Why the hate on Harleys?
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 1
From: New Brunswick, C-eh-n-eh-d-eh
welcome to the forum!! problems I have had with my Harley Sportster(2004 883): Needs tires every 10k-15k miles. Needs constant gas refills because of all the miles I ride it. The oil needs changing every couple of months because I ride it so much. It needs constant washing because I ride it rain or shine. I ride the crap out of it. 2 up and I am over 200lbs and 6'1". As far as people giving me attitude about the Harley mystique, I say bring it on. Usually it is done with tongue in cheek so no harm no foul.
When I tell people I am thinking about buying a Harley I get a lot of crap from them unless they are Harley riders I have noticed. The most common thing I hear is "Your only 31 its not midlife crisis time yet!" or "with Harley your just paying for the name" I just laugh and move on, A Harley is what I want and its what I will be getting!!
Welcome to the forums!
Welcome to the forums!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,947
Likes: 1
From: Little Apple, Iowa, U.S.S.A.
It doesn't take any ***** whatsoever to go and buy a harley. Nor does it take much money to get a used one.
I think it's that attitude that makes some non-harley riders hate on harleys. Because SOME of the owners of harleys (not all) seem to think that their bike means that they have big ***** or lots of money and they act like douchebags.
Some "motorcyclists" don't care for the older technology, but usually someone who likes bikes doesn't really trash harleys.
I think there is a lot of attitude from both camps, but I think you will find most of the negativity coming from people with more attitude than sense (on BOTH sides) and it seems to feed itself in a circle.
This forum will give you a good idea why some people seem to trash harley davidson. Start a post about how you like, oh.... how about the Triumph Thunderbird. You'll get some people who say they agree, some who say they like it but would rather have a harley, some who will say they don't like it for whatever reason, and then you'll get a small but vocal percentage of douchebags who will trash the Tbird because, for some reason, they think anything with a saddle and two wheels and an upright riding position is a "harley copy" and for some other reason, they just like to feel cool by trashing other rides. This is a big part why there's a negativity towards harley.
But by and large, I think you'll find that most people who really like riding and really like motorbikes won't trash your bike. Most real motorcyclists who don't need a brand name to validate themselves appreciate almost all bikes, whether they would buy one or not.
Hell, this thread isn't even about OTHER bikes, and you'll note that a bunch of folks already feel the need to puff themselves up and **** on other bikes.
I think it's that attitude that makes some non-harley riders hate on harleys. Because SOME of the owners of harleys (not all) seem to think that their bike means that they have big ***** or lots of money and they act like douchebags.
Some "motorcyclists" don't care for the older technology, but usually someone who likes bikes doesn't really trash harleys.
I think there is a lot of attitude from both camps, but I think you will find most of the negativity coming from people with more attitude than sense (on BOTH sides) and it seems to feed itself in a circle.
This forum will give you a good idea why some people seem to trash harley davidson. Start a post about how you like, oh.... how about the Triumph Thunderbird. You'll get some people who say they agree, some who say they like it but would rather have a harley, some who will say they don't like it for whatever reason, and then you'll get a small but vocal percentage of douchebags who will trash the Tbird because, for some reason, they think anything with a saddle and two wheels and an upright riding position is a "harley copy" and for some other reason, they just like to feel cool by trashing other rides. This is a big part why there's a negativity towards harley.
But by and large, I think you'll find that most people who really like riding and really like motorbikes won't trash your bike. Most real motorcyclists who don't need a brand name to validate themselves appreciate almost all bikes, whether they would buy one or not.
Hell, this thread isn't even about OTHER bikes, and you'll note that a bunch of folks already feel the need to puff themselves up and **** on other bikes.
Having said that, welcome. Ride what you want, who cares what people say.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 933
Likes: 4
I think some of the Harley bashing is an argument from ignorance. Some people are rating today's Harkey's on the AMF era.(in the 80s when there was a problem with quality control.) They claim that all Harley's break down and leak oil. And we have all heard,,,,if they made an airplane would you fly in one? and the answer is YES!
I have owned metric bikes and harleys. My last bike (heritage softail) I put 50k on it with not a single problem. My current ride is an 08 Road King coming up on 40k, and again not a single problem.
I have a sarcastic answer to people who make these statements out of ignorance. I ask them why they are using a PC instead of a Mac? And they ask why? So I tell them you can not do graphics with a PC, its all DOS commands. They usually say WTF are you talking about? Then I say,,, if you are going to rate Harleys from 30 yrs ago, then why can't I rate modern computers to 30yrs ago too?
Bottom line is,,,,nothing wrong with the jap bikes but they do not hold the value of a Harley when it comes to resale and trade. And I am not a fan of plastic parts that resemble chrome. The workmanship in HD is superior in that respect. My last Honda I had for 2 riding seasons and it lost 1/2 of its purchase amount in 2 seasons with under 10k on it. My last Harley, I rode it for 50k, and traded ( not sold) for $3000 less then its original used purchase price. Not bad after riding it 50,000 mikes!
The Street Glide or any touring bike would be a great ride!
I have owned metric bikes and harleys. My last bike (heritage softail) I put 50k on it with not a single problem. My current ride is an 08 Road King coming up on 40k, and again not a single problem.
I have a sarcastic answer to people who make these statements out of ignorance. I ask them why they are using a PC instead of a Mac? And they ask why? So I tell them you can not do graphics with a PC, its all DOS commands. They usually say WTF are you talking about? Then I say,,, if you are going to rate Harleys from 30 yrs ago, then why can't I rate modern computers to 30yrs ago too?
Bottom line is,,,,nothing wrong with the jap bikes but they do not hold the value of a Harley when it comes to resale and trade. And I am not a fan of plastic parts that resemble chrome. The workmanship in HD is superior in that respect. My last Honda I had for 2 riding seasons and it lost 1/2 of its purchase amount in 2 seasons with under 10k on it. My last Harley, I rode it for 50k, and traded ( not sold) for $3000 less then its original used purchase price. Not bad after riding it 50,000 mikes!
The Street Glide or any touring bike would be a great ride!
Last edited by nhbiker1961; Feb 24, 2011 at 07:40 AM.
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I rode metrics for about 30 years or so. I ragged on Harley's too most of those years, and I have to say, I was WRONG. I traded in an 1100 Shadow on my New Heritage back in 07 and I haven't looked back. No problems of any kind and I will never get rid of this bike if it is in my power to keep her.
Envy is the reason for the badmouthing for the most part. I really did feel that there were legitimate problems with Harley's, my badmouthing was mostly out of ignorance, and some of the jerks I ran into that rode Harleys and made comments like I had to move my bike away from theirs. Real a$$holes! Ride what you want, but get the Harley, you won't look back unless you are waiting on someone to catch up, LOL!
Envy is the reason for the badmouthing for the most part. I really did feel that there were legitimate problems with Harley's, my badmouthing was mostly out of ignorance, and some of the jerks I ran into that rode Harleys and made comments like I had to move my bike away from theirs. Real a$$holes! Ride what you want, but get the Harley, you won't look back unless you are waiting on someone to catch up, LOL!
I go to Chicago quite a bit!
Welcome from Florida. I've been riding over 40 years, have had many bikes, on my 2nd HD now, never plan to ride anything else. If you look at a Harley from 40 years ago until now, you can still tell its a Harley, what other bike can you say that about? They have made many changes to improve the handling, performance, and ride,but still have a unique style that most other manufacturers try to duplicate. Your right to get an 09 up in my opinion, great ride.
Yeah I heard a lot of good things about the 09-11 because of all the changes from the 08-09
welcome to the forum!! problems I have had with my Harley Sportster(2004 883): Needs tires every 10k-15k miles. Needs constant gas refills because of all the miles I ride it. The oil needs changing every couple of months because I ride it so much. It needs constant washing because I ride it rain or shine. I ride the crap out of it. 2 up and I am over 200lbs and 6'1". As far as people giving me attitude about the Harley mystique, I say bring it on. Usually it is done with tongue in cheek so no harm no foul.
When I tell people I am thinking about buying a Harley I get a lot of crap from them unless they are Harley riders I have noticed. The most common thing I hear is "Your only 31 its not midlife crisis time yet!" or "with Harley your just paying for the name" I just laugh and move on, A Harley is what I want and its what I will be getting!!
Welcome to the forums!
Welcome to the forums!
I've decided if I can, it will be a Harley I have purchased thanks to you awesome people!
I think some of the Harley bashing is an argument from ignorance. Some people are rating today's Harkey's on the AMF era.(in the 80s when there was a problem with quality control.) They claim that all Harley's break down and leak oil. And we have all heard,,,,if they made an airplane would you fly in one? and the answer is YES!
I have owned metric bikes and harleys. My last bike (heritage softail) I put 50k on it with not a single problem. My current ride is an 08 Road King coming up on 40k, and again not a single problem.
I have a sarcastic answer to people who make these statements out of ignorance. I ask them why they are using a PC instead of a Mac? And they ask why? So I tell them you can not do graphics with a PC, its all DOS commands. They usually say WTF are you talking about? Then I say,,, if you are going to rate Harleys from 30 yrs ago, then why can't I rate modern computers to 30yrs ago too?
Bottom line is,,,,nothing wrong with the jap bikes but they do not hold the value of a Harley when it comes to resale and trade. And I am not a fan of plastic parts that resemble chrome. The workmanship in HD is superior in that respect. My last Honda I had for 2 riding seasons and it lost 1/2 of its purchase amount in 2 seasons with under 10k on it. My last Harley, I rode it for 50k, and traded ( not sold) for $3000 less then its original used purchase price. Not bad after riding it 50,000 mikes!
The Street Glide or any touring bike would be a great ride!
I have owned metric bikes and harleys. My last bike (heritage softail) I put 50k on it with not a single problem. My current ride is an 08 Road King coming up on 40k, and again not a single problem.
I have a sarcastic answer to people who make these statements out of ignorance. I ask them why they are using a PC instead of a Mac? And they ask why? So I tell them you can not do graphics with a PC, its all DOS commands. They usually say WTF are you talking about? Then I say,,, if you are going to rate Harleys from 30 yrs ago, then why can't I rate modern computers to 30yrs ago too?
Bottom line is,,,,nothing wrong with the jap bikes but they do not hold the value of a Harley when it comes to resale and trade. And I am not a fan of plastic parts that resemble chrome. The workmanship in HD is superior in that respect. My last Honda I had for 2 riding seasons and it lost 1/2 of its purchase amount in 2 seasons with under 10k on it. My last Harley, I rode it for 50k, and traded ( not sold) for $3000 less then its original used purchase price. Not bad after riding it 50,000 mikes!
The Street Glide or any touring bike would be a great ride!
Haha awesome point!
Also wow @ you traded it in with 50k miles and it only went down 3k!! Impressive!!!!
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Back in the mid 60's early 70's I didnt ride a Harley cuse I wanted to get where I was going. BSA, NORTON, Trump, is what i was riden, in 73 did have a 175 Harley,{ we know where that was made} I have alot of respect for those who started with Harley and stayed with them{ It was the American thing to do} About 10 years ago the wife and I got tat's of the Harley Eagle, No more brits,or japs. Harley still pisses me off, one dealer tech will tell you one thing, some one else diff. Harley needs to hear And DO, want Harley riders want. Hell a well kept EVO will get you 150,000 miles or better, why not keep making it ? All in all I love the freedom of 2 wheels, and now at 64, I'm like my Harley " EVOLOUD"
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage, AK
People are gonna hate. My brother-in-law still don't get it. Don't think he's ever been on one or ridden a street bike of any kind for that matter. I started riding a friends Suzuki 750(before crotch rockets) about 30 years ago and fell in love with street bikes. Have never liked the crotch rockets, but still like the look of the old style scoots. After my divorce and I could finally afford a bike, I shopped around. There is nothing that compares to the look and feel of a Harley. I have tried to appreciate the new Indian and the Victory bikes, but they aren't the same. Not that they aren't good bikes, just not the same. If I was going to purchase any others, it would be the V-Max, Triumph's Bonneville, Ducati's Diavel and maybe Erik Buell's new EBR. Might even be tempted by the Victory High Ball or Kingpin 8 Ball. Next bike will be a Heritage Classic (used). And no, the other two aren't for sale.
The short of it...buy what you like and feel comfortable on.
The short of it...buy what you like and feel comfortable on.