How bad do you have it?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,294
Likes: 33
From: Po-Dunk Looziana
How bad do you have it?
Just wondering how bad some of you have it. HD fever that is. I love my Harley and find myself defending the name in casual conversation quite often. Why is this so?I have a diehard Uncle that would go fist to cuff back in the late '50's and 60's with anyone that would even think of badmouthing Harleys. He's still like this today and he's nearing 70yrs. old.Why does the cycle world continue to be so narrow-minded in a sense that to them Harleys are inferior? The majestyand charisma that a Harleypossess', even if it leaked buckets of oil, far supercede the boring lifeless ghost of a spirit all other makes of bikes are forced to reside with.
I personally wasn't raised on Harleys, I was raised riding Hondas. But after owning one, I can honestly say this has been the MOST fun I've EVER had in my motorcycle experience. I've ridden all my life and NOTHING has tickled my fancy like the 45º V-Twin that I climb on to conquerthe miles of asphalt that lie below me when I mount my steed.Yea, I got it bad, I got it REAL bad. I eat, sleep, and drink visions of my next adventure on my scoot.I'd never cheat on "her" by dreaming of riding another bike as long as I have this one. All my fantasies are aboard the trusty FLHTCUI I call my own. Weird? I guessso, but Ifind myself pondering on what life was like before I found my new precious jewel and I shutter at the mere thought that if this were to be just a dream, I've climbed, conquered, and layed claim to the BEST experience cycling has to offer...............
.........allwithin the saddle of my Harley.
I'd say I got it pretty bad.....eh?[>:]
I personally wasn't raised on Harleys, I was raised riding Hondas. But after owning one, I can honestly say this has been the MOST fun I've EVER had in my motorcycle experience. I've ridden all my life and NOTHING has tickled my fancy like the 45º V-Twin that I climb on to conquerthe miles of asphalt that lie below me when I mount my steed.Yea, I got it bad, I got it REAL bad. I eat, sleep, and drink visions of my next adventure on my scoot.I'd never cheat on "her" by dreaming of riding another bike as long as I have this one. All my fantasies are aboard the trusty FLHTCUI I call my own. Weird? I guessso, but Ifind myself pondering on what life was like before I found my new precious jewel and I shutter at the mere thought that if this were to be just a dream, I've climbed, conquered, and layed claim to the BEST experience cycling has to offer...............
.........allwithin the saddle of my Harley.
I'd say I got it pretty bad.....eh?[>:]
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,827
Likes: 34
From: Iowa
RE: How bad do you have it?
Ahh, nothing like the sound of a V-twin, slightly erotic isn't it! Smell of rubber and 93 octane makes you feel a little funny!
I don't defend the name only because it is like talking to a wall at times. Those guys that never rode one but know it all! The bike isn't just a bike but a lot more. The history of a company that has been around threw the good and the bad. A lifestyle, a tradition, an american icon, and a brotherhood of freedom in a way! No matter doctor, lawyer, mother, grandpa, steel worker, or the average joe who saves every dime just to make a payment on his beloved jewel has this in common. When you strap aboard your trusty machine all your problems, bills, work, or whatever it is you have on your mind disappear ..... Ahh yes, I have it too..[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
I don't defend the name only because it is like talking to a wall at times. Those guys that never rode one but know it all! The bike isn't just a bike but a lot more. The history of a company that has been around threw the good and the bad. A lifestyle, a tradition, an american icon, and a brotherhood of freedom in a way! No matter doctor, lawyer, mother, grandpa, steel worker, or the average joe who saves every dime just to make a payment on his beloved jewel has this in common. When you strap aboard your trusty machine all your problems, bills, work, or whatever it is you have on your mind disappear ..... Ahh yes, I have it too..[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
RE: How bad do you have it?
I find this interesting but very TRUE!!!!... I have a good friend who rides a yamaha Roadstar.. Nice bike and he is always telling me about people mistaking his bike for a harley!!! And he always makes a point of telling me so....So one day i had had ENOUGH and asked him if he would like to ride my PRIDE AND JOY-LOVE OF MY LIFE(PLEASE dont tell the o-lady I said that) anyway ever since that day he has never said anything negative about HARLEY!!! I know he would love to have one but he still has some pride in his bike!!!! I will never forget the smile he had on his face when he got off my bike
.... I believe you never really know what its like till you get knee deep in it..(Harleys That IS!!)..... GOTTA LOVE IT!!! AND I DO!!!!! Take Care All!!!! Happy Trails!!!JAKESTER.TIM.....[sm=americanasmiley.gif]
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Po-Dunk Looziana
RE: How bad do you have it?
Well, after I purchased my Harley, my father who is my riding partner and together we've covered some MILES together, still rides a Honda Shadow 1100. He has a deep seeded motorcycle spirit that makes mine look like a poser, as he'll ride in ANY inclement known to man and walk away saying, "It's all in the ride".
We've had matching motorcycles, many models, ever since I was old enough to climb aboard and negotiate one alone and although he can't afford a Harley living on a fixed income, I find him at every stop on a trip standing by my bike just looking at it, touching this, or meddling with that. He then looks at me, winks, and meanders over to his scoot. Not saying a word, his silence expressesthe fact that a Harley is now "in the family". Like a proud Papa.
We've had matching motorcycles, many models, ever since I was old enough to climb aboard and negotiate one alone and although he can't afford a Harley living on a fixed income, I find him at every stop on a trip standing by my bike just looking at it, touching this, or meddling with that. He then looks at me, winks, and meanders over to his scoot. Not saying a word, his silence expressesthe fact that a Harley is now "in the family". Like a proud Papa.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 2
From: Melissa, TX
RE: How bad do you have it?
ORIGINAL: UltraKla$$ic
Not saying a word, his silence expressesthe fact that a Harley is now "in the family". Like a proud Papa.
Not saying a word, his silence expressesthe fact that a Harley is now "in the family". Like a proud Papa.
Sadly he died in 99, just one year before I was able to afford my first Harley. My mother said he would have been proud, because when he was younger all he rode was a Harley. She said their first several dates were on his bike back then.
Her brother (the "cool" uncle for us, the one we always wanted to grow up to be) is much like the uncle you describe in your original post. He's mid 60's with failing health, but at 62 he went out and bought himself an Ultra. He said he would die owning a Harley, almost like he's getting his house in order, knowing what's coming.
I've got it just as bad as you brother. I thought I didn't, and swore for a long time I'd never buy back into the Harley marketing machine. But when I bought my 07 Street Glide last April it felt like I was coming home, even after growing up riding non Harley's. That 2000 Road King sparked something in me that can never be quieted again. As long as I can afford one, there will always be a Harley in my stable.
Some get it. Some don't. To each their own. To those that do, I salute you. To those that don't, just keep the shiney side up and enjoy the ride, whatever that may be.
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Joe Kucinski
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,663
Likes: 7
From: Northeast Ohio
RE: How bad do you have it?
Anyone who has put a lot of work into making the bike their own, has it bad. There are still those that ride HD's just to be seen, and those are the bike you find 5 years later in a garge with only 10k miles on them. My dad started on Indians and switched to HDs in the late 50s and rode right up until he passed away. He did get to see me on my HD, but at that point he couldnt ride anymore. As with others, I started on a Triumph, a couple of Hondas, a couple of Yamahas and then finally in 1980, by very own Roadster and the die was cast, haven't looked back. I know a lot of people bitch about HD and their problems, and there have been times where I've scrathced my head and said"WTF were they thinking" but overall, I have been thoroughly satisfied over the years.
The wife is saying winter had better end soon, I am driving her nuts about getting out and riding
The wife is saying winter had better end soon, I am driving her nuts about getting out and riding
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 542
Likes: 0
RE: How bad do you have it?
Well believe it or not there are people out there that have had bad expriences with Harleys just like they do with Fords or Toyotas, And my personal opinion is if you took away the nostalgia or charisma that everyone mentions why they own a Harley, You might find it would be hard to give them away but no one would admit that on this site, Even when I read and read constant threads about poor Dealers and problems with the Harleys
I've seen people that can't afford decent clothes for their kids but they have to have that Chinese Harley ****
I've seen people that can't afford decent clothes for their kids but they have to have that Chinese Harley ****