"imitation is the most sincere form of flattery"
Who here rides a Harley?
- Thread starter grampi
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I was out riding my Harley today and saw lots of people driving Chevy's. Can't figure out why when everyone knows Fords are better. How dumb can you be to have a Chevy? Fords look better and last longer, and come in better colors.Why do you think any one would lower themselves an drive an inferior vehicle? We should all drive Fords so the world will be a better place.
Originally Posted By: EagleFTE
Having owned bikes by all of the big four from Japan going back to the mid 70s, I can say that I’ve never even considered another metric after buying my 94 Road King. I was really surprised by how much they had got it right so many decades ago. And no HD has ever even come close to leaving me stranded or even limping home.
They must have got something right. Cosmetically the big four Japanese and even Triumph eventually have all copied the styling of HD / Indian and even changed the engine configuration to look more Harleyish. BMW, like Harley, has stuck to its’ roots and makes bikes that are distinctly BMW.
With HDs you make it what you want it to be, cosmetics to HP/TQ. All are up to the owner. I seldom do, but if I’m at a gathering with hundreds or thousands of bikes in a parking lot mine is easily distinguishable from the rest.. At a glance I know it is mine. Note that the metrics have worked very hard to expand the post production options as well as form organizations with acronyms for names. (It seems there are no limits to the replication).
As far as image, for the most part the only eyes that see many HD riders are in the heads of cows and horses. If that’s not the case you may not be spending enough time in the places that make the bike truly enjoyable.
Are there thousands of people who own Harleys for some reason other than enjoying the riding aspect. You bet. Can’t really tell them not to can we? Aside from the safety aspect of people on motorcycles that have not business being there how does that impact anyone else?
Which leads to the one of the most interesting observations, the reciprocal thread or conversation does not occur. At least not that I’m exposed to. The time and emotion that goes into anti Harley threads is recurring and truly unique to the brand. We have people here that want to spit on HD owners and even have people that want to shoot people because they have a Harley. Truly strange stuff.
That's a nice spin you put on my "spit" comment. You apparently didn't comprehend what I said. I said I'd just as soon spit on the Harley owners who have copped the if you ain't ridin a Harley you ain't [censored] attitude, and there are plenty of them out there. If you haven't seen it, then you're walking through life with blinders on. I treat Harley owners who aren't like this friendly and with respect.
Having owned bikes by all of the big four from Japan going back to the mid 70s, I can say that I’ve never even considered another metric after buying my 94 Road King. I was really surprised by how much they had got it right so many decades ago. And no HD has ever even come close to leaving me stranded or even limping home.
They must have got something right. Cosmetically the big four Japanese and even Triumph eventually have all copied the styling of HD / Indian and even changed the engine configuration to look more Harleyish. BMW, like Harley, has stuck to its’ roots and makes bikes that are distinctly BMW.
With HDs you make it what you want it to be, cosmetics to HP/TQ. All are up to the owner. I seldom do, but if I’m at a gathering with hundreds or thousands of bikes in a parking lot mine is easily distinguishable from the rest.. At a glance I know it is mine. Note that the metrics have worked very hard to expand the post production options as well as form organizations with acronyms for names. (It seems there are no limits to the replication).
As far as image, for the most part the only eyes that see many HD riders are in the heads of cows and horses. If that’s not the case you may not be spending enough time in the places that make the bike truly enjoyable.
Are there thousands of people who own Harleys for some reason other than enjoying the riding aspect. You bet. Can’t really tell them not to can we? Aside from the safety aspect of people on motorcycles that have not business being there how does that impact anyone else?
Which leads to the one of the most interesting observations, the reciprocal thread or conversation does not occur. At least not that I’m exposed to. The time and emotion that goes into anti Harley threads is recurring and truly unique to the brand. We have people here that want to spit on HD owners and even have people that want to shoot people because they have a Harley. Truly strange stuff.
That's a nice spin you put on my "spit" comment. You apparently didn't comprehend what I said. I said I'd just as soon spit on the Harley owners who have copped the if you ain't ridin a Harley you ain't [censored] attitude, and there are plenty of them out there. If you haven't seen it, then you're walking through life with blinders on. I treat Harley owners who aren't like this friendly and with respect.
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
I was out riding my Harley today and saw lots of people driving Chevy's. Can't figure out why when everyone knows Fords are better. How dumb can you be to have a Chevy? Fords look better and last longer, and come in better colors.Why do you think any one would lower themselves an drive an inferior vehicle? We should all drive Fords so the world will be a better place.
Invalid comparison. Comparing a Harley to an Indian would be a valid comparison. Harleys and metrics are vastly different machines.
I was out riding my Harley today and saw lots of people driving Chevy's. Can't figure out why when everyone knows Fords are better. How dumb can you be to have a Chevy? Fords look better and last longer, and come in better colors.Why do you think any one would lower themselves an drive an inferior vehicle? We should all drive Fords so the world will be a better place.
Invalid comparison. Comparing a Harley to an Indian would be a valid comparison. Harleys and metrics are vastly different machines.
Ok, how about if I changed Chevy to Dodge, would that make you feel better? The point is everybody doesn't have to like the same thing.That's why there's more then one flavor of ice cream. If you don't like Harley's, don't buy one. Trying to convince people they aren't good bikes will be a long hard battle you'll probably loose.,,
grampi:
You have succeeded raising the ire of the sock puppets!
However, in the process, you may have also ruffled the feathers of some legitimate HD riders.
I have a Harley riding brother-in-law who bad mouths anything non Harley. He's got the hair, the beard, the 12" wallet with 36" chain, the a$$less pants, sleeveless shirts, fingerless gloves and of course the mandatory rottweiler. You know the kind. The quintessential, legend in his own mind, wannabe bad boy. Certainly not the sharpest tool in the shed. His Harley looks like a Shriner's Circus reject.
I ride mostly vintage Yamahas, all over 30 years old. You know, the "J-p cr-p" that will fall apart and be in the junk yard before it's three years old. Well, they're still here, still running and capable of embarrassing all but the quickest HDs.
My big, modern bike is a 2003 Valkyrie. Did I say that it's an American made bike?
You have succeeded raising the ire of the sock puppets!
However, in the process, you may have also ruffled the feathers of some legitimate HD riders.
I have a Harley riding brother-in-law who bad mouths anything non Harley. He's got the hair, the beard, the 12" wallet with 36" chain, the a$$less pants, sleeveless shirts, fingerless gloves and of course the mandatory rottweiler. You know the kind. The quintessential, legend in his own mind, wannabe bad boy. Certainly not the sharpest tool in the shed. His Harley looks like a Shriner's Circus reject.
I ride mostly vintage Yamahas, all over 30 years old. You know, the "J-p cr-p" that will fall apart and be in the junk yard before it's three years old. Well, they're still here, still running and capable of embarrassing all but the quickest HDs.
My big, modern bike is a 2003 Valkyrie. Did I say that it's an American made bike?
It's too bad they stopped making the Valkyrie in '03. It was nice they assembled it here using imported parts from Japan.But like I said before, here today and Bam they're gone.I guess another "classic" bit the dust. But I'm sure they came out with another "classic" to take its place. Instead of trying to refine the product the Japanese just scrap the whole concept.Just the thought of buying a bike the company had no faith in to keep makin, doesn't sell me on buying a model they can just wipe off the board.At least the motor parts can be interchanged, but if you need anything else for the bike they will be getting hard to find. Don't you hate throw away bikes?.,,
fake harleys for ...
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
It's too bad they stopped making the Valkyrie in '03. It was nice they assembled it here using imported parts from Japan.
I don't think you wanna go there. Harley has a higher content of parts made in China than any other make. So for those of you who think you're getting American iron when you buy a Harley, you'd better think again.
It's too bad they stopped making the Valkyrie in '03. It was nice they assembled it here using imported parts from Japan.
I don't think you wanna go there. Harley has a higher content of parts made in China than any other make. So for those of you who think you're getting American iron when you buy a Harley, you'd better think again.
Originally Posted By: boraticus
grampi:
You have succeeded raising the ire of the sock puppets!
However, in the process, you may have also ruffled the feathers of some legitimate HD riders.
I have a Harley riding brother-in-law who bad mouths anything non Harley. He's got the hair, the beard, the 12" wallet with 36" chain, the a$$less pants, sleeveless shirts, fingerless gloves and of course the mandatory rottweiler. You know the kind. The quintessential, legend in his own mind, wannabe bad boy. Certainly not the sharpest tool in the shed. His Harley looks like a Shriner's Circus reject.
I ride mostly vintage Yamahas, all over 30 years old. You know, the "J-p cr-p" that will fall apart and be in the junk yard before it's three years old. Well, they're still here, still running and capable of embarrassing all but the quickest HDs.
My big, modern bike is a 2003 Valkyrie. Did I say that it's an American made bike?
Your description of today's Easy Rider wanna-bes is spot on. That's the part of Harley owners I just don't undstand. I hear the Harley guys in this thread saying what does it matter what brand someone else rides. Well, it doesn't, but where then does their holier-than-thou attitude come from? If it doesn't matter to them that someone else rides a metric, than why are we looked down upon by Harley riders? They're being hypocrits by talking out of both sides of their mouth at the same time. BTW, it would take a seriously souped up Harley to take any of your metrics (unless you include the V-Rod, which of course really isn't a Harley, its a Porsch).
grampi:
You have succeeded raising the ire of the sock puppets!
However, in the process, you may have also ruffled the feathers of some legitimate HD riders.
I have a Harley riding brother-in-law who bad mouths anything non Harley. He's got the hair, the beard, the 12" wallet with 36" chain, the a$$less pants, sleeveless shirts, fingerless gloves and of course the mandatory rottweiler. You know the kind. The quintessential, legend in his own mind, wannabe bad boy. Certainly not the sharpest tool in the shed. His Harley looks like a Shriner's Circus reject.
I ride mostly vintage Yamahas, all over 30 years old. You know, the "J-p cr-p" that will fall apart and be in the junk yard before it's three years old. Well, they're still here, still running and capable of embarrassing all but the quickest HDs.
My big, modern bike is a 2003 Valkyrie. Did I say that it's an American made bike?
Your description of today's Easy Rider wanna-bes is spot on. That's the part of Harley owners I just don't undstand. I hear the Harley guys in this thread saying what does it matter what brand someone else rides. Well, it doesn't, but where then does their holier-than-thou attitude come from? If it doesn't matter to them that someone else rides a metric, than why are we looked down upon by Harley riders? They're being hypocrits by talking out of both sides of their mouth at the same time. BTW, it would take a seriously souped up Harley to take any of your metrics (unless you include the V-Rod, which of course really isn't a Harley, its a Porsch).
grampi
i have rode yamaha virago kawi vulcan 1500 hondas ninjas cbrs r6 r1. i love riding will ride any bike. but if i could pick it would be a american made harley or indian.
dont bash or be snobby as you put it.. wave at all riders ever guys riding crotch rockets or mopeds for that matter. even wave at guys riding bicycles .
i think most of the snobs you are talking about there bikes sit in the garage 95% of the time and they make calender dates to go ride there harleys.
like i said ive rode just about all of em and if i could chose i would ride a harley and thats what i ride. but if i didnt have a harley would ride metrics wouldnt care.will ride any bike. but like i said if i could pick it would be a harley
i have rode yamaha virago kawi vulcan 1500 hondas ninjas cbrs r6 r1. i love riding will ride any bike. but if i could pick it would be a american made harley or indian.
dont bash or be snobby as you put it.. wave at all riders ever guys riding crotch rockets or mopeds for that matter. even wave at guys riding bicycles .
i think most of the snobs you are talking about there bikes sit in the garage 95% of the time and they make calender dates to go ride there harleys.
like i said ive rode just about all of em and if i could chose i would ride a harley and thats what i ride. but if i didnt have a harley would ride metrics wouldnt care.will ride any bike. but like i said if i could pick it would be a harley
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Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
It's too bad they stopped making the Valkyrie in '03. It was nice they assembled it here using imported parts from Japan.But like I said before, here today and Bam they're gone.I guess another "classic" bit the dust. But I'm sure they came out with another "classic" to take its place. Instead of trying to refine the product the Japanese just scrap the whole concept.Just the thought of buying a bike the company had no faith in to keep makin, doesn't sell me on buying a model they can just wipe off the board.At least the motor parts can be interchanged, but if you need anything else for the bike they will be getting hard to find. Don't you hate throw away bikes?.,,
It appears you might be missing the point. A bike that is manufactured as well as the Valkyrie, if treated reasonable well, will likely not need repair. If you build something right the first time, it should pretty much stay together. Being that a Valkyrie is a very well made, very smooth running, under stressed machine, capable of hundreds of thousands of miles before any type of real work is required, I'm confident that the bike will outlast me. Don't see the "throw away" part you've mentioned. Just because HD haven't evolved, doesn't mean that they keep parts for every bike they've ever made. That's about as bogus as the resale myth.
Do you know if HD stock cylinder heads for a 1939 flat head? Or maybe a rear cylinder for a 1965 XLCH? Or is that an XLH?
It's too bad they stopped making the Valkyrie in '03. It was nice they assembled it here using imported parts from Japan.But like I said before, here today and Bam they're gone.I guess another "classic" bit the dust. But I'm sure they came out with another "classic" to take its place. Instead of trying to refine the product the Japanese just scrap the whole concept.Just the thought of buying a bike the company had no faith in to keep makin, doesn't sell me on buying a model they can just wipe off the board.At least the motor parts can be interchanged, but if you need anything else for the bike they will be getting hard to find. Don't you hate throw away bikes?.,,
It appears you might be missing the point. A bike that is manufactured as well as the Valkyrie, if treated reasonable well, will likely not need repair. If you build something right the first time, it should pretty much stay together. Being that a Valkyrie is a very well made, very smooth running, under stressed machine, capable of hundreds of thousands of miles before any type of real work is required, I'm confident that the bike will outlast me. Don't see the "throw away" part you've mentioned. Just because HD haven't evolved, doesn't mean that they keep parts for every bike they've ever made. That's about as bogus as the resale myth.
Do you know if HD stock cylinder heads for a 1939 flat head? Or maybe a rear cylinder for a 1965 XLCH? Or is that an XLH?
Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
It's too bad they stopped making the Valkyrie in '03. It was nice they assembled it here using imported parts from Japan.
I don't think you wanna go there. Harley has a higher content of parts made in China than any other make. So for those of you who think you're getting American iron when you buy a Harley, you'd better think again.
grampi, I'd be interested to learn more about the parts content of different motorcycle brands. Please provide your source. Does the source also indicate the US-made content of parts?
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
It's too bad they stopped making the Valkyrie in '03. It was nice they assembled it here using imported parts from Japan.
I don't think you wanna go there. Harley has a higher content of parts made in China than any other make. So for those of you who think you're getting American iron when you buy a Harley, you'd better think again.
grampi, I'd be interested to learn more about the parts content of different motorcycle brands. Please provide your source. Does the source also indicate the US-made content of parts?
Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: cfromc
grampi, face it, you originally posted this just to be a troll. You didn't really ask to learn something, did you? You asked to start a Harley bashing thread because you don't like them. People have given numerous reasons, which you quickly turned on them, for example:
"People who say this don't know the answer themselves."
"So it is a cult thing? People who buy Harleys just want to be part of the herd?"
Most of post 1702532, including: "Certainly not all Harley owners are like this, but a lot of them are. I'd just as soon spit on these people as give them the time of day.", "If you want to be just another cow in the herd, buy a Harley. If you want to be unique, buy something else."
"snobby Harley owners"
Face it, grampi, you are just a troll here
RonH, you sound like a troll that has 'issues'. "I'd have hunting season all year on Harleys and have a shotgun aiming at the street if I had my way." Are you going to start shooting Mack trucks later because they are too loud? You better wear ear protection because those shotguns are loud. Can I shoot you for shooting the shotgun because it hurts my ears?
This discussion isn't at all about the fact that I don't like Harleys; it's all about my inability to understand the huge attraction to the brand, and why so many Harley owners seem to cop "the attitude." I don't have it. I'm friendly to ALL riders regardless of what they ride, that is until I get the attitude from someone. Then all bets are off. And talking about this certainly doesn't make me a troll.
There we disagree. You had your mind made up when you posted. You posted a question guaranteed to put a lot of people on one side of the fence or the other. You received several legitimate answers to your question then you responded with a bashing thread with your "spit on them" comment, calling the V-Rod a Porche, your next paragraph about how they are cookie-cutter bikes, everyone has one, yadda yadda, how Victory is better (which I disagree with), your comment about Harleys leaving people stranded, how they're overpriced, and finally your comment about Harley riders just being another cow in the herd.
You don't like Harleys and most of their riders, we get it. Don't pretend that your original post was just so you could learn the reasons why other people like the brand.
I've ridden or owned every Japanese brand, I've ridden a Victory, I choose to own Harleys. But I don't feel any need to start a thread with the intention of bashing any other brand or their owners.
Originally Posted By: cfromc
grampi, face it, you originally posted this just to be a troll. You didn't really ask to learn something, did you? You asked to start a Harley bashing thread because you don't like them. People have given numerous reasons, which you quickly turned on them, for example:
"People who say this don't know the answer themselves."
"So it is a cult thing? People who buy Harleys just want to be part of the herd?"
Most of post 1702532, including: "Certainly not all Harley owners are like this, but a lot of them are. I'd just as soon spit on these people as give them the time of day.", "If you want to be just another cow in the herd, buy a Harley. If you want to be unique, buy something else."
"snobby Harley owners"
Face it, grampi, you are just a troll here
RonH, you sound like a troll that has 'issues'. "I'd have hunting season all year on Harleys and have a shotgun aiming at the street if I had my way." Are you going to start shooting Mack trucks later because they are too loud? You better wear ear protection because those shotguns are loud. Can I shoot you for shooting the shotgun because it hurts my ears?
This discussion isn't at all about the fact that I don't like Harleys; it's all about my inability to understand the huge attraction to the brand, and why so many Harley owners seem to cop "the attitude." I don't have it. I'm friendly to ALL riders regardless of what they ride, that is until I get the attitude from someone. Then all bets are off. And talking about this certainly doesn't make me a troll.
There we disagree. You had your mind made up when you posted. You posted a question guaranteed to put a lot of people on one side of the fence or the other. You received several legitimate answers to your question then you responded with a bashing thread with your "spit on them" comment, calling the V-Rod a Porche, your next paragraph about how they are cookie-cutter bikes, everyone has one, yadda yadda, how Victory is better (which I disagree with), your comment about Harleys leaving people stranded, how they're overpriced, and finally your comment about Harley riders just being another cow in the herd.
You don't like Harleys and most of their riders, we get it. Don't pretend that your original post was just so you could learn the reasons why other people like the brand.
I've ridden or owned every Japanese brand, I've ridden a Victory, I choose to own Harleys. But I don't feel any need to start a thread with the intention of bashing any other brand or their owners.
Originally Posted By: cfromc
Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
It's too bad they stopped making the Valkyrie in '03. It was nice they assembled it here using imported parts from Japan.
I don't think you wanna go there. Harley has a higher content of parts made in China than any other make. So for those of you who think you're getting American iron when you buy a Harley, you'd better think again.
grampi, I'd be interested to learn more about the parts content of different motorcycle brands. Please provide your source. Does the source also indicate the US-made content of parts?
Just walk in to any HD dealership and look at the "Official HD" gear or parts. $450 HD jackets.. Made in China... $160 controls.. Made in China..
HD has factories all over. No crome parts are made in the USA because of the EPA. The forks come as an assembly from Japan. The electronics from all over Asia. Cast iron parts from..? They have suppliers from all over the world.
Ya frames may be from the USA as well as the final assembly but the total parts content? Probably on par with your typical GM/Ford/Chrysler. We live in a global economy.
I don't really have issue with the bikes themselfs... Its just the attitude ive run in to.
Going back to the Chevy vs Dodge comparison.. ive never had a Chevy driver come park next to me and then actively bash my Dodge...
I also get a little chuckle every time I see a big HD sticker across the back window of a Toyota or Honda.
Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
It's too bad they stopped making the Valkyrie in '03. It was nice they assembled it here using imported parts from Japan.
I don't think you wanna go there. Harley has a higher content of parts made in China than any other make. So for those of you who think you're getting American iron when you buy a Harley, you'd better think again.
grampi, I'd be interested to learn more about the parts content of different motorcycle brands. Please provide your source. Does the source also indicate the US-made content of parts?
Just walk in to any HD dealership and look at the "Official HD" gear or parts. $450 HD jackets.. Made in China... $160 controls.. Made in China..
HD has factories all over. No crome parts are made in the USA because of the EPA. The forks come as an assembly from Japan. The electronics from all over Asia. Cast iron parts from..? They have suppliers from all over the world.
Ya frames may be from the USA as well as the final assembly but the total parts content? Probably on par with your typical GM/Ford/Chrysler. We live in a global economy.
I don't really have issue with the bikes themselfs... Its just the attitude ive run in to.
Going back to the Chevy vs Dodge comparison.. ive never had a Chevy driver come park next to me and then actively bash my Dodge...
I also get a little chuckle every time I see a big HD sticker across the back window of a Toyota or Honda.
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I think just about any Harley since about 1985 when the Evolution motor came out is a good bike. Problem is that so many buy it cause they have the attitude "there can be only one real bike, and I own it". Not all HD riders have this, but there are those out there that look down on us metric riders.
And yes we live in a Global economy. Lots of Suzuki parts are made in Korea, Honda and BMW have lots made in China..and the list goes on and on. Its the only way a company like HD can be competitive and not price themselves out of the market.
And yes we live in a Global economy. Lots of Suzuki parts are made in Korea, Honda and BMW have lots made in China..and the list goes on and on. Its the only way a company like HD can be competitive and not price themselves out of the market.
It's ok if you bought a foreign bike, and now feel you need to justify it to the world.I'm glad only 3or 4 people here know the real truth, and are willing to help all us poor Harley owners with our outdated,slow,Chinese part infested bikes. What would we have done?.Think how many more Japanese bikes there are for you to buy, while all the Harley riders ride there bikes. Heck at most Honda and Yamaha dealers you can still buy brand new '07's and 08's. So I guess it true you'll have alot of spare parts for those limited production bikes. I think I'll go out and buy some Yamaha or Honda tee shirts to give out for Christmas.Do they even make them? Maybe not who would buy one.,,
Hermann
Site Donor 2023
When I bought my 1991 BMW R100GS, it was just the beginning of the speculative market in Harley's. I shopped BMW, H-D, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Honda, and several others. BMW got my business, because it was the only dealer who didn't have a attitude, did not try to rip me off, and generally were nice people. 18 years and 50,000 miles later, it has been a great relationship, the same people are still at the dealership doing the same jobs. Just this last summer, I took it in for a service, for $108 they installed new plugs, set the carbs, ran the valves, adjusted the timing, and gave it a good looking over. The rest of the maintainance I do myself, and it is easy to do. Today my bike drives, rides and looks as good as the day I bought it.
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
Heck at most Honda and Yamaha dealers you can still buy brand new '07's and 08's.
Not around here. I had to go on a waiting list for my Yamaha I bought new in 2007. Took me 2 months to get one.
Most of the shops around have very few older models that are still new in stock.
Heck at most Honda and Yamaha dealers you can still buy brand new '07's and 08's.
Not around here. I had to go on a waiting list for my Yamaha I bought new in 2007. Took me 2 months to get one.
Most of the shops around have very few older models that are still new in stock.
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