Why do non Harley Riders Bash Harleys??

Question

They say all Harleys do is leak oil and parts fall off. Obviously they are nieve. I've been ridin Harleys for 30 years. Back in the day, having to work on them was part of the deal. At least I knew my bikes inside and out and would not have to leave it on the side of the road like I see with non Harleys all the time.

I've owned new Harleys since 1995 and have never had problems with them as the nieve people would think?

Just asking

Answer 1

Im guilty of harassing other "brand groupies" besides what I ride/own..
most of its all in good fun, however, it really annoyse me to see a group of crusers sitting in front of a bar, knowing full well if i were to stop in there to have a soda ( i dont drink and ride) I would be the one getting harassed:
one, for riding one of those "crotch rockets"
two, for wearing so much leather gear/helmit on such a hot day (anything above 50 degrees)
three, for not being on the back of a cruser "harley"
four, for not drinking alch.

what is sad, is that this is a stereotype. its unfortunate that in my expierence this happens in my area so much that I avoid people on harleys and crusers unless i know them personally. While i know that not all harley riders are like that i have been disrespected enought that i am biased.

now... dont get me started on honda riders... (j/k)

Answer 2

Mostly it's just folks' opinions, really. Personally, I don't care what kind of bike someone rides. As long as it has two wheels and a motor, it's a bike as far as I'm concerned.

I've ridden a number of bikes over the years (I've been riding bikes as my sole transportation for about 13 years). I ride in the rain, sun, and yes, even the snow. I found it somewhat amusing when the local Harley riders disappeared from the roads when the temperatures dropped below 40 degrees. Amusingly enough, I was often the only person on the road, in single-digit temps, while riding a 25-year old Honda. The bike never gave me any issues about riding in that kind of weather, either.

I've ridden cruisers, sportbikes and standards. Personally, I currently have 2 Hondas, and recently sold my Kawasaki ZX6R. (One Honda is a cruiser, the other is a custom-built bobber). I had the opportunity to ride a Harley once. It made a lot of noise, but it didn't do much. It felt heavier, slower, and less likely to stop on a dime than the Japanese bikes.

Ultimately, I think it comes down to what you are looking for in a bike. Those who want a "lifestyle" (wear black leather, chaps, skull helmets, ride only on sunny days, and keep the trips short) would most likely pick a Harley. Those who think a motorcycle should be nimble, with good handling characteristics, power delivery, and braking, would most likely pick a Japanese bike.

On a related note, the Japanese manufactureers have applied the technology they've used over the years in races for their streetbikes. This has led to improvements far and above what Harley has accomplished. (For example, a 599cc Kawasaki can hit 60mph in 2.8 seconds, tops out at 170 mph, produces over 100hp, and weighs a hair over 400 pounds. Harleys weigh at least twice as much, have half the horsepower yet twice the engine displacement, and usually require lots of money and upgrades to perform better.)

Answer 3

My riders who bash Harley do so because it makes them feel better about the bike that they ride. Most would rather hride a Harely but for some reasone can t, so they bash the Harley riders. It s that simple. If metric riders really liekds their bikes, they d just enjoy their bikes and wouldn t feel the need to bash any other brand.

Answer 4

Those of us that "Bash" Harleys are not all "non Harley Riders". Just so happens I own two of the under-performing, oil leakin' motorcycles. I get accused of bashing when all I do is tell the truth about my experiences. I put in a lot of miles. I'm over 50. I've proven I have some knowledge and experience on the subject. This is a place for education. Learning from others experiences. I listen to others when they say they've had little or no trouble and that's great. But the fact is lots of riders have had trouble and maybe you could learn something instead of refusing to acknowledge it. I've seen more than once when a "rocket" rider had the best answer to a Harley question. And I've heard some damn good answers from Harley riders. You'd rather not have the help? Just because you don't like the answer? If it's got **** or wheels it'll give ya problems. Who's naive(corrected spelling)?

Edit: Well now... by the thumbs... that upset ya all Harley riders... didn't it? I've proven my point again!

Answer 5

1. It's traditional.
Harleys have not always been known for durability. The old reputation has been hard to shake. Newer Harleys have a much better reputation.
2. Harleys last forever.
They do. You can find people riding around on Harleys that are from the 1950s, and for which most of it is original, and has 100,000+ miles on it. There are bound to be occasional problems that come with that, um, venerable age.

Answer 6

I ride a sport bike 60 miles a day to work and back and usually hook up with a cruiser and ride the highway with them. Personally me and the bugs don't care what you ride. I think people bash Harleys because they are expensive and don't typically stay up to date with newer technology like the metric bikes. Then again since Harley has found a proven/reliable bike setup why should they change it when obviously their customers like why should they change?

Answer 7

For the same reason that Harley riders bash non- Harley riders. Personally, the make of bike makes no difference to me. I consider myself a motorcycle enthusiast and find things I like and dislike about all brands

Answer 8

Harleys and cruisers in general have style and are comfortable to ride slowly. They're CRUISERS, they cruise. They're lovely and all, but when Harley guys come in saying how fast their bike is and how it can outhandle a sportbike, then the gloves come off.

I've been stuck behind a snail-paced caravan of Harleys in the canyons, and not one of them actually knew how to ride a motorcycle. They were braking IN the turns instead of before, and cornered at about 15mph instead of the 40-50mph I was previously enjoying.

They are NOT fast. Sorry.

The other major problem I have is with the riders on the Loud Pipes Save Lives bandwagon. That's such a load of horse crap I won't even begin to comment.

Whatever, though. That's your style of riding, and I like to go fast and drag a knee. We're all riders, and you'll still get a wave from me.

Answer 9

Jealousy mainly...

People here a story, regardless of how long ago, and believe it to be true for eternity. I do recall back in the 70's the joke about Harley's is that you would ride them for one hour, then sit at home tightening the nuts and bolts for two hours. And, I've been told that during the AMF years, quality was not job one. I've since grown to enjoy Harley's and in fact have owned a new Sportster 05 Custom and just recently traded it in on an 07 Patriot Special Edition, Street Glide. The only problem that I've had with it so far, is that the snow on the ground has limited my ability to drive it. Have it now for just over a month and I've already had the 1,000 check completed.

Answer 10

I ride a Suzuki Hayabusa but I'd still love a Harley. The only thing that puts me off having one is the way I'm supposed to look while riding it - bandana, handlebar tassles, 3 foot tall handlebars, no silencers, leather chaps (what's that all about), chapter patches, nazi helmet, miners boots, feet forward. Why can't I wear my normal coloured leathers and full face helmet. The whole image thing was summed up in that new film 'Wild Hogs'. I certainly don't want to be associated with that.