Are Harleys worth the extra money?

Question

I heard Japanese bikes are better for the money

Answer 1

It depends, if your speaking strickly about reliability, and a good ride then a metric bike ( japanese cruiser) is way better and way cheaper, this is a fact not an opinion. However if your into image status, and 'american iron' then get the harley, what makes a harley expensive is not the hardware, it's the crome ebliem on the side of the tank. RUBs (rich urban bikers) hate this little fact but fact is it will get you through midlife crisis.

Answer 2

Technically, Harley's are not worth the money; You certainly get a much better "bang for the buck" with a Japanese bike. They have better technology, are more reliable, and in my opinion, a little better looking. However, Japanese bikes will never have the following Harley's have...they will never have the status of "the" bike. So you really have to ask yourself...does a Harley really melt your heart, and do you want to participate in the image, stereotypes, and cult of Harley? Or, are you looking on more realistic terms and want to stretch your dollar to buy the best bike possible with it? Only you know. You're going to get a million different answers, simply because there are those that swear by Harley, and in their eyes everything else is not even worth a second look, and will make any excuse detailing how a Harley is superior. Then, there are others who will relate their experiences with the brand they own, and of course, will give you a bias answer. Good luck with your search.

Answer 3

Japanese bikes are more reliable, faster, better engineered, less expensive, and much more creative, they just lack one thing, the Harley emblem. People will say that Harleys will keep their value longer but that s only the case if you buy at HD dealers. Outside the HD circles, the prices go way down. The truth is, most Harley riders wouldn t consider anything else. Buy a Victory or Indian rather than a Harley. The truth is, all newer HD machines copy the Japanese (proof: the V-Rod and Street models). If the old push rod engines are so good, why are the new HD s copies of Japanese bikes. Posers and old fogies, just keep your Harleys and just pretend that they are special.

Answer 4

If you spend the extra on a Harley and look after it, you won't lose that money.

Harleys are something different and special, like most high value classic cars, they don't stand up to scrutiny on paper for performance, technology, reliability or ridability, but when you ride a Harley, it has character and personality, something missing from most Japanese bikes of today.

So I guess the answer is :
Technically - No
Emotionally - Definately Yes
Resale Value - Yes

Answer 5

Yes and no. You aren't getting a better bike for the money. In fact, popular opinion is just the opposite.

But supposedly harleys retain their value longer.

Part of what you're paying for is image. If that matters to you, then they'd be worth the extra money for you.

Answer 6

Japanese bikes are way better for the money. Harleys have become more reliable since the days of AMF though. Its mostly thanks to alot of Japanese parts on the new Harleys. You know, stuff like carbs, forks, ignition system....the list goes on.
The bottom line though. Get yourself a Suzuki and Burn The Edge!

Answer 7

It depends on what you want to do. Harleys are ment to be road and shown. Japanese bikes are ment to be thrashed and raced. You would be more comfortable in a Harley if you plan on driving it any lengthy distance.

Answer 8

they are faster ,off the production line, they are cheeeeper in price.the *** bikes. BUT if you ever get a HARLEY of your own you will understand i have 2 .yep I'm a yuppie on a HARLEY FLHTCU...and a 1200 SPORTSTER . also i still have my old water Buffalo. it sits in the garage. yes HARLEY'S are worth the money. THEY HOLD THERE RESALE VALUE ,IF YOU SELL IT....but a HARLEY becomes part of your family after a while.

Answer 9

Need to know your purpose for buying a bike, but my first reaction is - If you have to ask that question, no, they are probably not a 'best buy'. Most of those who keep their Harleys don't do so for performance reasons.

Answer 10

If you ride dirt or want to bounce off the gaurd rails on canyon roads get a rice burner. I rode them for years. When you grow up you can get a Harley or a similar american V-twin. Nothing beats the feel of a big torquy V-twin. Additionally they hold their value better and if you want to customize you have a world of options