They admire your Harley as much as you, say they've always wanted one, listen intently and soak up all the knowledge you can feed them about models, etc.,then this happens: You run into them and they tell you they bought a bike. You're all ears and the next thing you hear is Honda, Yamaha, etc. with emphasis on their bigger motor size and how much they paid for it. "How many cc is your Harley" they will ask and " For $X,XXX I couldn't pass it up" and " I would've paid twice that for a comparable Harley". There have been several acquaintenances of mine, all with money, who have done this. Is it as simple as them viewing these bikes as comparable (even better) than the HD? I'm happy for them in the sense that they can now enjoy riding just as we all do, but the bottom line is I always feel like they missed something. Does anyone know what am trying to say? And I always get the impression that they feel like they got "more bang for their buck". I want to say, but never do, "but it's a Honda, etc." I'm certain they wouldn't get that.

 

Don't care why they do it and niether should you. To each thier own.

 

My guess is they're still not sure if they'll stick with riding so they go the cheaper route in case it's not for them.

 

If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand. Plain and simple. No offense, but I didn't understand, myself until 4 years ago when I first rode my Wide Glide. They just haven't experienced it themselves.

 

I think the one that gives the biggest bang for the buck is the one that puts the biggest smile on your face and keeps it there the longest.

 

 

Could be a lot of reasons...but why does it matter? All that should matter is they found a bike and rode it home with a smile. Regardless of what make/model.

Perhaps they talked to other brand bike owners as much as you...soaking up knowledge of all brands and types
They're riding a bike and putting smiles on their face..that's what counts.
Perhaps they're on a fixed budget...and a new Harley in that class was too much, and they only want to buy new..not used...so another brand allowed them to take home a new bike..and put a smile on their face.
They're riding a bike and putting smiles on their face...that's what counts.

 

Ive got a buddy that loves Redheads, and another that likes Blonde's.
I prefer Brunette's myself, seems I get the most bang for the buck
YMMV

 

You know , the REAL bottom line here is that we should be glad there are lots of people who think the way they do . If everyone owned a Harley then it wouldn't feel as special to own one as it does now . Actually ALOT of that is already lost . I remember when owning a Harley meant a long wait if you ordered it new and a long search if you where looking for a used one . Now , they pump them out like Honda and Kawasaki does and will finance anyone regardless of income or credit and every want a be dick head is riding around on a brand new one . The mystique that Harley once had is all but gone today and I find that sad . I get the feeling , the connection of owning a Harley and I'll never ride anything else now that I have a Harley though .

 

A month (or a year) from now, ask them if they make special trips to the garage for no other reason than to just stand there, staring at their bike.