Hoping to get some insight.

[justbrad]

Hi everyone. I just joined this site to try and learn a little bit about Harley's. I have been riding a long time but never a harley. I personally prefer sportbikes which I'm sure puts me on a sh#$list pretty quick with a lot of folks here.

I certainly don't want to step on anyone's toes, or piss anyone off and think it is disrespectful to jump on a board and start flaming. It's rude and a waste of everyone's time.

I am however curious about why I or anyone else for that matter should choose a Harley?

It seems to me that the motor technology on current Harley bikes is behind the times. The motors seem a bit underpowered and not that great on gas mileage. I understand that they aren't built for speed and I enjoy cruising on sunny days as much as the next guy.

I guess I just don't understand what it is about Harley's that makes them as appealing as they are to many people. It seems to me that they are priced three times higher than bikes that seem to be equal, or even better in terms of performance, and reliability.

No one can argue that Harley's hold there resale better than most if not all bikes.

Anyway the bottom line is that I try and respect everyone, especially those who ride. I hope this doesn't get me banned because I would really like to learn more about these bikes.

[FATboy05]

justbrad,
There is a saying that goes with riding Harley's, it goes something like this : "if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand"

Most of us have ridden metric bikes before, but life on a Harley is much different. The camaraderie is so much more than that of metric riders. I have met most of my current friends since, and because I ride a Harley. I have outgrown speed, and can afford the $10 to fill my ride. I enjoy all the thumbs up from kids, and adults when I ride by. The stares from metric riders that wish the had a Harley are nice too. I enjoy long rides with my friends on my Harley, never enjoyed long rides on my metric. There really is no comparison to riding metric, and riding my Harley. So I'll have to revert to my previous paragraph.............I will say I had no idea when I purchased my Fatboy that I was also entering into a new way of life, with numerous Great new Friends headed my way.
Live to Ride
Ride to Live

[justbrad]

Thank you sir. I do understand that a lot of people do respect harleys more than other bikes. I myself have experienced mixed feelings from both camps. Many sportbike owners that I know are quick to hate on harleys, and vice versa. I have owned three suzuki Hayabusas, and a few other streetbikes in my life. Before that it was untold numbers of dirtbikes, three wheelers, etc. The first Hayabusa I put almost 13,000 miles on in about 8 months before I wrecked it. Yes I was going too fast, and riding beyond my skill level when I did. I am man enough to admit my mistake. However I don't believe the Hayabusa to be an uncomfortable bike. Surely 13,000 miles in 8 months is no world record but it is a decent amount of miles to rack up in 3/4 of a year on any bike in my opinion.

Personally I respect anyone who rides on two-wheels, sir. I don't hate on metrics, that would be stupid since I myself, and most all of the friends I know who ride Harley's have riden metrics, so that is not a valid observation to me. I see more thumbing of the nose from Metric's towards Harley's than the other way around. There is a reason there are so many bikes to chose from, everyone has different wants, and needs. The Busa for instance is a very sweet bike. I have never heard anyone I ride with bad mouth metrics. A rider, is a rider, and we all look out for each other. It's like arguing Chevy over Ford to me. Different wants,likes, and needs for everyone. If we all rode, and drove the same thing what fun would that be? It's not the miles so much as the amount of time in the seat. We take very long trips, and are gone for days. I wouldn't have done that on my metrics
I think that sportbikes get automatically shoved into this uncomfortable stereotype and feel that perhaps harleys get shoved into stereotypes of there own. I can tell you that I loved my Hayabusas because they perform wonderfully, need little maintenance, get GREAT gas mileage when you respect the throttle, and are comfortable to ride, plus they absolutely haul butt when you want them too.
As for the maintenance aspect it is you who are a bit misled IMO. I have done nothing other than the same basic maintenance I did on my metrics. The Harley of today is a very reliable machine, and gas mileage is a silly point, I get roughly the same as I got on my metrics, 35-40 mpg. The difference at the pump between a metric, and a Harley is negligible at best.
Forgive me sir when I say that I think your answer avoided my original question altogether. Many times I have asked people what it is about a Harley that they love so much? Many times I have gotten vague answers such as "Because they are awesome". Your answer was "If you have to ask then you wouldn't understand". Please correct me if I'm wrong, but that doesn't really give me any specific reasons why I should choose a Harley over similar cruiser bikes that cost much less and seem to offer the same comfort on long trips.
As for your basic question there is no way for any of us to answer it IMO. Until you ride a Harley you won't know..........It's not really a feeling that can be put into words, at least not by me. But, I have never asked anyone who rides a metric "why do you love your metric" IMO it's an ignorant question altogether. People ride what they either want, or can afford. Just like with cages. We would all probably like a Mercedes, BMW, etc... but we drive the best vehicle we can afford. I don't think you should chose a Harley personally, and don't care what you ride. But I do think you should go ride one. If I see you on the highway and you wave, I'll wave back. If I see you on the shoulder, I'll stop to see if I can help. All of us on 2-wheels should look out for one another. I don't guess I understand your premise about Harley rider's hating on metrics, so I can't answer that. We ride with many metric rider's. They have their Forums where they got to talk about their experiences, we have ours. I have NEVER gone to a metric Forum and asked why they like what they ride. To me it's insulting. Especially since I give no thought to what anyone rides......

Perhaps I don't understand and in all honesty I have never ridden a Harley so perhaps I can't fully understand it until I do.
This, Sir is the whole issue IMO.

I do believe that my earlier comments about there motor technology are fair and just. It seems that there engine is a very old and dated design. Granted tried and true is a noble method but the new bikes are super expensive and in my opinion and no real improvements have been made in about forty years or more, barring carburetor improvements in recent years. These carburetor improvements seem to be from using foreign built equipment also. I just cant understand the cost, when the technology seems so old and unrevised.
See previously stated comments on this misnomer.

Thank you for your respectful response and I hope to continue this debate without anyone resorting to flaming or other nonsense.
There is no debate here IMO, Wind Therapy, is Wind Therapy. Everyone can find it in their own way. Those of us on bikes are all of the same Spirit.

As I said before we all ride because we love it and at the end of the day we should look out for one another.
On this we agree totally.

Thanks,

Brad

[Blackpearlultra]

I have to agree with all that FB05 had to say. You will never find a bike easyer to work on and maintain yourself. I have an Ultra and find the fit and comfort for me was un-equaled by none. I had an 01 Goldwing and have found the Ultra to be much more comfortable for my 6'-4" body. You are correct in saying that they are not the quickest bike but in saying that you can hot rod them up pretty quick as well.
My opinion is that you need to go to a dealer and road test a bike or three...honestly coming from a crotch roocket you won't like the speed but you should enjoy the comfort. You'll enjoy a 2000 mile tour more on a Decker then you will on a Busa! Harleys aren't for everyone and there are many wana-be's out there with Hog's in their garage that never get road. To me that is a shame and a waste of a good machine. I ride as often as I can and right now it's killing me waiting for spring.
You are the only one who can make the decision and there is nothing anyone can tell you that you should base your decision on!
Welcome to the site by the way!

[FATboy05]

Have to agree with BP's points also. I replied to each of the points you made Brad. But in the end it's not a question that can be answered with words.
Live to Ride
Ride to Live
Mike

[justbrad]

Thanks for the honest replies. That is really what I wanted and answers a lot of questions. I don't however agree that its an ignorant question to ask, and certainly no disrespect was meant on my end. Maybe one day I will get a chance to ride one and see for myself. Money is not the issue, and never was. I have no problem paying for the toys I choose to ride. Value has been my only issue. Haters hate in all walks of life, I think it shows lack of character personally. Enjoy your bikes, that is what they were made for. As BP said there is nothing worse than seeing good machines rot away in garages as status symbols of sorts for wanna-be's who claim to be real riders.

Enjoy the road, gents.

[Mominatrix]

Hey Brad. I don't know that the answers you seek can be tied up in a paragraph but I'll do my best. People are unique in there taste and desires. Some love a BMW others want to drive a Chevy. They both have their individual qualities. It seems the same with 2 wheeled beast to me. I've never owned a sport bike. I started with my hearts desire. A big fat loud Harley. That's what does it for me. It makes my heart speed up and brings a smile to my face. It's what makes me happy. I don't trash anyone for riding anything. I ride what brings me joy. I ride what stills the stress and soothes my soul. The purr from the engine makes all time and space fade away. It's only me, my ride, and the road. We do our own maintenance on our bikes. We did a few little mods and upgrades to give them some punch. I'm not looking to be the fastest bike on the road. I'm looking for what makes me smile. My bikes have been reliable, serviceable, and a joy to ride. I wouldn't hesitate to jump on my bike and ride cross country tomorrow without undue angst. She runs as well as any machine on the road. I've seen some girls riding sport bikes and I see the same excitement in their eyes as I feel when I'm on my ride. Good for them. They found what makes them smile. I found what makes me smile. In the ends it's all about what makes you happy. Not the crowd. I've loved the sound and the look of a Harley since I was a little girl with my face against the window in my Daddy's car. Life was hard so I just couldn't afford more than a rattletrap beat up car. Now I'll take what makes me happy. My only advice to you is ride what brings you joy and apologize to no one for it. I certainly don't.

[justbrad]

Awesome post Mominatrix and I could not agree more. I understand exactly how you feel and I would not hesitate to jump on my Busa and ride cross country if I had the time off. Sure it might not be as comfortable as a cruiser but it is what makes me smile. The power, performance, and that same open road solo you and your bike experience that we all seem to agree upon. My mom thinks I'm crazy for riding any bike much less a fast sportbike "death trap" as she calls them. When she asked me why I bought these bikes my answer was very simple: Mom because I cannot afford a supercar. The performance is what does it for me. Ten grand or so to be very close to the top of the food chain as far as speed, braking, etc go. I also enjoy turning wrenches on my bike and take much satisfaction in doing 90 percent of the maintenance myself. I also agree that the world would be a very boring place if we all rode the same thing.

[FATboy05]

Well said Moms!!

[GzrGldGeo]

The way people look at people on a Harley is much much different than the way you are looked at on any other bike. Many times while out on a ride, people come to see your Harley and talk to you about the one they owned in 1963 or the one their cousin, uncle, or Dad had. You immediately belong to a social network of good people, doing good things, and using common sense. Also somebody said it is OK for old white guys to drink beer and ride Harley's. The Cops, Firemen, and honorable Servicemen all ride, honor, and respect the Harley Davidson. It is part of America and being American.

People can ride what they want. I will ride the Harley Davidson.

Are there any sportbike songs? Are there any Honda, Yamaha, etc road songs?

If I had the money I would have a couple of Sport Bikes too.