Harley -vs- Honda

[PAVALKER]

Well, I am on the VTXOA message boards and there is quite a bit of discussion regarding Harley M/C there.... which is usually brought up (or heavily fueled by) by HD owners.  I expressed that it wasn't productive on a Honda VTX message board etc etc..... but those die hard HD guys wouldn't let up.  Sooooo.... today I decided to go play in their "sandbox" if you will and posted on the Harley V Honda thread, and posted a pic of my Valk as well (knowing they could not claim that was an HD clone in any way shape or form).  It was civil for the most part.....  except with the Administrator locked the thread and told us to go play elsewhere.....

http://hdforums.com/forum/general-harley-davidson-chat/456936-honda-shadow-rs-vs-hd-sportster-883-a-11.html


Old  Today, 06:52 PM
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Terry1955 Terry1955 is online now
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I'll tell you what boys and girls. This is a Harley Forum. If you want to talk about Hondas then there are plenty of Honda forums. Same with Victory.
__________________

[alph]

My old boss was a Harley guy.  Honestly, he was the nicest guy in the world (that is until he fired me, then he was an a-hole, but it wasn’t his doing)

Anyway.

Every year he and his clan would go on some cross country trip, and every year he’d tell me about were someone broke down.  I cared for the guy dearly.  He truly was a great guy, but I couldn’t understand why he stood by that cycle so much! 

There were stories he’d tell me about leaving his wife on the side of the road with a broken down cycle while he went into town, 20 miles away, to get parts.

Man he loved that bike!  I still can’t understand why?

[T-Bird]

That was some very good entertainment!!!!  I 'm sure there are pricks that ride all brands of bikes. The problem is stats....more harley's more pricks. 
Of course they will say $hit on a forum, but I bet none would say anything like that to your face!

[dreamaker]

In my neighborhood there are lots and lots of HD's, never seem to have any issues with them, The snobby ones are the BMW'ers and the Goldwing'ers. The only ones to dig me is my HD friends and that is in fun. And they tend to get quiet when we are rolling.  The only time I had a kind of incident. I just got on the e-way and a HD was behind me in the next lane. He kind of sped up to get a head of me, I noticed he kept looking in his mirror. So I figured he wanted to play, I then sped up to get a head of him. This went on a several times, and finally he was a head of me.  We were going pretty good, his bike sounded like it was getting to it peak and I was about half throttle but I made it sound like it was getting to the top. He had this HOT babe on the back in her HD designer outfit hanging on. At this point we were kind of side by side, but he was a little a head of me.  So as we were rolling I looked over at his lady and she looked back at me. She gave me his arrogant, looking down her nose look and that's all it took.  I lost my cool, I went full throttle, as I made them look like they just put it in reverse. As I launched away I looked in my mirror and I could see her looking over his shoulder looking like what just happened.   That felt good, I think next time they will think twice before kicking the fence.

Dan

[dreamaker]

Interesting read...

http://www.goingfaster.com/angst/noharley2.html

I think the article is extreme and bias. The last I checked it was still free America, free speech and free choice. America is about living out your dreams and make your fantasies come true.  I feel if it includes a HD or what you want, so be it. Its still freedom of choice.  They speak of performance like it should be the focus of our life. Bike are  like guns, they are weapons and the require respect and accountability for our actions. Sometime people just want to cruise and feel good and get away from the everyday personal politics.

Dan

[wdvalk]

Tundra,that is the best read I have read in a long time, here are my top three answers when my hd buddies ask me why I dont ride a hardley
1 not cool enough
2 cant afford the leather
3 not enough money to stop at every bar I see

[DIGGER]

I ride the 2001 Valk I've changed to a Tourer.   I have a good friend that has a 5 yr old Harley and he is retired and travels a lot.   We raised our sons in  Boy Scouts together.    I saw him this week the first time in a couple yrs.    I asked him how his Harley was doing and he replied.   "Well, 2 yrs ago it left me stranded just outside Phoenix Arizona, then last year it left me stranded just outside Durango Colorado.......when I got home I bought me a used Goldwing.   I still got my Harley for around home but when I travel now I ride the Goldwing."    Problem solved.  Nice to be able to afford 2 bikes I guess.

[Momz]

I've been asked why I don't have a HARLEY. I responded by saying that after all these years of riding, I need a bike that runs and rides good, handles well, and is dependable,.....but if I was newbie I might want a HARLEY because they are nice little starter bikes.

[Big Rig]

My repsonse is always the same when asked...I can not afford the clothes...

[MCRIDER]

The Harley enthusiasm just bothers the heck out of you guys.  Why?  Why are you guys so irritated when another person likes Harleys?  Why do you feel that you must outrun every Harley within your sight?  Does it make you sleep better?  Is it to make up for some other inadequacy?  I'm puzzled.

[Tropic traveler]

Why do you feel that you must outrun every Harley within your sight?  Does it make you sleep better?  Is it to make up for some other inadequacy?  I'm puzzled.

It's because we can!!!!
AND because it gets the desired reaction from you!
 

You made my day!

[Sodbuster]

The Harley enthusiasm just bothers the heck out of you guys.  Why?  Why are you guys so irritated when another person likes Harleys?  Why do you feel that you must outrun every Harley within your sight?  Does it make you sleep better?  Is it to make up for some other inadequacy?  I'm puzzled.

I think part of the "irritation" comes from the fact that most people who ride H-D's think they are better than you because they ride a Harley. Why is that ?? A Harley is an American made bike from American and Foreign made parts just like the Valkyrie is. Also, the allure of the "Biker Image" that H-D portrays is hard to dismiss and is what drives most people to buy one but, come on .... the majority of the people I know that ride an H-D are far from being what I would call a biker.

And what's with all the dealer t-shirts ??  Going to Sturgis has gotten to be such a farce when you see thousands of people all dressed up like "Weekend Outlaws".  Who are they trying to kid.  I'm not against H-D's .... it's a motorcycle just like my Valk is a motorcycle and in the old days it didn't matter what you rode as long as you rode a motorcycle and were part of the brotherhood that come's with riding a motorcycle. Now we have riders against riders just because of what they ride and that's "irritating".

sorry for the ramblin ....

[RedValk]

The Harley enthusiasm just bothers the heck out of you guys.  Why?  Why are you guys so irritated when another person likes Harleys?  Why do you feel that you must outrun every Harley within your sight?  Does it make you sleep better?  Is it to make up for some other inadequacy?  I'm puzzled.

I could care less.....all i ask ...from BOTH/ALL sides...is....just get what YOU want...ride what you get (like PAVALKER said way back in the beginning!)...and....SHUT UP ABOUT ANYONE ELSE'S BIKE. Don't say sh$t about Harleys. Don't say sh$t about Hondas. Don't bash em' as "Jap crap". Don't slam folks who ride Gold Wings (that abuse goes on quite a bit over on the Rune board). don't bash folks for trailering (I get that from this board...and the Rune board...enough already....you want to ride ...FINE....you want to trailer...FINE...who gives an F' about what you ride, how you get there, etc????).

But for whatever reason, it seems folks just can't shut their piehole....they have to slam another man's ride....his sports team....his religion.....his politics......and on and on and on...........

That's why we still have wars, i guess 

Me, i really truly could care less what YOU ride (or trailer). I just wish others would do the same (i do get more crap from Harley riders than ANY other brand...but MAYBE...it's just their sheer numbers that makes it that way???). Probably the folks with the BIGGEST attitude i have ever met is BMW folks? But again, WHO CARES?

That said, i've got four bikes. Two Runes, two Valk Tourers. If i wanted four Harleys....or more...........i could have easliy bought them. But i have ZERO interest in a Harley. But i also have ZERO interest in BMWs, Kawasakis, ....and the list goes on and on and on. I have the four bikes I REALLY WANT. Isn't that all that really matters?  I've also got the trailer that works best for me 

There will always be Honda guys and Harley guys. Democrats and Republicans. Fords and Chevies (i work with a guy that is a Chevy guy, he says i'm a piece of crap loser because i own Fords....go figure!).

NO ONE WILL EVER AGREE ON ONE BIKE (or car or religion or politcal party).........so...........can't we all just get along?    

This thread should be fun     

[Jack]

   Right on, Tim!

[JimL]

Tim I really enjoyed reading your post until that "Can't we all just get along" part....now I'm suffering from Rodney King flashback!

[Doc Moose]

That's why we still have wars, i guess 


Nah, usually for possessions (money, land, etc.) or Sex! 

[ArmyValker]

The Harley enthusiasm just bothers the heck out of you guys.  Why?  Why are you guys so irritated when another person likes Harleys?  Why do you feel that you must outrun every Harley within your sight?  Does it make you sleep better?  Is it to make up for some other inadequacy?  I'm puzzled.

I could care less.....all i ask ...from BOTH/ALL sides...is....just get what YOU want...ride what you get (like PAVALKER said way back in the beginning!)...and....SHUT UP ABOUT ANYONE ELSE'S BIKE. Don't say sh$t about Harleys. Don't say sh$t about Hondas. Don't bash em' as "Jap crap". Don't slam folks who ride Gold Wings (that abuse goes on quite a bit over on the Rune board). don't bash folks for trailering (I get that from this board...and the Rune board...enough already....you want to ride ...FINE....you want to trailer...FINE...who gives an F' about what you ride, how you get there, etc????).

But for whatever reason, it seems folks just can't shut their piehole....they have to slam another man's ride....his sports team....his religion.....his politics......and on and on and on...........

That's why we still have wars, i guess 

Me, i really truly could care less what YOU ride (or trailer). I just wish others would do the same (i do get more crap from Harley riders than ANY other brand...but MAYBE...it's just their sheer numbers that makes it that way???). Probably the folks with the BIGGEST attitude i have ever met is BMW folks? But again, WHO CARES?

That said, i've got four bikes. Two Runes, two Valk Tourers. If i wanted four Harleys....or more...........i could have easliy bought them. But i have ZERO interest in a Harley. But i also have ZERO interest in BMWs, Kawasakis, ....and the list goes on and on and on. I have the four bikes I REALLY WANT. Isn't that all that really matters?  I've also got the trailer that works best for me 

There will always be Honda guys and Harley guys. Democrats and Republicans. Fords and Chevies (i work with a guy that is a Chevy guy, he says i'm a piece of crap loser because i own Fords....go figure!).

NO ONE WILL EVER AGREE ON ONE BIKE (or car or religion or politcal party).........so...........can't we all just get along?    

This thread should be fun     

Same here, my family is a MOPAR family, have dodge diesel mechanics, factory workers in STL etc... when I bought my F-150 you'da thought I kicked their dog and shot their wife... I don't understand it.. it's a freakin truck, a freakin motorcycle, who cares? I'll buy what I want and I could care less what anyone thinks about it. Personally, I think Harley's are nice, but they cost too damn much, so I'll never buy one.

[Sodbuster]

And before someone asks "what I would call a biker" ....

Being a biker is that feeling of comfort you have when enjoying a sport that celebrates the outdoors and a "free spirit". It's the feeling you get when you ride alone or the thrill you feel when you hear 100 bikes rumble down the road. It's also the feeling you have when you sit around the fire at night planning the adventure for the next day. It's like those T-Shirts say, "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand." Being a biker is not really what you look like or what you ride or how often you ride. It is the inner peace that you achieve when you are on that scooter and you're a million miles from work, worry and pressure. Real bikers are all members of a kinship with no concern for status or wealth. Instead, they have a "Live and Let Live" philosophy, while still watching each others' backs.

The answer to the real biker question is if you get a shiver up your spine when a good sounding scoot goes by, have ever stopped to help another rider in distress, or can't sleep because you're thinking about the morning adventure. Don't worry you're a real biker. It doesn't matter if it's a sports bike, a cruiser, or a dirt bike. If it's got two wheels and you get that special feeling when you saddle up, you get the membership card for life, no questions asked. Somehow, this two-wheeled piece of steel has become a catalyst for bringing out realness in people. So the next time you see a Gold Wing or a Valkyrie or a Harley or whatever marque go by, or you run across a broken down motorcycle, give the rider the respect he or she deserves, because they probably are a real biker.

[JerryB]

I belonged to the HD forums and if anyone posted out of text they unloaded on them.Some on there are pretty level headed but most have a bad case of macho-ism because of their rides.Terry seems to cater to a certain few and defended them on their posts.I just sold my HD and it was a decent ride but no I/S.Anything I bought for was from Taiwan or China or Korea.I learned one thing fast on the HD board and that was if you didn't praise the HD gods,lookout for flack..........JerryB.

[ChromeDome]

I could care less.....all i ask ...from BOTH/ALL sides...is....just get what YOU want...ride what you get (like PAVALKER said way back in the beginning!)...and....SHUT UP ABOUT ANYONE ELSE'S BIKE. Don't say sh$t about Harleys. Don't say sh$t about Hondas. Don't bash em' as "Jap crap". Don't slam folks who ride Gold Wings (that abuse goes on quite a bit over on the Rune board). don't bash folks for trailering (I get that from this board...and the Rune board...enough already....you want to ride ...FINE....you want to trailer...FINE...who gives an F' about what you ride, how you get there, etc????).

But for whatever reason, it seems folks just can't shut their piehole....they have to slam another man's ride....his sports team....his religion.....his politics......and on and on and on...........

That's why we still have wars, i guess 

Me, i really truly could care less what YOU ride (or trailer). I just wish others would do the same (i do get more crap from Harley riders than ANY other brand...but MAYBE...it's just their sheer numbers that makes it that way???). Probably the folks with the BIGGEST attitude i have ever met is BMW folks? But again, WHO CARES?

That said, i've got four bikes. Two Runes, two Valk Tourers. If i wanted four Harleys....or more...........i could have easliy bought them. But i have ZERO interest in a Harley. But i also have ZERO interest in BMWs, Kawasakis, ....and the list goes on and on and on. I have the four bikes I REALLY WANT. Isn't that all that really matters?  I've also got the trailer that works best for me 

There will always be Honda guys and Harley guys. Democrats and Republicans. Fords and Chevies (i work with a guy that is a Chevy guy, he says i'm a piece of crap loser because i own Fords....go figure!).

NO ONE WILL EVER AGREE ON ONE BIKE (or car or religion or politcal party).........so...........can't we all just get along?    

This thread should be fun     

Well said Tim. I use to get all riled up when my H-D friends would talk crap and developed "I'll show them mentality" which almost got me killed on several occasions. Now I just say "I love my Valk just as you love your Harley ... let's ride!" Seems to work.

[Popeye]

  And before someone asks "what I would call a biker" ....

Being a biker is that feeling of comfort you have when enjoying a sport that celebrates the outdoors and a "free spirit". It's the feeling you get when you ride alone or the thrill you feel when you hear 100 bikes rumble down the road. It's also the feeling you have when you sit around the fire at night planning the adventure for the next day. It's like those T-Shirts say, "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand." Being a biker is not really what you look like or what you ride or how often you ride. It is the inner peace that you achieve when you are on that scooter and you're a million miles from work, worry and pressure. Real bikers are all members of a kinship with no concern for status or wealth. Instead, they have a "Live and Let Live" philosophy, while still watching each others' backs.

The answer to the real biker question is if you get a shiver up your spine when a good sounding scoot goes by, have ever stopped to help another rider in distress, or can't sleep because you're thinking about the morning adventure. Don't worry you're a real biker. It doesn't matter if it's a sports bike, a cruiser, or a dirt bike. If it's got two wheels and you get that special feeling when you saddle up, you get the membership card for life, no questions asked. Somehow, this two-wheeled piece of steel has become a catalyst for bringing out realness in people. So the next time you see a Gold Wing or a Valkyrie or a Harley or whatever marque go by, or you run across a broken down motorcycle, give the rider the respect he or she deserves, because they probably are a real biker.

Very well said.  Wish we could all get along but it won't happen.  Had 7 Honda's and all great bikes but I prefer  my Harley now.  I know many think I'm crazy but that doesn't bother me.  Ride what you ride and enjoy it. I know I do.

[BF]

YAMAHA SUZUKI HONDA HARLEY-DAVIDSON	powered by Aeva

[POPS 57]

All i ever say is. You laugh at me because i'm differant. I laugh at you because your are all the same. 

[Big Rig]

We are all just one big dysfuntional family of bikers.. ..I think people bash bc they can...I do not think it is to be mean of hurtful, but to raise an eyebrow and start a some what fun conversation and extend a thread...every one is different and we all agree to disagree...it does make for interesting reading. We know we will stop and help those that need it regardless of manufacturer...

I am the only metric rider in my club...and we all bust stones ...just for kicks , we bash bikes and stay away from religion and politics...

Now because I can not help myself, what would Obama ride and what would McCain or Palin Ride....stirring the  :evil:pot...

Happy New Year to everyone , and I hope I can ride with as many of you as I possibly can next year....

[fstsix]

Got to love this topic, Biker? well i have helped build 2 Hd dealers and we are friends with the owner of 2 of the local HD shops here in RI also did Pikes Peak Hd in Colorado Springs in the early 90s, I like Hd's myself But as a Purist i tend to lean to the real first American Motorcycle the Indian. It's the attitude that comes with the Biker that pushed me away from the Hardly, as a matter of fact i could have not found a motorcycle, that was any more Unlike a V twin if i tried, here is the funny part when i go to any bike week or show, i tell my wife look at the sea of Hardlys and walk away from the Valk about 100 feet and glance back, 5-15 people will be looking the Valk up and down but they wait until we are away too funny, Sooo.. i am a Motorcycle enthusiast not a biker, ya got to be Humble to ride a Honda, 

[JerryB]

I guess the HD guys aren't as thick-skinned as we are

[Gilligan]

Now I just say "I love my Valk just as you love your Harley ... let's ride!" Seems to work.

Good approach, Chrome Dome. 

[SANDMAN5]

The Harley enthusiasm just bothers the heck out of you guys.  Why?  Why are you guys so irritated when another person likes Harleys?  Why do you feel that you must outrun every Harley within your sight?  Does it make you sleep better?  Is it to make up for some other inadequacy?  I'm puzzled.

No, I don't care what brand somebody is enthused about. As long as they're happy with what
they ride I'm happy for them. You STILL don't get it, do you? There are harley "riders" and then
there are harley "owners". The "owners" are the ones that give other people a hard time if they
ride anything besides a harley. They are also to blame for most of the negative reactions the
public has to motorcycles. You know the type: first thing they do is buy the loudest pipes they
can find and then sit at red lights and rev their motor as high as they dare. They're so afraid
somebody might not look at them. They are the ones with the inadequacies...and I'm sure they
have more than one! I ride with a couple of harleys and we usually share some good-natured
ribbing, but it's all in fun. I used to outrun every harley I saw, but it's not much fun any more,
not much of a challenge. So, to answer your question AGAIN, it's not so much the harleys that
most of us can't stand, it's the idiot sitting on it.   

[Willow]

[rant]

Stereotyping.  Where would we be without it?

"Harley riders are all alike."[

"You guys are so irritated ..."

"Real bikers ..."

"BMW riders are ... "

"Harley owners (not riders) have loud pipes."

"Motorcycles sound like their brand names."  (How stupid is that?)

Real riders are just like me.  ???

Riders with loud pipes have small penises or some other hidden inadequacy.

I guess we all do it to some extent or another.  Here's one of mine:  Strereotyping is not always, but often, the tool of a lazy intellect.

Stereotyping - where would we be without it?  Wouldn't you like to find out?

[/rant] 

[PharmBoy]

I have never made an enemy of a hardly rider and we have always parted ways with a big wave and a smile.  It is easy.  You just attach your Valk to his rear fender, so to speak, and stay there till he runs out of power or figures out that you are just letting him know in a nice way who has the upper hand.  Then he will usually slow down and you can share the road for miles and everyone parts as friends so long as you don't just leave him on a long stretch of highway all by himself...JTL   

[Ghost]

Well i have both, i enjoy the harley and i enjoy the valk. When the harley needs a new part, i ride the Valkyrie to the harley shop and get it. They don't say to much about it either, would not do them any good, i will always defend my right to ride what i want. I used to get upset about these things but life is to short for that. All i want to do is ride, and thats what i enjoy doing.

[fudgie]

The Harley enthusiasm just bothers the heck out of you guys.  Why?  Why are you guys so irritated when another person likes Harleys?  Why do you feel that you must outrun every Harley within your sight?  Does it make you sleep better?  Is it to make up for some other inadequacy?  I'm puzzled.

Hey long time no see! 

[fudgie]

When the Valk dies out, I'll get a HD Road Glide. I only ride with Valks maybe x5 a year.  :'( I ride with HD's every week. My HD friends roll the way we like to roll. Sterotyping bikers is a pet peeve of mine. Kit and I are both tattooed, piereced, anti-helmet, leather clad, bar hoppers, and gun totting. Not your sterotypical Valk rider is it?

[wdvalk]

Is it pronounced harley davidson or hardley ridenson?

[Ghost]

When the Valk dies out, I'll get a HD Road Glide. I only ride with Valks maybe x5 a year.  :'( I ride with HD's every week. My HD friends roll the way we like to roll. Sterotyping bikers is a pet peeve of mine. Kit and I are both tattooed, piereced, anti-helmet, leather clad, bar hoppers, and gun totting. Not your sterotypical Valk rider is it?

  Brain, you may be a tatoo gun totting Valkyrie riding bar hopper. But anybody that knows you can also say that they would be proud to be your friend, A man that can be counted on when needed. I will ride with you no matter what you ride.

[Stanley Steamer]

When the Valk dies out, I'll get a HD Road Glide. I only ride with Valks maybe x5 a year.  :'( I ride with HD's every week. My HD friends roll the way we like to roll. Sterotyping bikers is a pet peeve of mine. Kit and I are both tattooed, piereced, anti-helmet, leather clad, bar hoppers, and gun totting. Not your sterotypical Valk rider is it?

 Brain, you may be a tatoo gun totting Valkyrie riding bar hopper. But anybody that knows you can also say that they would be proud to be your friend, A man that can be counted on when needed. I will ride with you no matter what you ride.

You think he'd let me ride with him and his HD Buddies on this??...I promise to only give it half throttle so as not to embarrass them!!....

Now if I bring this one, all bets are off....

[wdvalk]

ha ha ha ha ha i cant stop

[Sodbuster]

When the Valk dies out, I'll get a HD Road Glide. I only ride with Valks maybe x5 a year.  :'( I ride with HD's every week. My HD friends roll the way we like to roll. Sterotyping bikers is a pet peeve of mine. Kit and I are both tattooed, piereced, anti-helmet, leather clad, bar hoppers, and gun totting. Not your sterotypical Valk rider is it?

Hey Fudgie - If I'm not mistaken that sure looks like the Dungeon Bar in Sturgis ... pretty cool bar.

[Doc Moose]

fudgie,
You are "hardley" stereotypical of most anyone !   

[Stanley Steamer]

fudgie,
You are "hardley" stereotypical of most anyone !   

Down South.....we just say...."That Boy ain't right!!".....