Why are harleys still considered the Cadillac of motorcycles?

Question

Not that other bikes are bad but H.D. still have the name and recognition out on the street.

Answer 1

Because they are. It's a Harley thing, you won't understand until you own one.

Answer 2

You asked why they are "still" the Cadillac of bikes but that perception has really only started in the last 20 or so years and by some strange coincidence that is around the time the HD marketing machine started rolling out HD under wear, HD coasters, HD bed sheets, HD baby clothes, HD everything. They created a company that now only sells motorcycles as a means to get people interested in the merchandise that goes with it. While HD bikes are not bad bikes they are in no way the best at anything. Other bikes have better suspensions, better brakes, more powerful and more reliable engines. About the only thing the HD bikes have that others don't is the sound and that is only because other manufacturers refuse to make a push rod engine that was conceived decades ago.

Answer 3

Gimme a break. At this point, Harley's are so insanely commercialized, and everyone gets obsessed with buying tons of their authorized junk. And after they spend thousands on overpriced bikes, chrome, clothing and gear, Harley riders are convinced that they're part of "a family". I notice that Harley riders often don't wave out on the road unless you're riding a Harley too. That alone makes the whole Harley mystique really lame and sad. It's a motorcycle, people! Anyone riding a bike out on the road is part of a family! So that being said, who cares? Just get out on whatever bike you want and ride!

Answer 4

If you were talking about the price - Yes, I would definitely compare them to a Cadillac. I cannot talk about performance because I never had one - I think they are too obnoxious for someone like me since I do not own a car and I ride every day. About the performance I can tell you that they are not top of the line either - I watched on PINKS last night an 1984 Suzuki kick the but of 2003 HD V-Rod, the so-called muscle bike ate the dirt :))

Answer 5

American Made. The quality, sound, and ride are like no other. Also the feel of being out on the open road on a Harley gives a sense of pride.
I've been riding since I was 9 years old. I owned a 2003 Buell Firebolt because my husband wanted a "crotch rocket" and I wouldn't have anything else than a Harley. So we compromised. We loved the Buell. My next bike is an orange Cafe Racer Sportser 883R. Saving for it already!!!

Answer 6

It's a matter of perception actually. I've never considered Harely's to be anything but an old outdated motorcycle. Old technology fueled by an excellent marketing department selling a lifestyle and not a motorcycle. And it works. There are many, many motorcycle's that are technically superior to H-D's. The aforementioned Gold Wing comes to mind. BMW produces motorcycles that are among the classiest out there. I personally have a Suzuki Cavalcade that 20 years ago was produced with...air ride suspension and automatic leveling control...on board air compressor...AM-FM-Cassette player....lumbar support and air cushioned passenger seat...self canceling turn signals...cruise control...CB radio...1400cc's producing 112 horsepower. My 20 year old bike is more of a Cadillac that an H-D. Like I said...it's all a matter of perception, eh? P.S. FYI....I've owned H-D's before. Never again.

Answer 7

It is strictly a status thing. They claim to be the only "American Made Bike", but in reality there are more foreign made parts on a Harley than on the Honda Goldwing that is made in Ohio. If Harley's are the Cadillac, Goldwings are the Lamborgini of bikes.

Answer 8

Because, when someone sees an old person driving a big loud car with lots of chrome and big soft leather seats, they assume it's a Cadillac.

And, when someone sees an old person wearing black leather coat/vest, chaps and a half-helmet: riding a big loud motorcycle with lots of chrome and big soft leather seats, they assume its a Harley.

Because of an excellent marketing campaign, Harley is the name that non-riders think of when they look at any street bike.

Answer 9

Caddy was once the icon of quality and luxery in America and Harley still maintains that status, even if Cadillac does not.

Answer 10

I guess because Big Pimp's prefer both!!
Seriously, if Harley is the Cadillac of bikes, then I guess BMW's are... well, the BMW of motorcycles.
You can join the crowd.... or choose the rise above it!

Answer 11

They aren't. Only to the people that ride them. We all have our own opinions when it comes to our bikes. As far as I'm concerned, if your on two wheels your "doin it". Doesn't matter to me what you ride.... I've been "doin it" for 38yrs. Almost killed me but, still at it.

As far as name recognition...think of it like the catholic church. They got your grandfathers grandfather, father and mother. Now you. That's how Harley's marketing machine works...started over 100yrs ago.