Why would anyone think that riding a Harley Davidson is 'cool'?

Question

It never ceases to amaze me how middle aged men rush out and buy a Harley to look young and cool again...when most people who are genuinely young and know whats cool, wouldnt been seen dead on an old mans machine like a Harley!They all dress the same and must practice for hours in front of the mirror to get that special 'Harley Stare'! Harley davidson make more money from merchandise than they do from their bikes, thats because these lemmings have to buy the harley wallet, jacket,boots, helmet, mug...and lets not forget those pathetic tassely panniers! They all think their 'riders at the gates of dawn'...when in reality most of them are actually 'members of the local guild of commerce'! Full time dentists-weekend rebels....its just so cringeingly embarassing to watch at times...can they not see what a joke they look!They really believe that those of us who dont have Harleys are just jealous because we obviously cant afford one...they really do believe this!!

Answer 1

Notice how the people offended have no avatar. The One guy talking about the feeling of 3000 rpm between your legs; 3000 rpm is lugging yo motor, on a real bike you should'nt drive it below 4500 rpm!...Maybe thats why Harleys clunk out at 20k miles and need rebuilding! Yea, go ahead and give me your thumbs down like every other time I voice my opinion about a Harley.....Only the lawyers and docs can afford them..Overpriced ancient technology. Im not knocking those who like to ride, just those who do it for the status or buy the Harley NAME because they thinks it cool to have one.

Answer 2

Hi I actually thought the same until it was my mates birthday where we decided for a day out we would visit Bauer Millets in Manchester the then Harley dealer. We test rode a veriety of H-D's including a buell (which I didn't like but that was down to the riding position). It was p*SSing down with rain all day and needless to say we had no waterproofs with us. We had a fantastic afternoon riding around Manchester so much so we didn't even mind the rain. This experience completely changed my attitude towards Harley's. I'm fully aware the bikes and the image isn't for everyone, but just coz you ride one it doesn't necessarily mean that you fall into that stereotype group. Honestly open up a little get a test ride and you may be pleasantly surprised. I know I was.

It's just a bit like the anti Scoot brigade. I've ridden large maxi scooters and I was very impressed as well and I don't think they should be knocked like they are. But at the end of the day it's only my opinion and you have to make up your own mind.

Answer 3

theres a few posts on here that i think come from people who have no idea what so ever. first off i am big on sports bikes and ride a k6 gsxr 1000 yoshi. it could be said that harley riders may think that why do we dress like racers and buy bikes that are extremly quick.

each to there own and in the long run i would rather see a harley rider then some moron in car who would put me over there bonnet as soon as look at me. all bikers wether they be custom,sportsbike or cruiser riders get my respect and ill nod at all bikers no matter what big bike there riding.different riders choose different bikes because they can.only bikers understand why they have the bikes they do its called ownership. we love our bikes for different reasons. the reason older people go for these type of bikes aswell is because it was there dream when they were younger and now the kids have flown the nest they can have it. good luck to them i say.

as for the guy saying your r1 doing 190 i think your dreaming mate the highest top end bike was the busa or the gsxr1000 and they wont quite hit that speed and in a straight line i blew one away on a gsxr 750.

the guy who said why do people have bikes in the first place ... its because there a sign of freedom and they give bikers great pleasure and people like you are just to scared to try one. stick to your tin box and keep off the phone while your at it. bikes are far more fun at 70 then any car could be at twice that speed.

Answer 4

Ah, another young lad seeking to stir up trouble. I would call you a troll, but standard trolls don't usually post such a lengthy tirade.

I am 44...and no Harley, but a Ninja instead. I've ridden all my life and I simply like riding. I like the feeling. I like the speed. And I like going out riding with my kids. Riding can be a great family activity.

But you are correct that some people obtain bikes with the purpose of turning heads. I would like to ask you why you care if they do this since it has no effect on you? Let them do what they think is fun.

You will someday be "middle aged" and I'm wondering if you will still want to have a nice bike, and nice stuff to go with it. Do you then want some kid dissing you about it.....Yeah, I didn't think so.

As for dressing the same....Have been to a local high school lately? Or go to the mall. I go to the mall and I see nearly every teenage boy's buttocks peeping out from his saggy, raggy-looking jeans...not exactly what I would call "pleasant" scenery.

So, maybe I should start posting comments dissing those boys because I don't like their looks....huh??

Answer 5

Man.....has your girlfriend just run off with a greaser or something? Take a chill pill dude.

A lot of what you say I have to concur with. The whole Harley marketing machine is a magnet for Billy-no-mates who feel a bit left out on the woman front. Most of the merchadise is poor quality chromed steel made in Taiwan; not that you'd guess from the price, which would suggest it was fashioned from pure platinum by Damien feckin' Hurst ($24 for a front axle nut anyone??).

Even sadder than the "bad-***" biker outfits they go for is the lingo they adopt. I got invited by a friend and Harley owner (who is a project manager for a large oil company out here in Saudi) to a local Harley chapter meeting. They were all really terribly nice blokes, one and all of them, and they made me feel very welcome. But I could have done with an interpreter.

I really didn't think anyone actually sincerely said "OK, Let's lock n load" with a straight face unless they were about to go out on night patrol around Fallujah. But they do. But in Harley-speak it means "OK chaps, shall we go...".

But are these faux Angels really any sadder than those rudeboys you see in Southend on a weekend who have spent 40 grand on a 10-year old Citroen Saxo? Why don't they just strip bol*ock naked and stroll down the prom? It's a much cheaper way to get attention, less embarassing and less likely to get you pulled by the Bill.

Answer 6

I've rode sport bikes for years. My last one was an 03 ZRX1200. The riding position was taking its toll on me. Last August I bought a 98 HD superglide for $6000. It may not be the fastest bike I've owned but it is by far the most comfortable. You may not like Harleys but people like you are the reason crotchrocket riders and cruiser riders can't see eye to eye. The biggest reason I love my harley is the long flat torque curve vs the spiked curve of the inline 4s.

Answer 7

First of all it's really none of your business what anyone chooses to ride. I fall into that "old guy with more money than brains" category you put all H-D riders into, however I ride nothing but Suzukis (I have 3 of them, two cruisers and a mid 80's touring machine) and have been riding for over 38 years now. So I guess I'm the real deal right? Not a poser? I've owned Harley's and don't want another one but see no reason to rag on somebody just because that's their ride of choice. Whatever anyone chooses to ride is okay by me...just ride safe. Peace.

Answer 8

Don't worry your limited IQ about it. If you don't ride one, you wouldn't/couldn't understand it.

But we do know when to use 'their' and 'they're' which obviously escaped you in school..

Yes, we truly believe you are just jealous.
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Why would anyone think that riding a Harley Davidson is 'cool'?
It never ceases to amaze me how middle aged men rush out and buy a Harley to look young and cool again...when most people who are genuinely young and know whats cool, wouldnt been seen dead on an old mans machine like a Harley! They all dress the same and must practice for hours in front of the mirror to get that special 'Harley Stare'! Harley davidson make more money from merchandise than they do from their bikes, thats because these lemmings have to buy the harley wallet, jacket,boots, helmet, mug...and lets not forget those pathetic tassely panniers! They all think their 'riders at the gates of dawn'...when in reality most of them are actually 'members of the local guild of commerce'! Full time dentists-weekend rebels....its just so cringeingly embarassing to watch at times...can they not see what a joke they look!They really believe that those of us who dont have Harleys are just jealous because we obviously cant afford one...they really do believe this!!

Answer 9

Ahh - finally a target of opportunity.

You sir are a troll. Please - take up a manly hobby like doll repair or maybe a coat hanger restoration business.

I have 2 Harleys. Both EVO's and both 100% owned. Lemming -not. HD clothing - some. Some bought as souvenirs from my many ROAD TRIPS and some just given to me. Neither was bought so I could "look cool" as you claim or to out of some sense of trend. I bought both because I could finally afford them and it's what I've wanted for a long time. Given that my hair is now 99% gray, I had no fantasies about looking "young again" by simply riding a Harley. OH, wait, how would anybody know since I choose to wear a helmet.

I must admit though, I buy a Harley wallet. It was one that was available only at the York, PA factory store when I did the factory tour. That would be the tour I did when I RODE up on my Classic after a long and grueling 13 hour ride through the rain the day before.

Go away troll. Go have some fun with your GW or BMW JO buddies and have a good laugh at my expense. No charge. You gave yourself away with your reference to panniers. You also can't read a annual report. If you could, you would know that the MOCO made about 25% of it's income through the sale of motorclothes and accessories. Not 1/2 as you claim. More evidence to support the claim that you are a clueless troll just looking to stir up some fecal matter. I'll also go out on a limb here and guess that you're a big supporter of Al Gore and are saddened by the demise and bankruptcy of the Air America network.

If it embarrasses you to watch Harley riders, then why do you? Envy? An urge to have your rear end filled?

Answer 10

i'm 35 and have been a sports biker my whole biking life nearly 20 years on a full advanced bike license. i am licensed to road race and teach track racing. a harley rider sticks his/her head into a helmet the same as anybody else and deserves respect. they are cruisers pure and simple. but they can pull 120 at a cruise. the open road is for us all, beats sitting in the house and groaning at question time.