Honda Vs. Harley

Jack772 · Apr 12, 2012

I just sold my 05 Harley Sportster but I still have my 05 1100 Shadow Spirit.
I am getting up in years and I don't need two bikes.
I let my son talk me into getting the Harley. I have been riding since 1966 and had a number of bikes. I spent more money on the Harley than all of my other bikes put together for parts and repairs. My Honda is a low maintenance bike compared to the Harley. It is also quieter and smoother.
Just sounding off.
Jack

GPSchmidt · Apr 20, 2012

My buddy has an 1100 Shadow, and it's a larger looking bike than mine. The tank for sure is much larger. Keep in mind that my tank only holds 1.8 gallons. It's small. It may not be the tank. It may be a combination of other things, but the handling characteristics are unique to the design somehow.

JVince · Apr 20, 2012

Peanut tank

. My 883 came with one too but the current tins are all from a 1200 custom. As far as I know the only place you can still tell it was an 883 are by the VIN on the frame and if you look closely at the stamp on the jugs.

I get teased a lot. Both because I ride the "girls" Harley and my wife rides the bike that looks bigger than mine. Of course when we start them up there's not as much teasing :mrgreen:.

indybp57 · Apr 20, 2012

A little off topic, but my brother-in-law has an old Harley Spirit 250, I think it was marketed back in the '60s as a trail bike. Anyway, most of the controls are on opposite sides from the bikes of today. He let me ride it one day and I about killed myself because everything was backwards. Never wanted to get on it again.

GPSchmidt · Apr 20, 2012

Both because I ride the "girls" Harley

Ain't it funny, even within the ranks of Harley riders there's debate as to what a true Harley is. Jeesh. I think a lot of girls (and I'm not knocking female riders at all), would end up doing themselves great harm on a Sportster. I do not consider it to be a novice bike. They have enough power to get someone in trouble fast and they don't seem to be that forgiving. Just my experience, but it helps to have some riding experience before you get on one. Not that you have to be a great rider, however some saddle time on something more "confidence instilling" is something I'd recommend.

JVince · Apr 20, 2012

I don't have a ton of riding experience but I would tend to agree. Aside from the fact that it's a lower, lighter bike I wouldn't think of the sportster as a beginner bike. Going from the Harley to the Shadow only takes a few minutes of acclimation but going back to the Harley after a day on the Shadow is more dangerous. It's like giving that 16yr old driver a Shelby Cobra as his first car. Sure, it's small and light but the power to weight is a little nutty for a learner car.

Of course I guess ALL sport bikes are sorta like that so what the hell do I know?

GPSchmidt · Apr 20, 2012

And it's not to say a Harley takes an experienced rider to handle. I took an Heritage Classic for a spin last summer and it felt like driving a Caddy. I mean you could almost bring it to a complete standstill and it would balance like nothing I've ever ridden. Had a beautiful ride to it.

It's just the case of how the Sportster is designed. It was built in '57 to be a punchy motorcycle that could be raced. I agree it doesn't really fit into the cruiser family, although you could swap out enough parts to make it one. A stock Sportster is pretty stripped of any luxuries. Heck, I have to shake the tank to figure out how much gas I have.

Gnigma · Apr 20, 2012

I'd, uh, CONSIDER this one:
Custom Built Motorcycles : Harley Davidson | eBay

vzshadow · Apr 21, 2012

Lets face it. Harley builds 3 bikes. Only three.. the V-rod. The sportster. And the EVO. Yeah they have a few suspension options and theres a a vast selection of paint and trim options. But its all the same platform with different stuff wraped around it. Of course theres been advancements but that EVO technology is already 27 years old. And the bottom end is older still. Slight improvements of course. When people look at a V-ROD they are transfixed by that engine. They just wish it was in something different. When they look at a traditional Harley they don't hardly pay attention to the engine. Its the same thing they've seen umpteen billion times. They only want to see what's been bolted around it.

Harley is the king of cruisers, but let's face it, if you don't want a cruiser style bike, HD doesn't make anything for you. Neither does Victory. Look at the line ups Honda, Kawa, Suzuki, Triumph, etc. Variety is the spice of life. I don't ride a cruiser. I follow this forum because my wife has a VLX, which actually is a pretty nice bike. But if I ride something with forward controls for more than about a half hour my back quits working. I can hardly get off the bike and then I limp way with a sore back for a week.

How many of you have ridden a sport tourer? Harley doesn't make a bike that could touch a sport tourer in the twistys. If you want to get on a super slab and ride in a straight line, HD is your ticket. I find this to be the most boring riding possible.

If you don't have a history with HD, if the HD image doesn't mean anything to you, if you're not gaga over the sound, or if you like interesting motorcycle riding; HD doesn't make a bike that would even interest you. They target one market demographic. That's it, one. It's a successful strategy for them. I've only been in a HD dealership, when I did my BRC course through the Riders Edge program. They don't make a single product that draws my attention. I have no reason to go there.

But as Crazy Dave says, to each his own. Ride your own ride.

hunnus2000 · Apr 23, 2012

vzshadow said:
How many of you have ridden a sport tourer? Harley doesn't make a bike that could touch a sport tourer in the twistys. If you want to get on a super slab and ride in a straight line, HD is your ticket. I find this to be the most boring riding possible.

Couldn't let this go, sorry.

But, bullsch$t!

I can think of several bikes that can easily carve the twisties but the biggest thing is that carving up the twisties is rider specific. I know a guy that can flat out eat peoples lunch on the twisties on a stock Ultra Classic and Wide Glide. I've seen him "F" with crotch rockets in New Mexico.
With twisties, it ain't about the bike.

Also, at a recent morotcycle rodeo, I watched an ST1300 run the course and was not impressed and his times were flat out pedestrian. Don't assume that simply because it says ST that it MUST perform better.

Also, Sportsters are perfectly made to handle the twistes so that makes 3 bikes that I can think of in the HD stable that can carve up the twisties.

El Fenix · Apr 21, 2012

I still say put the V-Rod motor in a SuperGlide and I'd be the first to line up.

That said...I'm not sure what on earth Honda is doing with the Fury. I tried to ride one earlier today at a demo day. I didnt get it outta the parking lot. I turned it back around and got off the thing.

CrazyDave · Apr 21, 2012

I love the implied "old " tech angle.. how old do you think the engine designs are in most of the cars on the road?

oh and the Blockhead ( evolution motor is not quite 27 years old..more like 15..

The Harley Davidson Evolution

It took seven years of development before the Blockhead made it's appearance in 1984, and it provided 15 years of durable service. The Evo engine also marked the introduction of a new Softail. In 1986, a Sportster right-hand drive version is added to the collection. Harley Davidson enjoys expansive success on during the reign of the Evo, with new locations in Kasas City, Menomenee Falls, and Manaus, Brazil. Debuting as an 80 CI engine, the Blockhead has seen great popularity with engine builders and aftermarket manufacturers. For those that crave big horsepower, manufacturers are making Evo-style engines in the 120 CI range.

Then the Twin Cam

The Harley Davidson Twin Cam

Unveiled in 1999 the Twin Cam (aka TC, Fathead or Twinkie) engines are the newest of the air-cooled power plants offered by Harley Davidson. Though the engine still incorporates overhead valves and pushrods, the distinction comes form the two cams in the crankcase. The Fathead has both balanced (A models) and unbalanced models (B models) and are available in 88 and 96 CI sizes, the latter being seen in 2006..just saying

Offday · Apr 22, 2012

Dude....you lost me. The "Blockhead" / EVO, "IS" 27 Years old, not 15. Introduced in '84.
You said so in your own post. And their lastest greatest "twin cam" has had problems since it came out. Matter of record.

GPSchmidt · Apr 22, 2012

First Harley V-Twin....Air Cooled Push Rod
Every one since........Air cooled Push rod
88" to 96"....... ........Air Cooled Push Rod
96" to 103...............Air Cooled Push rod
Fuel injestion.... ......Same engine
New frame...............Same engine
Cyl Cut -off.............Same engine
Yeah.....IT'S THE SAME OLD BIKE IT HAS BEEN.
What "Are" they comming out with next year ?????
Anthing more than a different Wrapper????

Here's the reality. I can get any part I need for, let's say a '79 Shovel.

Try finding a new airbox for a '79 GS550E. Discontinued. Sure, the engines, styles and technology changes, but parts for any metric bike only cover at best a few years of that model. Keep in mind too, those parts are only avilable for a limited time as new. Otherwise, it's eBay time. I know, I've had to dig for parts on older metric bikes I've owned. I can keep my '93 running fresh for a long, long time. I can swap out tins, wheels and frames to completely change the look of a Harley. Status quo doesn't sound all that bad to me.

CrazyDave · Apr 22, 2012

Bingo.. it is said Harley is the small block Chevy of the motorcycle world, not only are you likely to find the part in stock locally, you are likely to find it locally most any town that has a road.. or very close by. You can go to swap meets and load yourself with parts that are not only useable now, but will be in the future. You can also easily adapt..

Most every gear head understands the basics of the Harley motor ( more properly engine since the definition of motor has nothing to do with the internal combustion engine but , who cares! ) especially older ones, and there are plenty around to work on and keep alive.

In many ways the 750 is more Harley like, at least the Harleys that get reworked by their owners wonderfully demented visions , which is probably why more of these get chopped and massaged more then the 1100's and VTX's.. these being more prone to the bolt on customization rather then the torch and welder type.

GPSchmidt · Apr 22, 2012

I never once said anywhere I don't like Harley's....not once.
I only ever said, it would be nice to see them offer something different.

Never said you did. Everything is cool. I hear you. As a consumer, you certainly have the voice to state your desires.

You don't get it. You wouldn't keep going to a Chevy dealer and expect to by the same ecact car you bought 10 or 20 years ago.

What don't I get? That I should be clamoring for the latest technology coming from Milwaukee? Please tell me exactly what's wrong with me actually liking the looks, style and an air cooled engine? Push rods, pff sure, so what. I've owned several air cooled metric bikes, and surprisingly they all ran fine. As does the bike I currently own. AMF ran Harley into the ground. Had it not been for the employees who believed that HD could be ressurected, then they would have gone under. They relearned how to build bikes using modern manufacturing techniques like Kaizen, JIT and lean manufacturing. There's your modern technology.

Even if you could bolt new sheet metal on it to make it look fresh. IT'S STILL THE SAME DAMN CAR.

Ask any shade tree mechanic and they will tell you the cars of yester year were much easier to work on. Computer controlled, emissson laden packed in power trains of todays vehicles are the bees knees? I benefit how from all this modern water cooled stuff? Really?

Here was a bike that was really fast.

A brand new Honda CL77 305cc (18.64 cut in) could just about outrun a full dress Harley. That's a fact.

Great, awesome facts. Again, if I were looking for speed I'd be impressed. May I state for the record, AJ Foyt I am not. Maybe other than the Vrod, Harley's never laid claim that their bikes are built for speed. If I were looking for speed, you'd see me on a sport bike, VMax or some such. You won't see me on the track hauling my carcus around on my Sportster. Not interested. However, with the 1200 EVO, I roll the throttle and pass whatever I need to pass on the road with authority. That, as a bike owner, is what is important to me.

In 2009 the value of Harley Davidson brand fell by 43%. The fall in value is believed to be connected to the 66% drop in company profits in two quarters the previous year.
April 2010. Harley stated they had to cut $54 million in manufacturing costs from production facilities in Wisconsin. This came in the wake of a massive company wide restructuring which began in 2009. And involved the closing of two factories, one distribution center and the planed elimination of nearly 25% of its total workforce.

Yet they still hold their value better than any other bike out there, and since 2001, what large business hasn't been impacted and had to reduce costs. Harley doesn't own the corner of the market there.

And who's looking for a 79GS550 Air box anyway. The reason those parts aren't available is they quit building the bike. New improved better bikes came around and people moved on and bought them.

Ah, that would have been me. And I never found one. Not all of us can own this wonderful new technology you speak of. Some of us ride what we can afford.

Tell me, why is it that on any non-Harley motorcycle forum the debate is always "Harley vs Whoever". Why don't I see these lengthy, continual debates over Honda vs BMW or Honda vs Kawasaki, ad nauseum?

I'll take my tired, antiquated technology and happily ride on down the road.

Offday · Apr 22, 2012

If you read all my posts. I mentioned "I do like Harley " said it many many times.
The facts I shared about Harley's buisness troubles are one a few. Harley admitted they were
worked about loosing its customer base with the aging baby boomers. It goes way back further than that. Check out Wikipedia most of it is summed up their. And I know from the numbers they are
Hurting again. They admitted years ago when they went to Regan crying foul because the were afraid
The Japanese were going to run them out of business. And they placed tariffs n all imports 700cc or larger. They admired they never tried to match the Japanese but rather inforced the "Retro" look
That sold in the past.
I for one would sure like to see them try something new. Because I would certainly hate to see
Them fail.

hunnus2000 · Apr 22, 2012

Offday said:
If you read all my posts. I mentioned "I do like Harley " said it many many times.
The facts I shared about Harley's buisness troubles are one a few. Harley admitted they were
worked about loosing its customer base with the aging baby boomers. It goes way back further than that. Check out Wikipedia most of it is summed up their. And I know from the numbers they are
Hurting again. They admitted years ago when they went to Regan crying foul because the were afraid
The Japanese were going to run them out of business. And they placed tariffs n all imports 700cc or larger. They admired they never tried to match the Japanese but rather inforced the "Retro" look
That sold in the past.
I for one would sure like to see them try something new. Because I would certainly hate to see
Them fail.

I've read where you like Harley, I am not questioning that. I question whether you really know your facts. Show me where Harley is worried about losing their "aging baby boomer" base of customers. That line of bullsh-- has been spouted out from non-Harley owners since the 70's and it was bullsh-- then and it now and I actually have an article written by the editor of HOG magizine addressing this falsehood with numbers to back it up.

I won't disagree that harley has had their problems in the past, that's well documented but today they are a solid business with sound manufacturing practices. They are not hurting.

It should be noted that Harley had EFI on all their bikes before 2007 except for the Sporty line which came online in 2007 with EFI. I didn't see EFI on Hondas until when, 2010 or 2011 when they came out with the Interstate line of bikes? Oh sure the Fury was first but whoopdeedo. :roll:

Oh and you like to mention the Harley wobble, should we mention the infamous Goldwing wobble? I know plenty of Wingers who talk aboout this. And I'll say it again, if Honda is so yrailblazing with all this technology, why are they still using drum brakes?

afishinado · Apr 22, 2012

There is a certain element of motorcycle buyers that like Harleys just the way they are and have been just about forever. I am one of those, so until I start having trouble with my Harleys, I will continue to buy them. I have not any trouble with any of the 5 I have owned, none.
If I wanted speed, I would just go buy a Hyabusa... The end.... If I wanted velvet smooth, quiet to do a very long distance tour I'd buy BMW 1600 or Goldwing... (I would keep my Road King).
Harley heard some of you whining, "I would buy a Harley if they made water cooled, modern technology, yada yada yada" Well, they did, they built the V-rod, a great motorcycle, they could have taken off in any direction from that platform to make more customers.... What they found out was you were full of sh!t, you still wouldn't buy one because you could buy your metric cheaper! I could have told them that LOL...
I bought the 750 Shadow with 4000 miles in the picture below a couple months ago for my GF to learn on, a damn good motorcycle. It cost what new $5000? About the same as a base Harley 883 Sportster did in 03.. I paid $2300 for it, a 03 Sporster that nice would bring about twice that. I didn't buy her a Sporty because it was twice the price. I admit it, so what? When will you guys just admit it, you can't justify (or afford) a Harley, that's the real difference... It is no big deal, I drive a Chevy Tahoe, I would love an Escalade, but I just can't justify another $25k for the nice interior. No sin in it, but I don't throw stones at it. Thats the way it is. Now I added more to this silly ungoing argument.

Gnigma · Apr 22, 2012

The reason you can still get some, not all, parts for HDs or Chevy 350s is not necessarily because they were any good--- they just made a buttload of them. That does not make them the best, it just makes them the most. I never had the HD bug--- they are too expensive for what you get. If HD was not following all the other US corporate robber barons, HDs would be cheap. Instead, they lay off workers to keep the management profit as high as possible. They thrive on their own myth.

afishinado · Apr 22, 2012

Gnigma said:
The reason you can still get some, not all, parts for HDs or Chevy 350s is not necessarily because they were any good--- they just made a buttload of them. That does not make them the best, it just makes them the most. .

Yeah and people bought all those Chevys and Harleys because? Oh, we were all dumber than you, I forgot, thats right

Lots of metrics hit the beaches in the 60's, had the entire motorcycle market through the 70's when nobody would buy a AMF Harley or the Euro bikes that turned to crap... I have more than a few friends complaining they can't get parts for their 70's and 80's and even 90's metrics. I thought about buying a new 1600 BMW for this summers road trip, while doing the due-dilligence I found out there are more than a few brand new ones parked for months waiting on parts.... No thanks, maybe next year when they get their sh!t together.

hunnus2000 said:
if Honda is so yrailblazing with all this technology, why are they still using drum brakes?

Did Honda ever figure out how to put cancelling turn signals on their bikes? Annoying as hell as well as dangerous. I mean damn, what would it take to put a timer on them so they go off in 10 seconds? I guess it would have cost another 12 cents a bike to add that and make them safer.

65Pony · Apr 22, 2012

The why's and Wherefore's

This is my own two cents worth, but I believe the problem is terminal. It is Human Ego, Nature, or whatever you want to call it. It can be found in almost any section of Life today.

Now, I have noticed some Harley fans on here get a little mouthy when their bikes are called into question. Some Honda fans seem a little smug at times, but on this thread have remained civil enough. No matter where we go, we make choices. We vote with those choices, and people observing our decisions will not always agree with them.

The Common repeating theme of the Human Psyche is the desire to win or be right. For this reason people will shout, scream, spit, and jump up and down in the street when they feel their opinions are called into question. It doesn't matter if they are right or wrong, all that matters is that they win the argument or silence the voice of dissenting opinion in order to justify their views, and or gain recognition.

I had a similar experience on a Hunting/Fishing Forum where a Older man tried to demean a young 17 year old kid who was very proud of his equiptment for what he used. His Actions toward this kid were deplorable, and not something we should expect from a "Mature" adult. The sad reality is that there are a lot of people out there like that.

Yes, There are honestly a lot of Harley Davidson owners out there who walk around with a chip of superiority on their shoulders. Should all Harley Davidson owners be connected with these idiots? No, but it is still hard to sort out all the bad apples from a bag without getting into each one, and each case can leave you with a rotten taste in your mouth.

Problems arise when We try to pass our preferences/opinions off as fact. No matter where you go, there will always be people like that. It may be politics, it may be bikes, it may be hunting or fishing. Everyone has their own way they like to do things, and will feel affronted if someone suggests there is an alternative to it. Tolerance is the most elusive and ignored virtue in the world throughout history, and I doubt it will change anytime soon.

JBourquin · Apr 22, 2012

65Pony said:
This is my own two cents worth, but I believe the problem is terminal. It is Human Ego, Nature, or whatever you want to call it. It can be found in almost any section of Life today.

Now, I have noticed some Harley fans on here get a little mouthy when their bikes are called into question. Some Honda fans seem a little smug at times, but on this thread have remained civil enough. No matter where we go, we make choices. We vote with those choices, and people observing our decisions will not always agree with them.

The Common repeating theme of the Human Psyche is the desire to win or be right. For this reason people will shout, scream, spit, and jump up and down in the street when they feel their opinions are called into question. It doesn't matter if they are right or wrong, all that matters is that they win the argument or silence the voice of dissenting opinion in order to justify their views, and or gain recognition.

I had a similar experience on a Hunting/Fishing Forum where a Older man tried to demean a young 17 year old kid who was very proud of his equiptment for what he used. His Actions toward this kid were deplorable, and not something we should expect from a "Mature" adult. The sad reality is that there are a lot of people out there like that.

Yes, There are honestly a lot of Harley Davidson owners out there who walk around with a chip of superiority on their shoulders. Should all Harley Davidson owners be connected with these idiots? No, but it is still hard to sort out all the bad apples from a bag without getting into each one, and each case can leave you with a rotten taste in your mouth.

Problems arise when We try to pass our preferences/opinions off as fact. No matter where you go, there will always be people like that. It may be politics, it may be bikes, it may be hunting or fishing. Everyone has their own way they like to do things, and will feel affronted if someone suggests there is an alternative to it. Tolerance is the most elusive and ignored virtue in the world throughout history, and I doubt it will change anytime soon.

Or they can just quit trying to justify their purchase by running down others..

GPSchmidt · Apr 22, 2012

If HD was not following all the other US corporate robber barons, HDs would be cheap. Instead, they lay off workers to keep the management profit as high as possible. They thrive on their own myth.

???? You must be union.

KPVSR · Apr 22, 2012

Can we just end this debate with a big ole

WHO GIVES A FLYING *****

It's not like suddenly anyone on either side of the fence is going to stop and say 'you know what, your right'

Those that want a Harley will go in that direction those don't will go in a different direction. Those that want a Harley but can't afford one will choose the cheap plastic metric copy like the one in my signature picture.

hunnus2000 · Apr 22, 2012

KPVSR said:
Can we just end this debate with a big ole

WHO GIVES A FLYING *****

It's not like suddenly anyone on either side of the fence is going to stop and say 'you know what, your right'

Those that want a Harley will go in that direction those don't will go in a different direction. Those that want a Harley but can't afford one will choose the cheap plastic metric copy like the one in my signature picture.

I understand the spirit of your post but this IS a public forum which by it's very nature lends itself to debate.

If you don't want to participate, then go away.

Offday · Apr 23, 2012

Ok.......this debate or Harley's place or fate in the marketplace is never going to be determined here. That's all going to be played out and determined by the consumer.

I never once bashed Harley. Though some of you read it that way.
I only ever stated it would be nice to see them start doing something different. Not quit doing what they're best at. But offer alternatives as well......And in a package that looks like what people expect from Harley.
I never once said that Honda or anyone else for that matter was perfect. Problems have been shared by all.
The debate that started after turned into "Why should they" I did my best to explain it as best I could.
So to answer a question that was posed to me earlier, didn't forget about you.
"Why are these changes bad" when it came to corporate restructuring of Harley in 2009.

When it comes to corporate restructuring. It usually is due to a couple contributing factors. One being that the consumer market moving in a direction where they no longer able to remain competitive. So they engineer and develop new products and expand into the base of the current market trend. That way when a consumer comes looking to buy.
you have what they're looking for. If you don't have it they will go where they can get it.

Another reason restructuring may be required is to cut costs in an attempt to stay afloat in the current market. And we have all seen it played out over and over by the consumer.

I'm not going to once again voice my opinions on why I personally believe Harley needs to do something more than they are. Like I said its only my opinion based on the numbers.

Tell you what I do know. History has a way of repeating itself. If we don't learn from our mistakes
We are doomed to repeat them.
when the Japanese started importing cars to this country everyone thought it was a big joke. But they kept introducing new and better designs and more and more consumers started buying them. And the makers here didn't step up and develop cars that could compete with what they were doing. The end result was American manufacturing has moved beyond our borders in attempts to cut costs and save themselves from demise.
All to little to late. The customers they lost became loyal to their competition. And in the end many had to be bailed out by our government to keep from goinig completely bankrupt.
yes.....many have made strong comebacks. But now they're building cars that can compete with the competition, and performance cars that the competition can't give you. Imagine that. Most all of our manufacturing moved to foreign countries. While the competition is building plants here.
in the late 60's early 70's and even beyond "NO ONE" would have believed that was even a remote possibility.

Well since the Japanese motorcycle industry came to these shores they have continued that same market strategy. You walk into one of their dealerships they have something to offer anyone and everyone. Consumers can buy whatever they're looking for. They got bikes for the cruiser, the sport rider, the sport tour, the dirt rider, the racer, anything for everyone from the kids to grandma in every size they want. They got it covered.
While they are building bikes strictly to compete with Harley's core market consumer.
Harley isn't doing anything to answer them back. If from the beginning they had tried to counter every offering from the Japanese with a competitive alternative you could walk into a Harley dealership and get whatever you were looking for. And of course the traditional! Harley rider can still get that classic that made Harley who they are.

So......our auto industry. Our electronics industry. And we answered them back how.
I'm just saying people need to realize there is no magical, impermeable force field that will forever prtoect Harley from suffering the same fate. I only wish they would start to fight to get those consumers back instead of relying on their name to sell their product for them.

So with that......I have explained it best I can ten ways to Sunday. Its all my personal opinion based on my research on the current market trends and the numbers.

I'm quite certain many of you will be pleased that I'm done beating this horse.
Hope I at least got a some people thinking about a few things.
see you in the other threads.

And yes....I still like Harley and would own another. I think they are great motorcycles....in need and past due for a little change.

CrazyDave · Apr 23, 2012

mmmm, no wobble worries here

CrazyDave · Apr 23, 2012

consider this one a preemptive strike if you will.. Yeah we know,

Harleys are too fat and slow to get up in the air too..

onewholovesrock · Apr 24, 2012

This has been one long thread. Whatever Harley is doing, they must be doing it right. I have an older friend that lives in Milwaukee. One of his friends is/was a higher up at Harley Davidson. He always said that Harley doesn't sell motorcycles. They sell an image. That comes from someone that works/worked there for many years. Again, great motorcycles in my opinion, best looking, best sounding. The part that bothers me is Harley Davidson is one of the most iconic business names in the U.S. They're selling people an American made product, image. What % of these motorcycles are American made? I don't know? What % of everything else these people buy that say Harley Davidson on it are Amercan made? Clothing, etc. I believe thats around 0%? I assume people that buy HD already know these things. So I guess its not a big deal to those people. But to me they're selling an image that isn't even real. Just my 2 cents.

CrazyDave · Apr 24, 2012

Heres a clue..America sells an image

onewholovesrock · Apr 24, 2012

Good Point!

GPSchmidt · Apr 24, 2012

it's pretty much top of the line.

yes....and no. I have a pair of Harley boots that are 20 years old. Still look good, and I wear them every time I get on the bike. Well made....tho not super compfy.

Yesterday I was at the Harley dealer looking at 2 tables of clearance wear. They had plain T shirts marked down to $30. To me, that's a true mark up based on 2 words. They have a leather jacket I'd like to pick up sometime this year. Online, I can get it for $309. The dealership wants $425.

I recall back in the '90s when you had to wait 2 years to get a bike. The rank and file Harley owner grumbled how supply and demand and the clientele had driven up the prices. 20 years later, they weren't kidding. You do have to have some bank.

squidchief · Apr 24, 2012

GPSchmidt said:
Yesterday I was at the Harley dealer looking at 2 tables of clearance wear. They had plain T shirts marked down to $30. To me, that's a true mark up based on 2 words. They have a leather jacket I'd like to pick up sometime this year. Online, I can get it for $309. The dealership wants $425.

I recall back in the '90s when you had to wait 2 years to get a bike. The rank and file Harley owner grumbled how supply and demand and the clientele had driven up the prices. 20 years later, they weren't kidding. You do have to have some bank.

Quite true... I'll give you that!! A good bit of the stuff in the store is marked up just because of those two words... but there is also some items there that are better than can be found anywhere else. I do very little online shopping, I'm that old fashioned guy whose still trying to support the brick and morter guys whenever possible (I try not to shop in Walmart either for that matter). I can't argue with you over online prices either, though the few times I have tried to save money from buying on-line I was sorely disapointed in quality once the product showed up at my door.

onewholovesrock · Apr 24, 2012

Also good points. It just doesn't seem HD gear should be made in China. Especially when a lot of people throw around the word Jap crap.

GPSchmidt · Apr 24, 2012

A lot of the aftermarket bling is made in Taiwan. It's a modern world. You won't find many hard core Harley buffs debating that they have bikes with Japanese carbs, and other pieces parts not hailing from the US.

Honda Vs. Harley

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities