HD's are measurably the worst motorcycle in the world. HD's are not "Made in America", have Japanese parts all over them, poor performance and worse handling. If the only thing that you can point at as an attribute is that it's loud and obnoxious, while it shivers, shakes and falls apart...why would I (or anyone) actually want to own one? Truth is HD (As a corporate entity) does exactly one thing better than any other Motorcycle Maker..It markets accessories. In fact HD makes more $$ selling apparel and other misc. junk than they make on motorcycles. (Regardless that HD Bikes are over-priced, low performance, embarassing piece's of "Machinery"). So I guess this question is based on how did;Tattoos, Smoking, Drinking, Drugs and Stupid behavior ever get associated with Harley, and what HD Genius decided to exploit it? Last thing, I have owned more than 75 bikes of virtually every make (including HD) and my opinion is based on an excess of 500,000 miles & 30 years in the wind. (Ride on)
2007-05-08 16:26:14 · 19 answers · asked by Trooper 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
People are entitled to ride whatever they like, and if marketed right you can sell ice to Eskimos, so you basically answered your own question.
The other thing to remember is that majority of the Harley riders are actually in the USA, and they are very loyal to things that had a start in their home turf. The rest of the world, it comes back to marketing those accessories, because even HD know that the Jap, Korean spinoffs perform much better than the original, so got to make money where you can. (it is still a business)
2007-05-08 22:07:46 · answer #1 · answered by ozraikat 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Unbelievable!!! They are made in America. The parts may not be, but the motorcycles themselves are made here in the U.S. Stock Harleys are not loud and obnoxious. When owners put aftermarket pipes, then they can be loud. The tatts, smoking, drugs, drinking got associated with the Harley Davidson by a movie, the escapes me right now, but Marlon Brando was the star of it. I believe I remeber hearing or reading that Harleys weren't even used in the movie, but I'm not sure about that. Hell's Angels didn't help the Harley image either. I do not own a Harley. I also do not bash other bikes. That is one person's desire to ride. Ride what you want and leave the rest of us alone. I hate all of the Harley bashing. The new HD's are good riding bikes. Whether you are riding to the corner bar, racing at the track, or riding across country.
I'm done!!!
2007-05-09 03:54:00 · answer #2 · answered by Kurt B 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well you just admitted to buying one, so why did you buy it? I do think some people buy a Harley for the image, but aren't we all guilty of that at some point, whether it be the car we drive, the clothes we wear or the neighborhood we live in. One thing Harley does very well is make an absolutely beautiful motorcycle. Harley owners also seem to have more of a brotherhood than any other bike owners. Harley dealers and clubs are constantly sponsoring all kinds of poker runs and other events that bring Harley owners together. To me a big part of riding is having people to ride with at least some of the time. From reading your answers you sound like a really fun guy, I'm sure the Harley community is truly sorry to lose you.
2007-05-09 01:36:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
You have personally owned over 75 bikes...is this Jay Leno. I believe you might be exaggerating just a bit.
Look, just because you don't like something, doesn't mean other people cannot. I have a variety of bikes, and they all have a certain purpose/design. One is even, yes, the dreaded and evil Harley Davidson.
I also have a Honda CBR954RR, Triumph Rocket III, Yamaha Royal Star Venture...so what? Each of these bike has its own characteristics. Would I want to ride the CBR on a long trip, hell no! Would I try to take the Venture through the twisties at high rates of speed, hell no! I like the Harley, its just as reliable as the other bikes I have. It looks nicer by design than some others I can think of, but, you know, that's MY PERSONAL OPINION. I don't try to MAKE you think like me, nor do I bash you for what you ride (or in this case, don't ride).
Grow up man, find a real problem to whine about.
2007-05-08 23:42:30 · answer #4 · answered by RGTIII 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Go with the monster - provided you're an experienced rider. The people advising against Ducatis are probbaly only thinking of the sportier ones. Monsters handle really well - and have good power - not quite a sports bike, but the main difference is the riding position. If you're a learner get a trail bike first - you want something LIGHT. A dirt bike's riding position will suit your back, suspension's generally good, they handle well round town, and don't suffer too badly when dropped.
2016-04-01 03:17:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trooper,
I agree with the previous answers and here's mine. Since I was 15, I rode the "other" machines and loved them. In fact I own one now and ride it often. But in 03 , I purchased my life long Dream of a HD and not looked back.The funny thing is, once I purchased the HD, I found myself in a new world of riding friends I NEVER experienced before. I would not trade that for all my years of riding the "other" bikes. Sure, they have their clubs,but they lack organization and consistency. The HD riders are loyal cross cultural riders riding free and most of us never bash the "other" riders.
Check your Chi.Troop!!!
2007-05-09 04:25:07 · answer #6 · answered by WAWAYNE 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have owned other bikes, my last one was a Honda. I bought a Harley last year because I truly enjoy the bike. I use it for trips not for speeding around and popping wheelies. I don't have another bike in my garage that I ride. I always ride the Harley. I bought it because it is a grea looking bike, handles well and is a breeze to ride. Usually the people that I see slamming Harleys are people that can't afford to buy one.
2007-05-09 03:47:59 · answer #7 · answered by blb 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Stupid.....
H-D is not for Performance and handling. H-D is a "standard" type of bike for A-to-B transportation and able to do it for the long distances found in the USA.
2007-05-08 18:32:56 · answer #8 · answered by mdcbert 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have an HD because it's what the Kid wanted me to have. This particular one to be exact.
Opinions are good to have, I have some too.
They are usually expressed when asked for, not shoved in everyone's face.
Perhaps you should answer your own question for us, why did you buy (at least) one?
2007-05-09 08:38:10 · answer #9 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
How can you have 30 years of riding experience when you are only 12 years old?
2007-05-09 04:16:58 · answer #10 · answered by atvman_400 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋