What's wrong with Harleys?

[JustinOhio]

I posted this somewhere else but I'll say it again here... The only crap that has been talked to me about my M50 are from people that you run into somewhere and are NOT on a bike. They either claim to own a HD, used to own a HD, or have never owned a bike BUT if they did they would only ever buy a HD. I've never ran into a HD rider who was actually with his bike that's had something bad to say to me, quite the opposite, most compliment my bike. Now there are the occasional Harley riders who don't wave but it's pretty rare, maybe 1 in 20? Whenever people play the "American made" card my very next question to them is "What kind of television do you own?" That always shuts people right up.

I started riding last spring on my first bike which was a used YZF-600R (sportbike). I owned it until August and got a cruiser. I have to say though, all last summer, it seemed like the snobby people were the ones on sportbikes, at least in my experience (no offense if you ride one). It's like if you have a cruiser you're an old guy who's from a different planet and there's nothing you have in common so don't even bother wasting their time talking to them, and if you're on a sportbike they're just sizing you up and making snide comments about who's probably faster. I did meet a couple nice people on sportbikes but most of the others were just snobby kids. I'm glad I got out of that and got into a cruiser and I couldn't be happier with my choice...

As far as Metric vs Harley.. I really believe that Japanese build a better bike. I think they put a lot more research into the technology (this goes for a lot of products too, not just bikes). I've had some Harley owners agree with me on that one too. But like someone said earlier, we should all just ride and have fun for what it is. I'm done rambling now.

-Justin

[Colorado Cajun]

Originally Posted by JustinOhio

I posted this somewhere else but I'll say it again here... The only crap that has been talked to me about my M50 are from people that you run into somewhere and are NOT on a bike. They either claim to own a HD, used to own a HD, or have never owned a bike BUT if they did they would only ever buy a HD. I've never ran into a HD rider who was actually with his bike that's had something bad to say to me, quite the opposite, most compliment my bike. Now there are the occasional Harley riders who don't wave but it's pretty rare, maybe 1 in 20? Whenever people play the "American made" card my very next question to them is "What kind of television do you own?" That always shuts people right up.


-Justin

Same here. I had a guy in a piece 'O' crap truck yell at me from about 100 yards away to get a real bike. I just turned around and stared at him. I wasn't going to stoop down to his level and start yelling back and forth.
Next time some a.s.s. wipe says that, and they are closer, I have it planed what I'm going to tell them. That is; Where is your real (What ever they are driving)? Is it in your garage with your real bike? That should shut them up.

[POE-BOY SAMICH]

Originally Posted by Colorado Cajun

Same here. I had a guy in a piece 'O' crap truck yell at me from about 100 yards away to get a real bike. I just turned around and stared at him. I wasn't going to stoop down to his level and start yelling back and forth.
Next time some a.s.s. wipe says that, and they are closer, I have it planed what I'm going to tell them. That is; Where is your real (What ever they are driving)? Is it in your garage with your real bike? That should shut them up.

You could always say,
"I can't afford a real bike. I spend all my money on your wife!"

[bat4255]

I found, The ones with the Biggest mouth, Ride the Least.

[geoffsimpson]

I've never had an issue with the bikes, in fact I quite like them. I just can't afford one and don't really see the value. But I agree that the only issue most of us or anybody for that matter would have is that many harley riders are "posers". Not all though, in fact it's the older riders that have never said anything at all. Why should anybody care what you ride...I don't get it. It's all in the attitude I suppose.

[TumbleWeed]

if I had a nickle for every time one of my bikes was called a "geezer" glide or some such nonsense, I could afford another one! (yay!) If it is any comfort, my CB650 custom got the same reaction. I don't know what is wrong with folks, can't we just all ride together? (exceptions to company with faster bikes granted.) As for my trade in with the king...suffice to say I had a few trinkets that added considerably to the value, which isn't hard to do if you visit the hundred-dollar store often enough.

[omegajim]

bat4255

I found, The ones with the Biggest mouth, Ride the Least.

......you said a mouthful. The regular riders may have some disdain for the metrics, but we're bikers and not cagers (as the Brits say) when it comes right down it.

[SpeedCostsMoney]

I have seen ignorance and stupidly on both sides of the fence, sports bike riders and HD riders in the like. Sports bike guys ridding down the highway at 100+ doing wheelies and HD riders cruising around with a rag on their head and their matching (I can’t see you) leather garb. I see both sides never wear their helmets.

I took my MSF class last weekend and have a funny story. A married couple in their 40’s where there Mid-life crises is in full effect. The guy had a Go-T, ear ring, and all the matching HD apparel. The woman was sporting a HD half shirt with her belly button pierced as if she was still 20. She also was wearing tight jeans with leather chaps, HD boots, HD gloves, and a HD bandana. When they first arrived I thought it was still Halloween.

I’m glad they took the course, because the dude just bought a HD Road King. The road king is a 1500cc bike a great one for beginners, especially for someone who is having difficulty mastering the MSF basic. They also complained the whole time; did I mention they never had ridden before? I don’t have the experience in ridding to point any fingers but I found it funny all the same.

[4dtvman]

Originally Posted by SpeedCostsMoney

I have seen ignorance and stupidly on both sides of the fence, sports bike riders and HD riders in the like. Sports bike guys ridding down the highway at 100+ doing wheelies and HD riders cruising around with a rag on their head and their matching (I can’t see you) leather garb. I see both sides never wear their helmets.

I took my MSF class last weekend and have a funny story. A married couple in their 40’s where there Mid-life crises is in full effect. The guy had a Go-T, ear ring, and all the matching HD apparel. The woman was sporting a HD half shirt with her belly button pierced as if she was still 20. She also was wearing tight jeans with leather chaps, HD boots, HD gloves, and a HD bandana. When they first arrived I thought it was still Halloween.

I’m glad they took the course, because the dude just bought a HD Road King. The road king is a 1500cc bike a great one for beginners, especially for someone who is having difficulty mastering the MSF basic. They also complained the whole time; did I mention they never had ridden before? I don’t have the experience in ridding to point any fingers but I found it funny all the same.

Stop stop my sides hurt so much.

I'm going to say it again I think that HD is a good looking bike but I would never bring my self to pay twice as much for a bike. Those people bought a HD not because it a good bike but for an ego statis.

One guy told me that the people that bad mouth HD are the people that can't afford. To pay cash the answer is no. To pay monthly payment the answer is yes. But there is other things I want to do with those monthly payments.

[hogvibrator]

no matter what u say its a hog not a jap bike.i ride in the dirt and u cant beat my cr250,but my hog looks better and sounds better.with the evo engine its reliable.01 roadking,97cr250,86cr250,88rm125,&78kz1000.

[4dtvman]

Originally Posted by hogvibrator

no matter what u say its a hog not a jap bike.i ride in the dirt and u cant beat my cr250,but my hog looks better and sounds better.with the evo engine its reliable.01 roadking,97cr250,86cr250,88rm125,&78kz1000.

I can't remember but I'll look for it but 60% of HD is made some were else besides the US. Honda Goldwing is made in the US so how is that a jap bike.

the japs must be doing something right because toyota the jap car that made in the US is out selling ford that alot of there parts are made by MAZDA. Welcome to the new world order.

[azoazc]

Actually Toyota is outselling everyone, WORLDWIDE. And check all the electrical and suspension components on that Harley. Made in where?

[robertc729]

Originally Posted by azoazc

Actually Toyota is outselling everyone, WORLDWIDE. And check all the electrical and suspension components on that Harley. Made in where?

China, with everything else.

[TumbleWeed]

OK...grammer notwithstanding, I understand HOG, and while parts are parts, a Harley will forever be a Harley, no substitutes, no matter how much it is imitated, no matter if it is entirely made in Japan...OH!, speaking of that, there is the part where the Davidson's sent the blueprints to Japan to get them started. Gotta love AMERICAN technology Now keep in mind that I will have to retract that statement entirely when HD puts radiators and shafts on the Electras in '08.

[azoazc]

Originally Posted by TumbleWeed

OK...grammer notwithstanding, I understand HOG, and while parts are parts, a Harley will forever be a Harley, no substitutes, no matter how much it is imitated, no matter if it is entirely made in Japan...OH!, speaking of that, there is the part where the Davidson's sent the blueprints to Japan to get them started. Gotta love AMERICAN technology Now keep in mind that I will have to retract that statement entirely when HD puts radiators and shafts on the Electras in '08.

No substitute? Only if you want the name. Other than that almost every company offer a superior motorcycle in any measurable category.

[IntruderCruiser]

I paid less than 12,000 for it.

[texrider]

They have trouble in turns???
Harley rider crosses the double yellow at Deal's Gap and dissapears - Google Video

[Uncle B]

not to tredjack

Originally Posted by texrider

They have trouble in turns???
Harley rider crosses the double yellow at Deal's Gap and dissapears - Google Video

"Rain, rain, go away..."

Tex I almost agree with you only let the lakes fill up first.

[texrider]

Originally Posted by Uncle B

not to tredjack


"Rain, rain, go away..."

Tex I almost agree with you only let the lakes fill up first.

...Mine's full...

[919Hooligan]

I love motorcycles in general. I think my 919 is a technological marvel. I think that the HD heritage Springer is one of the most beautiful bikes ever built, even if it does weigh 800 lbs. The only reason I've never owned a Harley is because of all the times I've been treated with the "Holier Than Thou" attitude by local Harley riders. I've met lots of nice ones too, but I've had so many people tell me that my bike is not a real motorcycle, people who don't even ride, that it makes me sick to my stomach at their ignorance, and it makes me not even want a Harley because I don't want "those people" talking to me if I bought one. HOWEVER, if Harley has the kahonis to go ahead and build this bike, it may be enough to change my mind. Check it out:
Harley-Davidson Shows Prototype XR1200 Sportster Street Motorcycle - Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine