Road a Harley today-whipee

[spinktec]

Not the first Harley I've riden, but the first brand new one. It was a 2004 softail I was delivering for someone. What a snore. I don't know what the facination is about the Harley's. I suppose if you cock your head sidways, squint your eyes, and ignore the total absense of functionality; they don't look bad. What I don't understand is why Harley owners are willing to spend so much money on something that looks ok and rides like poo. I'll take something that you can lean 'till you hit the pegs not the case; something I can stop in less distance than an SUV; and something that can get out of it's own way. I can testify that strait out of the box Harley is none of these things.

[EGcivicSi]

Nope my dad used to have a harley and omg it sucks. He admits to not likeing the stiff ride as much as he did when he was younger but yes harleys are not made to really do ANYTHING except cruise in straight line and that is IT. I personally would never want one its just not me. But yeah dont buy a harley expecting a nice ride.

[speediva]

IMO, Harleys are the Ford of motorcycles.... that or Tri(ch)umph.

[89IROC&RS]

guess its hard to comprihend that some people have different priorities huh? harleys are cruisers, they werent made to drag the pegs in a turn, same deal as drivin a dusenburg, you ride it for the image, not the performance. cuz its fun to drive. dont get me wrong, i myself am a speed freak, but still, i think once you look at the bike, as far as the target buyer, it is a tremendous success, it is fullfilling the role it was designed to fill, exactly the same way a turbo hybusa must make you happy in pants. just cuz it aint what you want, dont make it wrong. I myself have driven honda S2000s and personally LOATH them, for many reasons, but im sure there are people who love em. just not my cup of tea. its one thing to say you dont like it, its another to bash the bikes as a whole, theyve been around quite a while, perhaps theres a reason for that

[89IROC&RS]

oh yeah, did i mention im a harley fan???

[EGcivicSi]

Whos bashing? I just said it isnt something I like AT ALL. Not bashing anyone for having them but I MYSELF would never ride one thats all I said. Jeez.

[spinktec]

Yeah, I'm not bashing the bike, it's the "bikers" I question. Harley makes their products (yeah products - plural, go to a Harley dealer and see all the "Harley" trademark products they have) based on market analysis, just like every other company now days. What I'm wondering is how many of these "bikers" ride Harleys because they actually like the bikes attributes? My guess is they like 'em and buy 'em because of the image, and the truth is they've been sold that image. In my opinion Harley is cashing in on America's "trend awareness" just like Swatch, Cabbage Patch Kids, Beenie Babies, Tommy Heilfiger, etc. There's nothing wrong with these products, but they make their money because of image, not their function or quality. Americans are easy to manipulate, no doubt about it.

[EGcivicSi]

Of course its the "image" man. In NO WAY, SHAPE, or FORM are these bikes FUN to ride as stated above.

[Steel]

Although i'm a sportbiker myself.... i'd definetley own a fatboy if i had the chance!

[R1-rider]

I shouldnt ever ride a harley, I am a big enough asshole already, having a harley would make it even worse.

[speediva]

Originally Posted by R1-rider

I shouldnt ever ride a harley, I am a big enough asshole already, having a harley would make it even worse.

You're right... any more "asshole" in you would leave you with negative mass.

[spinktec]

Negative mass that's great..You should write Sci-Fi

[Kennedy200]

I have both a GSXR 1000 and a 97 Superglide in my garage. Each bike has its own function. If I want to go out and rip it up, the Zuk is the right tool. For distance riding and just cruising, the Harley does the job.

The other thing is that the Suzuki is a cop magnet. I have been pulled over countless times for bull$hit reasons. I have yet to get pulled over on the Harley.

Honestly, sometimes it is fun to push the Harley to its limits. It is kind of like pushing a Chevette to its limits.

BUT, I cant stand the yuppie scum that pretend to be in the 1%. Its kind of tough to pull off the badass image when they are wearing the t-shirt that the dealer gave them when they bought the bike, and the stick on tatoos aren't fooling anyone.

[tlchandler]

Harleys have their purpose. It used to be the hardcore outkast that wanted nothing to do with no one except for themselves rode them and worked on them and loved them. The were always breaking down so they were able to drink beer, work on the motorcyles and have parties. That is drifted into the past. Since the big comeback there are more doctors, lawyers, and big business owners that let there beard grow out on vacation and go out to play hardcore biker. In all honest it is really not there fault. Harley has been able to get their prices to a point where those are the people that can afford them. So yes, Harley is now a trend and not a cult following. But like everything else the aura will fade and it will go back to the way it was sooner or later. The one thing positive about this is that the bikes are ALOT better bikes than their predecessors. I had an 2002 softail with an air ride suspension, big bore kit, jetted, piped among other things and I liked that motorcycle for what it was for. Cruising around. If you get on a Harley to drag the peg then you might as well just low side it and get something else.

Sincerely, your local District Attorney =)

ThE CoRrUpTeD OnE

[TEXAS-HOTROD]

In years past (when Hogs were all cast-iron) it was more of a pride issue. Support your fellow "brother", defend the red,white and blue, and buy products that were "made in U.S.A". The old hard core Harley owners looked down on anything that was Jap, it was like another invasion- but in a different form.

The Evolution brought on more performance, lighter weight and better reliability. In recent years some Harleys have optional Delphi e.f.i. and the bigger road bikes come fuel injection as standard equipment. Better designs, timeless intentions. Get on the thing and cruise across town or cross-country.

The Revolution started as a clean sheet and became a Harley like no other Harley. Liquid cooling,hydro-forming, 115hp,quad cams,4-valve heads and e.f.i. The latest cruiser can rip it up too. Sounds pretty high-tec for a producer of dinosaurs.

It's like another Corvette phenomenon-Those who wished and dreamed of one when they were young have the ability (and money) to afford one later in life. I guess it is something that comes w/age too. I have looked at Ducati and Aprillia, both are amazing machines. The 999 is sweet and tasteful but out of the quesion (I am 6'3", it would kill my back to ride it). I have done my homework and will soon be the owner of a black VRSCB (V-Rod).

It's not that Harleys have become more affordable, the other manufacturers have become more expensive. I feel more comfortable laying my money down on something that will hold it's value, and possibly gain interest in the long run (what's the averege deperciation rate of your typical ricer?). Something else that has gained attention recently is all the old cars that are coming out of hibernation. Seems like something old is now new again. Harleys look old, and that in tern looks "cool". Looking at the new "naked" bikes is proof of that.
I guess if it wasn't for Harley Davidson, there wouldn't be any Vulcans, VTRs, Shadows, V-Stars,etc... coming from the offices of Japan.

Which odds are better? Picking up a hot chick off the street corner on a Springer Softail-or on a "want-a-be" Intruder,Vulcan,Shadow,etc...?


---TEX---