H/D - What is the Deal?

[bikerstarfjr08]

This is not really meant to bash the HD brand ..but I am sure a lot of folks might disagree. What I do not get about the HD brand and its fanatical following is why will folks plunk down ridiculous amounts of money on a motorcycle that is, well, overpriced (IMHO) underpowered (I think fairly well documented) and somewhat behind the curve in technology (I realize in some areas, HD has improved).

Once purchased, the proud new owner then spends thousands of dollars on performance upgrades and is still not in the arena with the top end metric cruisers.

I once owned a 2006 Yamaha Roadliner (I now have an FJR) that had 101 HP at the rear wheel and 117 lb/ft. Those are not stock numbers but I only spent $750.00 to get it to those numbers. The Roadliner was incredible in the twistys and pulled like a freight train. It looked great (even got compliments from the HD crowd), ran terrific and cost a lot less than the comparable HD model.

I just do not get it. Why do so many folks spend so much money on a bike that just does not perform? I know it has something to do with the life style thing and to some degree the herd mentality and more likely the ego thing. Maybe it is just the t-shirts. I remain confused.
 

[chornbe]

Thank God you're here to ask these questions. Finally, some discussion might come to light on this topic. Especially since everyone here on this sites owns and loves Harleys so, so very much!

MY GOD WHY HASN'T ANYONE ASKED QUESTIONS LIKE THIS BEFORE!



(yes, I'm well aware this was an asinine and cocky & sarcastic answer)

[Playinthestreet]

I remain confused.

Ah, Grasshopper... It'll come to you one day.
 

[mugwump58]

In the end, life is short. Make yourself happy and try not to object to other people doing the same unless of course...

[UFO]

Because people are different.

They != You.
You != Them.

[DCLXVI]

As stated by yourself, you just don't get it. Until you get it all the explinations and opinions in the world won't matter.

[dtor]

Jesus, just when you think that there can't *possibly* be another smug, clueless, noobtwat "motorcyclist" out there, up pops the trite "Please help me understand" bash.

[DogBoy]

You meant to tell me that HD's don't perform like other bikes? Oh my word how did the Good Lord let this happen? Mercy Me!

[greench440]

We must be getting deep into winter, even the HD bashing threads are getting lame.  I give him a 2.

[falcofred]

If we have to explain, you wouldn't understand  

[BobW]

In the end, life is short. Make yourself happy and try not to object to other people doing the same unless of course...

The Secret of Life    

[MadMax96]

I get why people like Harleys.  Tradition, classic styling, American Iron, etc..  I personally appreciate the technology of the other brands, but many other people just don't care about that stuff.  BUT - HD spends a lot of effort incorporating technology while keeping the bikes look and feel the same because that's what customers want (drive by wire, ABS, new frame design on touring bikes, etc...)  I've really stopped caring about which bike people choose - at least they're on two wheels.  It's the small percentage that think only HDs are "real bikes" - those people are 'tards.  Every HD owner I've run into while on road trips are super nice folks.

This is what I DON'T GET -> it's some (most?) of the Harley owners I see.  Do they really need to wear Harley branded shirts/boots/gloves/belts/sweatshirts/socks and even the occasional helmet?  Many of these are guys are really into supporting this American brand - and that's fine with me.  BUT when they buy all that [overpriced] crap don't they notice almost none of it's actually made here?  

I'm not bad mouthing the HD company - more power to them.  Obviously marketing genius at work here.  Slap your name on ANYTHING and some schlub WILL buy it even if they don't own a bike.  Give me 1% of the money made on just their stickers and I could probably retire next month.

The guys riding HD bikes who wear all the apparel look like rolling billboards.  A friend of mine really wants an EG Ultra - I hope he's able to afford it in the next year or so.  I asked him - "you aren't going to buy all that other HD crap too are you??"  He laughed and gave me an honest "no way."  We'll see.......

[wvrider]

I've never owned a HD. I have owned Kawasaki, Honda, Bmw, Triumph, Ducati and I will and do ride anything with two wheels and a motor and have fun doing so. What I dont get is all the "i dont get it" questions from people about HD. Why arent they asking the same question about Yamaha, Honda, etc.? They all have their shock troops (I admit Harley has the most visible and vocal). Many have their own form of "uniform". Anyway, I am currently very serious about a new EG. The only thing I waver on is the price...its steep to be sure. That said, having test rode them and other tourers I just like how it feels better than the rest and I think that will hold sway on this cycle purchase. Yep, its not as fast...so what. I'm not as fast either but I dont beat myself up over it. It is more comfortable, has abs, cruise and built in communications, handles very well for a 880lb bike and good warranty coverage and beautiful finish work. Shops are everywhere yet maintenance is minimal (go figure that one out Honda and Yamaha on your cruisers). Its a little on the loud side (stock even) but that is a property that reminds me that I ride a MOTOR cycle. I can live with that I think. Hey if Star offered ABS and cruise on their Roadliner I might buy one (I almost did before I bought my Tiger, the liner has a nice motor and frame but still short on ground clearance) but they dont.

Ride what you like, you will have more fun.

Phil

[Geoff]

What I do not get about the HD brand and its fanatical following is why will folks plunk down ridiculous amounts of money on a motorcycle that is, well, overpriced (IMHO) underpowered.

It might come as a surprise but not everyone follows your purchase critera.  

[kevin_stevens]

Why do people spend tens of thousands of dollars to restore a Porsche 356 or first-gen Corvette, only to end up with an uncompetitive, unreliable automobile that by any objective criteria is hopelessly out of date?

More importantly, why do you care?

KeS

[bikerstarfjr08]

Why do people spend tens of thousands of dollars to restore a Porsche 356 or first-gen Corvette, only to end up with an uncompetitive, unreliable automobile that by any objective criteria is hopelessly out of date?

More importantly, why do you care?

KeS

So, I guess what you are trying to get at is that the restoration of a classic car, that at the time it was manufactured was up to date technologically and fairly priced for what you got for the money, is analogous to buying a NEW - current year - motorcycle that is NOT. Did I miss your point or did you really have one?

On your second captivating question - I do not care all that much, just curious.

[kevin_stevens]

On your second captivating question - I do not care all that much, just curious.

Then I won't waste any more of my time.

KeS

[wvrider]

So, I guess what you are trying to get at is that the restoration of a classic car, that at the time it was manufactured was up to date technologically and fairly priced for what you got for the money, is analogous to buying a NEW - current year - motorcycle that is NOT. Did I miss your point or did you really have one?

On your second captivating question - I do not care all that much, just curious.

OK troll you have now climbed out from the shadow of the bridge and exposed the true meaning of the "question".

[Geoff]

Me thinks bikerstarfjr08 is bike curious about Harleys.  

[Playinthestreet]

As in "methinks though protest too much"