Why a Harley?
Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax, Virginia
RE: Why a Harley?
Why ride a Harley? AMERICAN PRIDE
I'm proud to own a piece of American history
I'm proud to own a bike designed and built by an American for an American
I'm proud to be part of a brotherhood that has a long history
Everytime the subject of riding comes up, I get asked "Do you ride a Harley?" I wonder why?
If you asked anyone walking down the street to name a motorcycle manufacturer, I bet the majority of them would say "HARLEY DAVIDSON." I wonder why?
How many metric owners out there say they feel proud when they ride there brand? I'm sure plenty of them don't, they just feel good being on a bike. You'd be hard pressed to find a Harley owner that doesn't feel proud riding his bike.
Why a Harley? AMERICAN PRIDE
If you don't get it, you probably have never ridden one. I suggest you put aside any preconceived notions and stop by a HD dealer. Once you sit on one, you'll understand where I'm coming from. Make sure to bring your checkbook.....
[sm=americanasmiley.gif]
I'm proud to own a piece of American history
I'm proud to own a bike designed and built by an American for an American
I'm proud to be part of a brotherhood that has a long history
Everytime the subject of riding comes up, I get asked "Do you ride a Harley?" I wonder why?
If you asked anyone walking down the street to name a motorcycle manufacturer, I bet the majority of them would say "HARLEY DAVIDSON." I wonder why?
How many metric owners out there say they feel proud when they ride there brand? I'm sure plenty of them don't, they just feel good being on a bike. You'd be hard pressed to find a Harley owner that doesn't feel proud riding his bike.
Why a Harley? AMERICAN PRIDE
If you don't get it, you probably have never ridden one. I suggest you put aside any preconceived notions and stop by a HD dealer. Once you sit on one, you'll understand where I'm coming from. Make sure to bring your checkbook.....
[sm=americanasmiley.gif]
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 557
Likes: 5
From: Philly Burbs
RE: Why a Harley?
ORIGINAL: PoleCat
I just read this entire thread.
Some of you have thought this through quite carefully. It's good to know that you know exactly why you ride what you ride.
At first I took offense to a couple of the comments about the "new harley rider" . . . not being worthy or not payng enough dues. But then I thought about it.
If by dues you mean that I've yearned for this bike my entire life, (since I was about 4 and had my first ride), That I've scrimped and saved enough to finally be able to afford the bike of my dreams, that I'm an experienced rider and I'm confident that I can do justice to the abilities of the new beauty that inhabits my favorite parking spot; then yes, I'd have to say that yes I'm paid in full.
But, if you're saying that some of us haven't spent enough time working through the ranks of owning some crappy old AMF Mistake and fixing/riding it anyway, (let's face it those are not Harley's best years and they don't make very good selling points.) MoCo doesn't hide the fact that it happend, but they sure don't like to talk about it either. It was a mistake that took a few very long years to set straight. That doesn't mean that we all should have bought two extra bikes back then just to support the company. If we did, they might still be under AMFs big sloppy foot.
. . . or If you mean I haven't been arrested enough times and don't have enough gang tats on my body . . . too freekin bad. IMHO The day of the big stupid criminal biker is gone. I know they still exist, but they are such a minority now - time will soon erase them from the landscape. Most of the MCs nowdays are more interested in promoting safety and taking care of riders than running a syndicate.
Now, I'm an okay wrench, but I'm not sure that I trust my hand at working on my new SG. Time will alter that opinion I'm sure. (It's just so shiney now) I'll probalby have the shop take care of most of the maintenance. I'll do some mods myself, very carefully, but probably only cosmetic things. Performance mods will surely need to go to a pro. Does that make me unworthy? I guess I don't care.
Not to insult anyone's sensibilities, but I'd be willing to bet that nearly everyone could prove that they've paid the price to get their dream bike. Even if all they ever did to get it was write a check. How do you measure desire? How do you quallify love of a fine machine? Everyon's price is different. You didn't have to pay my price, and I didn't have to pay yours . . . and thats a good thing, trust me.
Why do I ride a Harley? Because for nearly 40 years that's all I've ever really wanted to ride. I've owned many bikes, all kinds and shapes and sizes, and I've truly enjoyed (loved) a couple of them. Crud, this is my second HD (first one was an AMF Holdover '96 Sporty). but none of my bikes have come close to giving me the complete satisfaction that I get from this big beautiful Street Glide.
Shoot. I'm so happy with this new sweetheart, and with this forum . . . you could knock me over with a . . . bowling ball. j/k
Cheers, Let's ride.
I just read this entire thread.
Some of you have thought this through quite carefully. It's good to know that you know exactly why you ride what you ride.
At first I took offense to a couple of the comments about the "new harley rider" . . . not being worthy or not payng enough dues. But then I thought about it.
If by dues you mean that I've yearned for this bike my entire life, (since I was about 4 and had my first ride), That I've scrimped and saved enough to finally be able to afford the bike of my dreams, that I'm an experienced rider and I'm confident that I can do justice to the abilities of the new beauty that inhabits my favorite parking spot; then yes, I'd have to say that yes I'm paid in full.
But, if you're saying that some of us haven't spent enough time working through the ranks of owning some crappy old AMF Mistake and fixing/riding it anyway, (let's face it those are not Harley's best years and they don't make very good selling points.) MoCo doesn't hide the fact that it happend, but they sure don't like to talk about it either. It was a mistake that took a few very long years to set straight. That doesn't mean that we all should have bought two extra bikes back then just to support the company. If we did, they might still be under AMFs big sloppy foot.
. . . or If you mean I haven't been arrested enough times and don't have enough gang tats on my body . . . too freekin bad. IMHO The day of the big stupid criminal biker is gone. I know they still exist, but they are such a minority now - time will soon erase them from the landscape. Most of the MCs nowdays are more interested in promoting safety and taking care of riders than running a syndicate.
Now, I'm an okay wrench, but I'm not sure that I trust my hand at working on my new SG. Time will alter that opinion I'm sure. (It's just so shiney now) I'll probalby have the shop take care of most of the maintenance. I'll do some mods myself, very carefully, but probably only cosmetic things. Performance mods will surely need to go to a pro. Does that make me unworthy? I guess I don't care.
Not to insult anyone's sensibilities, but I'd be willing to bet that nearly everyone could prove that they've paid the price to get their dream bike. Even if all they ever did to get it was write a check. How do you measure desire? How do you quallify love of a fine machine? Everyon's price is different. You didn't have to pay my price, and I didn't have to pay yours . . . and thats a good thing, trust me.
Why do I ride a Harley? Because for nearly 40 years that's all I've ever really wanted to ride. I've owned many bikes, all kinds and shapes and sizes, and I've truly enjoyed (loved) a couple of them. Crud, this is my second HD (first one was an AMF Holdover '96 Sporty). but none of my bikes have come close to giving me the complete satisfaction that I get from this big beautiful Street Glide.
Shoot. I'm so happy with this new sweetheart, and with this forum . . . you could knock me over with a . . . bowling ball. j/k
Cheers, Let's ride.
I am a motorcyclist ......its in my blood and always has been. I'm also a true Patriot.....I love my country and believe that there is not a greater nation on earth (the national anthem brings tears of joy to my eyes....seriously ) I also believe that our businesses must be supported especially one thats over a century old and a true staple of americana.
and to address the folks that PoleCat touched on in his post...the one that think the new guys are less of a "biker" or havent earned their place in the so called club.
I'd say to them....#1) I'm sorry you feel that way but its YOUR problem and #2) whats makes you think I give a flying fock what you think about me?
I welcome everyone to join the "club" and I honestly dont look at the
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Why a Harley?
As someone once told me :
"They don't go"
"They don't handle"
"They don't Stop"
"but they are fun to ride"
And luckily they aren't fully made in the U.S. any more or we would still have the faulty castings and all the associated oil leaks we had when "Harley" was an AMF product.
They sound great
They are an investment
Nothing turns heads like a good looking Harley
But there are some Harley models that makes one believe that beauty can only be in the eyes of the beholder !!!
[IMG]local://upfiles/7663/DA6A7873F871414C9EC7E9DF511877C4.jpg[/IMG]
"They don't go"
"They don't handle"
"They don't Stop"
"but they are fun to ride"
And luckily they aren't fully made in the U.S. any more or we would still have the faulty castings and all the associated oil leaks we had when "Harley" was an AMF product.
They sound great
They are an investment
Nothing turns heads like a good looking Harley
But there are some Harley models that makes one believe that beauty can only be in the eyes of the beholder !!!
ORIGINAL: Axholio
I just have to ask this... I have loved Harley since I was a kid (long time ago). I see so many non Harley riders bash, compare and complain about Harley bikes and riders that I just gotta ask what your reasons are.
Compared to some others...
They're not the fastest.
They're not the most reliable.
They're not the nimblest.
They're not totaly "American Made".
They're definately not the cheapest...
So, why did you want a Harley?
I just have to ask this... I have loved Harley since I was a kid (long time ago). I see so many non Harley riders bash, compare and complain about Harley bikes and riders that I just gotta ask what your reasons are.
Compared to some others...
They're not the fastest.
They're not the most reliable.
They're not the nimblest.
They're not totaly "American Made".
They're definately not the cheapest...
So, why did you want a Harley?
[IMG]local://upfiles/7663/DA6A7873F871414C9EC7E9DF511877C4.jpg[/IMG]
Stage I
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
RE: Why a Harley?
This is my first post. Do I own a Harley, no ,I own a 83 honda shadow that I got for $500 bucks. I've wanted a Harley since I was about 8 yrs old. My mothers boyfriend tried to buy me a Harley-Davidson minibike but mother stepped in and said no, mainly because her ex husband bled Harley-Davidson. Our neighbor at the time owned a nice gold Harley and always had friends stopping by,on thier Harleys. The sound was awesome, the bikes looked cool and thats what I wanted. Very appealing to this 8 year old.Its safe to say my wanting of an american icon goes back way further than the "weekend warrior" craze that hit 10 or 12 years ago
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
RE: Why a Harley?
I would say what got me was the looks and the sound.
No other bike has the pleasing sound of a Harley. That is the easiest way to identify an approaching motorcycle as a Harley. That great sound.
My softail Deluxe look great. Hondas and Yamaha look ok but they can't compare to my Black Deluxe. I love the retro styling and the ability to customize it. I like when people walk by my bike they pause and stare.
I really don't care that it is American Made. It is pleasing to know that it is American made and that it is a quality machine. That my Motorcycle was built within 30 miles of my house. But I would never buy any current Chevy or Ford. Maybe if American car companies would make a car like the Belair again I would buy one.
I remember when the Fat Boy first came out. I saw photos of it in a magazine and thought it was the greatest bike ever. I could never afford one. But a few weeks later I was in London and I saw a Fat Boy drive by. It does give you pride that an American made product is desirable in foreign countries.
Of course if they we the same quality Harleys as the ones made in the late 70's early 80's I would never buy one. They might not be the most reliable motorcycles on the road but they sure have come along way with quality.
No other bike has the pleasing sound of a Harley. That is the easiest way to identify an approaching motorcycle as a Harley. That great sound.
My softail Deluxe look great. Hondas and Yamaha look ok but they can't compare to my Black Deluxe. I love the retro styling and the ability to customize it. I like when people walk by my bike they pause and stare.
I really don't care that it is American Made. It is pleasing to know that it is American made and that it is a quality machine. That my Motorcycle was built within 30 miles of my house. But I would never buy any current Chevy or Ford. Maybe if American car companies would make a car like the Belair again I would buy one.
I remember when the Fat Boy first came out. I saw photos of it in a magazine and thought it was the greatest bike ever. I could never afford one. But a few weeks later I was in London and I saw a Fat Boy drive by. It does give you pride that an American made product is desirable in foreign countries.
Of course if they we the same quality Harleys as the ones made in the late 70's early 80's I would never buy one. They might not be the most reliable motorcycles on the road but they sure have come along way with quality.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,204
Likes: 1,192
From: Anywhere we stop
RE: Why a Harley?
Its American and I've been ridin one since I was 17. I have had other brands and there a good piece of machinery, but have no heart, even the new brit bikes have lost there heart in my opinion.
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