They're not. They cost much, much more to buy ,to insure, to maintain and to drive(premium gas only) And they're not as fast, as agile, as dependable, as reliable or as attractive as a Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki or Yamaha counterpart. Harley's are for one kind of person - SUCKERS.
2006-12-18 13:25:22 · 30 answers · asked by Child 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Harley Davidson motorcycles are just that, Harley Davidson motorcycles. I work on all brands every day. Jap bikes run faster, more efficient, are easier to work on, parts are cheaper and last longer, they ride better, feel better, are more dependable and will be around for ever. Despite this, I ride my harley with pride every day and wouldn't trade it for anything. Yeah, I guess I'm a sucker.
2006-12-19 15:33:08 · answer #1 · answered by Curt V 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The best way to see how well a bike is really made is to see what condition it is in after years of use.
Compare a 10 year old Japanese bike to a 10 year old Harley. If both bikes had similar care, the Harley will be in better condition and will be worth more.
Go out to 25 years. If you can even find a 25 year old Japanese bike, it will be pretty used up. A 25 year old Harley may have needed some maintenance, but is still rideable.
Go out another 25 years. There are still many 50+ year old Harleys out there. Like the Energizer Bunny, they keep going and going and going...
2006-12-19 08:37:50 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Jack 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I wonder, Reb. Judging from this question and the two that came after it, who crapped in your Cheerios? Sounds like you have a real 'tude, dude, about anyone that doesn't conform to your narrow minded thinking.
Let's address them in order:
1) Yes they DO cost more. A co-worker (Honda Shadow 1100) and I went riding through Carbon Canyon in Brea. When we got back to his house, his comment was "I paid half as much for my bike, but it looks like I got half the bike."
Now, time for Economics 101: The Free Market is ran by a little thing called "Supply and Demand". That is, if you have two similar items, and one is more popular that the other (more demand), it's going to be more expensive.
Quite a few Harley's are sold for close to their original purchase price ten years later. Can that be said for your precious Jap bikes? Or are they worth two warm six packs of skunk beer?
2) Agility: Cycle world just named Buell (aren't they part of Harley?) the BEST handling cycle IN THE WORLD! I'm sure these individuals know much more than you, me, and most of the others on this page, as they do this for a living.
3) Reliability: From everything I've read, heard, talked with people, and personal experience, post AMF Harleys don't have the reliability problem.
4) Attractive: Now we move into the arena of PERSONAL OPINION. (Which are like *******, everyone has one, and they usually stink)
2006-12-19 09:30:19 · answer #3 · answered by strech 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
lets break it down. not as fast: maybe ya havent saddled up on a v-rod or a buell. all the other bikes were built for cruising, not trying to go supersonic on 2 wheels.
price....ya, big bucks. i have full coverage and then some, and i pay less on the bike than i do for a 2002 van full coverage.
not as agile....hmmm, have ya tried the v-rod or a buell? it isnt the machine, it's the rider. sounds like u ride a rocket. a'ight, tell ya what; take on a rider called 'yellow wolf' on a high speed run on the tail of the dragon. ur bike vs his bike. if ur not experienced enough, he'll smoke u. he rides a gold wing.
not dependable...my scoot starts every time i want it to, never has left me on the side of the road yet either cause i take care of it.
in 10 years, try to buy parts for ur rice. they might tell u, its too old, time for a new bike. there's still 40 yr old harley's on the road still runnin strong.
2006-12-18 23:15:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I thought that most of the parts for Harley's were made in Japan - otherwise go to a Hell's Angels site - pretty sure they have the franchise
2006-12-18 21:36:54 · answer #5 · answered by joybelle with warm water 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i own a harley and a suzuki.when i want to cruise i take the
harley. a little more rush i take out my gsxr.i really like both
my bikes. depends what kind of riding i feel like doing that
day. no problems with either bike.yes the gsxr is faster but
its a sportbike.the harley i can kick back on and just cruise
best of both worlds
2006-12-18 21:55:04 · answer #6 · answered by gixx 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
If you don`t like the way Harley`s are made why don`t you buy the basic frame and the parts of your choice, and build it yourself? That is what real enthusiasts in England do.Harley are and always were the very best in motor cycle manufacturing.I disagree with you about Japanese bikes though. They are not faster or cheaper and certainly not better built. As far as being attractive is concerned, when you build your own bike, you make it attractive, my brother builds Harley choppers and being an artist he also paints on their designs,in the street ,heads certainly turn when he rides past! I have ridden most Japanese bikes as well as B.M.W. and Triumph and Italian bikes. But you can`t beat the Harley.
2006-12-18 21:49:28 · answer #7 · answered by Social Science Lady 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋
You obviously are a fan of the jap crap and of low intelligence. Perhaps you don't even ride a bike but a sissy scooter. Why else would you answer your own question. Since I ride a Harley, think it's the greatest and wouldn't ride a jap bike if it were the only bike on the planet, I must be a SUCKER in your eyes. You know, someone for you to look up to and try to emulate (look it up in a dictionary, if you have one) since you and your crap bikes are beneath all Harleys and their riders.
2006-12-18 22:56:58 · answer #8 · answered by BikerBob 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Nothing lasts like a Harley
2006-12-18 21:54:51 · answer #9 · answered by Lolitta 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
& I thought the big Hondas had MADE IN USA on the back of them.......& yes the engineering is the same.....BUT resale on a Harley is a lot better than a Jap bike....(I ride a 1100 Yamaha)..& if your looking for a Harley that goes & handles...Buel
2006-12-18 23:01:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋