Why a Harley?
Banned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,481
Likes: 4
From: Triangle, VA
RE: because I do.
Ridden Yamahas, Honda, Triumphs, Ducatis and the Harley just feels right. No need to explain what feels right and I don't plan on justifying what feels right. It ain't for everyone, but it for me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 1
From: North Jersey
RE: Why a Harley?
Harley Davidson is an American icon. And I'm not just waxing nestolgic here. Just the name alone, mentioned anywhere in the world is instantly recognized as American. It's like saying Winchester. The uniqueness of the bike goes back to 1903. Even in today's day and age the technologically superior Japaneese bike manyfacturers recognize Harley's timeless appeal. So much so they gave birth to the "Cruiser" series of motorcycles. The term "Cruiser" was never used by HD nor were they ever called cruisers by anybody until the Japaneese imitaitons came along. Harley Davidson's bikes have always been big, sturdy, functional road bikes used by police for a century. By soldiers through two world wars and almost every military conflict our country has been in. The 45 degree V-Twin is the ultimate combination of maximum torque at minimal RPM. Even the sound is so unique that one even vaguely familiar with bikes would know it instantly. The big Japaneese four have even been trying to copy that. Immitated maybe, but never copied. Why a Harley? It is as much a part of modern American industrial history as Edison or Curtiss Wright. Look at any 2006 Glide or Road King, and aside from the modern refinements, you might as well be looking at a 1936 model. The same style. Riding a Harley is, to me, like shooting an antique rifle or visiting the Gettysburg battlefield. It's carrying our past into the present. I too have always wanted a Harley, and now that I have one, it's as though I've reached a milestone. Maybe that sounds a little corny. But thats how I feel.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
From: Really close to Atlanta...
RE: Why a Harley?
To me, it is a very simple answer. I like the way it rides. Not really much more to it...
That fact that it is "a piece of American history" or there is a particular image associated with riding a Harley is in my opinion a given. It is "icing on the cake" of the root reason I love the bike. As I said above, I just like the way it rides. No more, no less...
Oh yeah and the chicks dig it also...(dont tell me wife)
That fact that it is "a piece of American history" or there is a particular image associated with riding a Harley is in my opinion a given. It is "icing on the cake" of the root reason I love the bike. As I said above, I just like the way it rides. No more, no less...
Oh yeah and the chicks dig it also...(dont tell me wife)
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
RE: Why a Harley?
My friends VTX is what I had decided to get. I always wanted a Harley, but the money was daunting.
I went to Honda many times, sat on the 1800 I wanted, played with it, etc... I liked it and did this for more than a year. I needed (my own rule) to take the MSF course first. I just never did. I liked the bike, but it ended there.
One day, while riding past the HD dealer, I stopped in 'just to look' since I had some spare time. When I sat on the bike, a grin formed that I couldn't get rid of.
The smell, feel, balance, look. Everything was there. I signed up for the course the next day and ordered mine the day after I passed. I still like the look of the VTX. It's a great looking bike.
I like a lot of bikes. I would love to own a Ulysseys or that boxy beemer as a second, but a second HD will come first. I do like the fact that I bought what I wanted.
American made, I like that. Even if its not 100%. There was a time in my life that I avoided American made. I felt it was inferior quality. My opinions have obviously changed.
Nobody I ride with owns a Harley, and we have a great time. My Harley makes me happy. It seems to make others happy as well. HD == Happy Days
As far as reliability, its as reliable as anything else I've owned. Minor annoyances, but solidly built.
Oh, and I dont have a big chrome/plastic superman logo as an aircleaner
I went to Honda many times, sat on the 1800 I wanted, played with it, etc... I liked it and did this for more than a year. I needed (my own rule) to take the MSF course first. I just never did. I liked the bike, but it ended there.
One day, while riding past the HD dealer, I stopped in 'just to look' since I had some spare time. When I sat on the bike, a grin formed that I couldn't get rid of.
The smell, feel, balance, look. Everything was there. I signed up for the course the next day and ordered mine the day after I passed. I still like the look of the VTX. It's a great looking bike.
I like a lot of bikes. I would love to own a Ulysseys or that boxy beemer as a second, but a second HD will come first. I do like the fact that I bought what I wanted.
American made, I like that. Even if its not 100%. There was a time in my life that I avoided American made. I felt it was inferior quality. My opinions have obviously changed.
Nobody I ride with owns a Harley, and we have a great time. My Harley makes me happy. It seems to make others happy as well. HD == Happy Days
As far as reliability, its as reliable as anything else I've owned. Minor annoyances, but solidly built.
Oh, and I dont have a big chrome/plastic superman logo as an aircleaner
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,230
Likes: 4
From: Amherst, VA
RE: Why a Harley?
Because.....
Everybody and I mean EVERYBODY!!!! Wants a Harley! End of statement! Period! Done! No More!
Everybody and I mean EVERYBODY!!!! Wants a Harley! End of statement! Period! Done! No More!
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