Yes, it does say cruisers. I read that, although by the time I read the other posts, I had forgotten the exact content of the first post. As a result, I did get somewhat off topic, since my FJR isn't a cruiser.
But then again, I did make comments about metric bikes that are directly comparable to Harley, and Harley as well, so my post wasn't entirely off topic. There are a lot of good points there for anyone trying to decide on which to buy, points that I didn't read in the other posts.
And HYPERR, I'm by no means ignorant and clueless. If you read what you quoted, nowhere does it say I was considering buying a Harley. And I would NOT replace my FJR with one even IF I bought one. I go into dealerships that sell other brands and types of bikes so that I can be more informed about them and the new models they offer, and simply because I just love motorcycles. In fact, I spent about 30 minutes in a Harley/Piaggio dealership just last week and about an hour in a Honda/Kawasaki/Yamaha/Suzuki/Can Am dealer the week before.
Nope, no ignorance or cluelessness here. And I'm certainly not a Harley "wannabe", since I have no desire to purchase one, nor do I envy Harley owners because of what they ride. So how does that make me a "wannabe"?
Arrogant, well maybe that's true, especially when it comes to showing Harley owners how superior my FJR is... J/K
People say I'm stupid and apathetic. I don't know what that means, and I don't care.
Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
As a guy who's owned over 30 motorcycles but never a Harley I have to disagree on a few points. While Harley are more expensive to buy own and operate they are one of the most luxurious and comfortable bikes to ride and hold up better to weathering than many other brands. Furthermore their beefy alternators provide more accessory capabilities than any other bike with only BMW coming in a close second. I see quite a few stereotypes that you are lobbying at Harley that I don't have the inclination to address with my iPhone. However, if you've never ridden one, just heard the stories, then drop by a dealer and try one out. I'll probably never buy one (not into cruisers so much at my age) I still test one from time to time and can only knock them good maturely
however if you want a great handling, comfortable bike with known longevity and power where you need it then there's only one choice- BMW
Well my benelli definitely takes the cake, I took the models offered by Honda kawasaki yamaha and Suzuki and found the average price (excluded scooters and what I consider training models) with Harley owning that catagory quite nicely. On wear items like chains sprockets belts brakes filters etc, it's about a wash. For labor the local Harley rates are $20 more than at metric dealers. Also there are certain adjustments dealers have to make on Harley such as suspension.
I'm open to any discrepencies I may have made in my assessment. My personal expenses on my Strom are over 1000 on just maintenance items. Two sets of tires one chain one set of sprockets fluid flushes valve adjustments brake replacements etc. I do all the labor myself or I couldn't afford to ride this much... Well I could hit the track less on the zx6 but that'll happen right after the repubs and dems see eye to eye.
storysunfolding wrote:I'm open to any discrepencies I may have made in my assessment.
Not sure about the pricing in the US, but up here in Canada the 2010 BMW K1300 sets you back $25,736, a 2010 Gold Wing rings in at $29,999 while the 2010 HD Ultra Classic lists at $24,900.
The Harley dealer in your area may charge $20 more per hour, but I'll bet the cost of a scheduled service there is less than either the BMW or Honda or any other similar touring bike. My '01 Triumph Tiger, for example, averaged around $450 per appointment, while the Harley has yet to cost more than $300. But, like you, I do most of the maintenance myself and it doesn't cost anywhere near as much as you'd think.
The insurance rate on my 2007 Road Glide is only $100 more per year than my 2005 Ural.
Based on my personal experiences, I find it hard to believe your claim about Harleys costing more to buy, own and operate.
EDIT: I have owned four Harleys, two Hinckley Triumphs, a Kawasaki and two Hondas over the last 28 years and the Harleys have always caused me the least problems and least amount of money. YMMV. Don't get me started on the Ural or my '71 BSA A65T, though.
Another thing to keep in mind about the metric bikes is how the value of the dollar affects the price. The dollar being worth less has definitely affected the price of the metric bikes.
If the dollar was worth more when compared to the currency of the countries that make metric motorcycles, the price for them would be cheaper, while the price of the Harley wouldn't change.
HYPERR makes a good point about comfort. Not every Harley has the comfort of the bigger Harleys.
Plus, let me add that the perception of comfort varies widely according to the individual.
Here's an example: I know a guy who is in his early 40s that has been riding bikes since he was in high school. He hates to drive a car. Although I ride at least 2/3 of the time (putting 30,000 miles on my FJR in less than 2 years), I've seen him ride when the weather was too bad for even me to ride. In fact, I've NEVER seen him drive a 4 wheeled vehicle. This guy also went to the MMI school, and does all his own maintenance, right down to engine rebuilds.
I say all this to make the point that he is REALLY REALLY into motorcycles, much more so than the average rider, so he knows what he is talking about when it comes to them.
Anyway, most of his riding career has been on Japanese sportbikes, with his preference being the Ninja line. When I met him, he had a '99 Ninja ZX9 that he bought new. In '02, it had well over 90,000 miles. Later on, he bought a new '05 ZX10, keeping the ZX9. Then he bought a used '03 Harley Softail, while keeping both Ninjas.
Now, you would think that the Harley would be the most comfortable to him. But he had been riding sportbikes for so long that of the 3 he had, the ZX9 was the most comfortable. In fact, he rode the Harley to Bike Week the first year he had it, and he said it was the most uncomfortable ride he ever had been on.
In fact, by that point, he was beginning to hate the Harley and was considering selling it.
However, over time, he rode it more and became more used to it. He had been riding sportbikes so long, that he had to adjust to the Harley riding position.
Even now though, he still prefers the ZX9 for longer rides. It is his preference for trips.
I know, it's hard to believe. But I know he wouldn't lie about such things.
By the way, my point of all this is NOT to compare apples to oranges. It is to make a point about comfort being based on individual rider perception. So just because it's a Harley, that doesn't mean all riders will think it's more comfortable.
There's also quite a few other things that my friend said about Harley, and this being from a mechanic's viewpoint. But I won't go into all that...
J/K
Mike 
