is it possible to compare Harleys without bias?

[cb360]

I drove a 78 thunderbird for a couple of years, but the first car that was really 'mine' was a 1986 Toyota 2wd pickup. I drove that thing from 1986 to 2002! Then the boss bought me a new Subaru so I finally had to let go of it. Sold it to someone who works with me and I still see it every day. That was a great little truck

[oldnslo]

How far will one go on a tank of gas? Models earlier than the newer, rubber mounted ones have a reputation for shedding parts occasionally, at least according to some of the magazine tests.

[TechTMW]

Im suprised nobody mentioned Victory?

I was going to, but Polaris is actually a Canadian company IIRC, so rather than open that can of worms, eh!

Nope, I think that they are 'Merican.....

The Victory motorcycles are made in Minnesota, but Polaris Industries operates in Canada as a division of Textron (who also makes EZGO golf carts). Canadian parent company, therefore Canadian product. Although my argument about Honda being as American as it gets should apply to Victory as well, based on the employees in Minnesota who make the bikes.

Ducati is owned by Texas Pacific Group (a us firm)

Does that Make Ducati an American Bike ?

[ZooTech]

Ducati is owned by Texas Pacific Group (a us firm)

Does that Make Ducati an American Bike ?

Provocative!

[Fearless]

Hi Guys

I wouldn't own a Hardly Rideable if you gave it to me.

I think that they are overpriced pieces of junk. I rode a RoadKing a few years ago and found it to be a jackhammer when sitting in traffic. the other bike was the model down from the RoadKing and it sent my left foot to sleep in 5kms due to vibration.

Also i could not afford the fines for keeping starving agro dogs attached to it at home so some lowlife wouldn't steal it.

I also had some druken slob leaning out the window at the pub put manure on my GPZ1100B1. "get a real bike". I challenged him to to a competition to see who's bike was better. A 100km run through some very rough and twisty roads, I also told him to bring his papers. He very quickly pulled his head back inside. ANOTHER T-SHIRT OWNER.

I think there are much better cruisers available the H-D.

Personally, I ride BMW touers, currently K1100LT. They do everything I like, tour, long open roads with sweeping turns, two-up and daily ride to and from work.

BUT horses for courses, if you must own the motorcycle built by a clothing company, fair enough. But do not put down anyone who does not have the same thinking as you.

Ride Safe

Fearless
Gold Coast Australia

[oldnslo]

Now you've done it--EVERYBODY PUT ON YOUR FLAK VESTS AND PREPARE FOR ATTACK!!

[cb360]

But do not put down anyone who does not have the same thinking as you.

Am I crazy or did you just do exactly that?

[Meanie]

But do not put down anyone who does not have the same thinking as you.

Am I crazy or did you just do exactly that?

Actually, I think he just put down the bike(s). I didn't see any insults towards anyone who rode them, or unless, I'm the crazy one.

[ZooTech]

Well, ya know, if Harley has done anything right it's this....they've managed to create a culture around their brand. Personally, I went shopping for a bike, and just happened to end up with a Kawasaki because this particular bike had what I wanted. But folks who shop Harley's stables are usually shopping not only for a motorcycle, but an instant membership to something they feel is bigger than themselves. If that's what they want or need, more power to 'em. What I don't care for is the occasional Harley owner that treats me like I missed something. I researched bikes online and at the dealership for at least three solid months before making a move towards a purchase. I read countless reviews in magazines (I subscribe to three) and from owners of different models I was interested in who posted in forums like this one. In the end I paid $10,995.00 for my bike, which means I could have easily afforded either of the Sportster models. Had I accepted a payment >$200 per month (which I could have) I could have picked from several in the Dyna family, too. But I have never fit in anywhere in my entire life, and have grown quite used to that fact, so the urge to instantly "belong" to the Harley family just wasn't there. And for anyone who says it's the unique sound of a Harley, I'd like them to listen to a single-pin 1600cc Kawasaki with some 3" Cobra slashdowns installed. Harley doesn't hold the patent on cool.

That said, there really are folks who choose Harleys based on their own taste and style, and maybe even to have something that existed during their childhood that they had to wait to afford. But those guys are easy to spot....they're the ones who wave back even after identifying your bike as a non-Harley.

[cb360]

But do not put down anyone who does not have the same thinking as you.

Am I crazy or did you just do exactly that?

Actually, I think he just put down the bike(s). I didn't see any insults towards anyone who rode them, or unless, I'm the crazy one.

Although the owners aren't specifically mentioned in the phrases "Hardly Rideable" and "overpriced pieces of junk", I believe the speaker's estimate of the intelligence of the owners who selected these machines can be inferred. Nice hair splitting though.

Zootech made some good points - some people are looking for more than just a bike. Many feel like they found it with a Harley. Anyone who looks down on someone else because of brand selection is just a jerk... whatever they are riding. Slamming people who buy Harleys because they bought Harleys is no different than insulting someone for NOT buying a Harley.

I don't have a Harley and I likely never will - just trying to see both sides of the fence.