bike is and pitches my bike up off the kickstand to "feel it out" i guess? I have an incredibly hard time keeping my cool at this point.

Thats the equivalent of me appreciating someones car or home to the point that I just let myself in, isn't it? Maybe im overreacting?

Is this normal?! Does this happen to everyone? How should I handle this? I never imagined that a motorcycle would make a guy feel emasculated or challenged to this extent I guess.

Mind you're also a full grown male....... no disrespect

Just laugh it off, take it as a one off hopefully. A little over reaction maybe, but the guy sounds a bit odd. I personally would only allow someone to touch my bike with consent, just tell them/warn them off

Mutt1979 said:

Mind you're also a full grown male....... no disrespect

Just laugh it off, take it as a one off hopefully. A little over reaction maybe, but the guy sounds a bit odd. I personally would only allow someone to touch my bike with consent, just tell them/warn them off

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I think the verbal jockeying is hilarious. But its different when you're putting your hands on my things. Not making any assumptions about you, but I know personally nothing has ever been handed to me. I work especially hard for what I have. Because of that I have a strong respect for other peoples things and I expect it to be a two way street.

Maybe you're right. I could be too high strung about it. But do I laugh this kind of stuff off until someone drops it? Who's laughing when im footing the bill..

Their stories never bother me but I tell them not to touch, period.

I'm a little like Alan that was a character in the hangover.

'don't touch it don't even look at it go on get out'

No one has a right to invade your personal space and touch your stuff unless invited, I probably have a negative and non inviting character that keeps them at bay.

able duc said:

I'm a little like Alan that was a character in the hangover.

'don't touch it don't even look at it go on get out'

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"Ill hit an old man in public!"

tyguidry said:

I think the verbal jockeying is hilarious. But its different when you're putting your hands on my things. Not making any assumptions about you, but I know personally nothing has ever been handed to me. I work especially hard for what I have. Because of that I have a strong respect for other peoples things and I expect it to be a two way street.

Maybe you're right. I could be too high strung about it. But do I laugh this kind of stuff off until someone drops it? Who's laughing when im footing the bill..

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I'm the same, I also have respect for others and their property. I wouldn't dream of putting my leg over someone else bike without the nod. But I mean just try not to get bent up over it. There are some strange people out there. Basically you now own one of the most desirable bike out their, it will draw some attention.

Mutt1979 said:

Basically you now own one of the most desirable bike out their, it will draw some attention.

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ISO: vespa body kit for 1199

After reading Anti-Hero's thread a few years ago, I knew I would face the same popularity contest with the Panigale.

She is just such a good looking bike! People can't help themselves really.

someone touching my bikes without my permission is like me touching their wife without permission. You can just imagine what happens when I find someone sitting on them.

I've seen signs left on bikes when the owner is away stating "Thank you for admiring but please respect and do not touch"