If the only motorcycle manufacturer was Harley Davidson, would you ride a Harley or give up motorcycling?

Question

This is a hypothetical question. It's not a trick question. Please no answers about how this would never happen and that Harleys are no good, etc. We all know there will never be only one bike manufactuer. I'm just curious how deep some people's dislike for Harleys really goes and if they would give up something they enjoy, or not.

Answer 1

I have never owned a Harley and I have no desire to ever own one.
I love Jap crap! LOL
If Harleys were the last bikes on earth, yes, I would own one and ride one. Why?.....because I love motorcycles.

Answer 2

That depends, would a Harley still cost as much as two Chevy pick ups? Harleys are great bikes, but they have priced themselves out of reach of most of the riding public.

Its funny, in a sick sort of way. In the old days, people rode Harleys to rebel against the establishment. It was fun to ride, get a little dirty, and scare the crap out of the banker or broker you pass while he's driving his Cadillac. Now a days only the bankers, brokers, and other establishment types can afford a Harley. Not to mention how much more it costs to insure a Harley than any other brand of bike.

I'd ride one if I could afford it. Right now I ride an 1982 Kawasaki KZ1000 CSR. It's insanely fast, handles OK, and cost me nothing since it was rescued from some guy's front yard while it was waiting for the trash collector. I put $12.00 into a gasket, rebuilt and tuned the carbs, and a little electrical work and now have a comfortable, fast, butt ugly bike. I'll paint it this season and double its value to $24.00.

Couldn't ever do that with a Harley. Not now, not 50 years ago, and not even if they were the only motorcycle company left in the world.

Answer 3

I own and ride a Harley that I have done over many times. Heck the only thing on it that's stock is the frame and motor. But to answer the question...I would not give up my love of riding because there were only Harley's or any brand. I would buy a bike and make that my own just like I did with the Harley.

Answer 4

All right, seems like the question needs to be asked!! Are you asking this question because you have no idea about harleys and want to buy one. Or are you asking this question to start a debate. I think you know that No answer or response will be the same, as owning a harley is personal preference, if you want to buy the hottest Harley is the one that YOU like the most. In MY OPINION the new 2008 Fat Bob is pretty cool. Cheers Andrew

Answer 5

My wife has a 1200 Sporty and I have a Triumph Bonneville. I like her bike just fine and she likes mine too, but we each prefer our own for different reasons.

I would definitely buy a Harley if they were the only game in town. Riding is more important to me than who built the machine I'm on.

There are some Harley models I could definitely live with, starting with the Street Rod or perhaps the Nightster, or FXDX.

Answer 6

I've owned over 40 motorcycles, and raced half a dozen. One was a Harley, and it was the worst bike I've ever had (1965 XR, with an added head and taillight for street. No speedo, even, just a tach). Also the most fun. Sure, I'd ride another.

Answer 7

Guys like BikerBob just have to keep the crap stirred up all the time, huh? Some people just don't "get it" and never will...it's not WHAT you ride, but THAT you ride and the more hard-core the better. In answer to the question at hand, though, I would ride ANY brand rather than stop riding...the worst ride I ever took on a motorcycle was still better than the best ride I ever took in a cage...K ;o)

Answer 8

This started as a harley http://www.roehrmotorcycles.com/
so this might be something I would ride. I have no use for form over function heavy chromed out pigs, foreign or domestic. I want something that goes, stops, turns like a sportscar, not a school bus. That or a vr1000 superbike, they did make a couple of those. http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcharley/vr1000.html



I have to agree with mammasgo... that the attitude shown by some harley aficionado is the biggest turn off.

Answer 9

I think most peoples dislike comes from the way Harley riders treat others, not because they dont like their bike. To think your better than someone else because you have Harley on your shirt is the same as snubbing your nose to someone who isnt wearing Name brand clothing, like tommy hilfiger. Everyone told me harley is the only way to go when i was looking for a bike, so i went there. I was not impressed with their service nor their prices. I bought what I liked and am happy with my choice, a nice yamaha cruiser. I spend my money riding. and i dont wear tommy hilfiger either. I have nothing against harley motorcycles, but I sure do take a lot of snubbing over my choice. to each his own. Mine is paid for.

Answer 10

I own two Harleys but if it was someone else that made the only bike I would buy that one. I think riding is more fun, what you ride is purely up to you.