How do you defend Harley vs Japanese?
Thread Starter
|
Stage II
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
How do you defend Harley vs Japanese?
I have never owned a street bike. However, if I did it would be a Harley because they look nice, sound good and are an American brand.
While visiting the local dealer, that sells Honda/Kawa/Yamaha/Suzuki/Polaris, to purchase parts for my Polaris ATVs, I heard some guy knock Harley and said something about "those guys" should convert over to metric.
Even though I didn't know what I was talking about I defended Harley because they are American. Everybody ganged up on me and argued that nothing on a Harley is made in USA and that they are basically unreliable, overpriced junk.
Obvvioulsy, I didn't expect to visit a Japanese dealership and win a Harley vs Japanese argument.
With that said; What is the argument for paying a premium for a Harley? Do they break down any more than other brands? Are they basicallly assembled in USA using foreign made parts? I wouldn't be surprised if the carb is Japanese but what about the engine, frame, etc?
While visiting the local dealer, that sells Honda/Kawa/Yamaha/Suzuki/Polaris, to purchase parts for my Polaris ATVs, I heard some guy knock Harley and said something about "those guys" should convert over to metric.
Even though I didn't know what I was talking about I defended Harley because they are American. Everybody ganged up on me and argued that nothing on a Harley is made in USA and that they are basically unreliable, overpriced junk.
Obvvioulsy, I didn't expect to visit a Japanese dealership and win a Harley vs Japanese argument.
With that said; What is the argument for paying a premium for a Harley? Do they break down any more than other brands? Are they basicallly assembled in USA using foreign made parts? I wouldn't be surprised if the carb is Japanese but what about the engine, frame, etc?
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 762
Likes: 1
The Harley brand is not all about comparing reliability to Jap bikes. There's so much more. Get a jap bike (or 2 or 3), keep it for a few years or so then get a Harley with vibrations, clunking transmission, and decent pipes and then you probably won't be asking. It's an addiction buying all kind of things you really probably shouldn't be buying. There is a difference.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 813
Likes: 1
Maybe you could ask them if Harleys were such 'junk',why are they so copied by Jap bikes?Also ask why the resale on the Jap bikes is pathetic next to a Harley.Are metrics problem free?I doubt it.Try to compare the ride and feel,there is no comparison.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
You won't win in that environment.....might as well go to the Capitol and talk about balancing the budget. You would have the same success.
HD's have many offshore parts like the Showa forks, Brembo brakes, etc. Frame, engine and many other parts are US and the bikes are of course US built.
Having owned many metrics all my life including their big cruisers for me it will be HD from now on. If Kaw, Star and Honda could sell as many cruisers in US as HD does I would bet they have about the same "defect" rate. If the HD is that bad and the metrics are that good....why haven't they outsold HD 5 to 1?
HD makes the best cruiser around for fit, finish, handling and then of course there is the US made factor so it is the bike IMO. However the first thing that tells me I am arguing with a narrow mind (from either side of the debate) is when the other side has to revert to trashing the other brand.
HD's have many offshore parts like the Showa forks, Brembo brakes, etc. Frame, engine and many other parts are US and the bikes are of course US built.
Having owned many metrics all my life including their big cruisers for me it will be HD from now on. If Kaw, Star and Honda could sell as many cruisers in US as HD does I would bet they have about the same "defect" rate. If the HD is that bad and the metrics are that good....why haven't they outsold HD 5 to 1?
HD makes the best cruiser around for fit, finish, handling and then of course there is the US made factor so it is the bike IMO. However the first thing that tells me I am arguing with a narrow mind (from either side of the debate) is when the other side has to revert to trashing the other brand.
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
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 913
Likes: 0
Is there a HOG version for Honda - can you get 20/30 Honda's together for a ride - is there a camaraderie amongst metric owners - it`s a life style, and a good one at that.
I owned 2 metrics and both were mechanically very sound, quicker than my sporty, and the Yamaha looked similar to my sporty - but neither gave me the feeling I have when I ride my sporty - can`t put words on it - it`s just a feeling you can`t explain.
I owned 2 metrics and both were mechanically very sound, quicker than my sporty, and the Yamaha looked similar to my sporty - but neither gave me the feeling I have when I ride my sporty - can`t put words on it - it`s just a feeling you can`t explain.
