For the Over 40 Crowd
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 844
Likes: 40
From: Illinois - Our governor MAKES our license plates!
In my teens, my dad and I had a Cushman motorscooter. Wish I still had it. Got myself a used 350 Honda when I was 23. Back then, I always liked the Triumph Bonneville, still do. But as a reward to myself for succesfuly raising a child, paying off the mortgage, married too many years to count (happily), the time was right to buy a brand new Harley this past March.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 292
Likes: 1
From: Bartlett, TN
First motor cycle I rode was a Honda mini trail, when I was 11. At 13 I bought my first a Honda MR50 (Mom didn't know and was pissed!) Since then I've had 2 Suzuki TM 125s, Honda CB750 F( way faster than I needed
) Honda 1100 Shadow, my first Harley a 2008 Fatboy, then my present bike a 2009 Ultra. In the past 28 yrs. I was without a bike only one of those years and it about killed me. Like alot of folks I couldn't afford a Harley until recently, but always wanted one since my teenage years.
) Honda 1100 Shadow, my first Harley a 2008 Fatboy, then my present bike a 2009 Ultra. In the past 28 yrs. I was without a bike only one of those years and it about killed me. Like alot of folks I couldn't afford a Harley until recently, but always wanted one since my teenage years.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 967
Likes: 3
From: Eastern Massachusetts
I think when you're a certain (young) age, if bikes are going to mean anything to you at all, you "imprint" on whatever is cool at the time and carry that sense of what is a "right-looking" bike into your mid-life. For me, Harleys and Triumphs are right-looking. The old Japanese bikes with the upright riding stance are right-looking too, but they don't make 'em any more. Ninjas just don't look right to me, but my kids love 'em and when they're my age they'll probably have over-priced bikes that look just like those.
I like the speed-bowling idea (especially since I'm left-handed anyway.) There are two potential skills there -- rolling the ball and avoiding the knocked-over pins...
I like the speed-bowling idea (especially since I'm left-handed anyway.) There are two potential skills there -- rolling the ball and avoiding the knocked-over pins...
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 318
Likes: 2
From: Fresno
For me it has always been about priorities. Something always had a higher priority! As the years rolled by, my frustration grew. Especially, since my entire family (to include wife's family) already owned a Harley and kept asking what's the hold up? Well, even with two young teenage boys about to enter college, I decided enough is enough! I couldn't put it off any longer!
While shopping around, I quickly noticed that the economy isn't as bad as the common person thinks! Harleys are very expensive and most California dealers won't give a fella a break, so a brand spankin' new Harley was definitely out the question! I knew if I had a little patience, I could land a good deal on a used one with fairly low mileage. It took a little over two months of waiting, but it finally happen! A dealership a little over three hundred miles away called me and informed me that someone just traded in the perfect bike that met all my requirements! After looking at some of the specs and pics of the bike, I literally dropped everything, got in my truck, rented a bike trailer and hauled my as*$@s over there before my dream bike can be snatched by someone else. After all, I found out that the old saying, "one mans trash is another mans treasure" is true! The previous owner definitely was a Californian! He had to have the latest and greatest so he traded in his (fully customized and upgraded) 2007 Dyna Super Glide with only 4,000 miles for a new 2010 CVO Fat Bob.
Although the wife was a little apprehensive about spending 12,000 dollars on a luxury item, she understood and so begins my new love affair with my NEW bike! I have since logged in a few thousands miles and can't past by my Super Glide without stopping to admire. At least for a few seconds. My wife sometimes notices and shakes her head :-) Anyway, like the other Californian, I will have the latest and greatest one day but for now I'm content. At least until my sons get out of college, after all, we must have our priorities :-)
While shopping around, I quickly noticed that the economy isn't as bad as the common person thinks! Harleys are very expensive and most California dealers won't give a fella a break, so a brand spankin' new Harley was definitely out the question! I knew if I had a little patience, I could land a good deal on a used one with fairly low mileage. It took a little over two months of waiting, but it finally happen! A dealership a little over three hundred miles away called me and informed me that someone just traded in the perfect bike that met all my requirements! After looking at some of the specs and pics of the bike, I literally dropped everything, got in my truck, rented a bike trailer and hauled my as*$@s over there before my dream bike can be snatched by someone else. After all, I found out that the old saying, "one mans trash is another mans treasure" is true! The previous owner definitely was a Californian! He had to have the latest and greatest so he traded in his (fully customized and upgraded) 2007 Dyna Super Glide with only 4,000 miles for a new 2010 CVO Fat Bob.
Although the wife was a little apprehensive about spending 12,000 dollars on a luxury item, she understood and so begins my new love affair with my NEW bike! I have since logged in a few thousands miles and can't past by my Super Glide without stopping to admire. At least for a few seconds. My wife sometimes notices and shakes her head :-) Anyway, like the other Californian, I will have the latest and greatest one day but for now I'm content. At least until my sons get out of college, after all, we must have our priorities :-)
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 647
Likes: 5
From: Snohomish WA
I think people own Harleys later in life for a variety of reasons. There probably are some who always wanted one, but due to finances or other priorities, never had the opportunity until later in life. My opinion is the vast majority who don't own Harleys until later in life are from two schools:
1) Those that have ridden other makes (sport bikes, sport tourers, other types), and now either want something different, or just think a Harley fits their evolved riding style. Harleys aren't fast, nor are they sexy in the sense of being sleek and modern looking. When you are a bit older, perhaps you appreciate the heritage, classical aesthetics, and maybe even the American manufacturing aspect more than when you are younger. Not to mention the "need for speed" isn't your top priority any longer. Most folks who think their bored out and enhanced Harley is fast have never been much into sport bikes or other brands....so in a relative sense maybe they are correct...compared to other Harleys.
2) Then there are those who, in their mid-life, are looking for a hobby that will rekindle their youthful spirit (a.k.a. mid-life crisis or other issues). They want to have something to do that's fun, isn't associated with "old folks" (golf, bowling, lawn darts, shuffle board), and enjoy the benefits of like-minded individuals and the instant comradery.
There are plenty of other reasons too, but I think the majority of older, first time Harley riders falls into one of those two categories.
1) Those that have ridden other makes (sport bikes, sport tourers, other types), and now either want something different, or just think a Harley fits their evolved riding style. Harleys aren't fast, nor are they sexy in the sense of being sleek and modern looking. When you are a bit older, perhaps you appreciate the heritage, classical aesthetics, and maybe even the American manufacturing aspect more than when you are younger. Not to mention the "need for speed" isn't your top priority any longer. Most folks who think their bored out and enhanced Harley is fast have never been much into sport bikes or other brands....so in a relative sense maybe they are correct...compared to other Harleys.
2) Then there are those who, in their mid-life, are looking for a hobby that will rekindle their youthful spirit (a.k.a. mid-life crisis or other issues). They want to have something to do that's fun, isn't associated with "old folks" (golf, bowling, lawn darts, shuffle board), and enjoy the benefits of like-minded individuals and the instant comradery.
There are plenty of other reasons too, but I think the majority of older, first time Harley riders falls into one of those two categories.
My first bike was a Yamaha 125 dirt bike I was 14 .My first street bike was a 1975 KZ 900 .I was 20 that bike was scary fast .I owned it for 3 years sold it after wakening up one morning not knowing how I got home but the bike was laying in my drive way. I also needed the money for school.
Then life happened wife, job, kids, and other hobbies. Then at age 49 I went to Hawaii to celebrate a friends Fiftieth birthday and we rented Harleys for 2 days I was hooked again. When we got home I started looking at them and now that my kids were gone and I could afford a $20000.00 Harley I said why not. My first Harley at 49 was a 2005 Heritage Classic enjoyed it for three years traded it in last spring for a 2008 Street Glide and love it.
Call it a mid-life crisis or whatever, I love throwing on a bag and hitting the road for few days its a great release. The natural wonder, the sights, the smells, the great people you meet.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
Great thread! I come from a family of riders, 3 brothers dad and mom all rode. I have owned a bike since the age of 9, either on or off road, but all metrics. Life does get in the way, and until just recently all the time and money being spent on new home, cars, college funds, savings, investing and whatever, came into closer scrutiny after dad, and 2 brothers died within a very short span. Always loved Harleys, never could justify cost, until I realized I had spent my life buying one thing (car, House, MC) and wished I had bought something else. The 09 RoadKing was not practical, but it was what I always wanted, and I ride in memory that life is far too short!
Banned
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,258
Likes: 2
From: AZ
I've wanted a Harley since I was in the third grade in 1969 when we lived in California and I first heard of the Hell's Angels. A couple of neighborhood friends and I formed our own "gang" and soon were seen cruising the neighborhood on customized Schwinns with three foot sissybars and 16" apes. The playing cards clothespinned to the frame made the perfect drag pipe staccato as we rode en mass up and down the streets. Unfortunately the government (moms) forced the "gang" to disband when we donned our "colors" which consisted of white "James Dean" tee shirts with mean mustachioed biker dudes (complete with helmet and cigarette) drawn in permanent marker. I think it was the swastika we placed on the helmet that forced the government's hand...
The OM's first Harley was in 2003. He did the no money for that when raising a family etc, thing. But when he got divorced, he got what he always wanted, which I think is great. We all work our butts off all our lives just to get a little pleasure and something like a Harley finally. Well deserved for sure.
I grew up with a father that had 4 girls and 1 boy. Dad was an avid back yard mechanic that loved machines, gadgets, etc. He built dune buggies, bikes, etc. I and my brother took interest. In high school I raced cars in the Powder Puff races and was hooked!
I was living in a smalll town when in High School, and one day, the biggest headlines in our small paper was Hells Angels were coming through town! Everyone was told to stay inside and lock your doors! I thought - heck I'm going down to main street and maybe they will pick me up and take me on some really great adventure! So I did and they went wizzing by not even acknowledging the dorky chick on the sidewalk!!
And I fell in love with Clayton, who wore jeans with white T and ciggs rolled up in his sleeve!! He had a Harley. Long story short, we got together for a year, and he unfortunately drowned while coming back from Texas to AZ one day.
Then I stole my brothers Bonnie to take for a ride, and that was so much fun I knew I would have a bike of my own some day. Have had bikes off and on ever since, and while my goal was never to have a Harley, I do love the one I have now best because of the ride, the quality product, and the social group it encompasses.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I have owned motorcycles since I was 13. Got my first street bike at 17. I was into other aspects of riding for all those years and Harley's didn't fit the ticket for what I was looking to get out of my bikes. My brother took a big tumble back in 05 that damn near cost him his life so the rockets had to go and I had to slow down. I also wanted to do some touring as mental therapy so at 41 the fit for me and the glide were there so I bought one.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena,MD
I started riding on the street at age 23, first bike was an 1985 yamaha fjr600.I was originally looking for a good used sportster but got talked out of it by my friends who were all riding crotchrockets and said I wouldn't be able to keep up on a sportster! They were right I would have died at the speeds I used to run on the backroads.My first harley (shovel) I acquired in 2005 when my uncle passed and left me the bike and will forever be a family heirloom but my 09 streetglide is the sh_ _!
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City Mo
I got my first Harley at 19, only had to pay 500.00 for a 74 flh rat bike. It needed a lot of work but it was worth every penny to me.. I grew up around bikes, bikers, I guess you could say it was in my blood. Even before I had myu first street bike, a 450 Honda. I was riding and racing dirt bikes and mini-bikes.
I've only owned three Harleys. the 74 flh, then sold it so I could buy the 86 fxr, then sold that in 2003. I went 4 years without one (I was driving OTR and pretty much living in the truck). Now I have a 08 Streetbob.
Since I knew how to work on bikes. I did some work on others bikes around town. which brought me into contact with all kinds of riders and bikes. If I had the money I would delve into other bikes also. I've owned a 73' Yamaha 650 (my 2nd bike), a 650 yamaha Maxim, a 750 Virago. I have also owned
the 450 honda (my first street bike which I wrecked and totalled out). A 85 goldwing. I think my fastest bikes were either the Suziki GS 1150 or the VMax. I wasn't really into the rice bikes ( I didn't think they were cool bikes and mostly geeks road em). So I would buy fix em up, ride em a bit, then sell them.
I don't think I am in the 2nd child hood ,mid-life crisis crowd... I think I never grew out of the first one.
:icon_coo l:
I've only owned three Harleys. the 74 flh, then sold it so I could buy the 86 fxr, then sold that in 2003. I went 4 years without one (I was driving OTR and pretty much living in the truck). Now I have a 08 Streetbob.
Since I knew how to work on bikes. I did some work on others bikes around town. which brought me into contact with all kinds of riders and bikes. If I had the money I would delve into other bikes also. I've owned a 73' Yamaha 650 (my 2nd bike), a 650 yamaha Maxim, a 750 Virago. I have also owned
the 450 honda (my first street bike which I wrecked and totalled out). A 85 goldwing. I think my fastest bikes were either the Suziki GS 1150 or the VMax. I wasn't really into the rice bikes ( I didn't think they were cool bikes and mostly geeks road em). So I would buy fix em up, ride em a bit, then sell them.
I don't think I am in the 2nd child hood ,mid-life crisis crowd... I think I never grew out of the first one.
:icon_coo l: