Why did you young guys buy a Harley?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
As a mechanic when you look at a harley it is fairly straight forward: engine, trans, oil bag, fuel tank. Nothing is really hidden and covered up by plastic covers and the frame is nice and solid. And the power to cc's for an air cooled engine is pretty good too. And sooo many custom parts to make it a very personalised bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 10,186
Likes: 17,837
From: In a van down by the river
Figured I'd never get my hands on an old 42 WLA or WXA so why not get something new that resembles it at least a little bit?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 0
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
From: BK
Well got my first bike 81XLH 1200 when I was 19. Then this year around my 20th birthday I bought an 07 nightster, which I love.
To me it seemed like harleys were geared more towards cruising. I also love the way they sound......still get excited every time I start mine. Everyone always told me to get a honda or something for my first bike. I figured I really wanted a harley so why not buy one right off the bat. Also when someone asks me what kind of bike I have, theres just something about being able to say harley......
Additionally when I first told my parents I wanted a motorcycle (around 17), I told them I wanted a crotch rocket. They got angry because they heard of to many stories ending badly with them.
Also my family has been riding harleys for years. So I guess I thought that if they have been riding them for this long, there must be something good about them
Last but not least they just seem like the all American bike
Hope this answers your question
To me it seemed like harleys were geared more towards cruising. I also love the way they sound......still get excited every time I start mine. Everyone always told me to get a honda or something for my first bike. I figured I really wanted a harley so why not buy one right off the bat. Also when someone asks me what kind of bike I have, theres just something about being able to say harley......
Additionally when I first told my parents I wanted a motorcycle (around 17), I told them I wanted a crotch rocket. They got angry because they heard of to many stories ending badly with them.
Also my family has been riding harleys for years. So I guess I thought that if they have been riding them for this long, there must be something good about them
Last but not least they just seem like the all American bike
Hope this answers your question
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 618
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo NY
First bike at 22 was a Softail Standard. Next was a Fatboy and the an Electra Glide that I bought at 29, Im 33 now. My good friends family were all into Harleys for a long time so I pretty much grew up around them. They just seem like the right bike for me.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 6
From: Edmond, Ok
I got bit by the Harley "bug" when I was 17 or 18. I just knew that I wanted one....but I waited until I was 23 to finally get one. It was Oct '02, and the 2003 models were on the floor. My 1st ride was a 2003 XL883C.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,946
Likes: 32
From: Colorado Springs, CO
When you buy any other make, you buy a bike, and that's it.
When you buy a Harley, you join a family. The purchase is just the beginning.
It's tradition. Every Harley made can be traced back to 1903....it's a slow evolution.
Timeless design....time tested and proven. When it comes to cruising, 100+ years of development resutls in a unique and second to none riding experience.
When it comes to CRUISERS....Harley-Davidson is the king.
Buy one and you'll be miles ahead. If you try to save a buck and get the "same thing"...you will go down the road MANY of us did (like me), and find yourself back at Harley with a real depreciation when you go to sell or trade in your metric bike.
~Joe
When you buy a Harley, you join a family. The purchase is just the beginning.
It's tradition. Every Harley made can be traced back to 1903....it's a slow evolution.
Timeless design....time tested and proven. When it comes to cruising, 100+ years of development resutls in a unique and second to none riding experience.
When it comes to CRUISERS....Harley-Davidson is the king.
Buy one and you'll be miles ahead. If you try to save a buck and get the "same thing"...you will go down the road MANY of us did (like me), and find yourself back at Harley with a real depreciation when you go to sell or trade in your metric bike.
~Joe
Last edited by traveler; Nov 12, 2010 at 03:24 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,120
Likes: 17
From: Indiana
I'm 29 and bought my 08 Street Bob for my 27th B-day. I grew up with a Harley in the Family and started riding my dads 90 FXR Superglide at 17 yrs old. I use to have an R6, but that only lasted a year, just wasn't for me. When I could afford a Harley I was going to get one, it's in my blood. I was fortunate enough to do it in my 20s.