Harley Davidson....Why?

Question

With all due respect to those that make the choice to own a Harley. I would like to know, considering all the other (In my humble opinon) better choices of motorcycle, and leaving out any argument that has nothing to do with the Bike itself. ie: Life Style, Historical Context, Friends, Your Girl Friend / Wife, etc. why you currently own one? Also, please please please Harley Guys & Gals, I'm not attacking your choice, just curious why based on the Bike itself that you made your choice to own one.
Thanks for your opinion, but please, if all you want to do is rant at me for having the temerity to ask such a question, please feel free to pass this question by. Ride Free!!

Answer 1

I had one H-D in my 41 bikes, over 40 years. It was an ex-racer, so it was the size and weight of a 350 Honda, but it had 104 Jerry Branch horses (an actual racing XR-750 that we made into a 1000 -- no respect for tradition).

In many ways it was the worst motorcycle I ever had (it was like sitting on a two-by-four with a folded Kleenex on it), but it was also the most fun.

Answer 2

My wife and I both have a Harley. We enjoy the bike itself, and the quality of the design, the nostaglia and history of an all american bike. We enjoy the occasional oportunity to ad to the individuality of the bike and make small changes by adding accessories or swaping parts and making the bike more reflect your taste. Transforming the bike from the way it was when you first bought the bike. Yes there is a lot to say of the "other" bikes out there. The dealership where you live and the interaction with the people you will deal with has a bearing on your choice as well. As and example, we live in El Cajon Ca. and the dealership there is like and extended family. They are very helpful, friendly and make it a point to know you and take interest in greeting you. The newer Harleys are improved to require less maintanance intervals than the pre 2007 models. The sound of a Harley Davidson is unmatched and is prized by its owners. It is a total picture to consider the type of ride and handling you are looking for when making a decision to chose the right bike for you.

Answer 3

Let me start by saying I've had many bikes over 40 years of riding. Many Japs,Honda and Yamaha,and a couple Brits. aTriumph and a Norton.
I ( what I consider) graduated to Harley's about 15 years ago.
Japs and Euros are not better ,but different from Harley's. If you doubt that all you have to do is keep any eye on *Answers* to see the disproportionate number of questions asked about broken metrics as compared to H.D.
That said, what drew me to Harley's was the differences, Torque rather than 39,000rpms, the beauty and refinement of the construction,the fact that each is (or ends up) very different, the whole custom bike thing interests me.
The fact that Harley's are comfortable is a big +. I like to vacation on the bike and I just can't imagine doing 2,000 mi on a Yamaha RD350 or a Norton 850 or laying on my gas tank with my legs behind me.
The saying "If I have to explain,you wouldn't understand" exists for a reason.
As far as I'm concerned, You might as well ask "Why do you have that GTO or that Cobra, there are so many other cars that are better?"

Answer 4

Although I do not currently ride a Harley, I have owned and rebuilt a number of them in the past. HD is a mystique. First of all its American made. It is a symbol for people doing it their way. It comes from the returning soldiers from WW II who were young, rebellious and wanted cheap fast powerful bikes.
The cult also got a boost from Hollywood which produced films like Easy Rider and others that glorified the life style.
HD riders were seen to be BAD (which is good)
Somehow the fact that Marlon Brando, and Steve McQueen preferred Triumphs got lost on the public that saw bikes and Harley as synonymous.
Finally the Resurrection of the HD company from AMF ownership is a legend. They took a sick, leaky an undependable product to become an icon.
The brand actually is a special case in marketing where HD means more than just a product. It elicits an actual visceral feeling.
So if you buy a Jap bike, all you get is the bike and reasonable transpiration. If you buy a Harley, you enter the life style and mystique of the legend and the sound. You become a member of the club
Of course its not fast or reliable, but you are in the club

Answer 5

Ok so you did exactly as you should have and requested people that wanted to bash you or anyone's choice in motorcycles move along and DSNS. And for that i commend you, too bad SOME folks don't know how to listen.

HD has been in my family for as long as I remember. But as Pops got older he opted for a Goldwing. (Boy did I give him some crap! LOL)

I currently own 2 a Sporty and a Road King, (the Sporty is for sale by the way). And i have to tell you that everything about HD ownership I 100% love. The history, the riding family just everything. With 2 exceptions, the price and the sterotype. Esp the sterotyping that happens. I am a "normal" looking guy and off of the bike no one treats me any different than anyone else. But pull up on the scoot and look out! I used to think that it was funny but now it's kinda pissing me off.

I agree with most folks as long as you are in the wind it's all good no matter what's under your butt. But don't bash my choice and I won't have to start a pot of boiling water for your rice... LOL

RIde Smart-Ride Safe

Answer 6

Why? Here's the short version:
My boy went to Iraq. While he was there, he told his mother what to do if he didn't come back. "Get Dad a Harley."
He knew I liked motorcycles, but I never told anybody about the Superglide I fell for as a kid. When she told me, I let her know about my parts list for the Custom "dream bike". Time to build it. As I was going through the different bike shops looking for ideas for finishing touches, I came across the bike I now own. I had headed for the door, and a voice in the back of my head said "You didn't look over there." It was on a display stand, down by the desks, out of easy view. I wasn't interested, and didn't listen to the saleslady, as I was already building a bike. When I got home, there was a little emotional breakdown. I realized the kid was telling me something. I called the dealer (friday night)and said "Don't let that bike go anywhere". I picked it up at noon on saturday. Some things that I found later, when I felt I could look: The bike was on the assembly line as Jr. crossed into Iraq. When he died, he was one of three that went at the same time. If you look at the list of people killed, they were #s 2347,2348 & 2349. My bike is #2347 of 3500. God, I hope they stop at 3500!


I could have told you why I would pick an HD, instead I've chosen to tell you why I have the one I do.

Answer 7

I have nothing against Metric bikes,but I personally prefer HD.First off go around a metric bike and tap the {chrome).I mean plastic.Second reason i kind of have a problem with metric is because they try to hard to make them look like harleys.but I have alot of friends that ride hondas.I just prefer harleys

Answer 8

Let me ask you this trooper...have you changed your mind since posting this question, or just trying to stir up more sh*t??

Why are people so foolish to purchase the worst motorcycle in the world?
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)

Answer 9

The bike is great
the people that ride them are great
Harley owners have better partys

I know it not what you want to hear but its the truth

Its like why would anyone pay $200 to go to a pro baseball or football game when you can watch it on tv
well as you know, unless you are there, you are not getting the same experience
Thank you
and ride safe

Answer 10

As I see it the choice is mainly a styling issue. The HDs have a reputation of holding their value/desireability.

The bikes have a low seat height so they can be an appealing choice for the short-legged rider.

They are also the biggest vibrator you can buy for your potential girlfriend.