I have a Question about Harleys

[dreamaker]

I don't understand something, why do people on this board bash Harley's and the people that ride and own them?  They never did anything to us, except not wave as they went by. Seriously I don't understand why, they are one of us!! I don't get it!!  Some day one of us my need some assistance from one of them.

[Gavin_Sons]

Maybe because this is a Honda Valkyrie site. I'm sure over on the harley boards they all give praise to other brands. 
I wouldn't mind a harley guy stopping to help me because I know he has an assortment of tools on board.

[..]

Cause some H-D owners think their $hit don't stink.

As do some Beemer, Kwacker, Suzzie, Honda, Ducati etc etc etc etc etc owners.

2 wheels - let's ride. 

[cookiedough]

I may not bash them, but they are overpriced and underpowered.  That might have something to do with bashing them if you want to call it that?  I think most of us are not bashing them, just stating some 'near' facts?  My HD crazy neighbor has spent more in just maintenance, repairs,  and upgrades to make his 2003 Ultra Classic go faster and actually run than what I paid for my bone stock 2001 Valk I/S.  He even admitted to me his 88 cu. inch Ultra Classic once bone stock when bought was a pooch until he had to spend over 5 grand in upgrades to make it have power to spare.  He now claims he can smoke a newer 1832cc Goldwing but when I went to challenge him for pink slips against my bike he declined comment which shut him up for once for bragging up his bike.  I'm smart enough to know with the right and better or equal rider,  that a newer 1832cc Goldwing will outrun my 1520cc carbed Valk I/S.  

I do think though, at least around me, that there are so many used HD's for sale, the used pricing in the past few years have come down considerably from say 5-10+ years ago to a more reasonable price to purchase used.  

I also think most of us do not like the Vtwin potatoe potatoe sound of the too loud exhaust and at idle, the shaking of the entire engine and handlebars.    Not sure that is bashing, but is our opinions on what we believe.

[jimmytee]

I don't understand something, why do people on this board bash Harley's and the people that ride and own them?  They never did anything to us, except not wave as they went by. Seriously I don't understand why, they are one of us!! I don't get it!!  Some day one of us my need some assistance from one of them.

This is a Honda Valkyrie site.   I think for most it is in good fun. Most of us here have no problem with Harleys. You would have to have lived under a rock , though, to not know that there has been a long history of Harley owners bashing anything not Harley especially the likes of Honda. That kind of history has built up a sort of defensive attitude among our kind. I'm sure it is partially at the root of such banter. There are many a Harley owner who thinks they are better just because they ride a Harley. Some come to this way of thinking with their first bike payment after selling their Honda for a down payment. I myself don't care what you ride. I ride with many Harley riders on a regular basis as part of the CVMA. That doesn't mean there isn't good natured teasing on both parts though.

[mrtappan]

I don't like Harleys because:

I've never been impressed or satisfied with their product
I don't particularly care for the "Harley culture" which is different than regular motorcycle culture 
I believe they offer an inferior product at a superior price
I believe their technology is far behind in the times

These are all my opinions based on personal ownership of various Harleys (I owned a VROD, a Sportster, and an Evo) and general interaction with the "Harley community."  Take it however you want.

[Chrisj CMA]

Gimme a break...don't take the ribbing so seriously.  They (HD Jokes) are like blond jokes, just so easy you cant help yourself.  We love blonds and we love motorcycles, some are just easy marks, get over it.  I don't take offence to being called out for riding Jap Crap, I just point out the MADE IN USA casting right on the engine block.  That usually shuts them up.

[dreamaker]

Sound like the bashing or so called fun, is based on assumptions, like they must have or could have, they probably were and so on. I think they got the right, to spend their money on what they want, this is America. I don't know, I don't understand it, I don't dislike people because they are different than me. Makes no sense!!  By the way I have blond hair!!!

[..]

Sound like the bashing or so called fun, is based on assumptions, like they must have or could have, they probably were and so on. I think they got the right, to spend their money on what they want, this is America. I don't know, I don't understand it, I don't dislike people because they are different than me. Makes no sense!!

You're trying to make sense out of people. Good luck with that.

[Willow]

I personally try to stay away from brand bashing as it doesn't really accomplish much if anything.  However I don't feel a strong association with the average Harley owner.  I do have friends that ride Harleys and I'm good with that.

I've a fair amount of riding experience.  I have never had the rider of a Yamaha, Kawasaki, Triumph, BMW, Cushman, Ducati, Norton or Victory pull up next to me and go out of his way to disrespect my motorcycle.  I've certainly had that happen with riders on Harleys.  I do need to emphasize that it certainly has not been all riders of Harleys, but for me it's been enough.

   

[t-man403]

Gimme a break...don't take the ribbing so seriously.  They (HD Jokes) are like blond jokes, just so easy you cant help yourself.  We love blonds and we love motorcycles, some are just easy marks, get over it.  .

 

[t-man403]

I wouldn't mind a harley guy stopping to help me because I know he has an assortment of tools on board.

And this is a classic example!! 

[santa]

Had a Harley guy stop and help me with a flat tire once. Nice guy, and I have return the favor by stopping to help many Harley guys in return.

Santa

[art]

I have stopped to offer help to several Harley riders and was thanked for it but I would not expect a harley rider stop to help me. It's just an attitude thing, if it's not a Harley they don't pay attention or don't care. I've been passed by 1% ers on the right shoulder of the freeway at very high speed because their jerks but that's something different.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Had a Harley guy stop and help me with a flat tire once. Nice guy, and I have return the favor by stopping to help many Harley guys in return.

Santa

+1, if we disregard Harley riders we are missing out on some possible good friends. I'm 99% sure I'll never own a Harley but I would not like to lose the friends  that do. Hope to make more .

[hubcapsc]

I've had numerous good road side stops with Harleys, offers of help usually.
Sometimes we really need help (when Robert's bike wouldn't start). Sometimes
they just see me there on the side of the road looking at the Red Book. Once
the Harley guy needed directions too, and I had just come from where he
needed to go, there were were on the side of the road out in the country,
he was holding the left side of the Red Book, I was holding the right side.

Of the less friendly encounters, at gas pumps, they seemed like weekend
warrior would-be tough guys, not motorcycle riders...

-Mike

[dreamaker]

The guys I hang with all have Harley's and one with a CanAm, I am the only Valk. Sure we have had amongst us small digs, but it was with respect to one another, but nothing like what I have read on this board.  Fact is Harley has a fair track record, they been here since 1903, fun as you will, but that is the fact. I think the thing that bothers me is bashing anyone period, bike, person, religion and so on. I  don't like to see people, or groups or someone that is different, to be  bullied, made fun of, bashed and so on. Based on assumptions, "Oh I did like the way they looked at me" "They didn't wave when they went by" "I know they are thinking like that". I just don't like to see people get picked on, even people I don't like.

quote: Of the less friendly encounters, at gas pumps, they seemed like weekend
warrior would-be tough guys, not motorcycle riders...


Keeping that in mind!! How many have tattoos, hard guy look and tie wearing pencil necks weekend worriers.

The way I see it, we all have a common interest, Riding, so we need to be respectful and play nice. But keep in mind, this is still America and you have the right to express your opinions. Just my feelings and opinion.

[Firefighter]

I don't like Harley mostly because they shake so bad, I enjoy smooth power. People on the other hand tend to be prejudice and discriminate about any thing and everything that they like or dislike. Some people of coarse much worst than others. I will ride with anyone as long as they are friendly and don't steal or lie too much . Just my opinion.  Firefighter

[dreamaker]

Good point, but one thing, women like that vibration of the passenger seat, fact!!! they told me so, that is why they make a unit to go under the seat for non Harleys.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Go over to the Harley forum's they are many. Tell them off the bat you ride a Honda. See if you get that warm fuzzy feeling from being accepted as a motorcycle rider.

[solo1]

It sounds like you're trying to sell HD's, Dreamaker and I have no problem with that.

My first (and only ) Harley was a 1935 45 ci flat head.  It ran and got me where I wanted to go.

My second bike was a British Matchless 500cc single and it did much more than that. When i started riding in 1947 'Limey' bikes were bashed by HD riders.  That continued until Honda made the entry, then it was 'Jap crap and Rice Burners'.

Harley are, IMHO, are not worth the price.  I no longer need an aircooled low power overpriced motorcycle.  I struggle to get past the condescension that I found from HD riders all these years.

Today, I see the prejudice much less but it's still there among the newly acquired HD owners.  However, more and more seem to say "Ride your own ride" and that's good.

I try not to bash Harleys but, on the other hand, it's hard to ignore those that run my bike down because it's not a Harley.  BTW, I no longer own a Valkyrie but I wish that I did.

wayne, solo1

[eric in md]

Sound like the bashing or so called fun, is based on assumptions, like they must have or could have, they probably were and so on. I think they got the right, to spend their money on what they want, this is America. I don't know, I don't understand it, I don't dislike people because they are different than me. Makes no sense!!  By the way I have blond hair!!!

[/color]     that explains alot,  humm hardley ablesons  what a over rated under powered piece of junk. my poor brother spent 150k on that junk trying to ride with my 12k valkyrie.  
  most of them hardleys dont ride the haul them .
  99% of them are still stuck on the road never made it back
 there like german shepards love being tied in a back of a truck  
  im just so sick of hearing them when we go by them there like a rolling road block.
 im scared to stay to close to them  scared craps going to fall off of them rattle traps and bust my tars

[Pappy!]

Over priced
Under Powered
Vibrates...bad
Have to dress like a Pirate to fit in.

[Spirited-6]

Had a Harley guy stop and help me with a flat tire once. Nice guy, and I have return the favor by stopping to help many Harley guys in return.

Santa

Several years ago on a return trip from a BAD buy of a Magna that leaked gas all over the bike and me. I shut in down on the interstate and waited for my fast Wife to came back and see where the hell I was. Never happened. A HD rider stopped to see why I was "smoking" on the side of the road. Short story , gave me his phone so I could find 'fast wife'. This guy was top notch in my book. And yes, he was on a HARLEY .    

[..]

Have to dress like a Pirate to fit in.

Some here do as well 

[DIGGER]

I have nothing against Harley Riders........or at least the ones that wear a helmet.    When oncoming traffic.....If they are wearing a helmet and I wave they will nearly always wave back.  If I am at a break stop or store or gas station and they are wearing a helmet, they will nearly always stop and talk motorcycles......I like that.......but numerous times I've tried to initiate a conversation at a stop with no helmet Harleys and they just turn their backs on me.......don't know why but that just pisses me off.    I even once came upon a group of Harley riders at a stop on a scenic hyway in Anderson Tx and noticed one of the riders and his wife in the group were acquaintances from church.    I went over and started trying to talk with them and they basically turned their backs on me.......then next time in church they acted like we were best friends again.....nope......not friends any more.    The group of guys I travel with all ride Harleys and we jack with each other now and again just in fun.    I respect their rides and they respect mine but it's just the custom to make comments about each others bikes in fun.     To get back on track....notice from this point on that Harley riders with helmets on are a lot more friendly to ya........don't now what the correlation is.....you can make up your own.....but it's a fact.

[dreamaker]

Like I said this is America, and you still have rights. OK!!  Don't get me wrong I appreciate your honesty, but my thing is trying to get along, I just don't like bulling, gossip, bashing and picking on people.  May be I am looking at wrong, I live 15 miles north of Detroit, from time to time, I go to a little town called, Mt Clemens, which has a word of mouth, Cruise Nite on Wed. I seen Romeo there!!.  Lots of cars and bikes, major bike clubs come up there, I park next to them, No Issues, no comments and everyone seems to treat you like you expect. I guess may be I am spoiled, because everyone gets along and respect each other and just has a good time.   By the way I am not trying to sell Harley, but I am trying to sell people have choices, also some people sound like women bit*hing all the time. I am not use to that I am single.

[John Schmidt]

I had to chuckle to myself one time before I retired, it was at the large HD dealer here in Orlando. My office was only a few minutes away and I needed new grips for my Valk which I had ridden to work that day. So at lunch I whipped into the HD parking lot, made a half circle in one swooping motion and backed into a spot between two other bikes....both HD's. Next to them were three couples who apparently had just arrived, they looked in my direction but said nothing except for one lady who gave me a "thumbs up." Her husband gave her a scowl which seemed odd to me at the time. As I was removing gloves and helmet I commented on the beautiful day for riding and got nothing but the backs of their collective heads....except for the same gal again. She smiled and agreed re. the weather, followed by some words from hubby to which she snapped back at him and he shut up. I walked past them and went in the bldg., only to be met by an older gent that was one of the salesmen. He motioned me over and pointed out the big window toward the bikes and was kinda chuckling over the scene. All the folks I had just been ignored by were now gathered around the Valk, walking around it, down on the ground looking under it.....just giving it a good going over. The old salesman gent commented that he hoped they didn't get an inferiority complex from it. I then went and picked up what I needed and headed out the door, followed by another grizzly looking old fella who asked if I was the one with the Valkyrie and could he take a look at it. As we walked up, all three couples again turned away but old grizzly just kept chatting with me. He kept asking all kinds of questions, looked it over real good then pronounced it a beautiful ride, much to the dismay of the others standing there for some reason. Then one commented "yeah, but it doesn't run like a Harley" to which old grizzly answered; "lucky for him, huh?"

I'm of the same mind re. other riders; I don't care what you ride. If you're going to act like an ass, do so with someone else, I have more important things to do than give credence to your simple-mindedness. What I don't like is the zip-splats ridden mostly by the younger crowd and love to take chances, especially in traffic. Again, I don't care what bike it is, it's the fool on the seat that has just proved he's a fool by the way he rides. Once in a while if I happen to be #1 at a light and a zip-splat pulls up next to me, I'll egg him on a bit with the throttle, letting him think I'm wanting to race. The guy will zero in on the light, brace himself and the second it turns green he's off like a jack rabbit. Me....I just putt along with the traffic while some of the drivers around me are getting a good laugh over it. They know exactly what I was doing. It's kinda fun! 

[Bighead]

Good point, but one thing, women like that vibration of the passenger seat, fact!!! they told me so, that is why they make a unit to go under the seat for non Harleys.

I have owned them and I know several women that didn't like the vibration. And If that is all they like about it you can get a vibrator that is mounted in a cutout of any m/c seat or a hand held personal vibrator for way less than the HD cost
Personally I don't care what anyone rides as it doesn't affect me or my choice of ride. Bought my bee new and have had several other bikes during that period and yes HD was owned in there too,but you see what I stick with like the old Sayin goes dance with the one that brung ya

A side note = why is this topic brought up every month or so? With the same responses? Do you people not read the posts on here if you aren't the author just sayin

[czuch]

I dunno, what kind of oil do they use?

[Edvalk]

I love all bikes just love my valk more. I had a sportster 2003 anniversary 1200 , had to have one growing up watching then came Bronson . Would like to own a Harley road glide but at $15 k for a used one with 20,000 miles  . Some harley guys act alittle stuck up but most are good people.
I was at a gas station at night when 4 Harley's rode in and one of the girl friends walked over and started complmenting my bike and the look on her boyfriends face was priceless.

[old2soon]

Two of our senior members laid it out rather eloquently-Wayne and John.   In my P G R rides I ride with a LOT of other brands. Large Funerals get a Lot of H/D that show. I've gotten a LOT more good questions and comments than disses. IF someone-male or female TRIES to get it to turn nasty I tell them to have a nice ride/day/life and I walk away. Life's too cursed short to be arguing about-rides!   I USED to git bristly when some of the "people" would question HOW I spent MY money!   NOW I consider the source and just leave. I DON'T care HOW you got in da wind-just THAT you are IN DA WIND!   AND as I've found out-GUESS what-da wind don't care HOW ya got there either!   RIDE SAFE.

[Crackerborn]

I may have mentioned that I seldom do group rides? The few that I do are mostly populated by HD owners that I have known at least casually for a number of years. Most are riders that just prefer that brand for whatever reason, some have tried different brands, and then there are a few that seem to inject the cool-aide directly into their brain. I try to avoid the latter group since even though I have owned more than a few HD's over the years, that group seems to find fault with anyone not on a recent model HD. The last year I did a Toys for Tots ride in Chi I was on a '39 knucklehead (it had no identifying brand badges) and some of the cool-aide crowd couldn't figure out what it was so, as usual, opened their mouth bashing the old piece of junk (polite version). A more knowledgeable HD owner corrected them and then they wanted to be my best friend. Sorry, I have no tolerance for fools no matter what they sit on. You ride what you want and I will ride what I want. I feel the same way about your other life choices so long as it doesn't infringe upon mine.

[dreamaker]

Anyway you look at I, there is good and evil in anything it is how you interpret it.  I am not hands clean on the subject. Let me tell you a story.  I was driving on the service drive to enter the expressway, went down the ramp on to the e-way, in the next lane, and behind me was a guy and babe on a Harley. As we were cruising awhile, he sped up past me; I could see they were, I guess you call them, poser, want-a-bes, all new shiny bike an outfits. He was a little ahead of me, I noticed he kept looking in the mirror at me, I figured he wanted to play, so I gave it a little gas and went slightly ahead of him. So we did this a few times down the road, you could tell his bike R’s where getting up there, I can make mine sound like it is near the top. So, after a while, for me the fun was over, as he was getting ahead of me the last time, I looked over at his girlfriend and she looked at me, and me a gesture of her nose up in the air. At that point I downshifted and went full throttle and the Valk shot like a rocket. I looked in my mirror and I could see the girls looking over the guys shoulder with an expression, like what just happen look. I took every bit of strength, not to fall off my bike from laughing. I’m sure they never screwed with a Valk again. I couldn’t help it, had to do it!!!!  Wish I had my GoPro!!

[Brewer]

Dreammaker., why make a broad generalization when asking about a broad generalization? (your original post)

I like polite people and do not 'bash' based on what someone rides. I do watch words and actions.

Act polite, say polite things, all good. Act poorly, say negative things, I am less interested in being near that person.

[Jess from VA]

Why is this topic brought up every month or so?  With the same responses? Do you people not read the posts on here...?

Yep... Deja Vu all over again.

[RainMaker]

I ride with other motorcycle riders.  Brand is unimportant.  If they want to talk trash about my bike, it's their issue, not mine.  Try not to take these things too seriously.

[dreamaker]

Far as being general, don't want to point fingers, is my only defense.  Now far as reading every reply, sorry I have a life, and don't always have the time. I am impulsive, I agree and I try to answer at the moment and not always the big picture.

[Brewer]

I understand but the logical disconnect caught my attention.

Going to Inzane this year? If so, I look forward to meeting you.
Cheers

[Romeo]

I've had numerous good road side stops with Harleys, offers of help usually.
Sometimes we really need help (when Robert's bike wouldn't start). Sometimes
they just see me there on the side of the road looking at the Red Book. Once
the Harley guy needed directions too, and I had just come from where he
needed to go, there were were on the side of the road out in the country,
he was holding the left side of the Red Book, I was holding the right side.

Of the less friendly encounters, at gas pumps, they seemed like weekend
warrior would-be tough guys, not motorcycle riders...

-Mike

pretty much ditto that. Can't judge a book by its cover. Short story about a little interaction I had one time with a Harley Rider. Was at a non motorcycle event one time, on my 1983 cb1000 custom. Looking for a place to park I spotted a house with motorcycles parked all over its property. As I idled by a biker type gent motioned me in. I noticed there were nothing but H-D's parked there.
  Now this was not your typical weekend Harley rider type. He wasn't adorned in all the latest Harley swag, all orange and black with matching everything. He had a oil stained tee shirt on and old black jeans.
I asked him if it was ok for me to leave my Jap crap there, would it be safe. He said, if you got the balls to leave it here, none of us would dare touch it. We both had a good laugh.
He explained to me how he hated that certain H-D riders, who he didnt consider real bikers gave the rest a bad name. He wasn't talking about the lifers. He was talking about the wannabes. He told me he thought my Custom was a rightous ( his wording) ride and loved its look. Also mentioned how it didnt have any oil leaks, and how he wished his was like that. Told me if he saw anyone messing with it, they would have to deal with him.