Harley Davidson loyalty
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida, USA
Because even though there might be other bikes the equal, or even superior to the the HDs in comfort and smoothness, in the US if you buy one of them it's resell value is almost 0 the day you take delivery. The tradition and hype surrounding the HD in regards to its "bad boy" image is probably also a factor. I mean, you never saw "The Wild Ones" riding Gold Wings now did you? Since it seems to be the thing to dress up like Marlon Brando or Lee Marvin when you ride, you need to be on the same kind of bike.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Clearfield, UT
For me it's a whole slew of different things. I've always liked the sound of a bunch of Harleys riding down the road. And, like Will2002 said, I pretty much like all motorcycles too. There is something about a Harley that's tough to explain...it just is. If you don't get it by looking and listening, try riding one. If that doesn't do it for you go buy a metric, you'll probably be happy. Unless you just don't like motorcycles, in which case you have bigger problems in your life than brand loyalty.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: western Montana
Not sure how loyal I am to any brand of motorcycle. I own other makes of bikes and my next bike may not be a Harley.
I was loyal to Chevy for 20 years. The way they handled what should have been a little issue with the brakes on my current truck will have me looking at other brands next time.
I was loyal to Chevy for 20 years. The way they handled what should have been a little issue with the brakes on my current truck will have me looking at other brands next time.
Last edited by DanD; Apr 12, 2010 at 10:32 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 11
From: Kentucky
As for why I prefer harleys, there is a whole culture that goes along with it that you can easily see - go to a few Harley dealerships and a few Japanese bike dealerships. You'll see a difference in how people act toward each other - the Harley group will act more like a big club and are more likely to talk to each other be social, while the guys at the Honda shop are just a bunch of individuals shopping for motorcycles. Some people like one culture, some the other.
Last edited by brenn; Apr 12, 2010 at 10:44 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
Great American history and tradition. A immediate culture of fun, friendly people (most of them anyway). Classic designed, metal, not plastic, American made bikes, I know not all parts are made here, assembled by the skilled Cheeseheads and other U.S. workers here in States.
The sound, the shake, the low end torgue. I don't mind driving a bike much akin to a big heavy '59 Fleetwood Cadillac vs. a forgien built RX7. You can find parts, customize to your hearts content with tens of thousands of aftermarket parts...
I can keep going if you want?...
The sound, the shake, the low end torgue. I don't mind driving a bike much akin to a big heavy '59 Fleetwood Cadillac vs. a forgien built RX7. You can find parts, customize to your hearts content with tens of thousands of aftermarket parts...
I can keep going if you want?...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
If you got to ask it aint worth answering.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,351
Likes: 1,936
From: Formerly Tampa Bay, FL, Currently Western PA
Many reasons for me, but one thing I can sum up is that HDs are "timeless". I like how my RKC looks like something out of the fifties, has real steel, iron, and leather, yet also has later technology like fuel injection, better suspension, and a built in alarm.
Imagine if Chevy was still building the '69 Camaro exactly the same as in '69, but with the modern FI engine, suspensions, better chassis, etc.
Imagine if Chevy was still building the '69 Camaro exactly the same as in '69, but with the modern FI engine, suspensions, better chassis, etc.