What's the hang up with Harleys?

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

If Al starts singing Cumbaya, I'm leaving.

[alph]

i've stopped at bars and have seen some really nice harleys, and as the owner is standing there i'll tell him.  now, have you ever had a harley guy say that about your bike?  not often.

last weekend i test rode the victory vision.  nice cycle, but that v-twin thing isn't for me, and never will be.  when i reved the engine, i felt as though i was driving a gocart at the carnivel.  after driving it for ten or so miles, my hands felt numb.  sure, it has an excellent stereo, did handle nice, offered nice feetures, but i can't stand that engine rumble and vibration, and that was a victory, a harley is twice as bad! (the ones i've riden).

but for a harley rider to just come out and say "jap-crap" and have never riden a valkyrie, is narrow minded in it's own right.  to me, there seems to be more hatered for hondas then there is for harleys.

[big turkey]

Cumbaya

Big Al

[Disco]

Ditto what Serk said + I had a funny thing happen yesterday.  After putting a Memphis Shades batwing on the Rumblebee Sunday, a Harley Owner stopped in mid-wave when he could finally tell he wasn't waving at one of his fellow cult members.  That said, I have had several Harley Riders compliment my ride.

On a more technical note, if Harley Davidson built a flat 6, I might have bought one.  I'd take a big gulp about the price wondering how much of it went to the marketing department versus the engineering department, but would probably have the satisfaction of knowing they had imported expertise from Porsche as they did on the V-Rod.

But they didn't, don't, and probably never will.  So...

I bought the Valkyrie (and 'wing) because of the engine configuration.  The fact that they were manufactured by Honda to their widely acknowledged standards was, is, and will continue for many miles and years to be a plus.  That is where any smugness I might have originates - in my belief I'm riding a superior piece of technology.  Superior technology that also makes much more economic sense.  That combination rarely happens and I get a big kick out of it.  You don't see Continental, Lycoming, Porsche, or Ferrari building air/oil-cooled v-twins. 

I don't get v-twins, but I don't have to.  Some don't get flat sixes, but they don't have to.  Ride what you want.  Just ride and be civil to one another.  After all, we're on the same team: 2-wheelers versus all those trying to squish us.   

Can't we all just get along???  Cumbaya 

[Cliff]

..........Can't we all just get along???  Cumbaya  .........

My exact feelings!

[hubcapsc]

Cumbaya
Big Al

I'm taking piano lessons. I just learned how to play kumbaya... kumbaya = "Come by here"...

Come by here, Lord, Come by here...

-Mike

[iliveforcurves]

My problem has always been the Harley owners rather than the Harley riders.  I've been riding since the 70's, all Japanese bikes (my Valk is my first American bike).  Back in the AMF Harley days the only way HD could market their bikes was to talk up the "Harley-Davidson legend" and to put down other bikes.  This seemed to give license to ignorant dumbasses to harass anybody that wasn't on a Harley.  It isn't so bad now, but I used to have fun giving it right back and then laughing at them.  As far as Harley Davidson motorcycles go, they just aren't my cup of tea.  If I wanted a vintage bike I would get a real vintage bike.  I prefer technology and wish an American manufacturer would make a modern multi-cylinder bike that I would like to buy.

[big turkey]

Here's what takes the Cake with the Harley Crowd(HARLEY RIDER HERE NOT POSER) is that 50% of the so called American made bike is made in part by the Japanesse.

All the stuff in the boutique , clothes and such are 100% Chinese.

So where does this attitude come from.

For the life of me I can't see it.

Big Al

And then there's this.

Harley Davidson and the Hitchin' Hottie	powered by Aeva

[big turkey]

Jap Crap, does not bother me in the least.

Some of my best Crap is Jap.

Honda Accord

Honda Valkyrie

and we all know they ain't crap.

So if someone tells you that in a derogatory manner. Smile at them and say thanks.

It will mostly blow their mind and they won't be right for the rest of the day.

So I take it as a compliment.

Big Al

[SANDMAN5]

MAJOR agreement with the owners/riders thing. I ride with a couple of harley riders
and they tell more harley jokes than I do! Last comment I heard from someone I
didn't know on a harley was "you need to get rid of that piece of s**t and get one
of these". Nice guy. harleys are what they are, its the people that 'ride' them that
have the problem. I wanted a harley till I rode 3 of them.....not for me. Nobody can
convince me that any new (or used) harley is worth the asking price....but since I'm not in
the market (and wouldn't but a harley at half price) it don't matter.

[Kymbo]

Kymbo , do you see a lot of the Valkyries down Under?

Like your choice of colors(BLACK) because they always are ahead in a race.

Fast Black I mean.

Thanks for contributing to the Harley Discussion.

In a good way.

Big Al

This Aussie Band is the one I love the Best in the World.

Be sure to watch the end.

AC/DC Shot Down in Flames

Big Al
Unfortunatley I dont see many here in South Oz .Only know of two others but havent seen them on the road at the same time as me yet .
I have quit a few mates with harleys and so far all they have said is "Holey crap its big".
I bought the shovel as a restore project with the intention of selling it to fund a newer Jap cruiser and they all knew of my intentions so they werent supprised when I bought the Valk.I just cant seem to bring yself to sell the Shovel yet as they both have their uses.
I honestly think the insults and rivalry will always be there its the same here with Ford and Holden cars and different Football teams people will always bag each other its human nature when you are passionate about something

PS Long live AC/DC

[Sodbuster]

After reading some of these reply's it got me thinking. The question: "What's the hang up with Harleys?" isn't about the bikes themselves as it is with the riders/owners themselves. So, how did all that get started. After H-D bought off AMF and came out with the EVO motor things changed. The bike was actually pretty dang reliable and they caught the eye of many riders and starting selling very well.  Also, you take into account the start of the aging baby boomers with an empty nest and looking for a return to their rebel days, "Reaganomics", images of the "Wild One", balding hair, and it all plays into buying a motorcycle, an American One, to feel young again. It all snowballed from there. Think back to mid eighties and what did Honda have to offer to someone in that category .... a Honda Goldwing Interstate ??  I don't think so. An out of date British bike ?? So, the masses starting buying Harleys and drove the price up .... waiting lists .... people getting one and turning around and selling it for a profit.  Got to the point where the ones who really wanted one couldn't afford one. Only the ones that had deep pockets could them (aka Rich Urban Bikers .... Rubies).  That, in my opinion is how this poor attitude about H-D riders came about.  It's not about the Bikes .... it's the riders/owners.

 

[junior]

I have one of each in the garage. A Fatboy and a a Fatgirl.  Both are fun to ride, both have advantages over the other and draw back over the other.

Fom me and my Harley friends it just some friendly ribbing, nobody gets offended or upset. We all have a good laugh.

Tom

so if the 2 of them bred would you get a vespa?

[RainMaker]

I have one of each in the garage. A Fatboy and a a Fatgirl.  Both are fun to ride, both have advantages over the other and draw back over the other.

Fom me and my Harley friends it just some friendly ribbing, nobody gets offended or upset. We all have a good laugh.

Tom

so if the 2 of them bred would you get a vespa?

They won't breed.  The Fat Lady would have nothing to do with the Fat Boy. And the Fat boy hasn't the equipment.

sorry, Mike.  Couldn't help it!

[junior]

i would really love to hijack this post..................

can we say car tire and flamming death?

[junior]

I have one of each in the garage. A Fatboy and a a Fatgirl.  Both are fun to ride, both have advantages over the other and draw back over the other.

Fom me and my Harley friends it just some friendly ribbing, nobody gets offended or upset. We all have a good laugh.

Tom

so if the 2 of them bred would you get a vespa?

They won't breed.  The Fat Lady would have nothing to do with the Fat Boy. And the Fat boy hasn't the equipment.

sorry, Mike.  Couldn't help it!

now thats funny 

[CamTom12]

Ya been to a HOG rally lately ?  and tried to go in on your Valkyrie? Now!! lets flip the coin! have you had any HOGS at our Valkyrie rally's.........Yes we have and NO! you cannot park inside a HOG rally with a Valk   So what is the real problem?

I didn't have any issues at Thunder Beach, but my pack included 2 HD's and a sweet big dog so maybe the others didn't notice my little Valk...

I agree with the Harley Riders vs. Harley Owners point. I know both.

[fudgie]

I hate everyone no matter what they ride!  For us, the HD crowd is more to our liking. Maybe cause thats what my friends ride. I've never been afraid to park my bike anywhere. I roll up to the front doors of HD dealers all the time. I prob hit 2 a month. They got great free food!

[T-Bird]

Harley makes nothing that I would ever trade my Valk for, and Honda has never made anything I would trade my Harley for.
Each of them bring something to my life that the other one simply cannot do. 

My sentiments exactly! I woudn't get rid of either!

  Me three!

[T-Bird]

I hate everyone no matter what they ride!  For us, the HD crowd is more to our liking. Maybe cause thats what my friends ride. I've never been afraid to park my bike anywhere. I roll up to the front doors of HD dealers all the time. I prob hit 2 a month. They got great free food!

I usually stop in Southside Harley when I'm in Indy....the nicest bunch of people, but I've never gotten any free food. Which one do you go too there?

[stormrider]

The HD dealer here in Dothan is a friend. When he sees me parked at the front door, he asks about my rice burner, and I reply, it's running about 92hp on that rice, imagine what it'd do with nitros. But now the HOG guys seem to be a cult around here. But the guys I know that own and ride HD's will ride with anyone. Went on a fund raiser ride several weeks ago. The group I led had 1 Valk, 1 Wing, and 3 HDs. We all admired each other's bikes. But if I see a HD only group out on a ride, I usually don't even bother trying to strike up a conversation cause they get this glazed over look in their eyes, like they're HD biker gods. Don't matter to me, I ride when I can, as far as I can, with whoever will let me tag along and in the lead a lot of times. I know all the roads within 100 mile radius of here and will tear up the pavement with anybody that'll hook up with by back wheel or they can take the lead.

Don't care what you ride, don't feel I have anything to prove as far as the Valk compared to any other brand but I'm telling you, there's something about the HD mystique that seems to give a false sense of superiority to many of the HD owners I've come across. I've riden with some 1%ers and get along with them a lot better than most of the HOG owners I've encountered. They respect what I ride and the fact that I ride. The HOG groups seem to think their ride is superior because of a label. Nothing they can prove, just the image. But ya know something, at first it startled me cause I thought there was this un-spoken brotherhood/bond between all bikers, (except the clashes amongst 1%ers) that if you ride is all that matters. The HOG owners I've come across have made me change my mind on that one. And like others have said, there are HD riders then there HD are owners. A lot of the HOG owners have given me the cold shoulder so I've learned to just ignore em. They need Jesus just like I do.

If it weren't so late, I think I'd go for a ride. Maybe tomorrow. Get those chores out of the way and let's ride.

[Popeye]

I hate everyone no matter what they ride!  For us, the HD crowd is more to our liking. Maybe cause thats what my friends ride. I've never been afraid to park my bike anywhere. I roll up to the front doors of HD dealers all the time. I prob hit 2 a month. They got great free food!

Fudgie, you crack me up. 

I will ride with anyone, no matter what brand they ride.  It's us against the 4 wheelers, thats all that matters.

[jammer]

This guy loves HD!   

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

G

[Rebyl]

Oh Dear...Homophobia of the HD kind  I have owned three Valks...best bike Japan ever created that was built in the USA...Wish I still owned one and will again one day. I currently ride a couple of Hd's, a 97 Dyna and an 08 Ultra, both good bikes and fun to ride, but knowwhere as good at doing stuff like the Valk, but still a great ride...just different...personally I don't give a toss what someone rides it's the person that counts...you get AS Holes in every walk of life...ignore them.
Reason I have a Harley now...not sure, but I think it had something to do with the way they just dropped us Valkers and moved to their twins. I always said if I wanted a twin I would buy a Harley...so being a man of my word I did.....Man I still miss my Valk though..  

[JimL]

This guy loves HD!   

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

G

Ohhhhh...that was excellent!  Thanks for sharing.

[Jeff K]

My problem with Harley?
How about this

We went to Sturgis, Joanne took her Virago, the front tire didn't look to good by the time we got there. Went to a few different bike shops and some of them actually said they didn't have any tires to fit a metric bike. Some just flat out said they "will not work on that crap". So we rolled the dice and continued our trip to my Dad's house in Wisconsin. He said "no problem there is a bike shop right down the street". Since I was at my Dad's house I took the wheel off and called the harley dealer, yep they had the tire I needed. So we took the wheel to the shop. They looked at the wheel and said "what is this from?" I said "why would it matter". He said "well it doesn't look like a harley wheel" I said "it isn't but you do have the tire" he said "our equipment won't work on metric wheels".
My Dad was PISSED, he went on a rant that would make any son proud.

On our way back to the house I saw a small bike shop, it was a run down private shop with lots of Harleys outside, we stopped and asked about a tire. He said No problem. I told him it was a metric wheel, he said I don't give a damn a tire is a tire, and I need the business.
My ole man gave him a big tip.


I was told to get my Valk out of the parking lot at an HD dealer in Ocala, they told me they were not in business to sell Jap Crap. I said no problem cuz mine is not for sale. I was looking for a nice chrome peg for my kickshifter, I dropped it where I stood and drove off on my Jap Crap.

Joanne met a friend of hers that she had not seen in years in Daytona at bike week. We met at the White Eagle, we talked for a while and when she found out that we were on a "Jap bike" they decided they had to go meet up with their HOG group, and since we didn't have a "real bike" they couldn't invite us to come with them. I said "no problem, I really don't have any interest in it".

So why would you "wonder" why there is animosity toward the HD crowd? Hmm? I can't figure it out either. 
Now, since then, Joanne won't buy anything with a HD logo on it. She won gift certificates for tee shirts and threw them away.
Personally I wouldn't care if they went belly up.

[Oldswimr]

I showed a Harley 'OWNER' friend of mine, (yes, we can still be firends..) the nickel trick. He recovered well, he took his glove off, sat it on the seat of his Fatboy, started the engine and said, "Look, it sits there, won't move.." I laughed my ass off, GOT ME!

Just go ride, ignore the haters.

[hubcapsc]

I showed a Harley 'OWNER' friend of mine, (yes, we can still be firends..) the nickel trick. He recovered well, he took his glove off, sat it on the seat of his Fatboy, started the engine and said, "Look, it sits there, won't move.." I laughed my ass off, GOT ME!

Just go ride, ignore the haters.

Before I even knew about Valkyries, I used to do the glove-and-glasses trick every time I rode my
Harley... Crank it, throw the gloves and glasses on the seat, and try to get my helmet on before the
gloves and glasses shake off onto the ground...

-Mike

[Clark]

     Okay, I just got to ask: Why the constant bash Harley hang-up?
     I have ridden four bike brands over thirty-eight years of riding. Harleys were always in the garage through much of it. Back in the early seventies, I mostly encountered Hondas and BMW's when out on the open roads, touring to scenic destinations. Yet, my first Electraglide still managed to travel 116,000 miles (with two rebuilds) before I sold it for nearly double it's original cost.
    In recent years, I've toured through Nova Scotia, Yellowstone and Florida, and I have to admit that Harley has secured a huge percentage of both the cruiser and touring market. During those rides, I estimate that Harleys represented some 80% of the touring rigs I encountered on the road.
    So, whether we like it or not: Harley has won the economic sales war for open road travel. And, it's largely because the Milwaukee Motor Company has always responded to the wants of their customers. The Electraglides have retained their dated style and unusual sound, because that's what the buyers wanted.
    I, personally Love my Interstate a tad more than my most recent Ultra. (which has 108,000 miles on the clock with NO rebuilds!) But, when times got tough, it was Honda who canceled the Hoot, and pulled their demo bikes from regional rallies...while Harley still pushed on.
    I am glad that, in my neck of the woods, the cruisers have such similar looks, that no one knows what type of bike is approaching, and therefore, everyone waves. I'm also glad to see Hondas, Yamahas and Harleys riding together...enjoying the roads and the treasures they reveal.
    Yet, since I joined this great site in December, I read a continuous offering of Harley bashes, jokes and derision. And....it occurs to me that the bikes we love were discontinued by Mother Honda, while the venerable Electraglide is still produced and mildly upgraded decade after decade. So, what is the REAL source of this H.D. ridicule? And shouldn't we be getting over it by now?
    Just a thought. I'm sure there'll be some follow-up discussions.....
                                                                     Mike in New York

  OMG..I HAD FUN .. runnin harleys down with my BLOWN VALK.. pull along side let em gas it and MAKE A LOT OF NOISE AND THEN BLOW THEIR FRIIGN DOORS OFF. DAMN I MISS THAT

[fudgie]

I hate everyone no matter what they ride!  For us, the HD crowd is more to our liking. Maybe cause thats what my friends ride. I've never been afraid to park my bike anywhere. I roll up to the front doors of HD dealers all the time. I prob hit 2 a month. They got great free food!

I usually stop in Southside Harley when I'm in Indy....the nicest bunch of people, but I've never gotten any free food. Which one do you go too there?

Brandts in Wabash Ind. Free hog roast the 1st or 2nd Sat of the month. And free concerts every summer month. They are one of the top HD dealerships in the country. Its a small hometown run place.

[fudgie]

OK Rj.  But, you had a HOG card, meaning you have to own a Harley, right?  We do not require HD riders to own a Valk to bring their harley to our get togethers.

Also, sounds like it almost took an act of Congress to get in?  If you hadn't had a large HD dealership, and others, including Willie G himself there, you would have been booted out?  Right?  Even with your HOG card?

MP

I disagree. I have been to alot of HD dealerships and never been told to leave. Been to and entered bike shows, poker runs, etc. Never a hassel. Sometimes i'm the only honda there.

[Cruzen]

The main difference between Hardley and the other brands is Hardley keeps telling you how good their bike is.  They have to least you forget.  They keep pushing their merchandise which puts their brand name in front of your nose.  It's branding and merchandising at it's best.  They have made their name synonymous with a culture.  

When you think of tissue you automatically think of Kleenex.  You think of gum you think of Wrigley. When you think of cruiser bikes most people think of Hardley.  However nobody would ever think of Hardley if the subject was sport bikes because Hardley has not attempted to compete in that refined field.

Honda realized there is much more money to be made on cars and there lies their advertising budget.  Every time Hardley has tried to break into another market, scooters, snowmobiles or their most recent foray into the sport bike market they have been shut down.   Even sales of their V-Rod are less than what they had anticipated.

If you’re into the culture and socialization aspects of the hobby then Hardley is unbeatable.  If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast and value quality and not bling then you’ll understand how antiquated Hardley’s 1910 era engine design is and go for something more refined like our Valkyries.

What is difficult for someone in the mechanical field like myself to understand is why those folks who embrace that shaking vibrating machine which under normal conditions will require three to four rebuilds before a Valk has one will get off their Hardley and get into their vibration free quiet foreign built car or truck and then expound on the virtues of that particular vehicle.  It just leads me to believe that they know little about motorcycles but want to buy into the culture that has evolved around the brand name.  It’s also the reason they all wear black leather and spend so much money trying to portray that bad ass outlaw look.  

To quote a friend of mine.  The reason you see mostly Hardleys on the road is because all the Honda’s made it home.

[MP]

Fudgie:

That was a post in response to RJ, where he had a lot of trouble getting in to a Rally, and it took the owner of a large dealership to convince the guards to let his Valk in.  Not my experience.  I have never had any trouble at a dealership.

MP

[fudgie]

Fudgie:

That was a post in response to RJ, where he had a lot of trouble getting in to a Rally, and it took the owner of a large dealership to convince the guards to let his Valk in.  Not my experience.  I have never had any trouble at a dealership.

MP

Opps! Thats what i get for getting into a hurry and read! Sorry! 

[Mickey Runie]

I disagree. I have been to alot of HD dealerships and never been told to leave. Been to and entered bike shows, poker runs, etc. Never a hassel. Sometimes i'm the only honda there.

Yeah, but Fudgie, could it be that when you go in the dealerships and HD hangouts, you look like the baddest azz there and none of em want to mess with you?

Just wondering.   

[fiddle mike]

For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why some Harley riders called Honda "Jap crap" etc, but left BMW alone. Both were our enemies in WWII.

They say that stuff because the learned it from some other ignoramus.  I've heard guys from the  Vietnam era go on about the Batan Death March. None of them round-eyed s.o.b.s had a problem with the Trail of Tears, though.  That's why I won't let my daughter marry a Harley rider. 

Or a guitar picker.

[fstsix]

Well.....The sad part is that when every time i go to Bike knight people will wait until i leave and crawl all over my bike LOL!!! and all the Hardley guys look like  they are going to throw up watching them on their knees with a camera, and then they walk right by the $35.000 Hardleys like they are just Belly Buttons LOL!! this is Monday and you will see that my wife and i are just having a Shake and watching with Joy as The Valkyrie is stealing the show   at one time 10-15 people where taking pictures and i couldn't even see my bike and i did park it out on the edge of the parking lot, these pictures are from my camera phone laughing my A$$ off it just doesn't get any better!!! ............

[ValkyrieRider]

I got no problem with harley riders. What I have a problem with is assholes. And alot of them ride harleys. I have rode them and even considered buying one. That was till I rode a motorcycle that has performance. Most harley riders that come close to keeping up to my Valkyrie have had to spend big money having a new off the showroom floor  motorcycle modified. I work hard for my money and not foolish enoght to just throw it away because it's what everyone is doing.
 Also you look at their accessories and just for something that says harley on it. It is price double or triple of what its worth in the real world.
 

[Stanley Steamer]

I disagree. I have been to alot of HD dealerships and never been told to leave. Been to and entered bike shows, poker runs, etc. Never a hassel. Sometimes i'm the only honda there.

Yeah, but Fudgie, could it be that when you go in the dealerships and HD hangouts, you look like the baddest azz there and none of em want to mess with you?

Just wondering.  

Hell no.....it's cause any Man that wears Sponge Bob SquarePants Boxers CAN'T be playing with a full deck!!.....

[fudgie]

I disagree. I have been to alot of HD dealerships and never been told to leave. Been to and entered bike shows, poker runs, etc. Never a hassel. Sometimes i'm the only honda there.

Yeah, but Fudgie, could it be that when you go in the dealerships and HD hangouts, you look like the baddest azz there and none of em want to mess with you?

Just wondering.  

Hell no.....it's cause any Man that wears Sponge Bob SquarePants Boxers CAN'T be playing with a full deck!!.....

That pic is gonna haunt me till i die!  Now wheres that speedo pic for revenge.....